Spillway — Restaurant in Harpers Ferry

The Spillway is awesome. Halfway between nowhere and the back of beyond along the Mississippi River in far Northeast Iowa lies the very small historic town of Harpers Ferry, where fishing and hunting isn’t a sport, it’s been a way of life since the beginning of time. And today, we discovered a timeless rural supper club. Read that; ‘Bar and Amazing Grill & Pizza Joint’.

The Spillway is a destination worthy of a national tour of local greats proving that home town beats big town every time. We passed by this place for years traveling on the Iowa side of the Mississippi between Lansing and Marquette. Then we see that the Spillway is a top five finalist in the Iowa Pork Producers annual best Iowa Pork Tenderloin sandwich competition.

Well, what do you do? You go see for yourself, obviously. And Spillway is a major contender.

Now, where to begin: The Spillway atmosphere is magnificent. Awesomeness as only a dark old river bar can be. You know you have struck rural gold when you walk into a dimly lit tavern and see over 25 trophy buck deer head mounts on the walls. If eating at the bar isn’t your thing, the other side of the place is a well lit dining room of the kind you only find in this region. Nothing fancy, but sufficiently functional to host the Pope to one of the best tenderloin sandwiches in Iowa.

We tried both the traditional breaded, and the no-breading grilled with various condiments. I’m a purist. Breaded, generous onions, dill pickles, and yellow mustard. My wife goes for grilled. But, we had the ultimate judge with us. My 92 year old mother. She is a breaded, tomato, lettuce, no onions, person.

We all loved our sandwiches. Yes, Spillway is a righteous competitor for the 2023 Iowa title. Mom says hers was the most tender and flavorful pork she has had in ages. And Mom is picky: well earned in her centennial decade. Spillway breading is a light golden crispy crust that reminded me of a really well done tempura, fried to tenderloin sandwich perfection.

The onion rings were equally perfect, as were the bar standard crinkle fries. I congratulate Spillway in leaving off the salt. Us older folks appreciate the lower sodium standard. Many thanks.

Beyond our target tenderloin lunch today, Spillway’s menu is something I’ll return to explore. Especially the burgers and that awesome looking thin crust pizza. Could be a national pizza destination too, but needs further research!

Value? Just look at the menu picture. Enough said.

While I can be as much a beer snob as anyone, spending stupidly for a so-called craft beer, Spillway wins the day. $1.50 PBR long necks. That’s VALUE. Say what you want about PBR, but it’s one of America’s oldest beers and what was good for my great granddad is good for me. Just go with the place and the rare moment gracing you when you find your way...

Much like the city of Harpers Ferry, this small bar is full of character. With walls covered in deer mounts and a menu full of delicious food, you are sure not to leave disappointed. The pizza is a Chicago inspired thin crust that is hard to beat, the appetizers are incredible, and the fried chicken is top shelf. I've literally never had anything that I wouldn't order again and again. Cold drinks, hot food, and great service are just a handful of reasons why you need to make the spillway a destination location any...

It was Taco Tuesday and we took advantage of that tonight and glad we did! We both tried something new and really liked them. One of us had the loaded nachos (everything was very fresh and just the right amount of toppings) and the other had the deep fried taco (which is large and surrounded by Doritos style chips and all the toppings of a very big loaded taco). Both were two big plates of yummy food !!! Try them if you haven't!!! (The owner was very helpful in assisting me in getting a gluten...