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    Cracken's Grill

    4.7 (22 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Made-Ryte Special
    Albert T.

    One of the best parts about taking a road trip is being able to try the regional cuisines that haven't spread out to other areas. In Iowa, one of those is the loose meat sandwich/Maid-Rite. We found out from Facebook that Cracken's Grill was one of the few restaurants in Iowa City that served this concoction and we decided to drop by. This restaurant is situated inside a gas station building in a separate little section with a couple of tables inside and picnic benches outside. The lighting inside is bright, with tiled blue and white walls and charming music. The restaurant is fast food - so you order at the counter, pick up after a couple of minutes, and start digging in. Fried Tenderloin Sandwich ($9.79) - This tenderloin sandwich is legitimately amazing. I've had a couple in Indiana and this beats out all of them. It consists of a huge fried tenderloin, perfectly fried and simply seasoned, with the perfect crisp on the exterior and a tender and moist interior. The tenderloin is at least two or three times the size of the soft and warm bun and drizzled with the right amount of ketchup and mustard. There are rings of onion and pickles sprinkled around, including on the areas of the tenderloin that are not covered by the bun. (5/5) Maid-Ryte ($5.50) - They offer their loose meat sandwich with pickles and then a choice of mustard, ketchup, onion, and cheese. We went with the first three. I'm honestly not sure what to think about this sandwich. I guess I can say that it's perfect for someone who doesn't have teeth. It's basically salty, soft ground beef in a warm bun. The beef isn't browned or crisp at all and instead is very tender and soft, like it's been simmered or steamed. The warm bun encapsulating it all is basically the same soft texture as the beef. The beef is piled on the bun and starts overflowing and falling out when you pick up the sandwich. I'd guess my only comment is that this sandwich is for non-adventurous eaters who aren't a fan of bold flavors or textural differences. I honestly don't think I can rate this sandwich, partially because it's the only sandwich I've tried of this style but also because I didn't like it too much, but I think it's supposed to be like that. With that being said, the tenderloin sandwich served at Cracken's is really good. I'd revisit the restaurant just for that. Bathrooms - None in the restaurant side. They are probably in the gas station side.

    Honey mustard chicken sandwich (fried)
    Jasmine M.

    This place is fantastic! Don't let the gas station-adjacent location, quick service, or takeout only service fool you, this is NOT fast food. My husband's patty melt and my honey mustard chicken sandwich were better than what we've had at nicer sit-down places downtown (and cheaper!). So yummy! Just fyi, there's no indoor seating, but we ate at the outdoor picnic tables under the trees and it was lovely. Will definitely be back!

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Short wait time. Great food. Ice cream. Friendly employees. Orders were correct. Very clean

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    1 year ago

    The food is super, and the take-out is always exactly what you ordered. Great staff! Very friendly patrons and discussion while you wait.

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    2 years ago

    I'm ready to crown it best tenderloin and onion rings in Iowa. Ordered delivery twice, both times were amazing

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Crackens has the best breaded pork tenderloin in town. Spicy chicken is also excellent. Don't forget the side of potato salad.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great old time drive in food. They have a fun picnic area and friendly family owned environment.

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    When my family is having an event- we go here for the Special Occasion Meat. Thanksgiving smoked…read moreturkey? It's the perfect consistency and flavor- I could focus on this instead of drinking heavily to drown out my family's opinions about RFK Jr during our feast. Mother's Day Bratwurst cookout? Select your type- they have Philly cheesesteak, Big Grove Beer battered, Korean short rib, creole, and mango habanero. All of them slap like a disgraced debutante whose promenade partner got fresh behind the ice sculpture. Driving to the East Side of Iowa city and simply want a top shelf Cuban Sandwich? Well tough shit for you, they don't have it on the top shelf; it's made fresh in front of your face. (In terms of quality though I will put that in a tip shelf). Finally, the staff are helpful and knowledgeable. The usual stereotype I have of a butcher is a really beefy and gruff dude with chronic meat sweats, who pals around with a baker and candlestick maker (why is that a job btw, that seems like a hobby at best). These guys don't look like that- giving me a lesson in stereotypes and judging books via their cover. As I chomp down on my deliciously spiced sausages, I realize that both my horizons and waistline have expanded. Finally, it is pronounced Toe-Ma's. Get that wrong and they will laugh at you, and you will deserve it.

    This place is our favorite local neighborhood spot for grocery staples, lunch sandwiches in a pinch…read moreand awesome grill meats.

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    The Encounter Cafe - Iced vanilla latte. Biscuits & gravy + eggs.

    The Encounter Cafe

    4.5(210 reviews)
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    These aren't just pastries; they're the kind of baked goods you think about long after they're…read moregone. Absolute perfection.

    Stopped in to grab a couple of coffees, a scone and a cinnamon roll. The Encounter Cafe is…read moreliterally across the street from our hotel, so this was a no-brainer if you're looking for an upgrade to the complimentary powdered eggs and overused waffle machine offered by the hotel that your staying at. The space itself is large and looks to be separated into two halves. I entered on the one side, ordered at the counter, just like you would at any coffee shop and waited. This place serves a full-service breakfast as well if you're looking for something more substantial (eggs, panini's, pancakes, etc..). I was just here picking up and bringing it back to our room. The coffees were fine, but there was only one gentleman working the counter, and he was a bit overwhelmed. He forewarned me that he had 4-5 drinks ahead of mine, so I ended up sitting there waiting for about 15 minutes for our two drinks. I wasn't pressed for time today, but if I was, this would've been an issue. I ordered a raspberry chocolate scone and a cinnamon roll. The scone was delicious. Not too sweet and was definitely made this morning. The cinnamon roll was delicious as well, but it was extremely sweet. To the point where it hurt your teeth. It would also have been better if it were warmed up. Lastly, they gave me this big cinnamon roll in a bag without any napkins or utensils?!? I had to stop at the free breakfast at our hotel to get a fork, knife and some napkins. So kind of a mixed-bag at the Encounter Cafe. I would give it another shot and try some other things, but it didn't blow me away.

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    Quintons Bar & Deli - Spinach dip and fries

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    3.0(88 reviews)
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    3.5 stars (rounded up)…read more We came about noon and the place was dead. This worried us a little (thoughts of yesterday's left overs and cold food). We were pleasantly surprised. Chili cheese nachos were yummy and not soggy. The jalapeños were a nice touch for me and were actually fresh and crunchy (didn't read menu past the big bold letters so it caught me off guard, good thing I like them). The home made fries that came with the burger were good, the burger itself was also not bad. The Drunkin Mac N Cheese was ok, more runny/liquid cheese, flavor was ok too. Our server was nice and the food came pretty quickly. Overall we got the lunch we were looking for (wanted chili on/with something) and had the place nearly to ourselves. Can't really speak to how loud or crazy the place may get at game time. We'll keep Quinton's on our list of places to return later.

    I used to be SUCH a fan of Quintons Bar & Deli but over the years the quality in food has really…read moregone down hill. I stand by that the aloha chicken sandwich is the best thing you can ever order here. It has been my tried and true for over a decade of my life. Rarely is this sandwich made poorly. And my go-to for as long as I can remember is their broccoli and cheese soup bread bowl. Unfortunately, the bread bowl isn't the right call anymore as the bread is typically not fresh. I tried both a few weeks ago and the sandwich was delish but the bowl was less than to be desired. I came on a Saturday evening to watch NCAA basketball with friends. Food came out at different times and wasn't right. Service was slow and they were very understaffed. Pricing is typical. Drink specials were limited. I'd come for a beer and go elsewhere for a bite.

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    Cracken's Grill - burgers - Updated September 2026

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