Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA — Restaurant in Marshalltown

I showed up at this establishment on the worst day of my life, looking for a quiet place to ponder and do my delinquent taxes. The waitstaff was so warm, intuitive, gentle and comforting. It felt like I was back in my mother’s womb (but without the smell of cigarettes). The vibe in there can only be described as ethereal. The lack of clocks make it so that time itself stands still in reverence.

When I broke down in tears, my waitress/guardian angel, Paige (pictured below) wiped my tears away. She was beautiful, her eyes as blue as a summer day, but her kind soul stole the show. I ordered a root beer float and pickles (no meat) with extra mustard, it was gas, highly recommend.

Then it happened. Struggling to breathe and running out of time, I accepted that here was as good a place as any for the end. Paige swooped in like a Crested Goshawk and performed the himelick (or however you spell it) manueaver (can’t spell that either). I had no idea you could even do that on a cat!!

One of the best things about Taylor’s Maid Rites is the “come back with a warrant” vibe. Absolutely no one will tread on you while you’re wrapped in the embrace of those 4 walls.

When all was said and done, we had laughed together, cried together, and realized that no matter which side of the counter you’re on, we’re all in this together.

The only thing they lack is the SOFT chips a’hoy cookies. I almost challenged the pickle-hating manager to a fist fight over it but he would’ve kicked my [redacted] so I chickened out.

And even though I was asked to “please for the love of god, never return”, I’ll always hold the memories we made together in my heart.

TL;DR if anyone has a problem with the good people of Taylor’s maid rites, they have a problem with me. And I have...

When we arrived to Marshalltown all the locals said we had to get a Maid-Rite. Well, I just don’t get it. I really don’t. Maybe because I’m not originally from Iowa or Marshalltown. Made-Rites are a loose meat sandwich. It’s basically a sloppy joe without the slop(sauce). I found the sandwich was dry and really lacked any flavor. The sandwich is pretty much the only thing on the menu.

It was our first time here and didn’t know what to expect. We brought our young son which the seating doesn’t accommodate as it is a lunch counter type of seating (which was fine we could get it to go). We looked for menu or a board to see what to order but didn’t find one. We were asked what we wanted and explained we didn’t know what was available since it was our first time. Well, the lady taking the order said we have made-rites and that’s it. We said we will take two and she preceded to ask how we want it. Again not having been there we asked what are our choices? She seemed annoyed but answered. Our food came promptly.

Again, the sandwich itself was underwhelming and dry. I wish the service would have been better too. Maybe I missed something as the locals...

I give 5 stars because you get exactly what the menu says. It’s not fancy by no means but it is good, I tried the maid rite with cheese and a chocolate malt. Seems a little overpriced for what it is but it’s old fashioned and the place had constant customers in and out the duration I was there so I guess the price is justified by the locals. The staff is friendly and the place is clean, if your looking for something other than the big chains then check it out, it’s worth a stop, family owned and operated. I live in Florida and they offer a two day delivery anywhere in the U.S. so I thought I might get some sent to the fam, after almost falling off the seat from the astronomical price for a dozen at over $120.00 it was quickly decided a no way in ..... Definitely not worth that much money. The only way I could even understand that crazy price is if someone grew up in that town and wanted a taste of childhood (place has been open since 1928), other than that it’s laughable. All in all it’s a good little old fashioned place...