The Raider — Restaurant in Williamsburg

When someone thinks about small town Iowa diners, the traditional ideas are smaller establishments, traditional Midwest menus, friendly and very helpful staff, everybody from the town frequents so regularly everybody is on a first name basis, and diehard supporters of the local high school sports team. This diner is definitely all of that. The decor is vintage 1950s - 1960s... with an air of a classic soda shop

The diner also features a soft ice cream menu: cones, sundaes, shakes, real malts, a type of blizzards. They also have a menu of pies, as well as the classic, authentic "Slush Puppies," which can be turned into whips by adding some ice cream. I was taken down memory lane when I used to get Slush Puppies at the local drive in as a young kid.

Overall, I highly recommend to dine at this gem of an establishment. But take note: it is open seasonal: late spring to early fall (closes late October). I plan to be a repeat customer, being near the Williamsburg, Iowa Tanger Outlet Mall as a bonus. It opens at 11am - 6pm or 8pm...

A true gem in our town! This ice cream shop offers an incredible variety of dessert options—from classic cones and sundaes to unique flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. My personal favorite? The Monster Cookie blend—absolute perfection! There’s something for everyone, and it’s the perfect stop for a sweet treat after a game or on a summer night. What makes it even better is the heart behind the business. The owner goes out of their way to support our local high school athletes and frequently partners with other small businesses in the area. You can tell they genuinely care about the community. The shop is also filled with touches of local history and nostalgia, which makes every visit feel special. It’s more than just ice cream—it’s a celebration of hometown pride....

Williamsburg wasn't the same last summer without my go-to ice cream joint. I've been enjoying their delicious blends since they re-opened this year! Their menu is one of the largest I've seen with lunch and dinner options as well as ice cream. Come expecting to pay $4-$6 per person depending on if they would like a blended drink or cone. All staff here are very friendly and are good at managing many orders at once. The outdoor area provides nice seating for socializing or waiting for your order, but personally I wish they added a few more tables. It's next door to the local doctor's office and dentist which makes it the perfect place to stop for that post-appointment treat. Whether you're visiting or are a Williamsburg native, The Raider is a must...