Every day, you survive the grind, ticking off tasks and pretending to be productive. After that performance, you deserve a meal that doesn’t taste like regret. So here’s where to find Indianola’s finest plates, from budget bites to splurge-worthy feasts.
The Outside Scoop
$$ | (515) 612-9555 | WEBSITE
This Ankeny ice cream shop serves up some of the best scoops you’ll find anywhere in town, with flavors ranging from pistachio to lavender lemon and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. The sweet spot has been a local favorite for years, and you can get generous portions, pup cups for furry friends, or samples before choosing. The interior stays clean and friendly while offering both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to indulge in a creamy, smooth treat on a warm summer day.
Cabin Coffee Co
$ | (515) 962-5478 | WEBSITE
You planned to sneak out for a quick coffee break alone, but Mark from accounting spotted you and now half the office wants to join, and you need a spot for 15 people in Indianola. Head to this cozy coffee shop with rustic wooden tables and plenty of seating. You can try the biscuits and gravy while Mark debates whether to get the Club sandwich on Marble Rye.
Sports Page Bar & Grill
$ | (515) 961-5771 | WEBSITE
Sports Page Bar & Grill, situated in Indianola, is your ideal neighborhood spot. It’s good for anniversaries, good for birthday celebrations with the family, and good for casual gatherings. They offer great food, but they aren’t crowded like those places where you have to shout over the noise or wait forever for a table.
Crouse Cafe
$ | (515) 961-3362 | WEBSITE
This classic cafe feels more like a community hub than just a restaurant. There’s a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and they do things like serve breakfast all day and offer the world’s best pie. These are generally morning and afternoon activities, but we like to come by on the tail end of the breakfast rush to enjoy the Philly Cheesesteak Pita and delicious onion rings, all for around $5 each.
The Local Vine
$ | (515) 442-0686 | WEBSITE
This charming Indianola eatery specializes in comforting classics, with satisfying options like creamy mac n cheese and flavorful dolmas on the menu. Stop by for a relaxed meal with friends or family, including a popular flatbread and chicken sandwich pairing. The wine selection is diverse, catering to different tastes, and the service is attentive, with quick drink refills even on a busy day.
Mishmash Eats Bake Shoppe
$ | (515) 962-5175 | WEBSITE
There’s something to please everyone on the fairly extensive breakfast and lunch menu at this cozy bake shoppe in Indianola. The items we’re most excited about are the legendary caramel rolls on Saturdays and the freshly made pumpkin muffins, along with the excellent coffee with free refills. For a quick family meal, $18 will get you the tuna casserole or hamballs from the freezer, plus the kid-friendly mixed fruit bowl and giant bacon slices.
Las Flores Mexican Restaurant
$ | (515) 962-2792 | WEBSITE
Las Flores’ whole thing is that it’s lively. The restaurant occupies a family-friendly spot with a Mexican-style decor, and serves Tex-Mex style food like generous portions and hot dishes, both of which are affordable for family gatherings.
The Corner Sundry
$ | (515) 961-9029 | WEBSITE
A $6 malt is a nostalgic way to start an afternoon. Pair it with some exceptionally good walking tacos at The Corner Sundry, an Indianola institution from the 1949 soda fountain tradition. Enjoy the charming space, and split sandwiches made with toasted panini bread and fillings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Arby’s
$ | (515) 961-2255 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is a fast-food spot in Indianola brought to you by the king of quality gyros and sandwiches. The food is consistently hot and tasty, they have reliable classic options, and we’re big fans of the service, which is ideal both for a quick solo lunch and a family meal on the go.
Pete’s Pizza
$ | (515) 961-7797 | WEBSITE
Pete’s Pizza gets pretty busy, but thanks to its cozy size, it’s never overly cramped. It is, however, noisy. So come to this warm, wood-accented spot when you’re looking for a good meal with family or friends. They usually have a friendly waitress checking in on customers throughout the dining area.
West Hill Brewing Company
$$ | (515) 962-5884 | WEBSITE
West Hill Brewing Company feels like a lively neighborhood hangout, largely due to its bustling atmosphere with food trucks and nearby restaurant options. But it’s really more of a beer destination. They offer more than your typical selection of lagers and IPAs, so if you’re into deep cuts like barrel-aged barley wine or favorites such as Cotton Kites, you’ll be happy here. There’s also a great variety of pilsners and caramel apple beers to enjoy while you bring your own food.
The friendly staff makes it a fun place for good conversation and a nice time out.
Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse
$ | (515) 961-5757 | WEBSITE
Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse is like family dinner without all the fuss. Standard fare at this welcoming spot consists of a perfect steak and a fresh pizza (prime rib or pepperoni will do just fine). In addition to the reasonable prices, there are $8 appetizers like crab rangoons and other tasty starters every day during dinner hours.
The Groggy Dog
$ | (515) 962-5763 | WEBSITE
One of the cozier spots in town (sports memorabilia lines the walls), this place has a lot going on: games on the big screen, a couch by the window for relaxing, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like someone’s living room. The restaurant feels much more like something you’d find in a friendly neighborhood pub than something you’d stumble upon in the middle of downtown.
Burger King
$ | (515) 962-2055 | WEBSITE
Part fast food, part family spot, this Burger King is one of the few places in Indianola where you’ll find something resembling a reliable meal. If that’s what you’re after, swing by and save a few bucks on value meals and wind up chatting with a friendly employee who remembers your usual order. There are solid food options, including the Texas Double Whopper, onion rings, and fresh fries.
Charlotte’s Kitchen
$ | (515) 962-5080 | WEBSITE
This friendly spot in Indianola feels like the kind of place you might have visited with your family when you were a kid, complete with chicken sandwiches, tasty fries, refreshing pineapple cream soda, and games to play together. If you want to pay family-friendly prices for that Crab Rangoon Sandwich, come during a weeknight dinner.
Uncommon Grounds
$ | (515) 961-9681 | WEBSITE
One of the best coffee spots in Indianola also has one of the best breakfast menus. In town, Uncommon Grounds is a great spot to study with classmates over top-notch coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious breakfast foods. Get a Zebra Latte before noon, then order the Veggie Frittata for brunch.
Savor The Rise
$ | (515) 325-7000 | WEBSITE
Savor The Rise is a cozy cafe in Indianola with warm lighting, rustic wooden tables, and a menu that highlights sourdough toasts, roasted red soup, and seasonal specials. It gets pretty popular here, and the space isn’t massive, but you can always find a spot to settle in with a latte or a chocolate croissant.
Fiesta Jalapenos Indianola
$ | (515) 962-9422 | WEBSITE
Fiesta Jalapenos is a vibrant venue that feels like a fiesta with a large bar, multiple TVs, and impressive decor. Their reasonable prices are consistent across the menu, and it covers everything, from big Margaritas and chips with salsa to tacos with refried beans and rice. The warm food and fast, friendly service make it a go-to spot for families in Indianola.