This place deserves every great review they've gotten!…read more Driving through Iowa on a road trip and found this on Yelp. We were a little confused how to get in - the entrance is actually inside the Ace Hardware. There's no seating inside, but there are a few tables outside. Probably the best sandwiches we've ever had! My husband had the pastrami and corned beef. I had the hoisin roast beef wrap. So good! And make sure you get the homemade cookies!

Today I grabbed the Cobb wrap and it was delicious. This is my favorite thing on the menu. I…read morereally love this place. They use the freshest ingredients and everything always tastes absolutely amazing.

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.

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.

I stopped here twice on a recent work trip as it was close by to the hotel I was staying in. It…read morereally lives up to the other reviews that describe it as a cozy atmosphere with fresh food. The first day I had baked oatmeal with yogurt and it was a huge portion size that was very similar to coffee cake. The next day, I ordered the avocado toast and was surprised to see it come out, layered with egg and bacon and fresh tomato. Their lattes were delicious without being overly sweet. So glad I found this place during my trip. It is worth the stop.

In every city I go to I find a diamond in the ruff. My hotel was near the Bread Garden Market &…read moreBakery and I decided to check it out. My personal feeling is this place is awesome! In my travels I haven't found many places where you can get a double bacon burger, brisket fries and a cold beer for around $20. The burger with brisket fries was awesome and the Pilsner was a great combination to wash it down. Service was awesome and the patio offers a great view. Overall this is a great spot!!!! I not only recommend this place but personally can't wait to come back!!!

Bread Garden is a number of things: bakery, generous wine and beer section, cheese monger, grocery…read morestore, deli, and patio. I probably missed a couple descriptors, as I really needed another visit to wind around this place some more. I left with a single beer (for an evening nightcap at my hotel room) and a scone (for the next morning). I appreciated the friendly help as I might have looked confused as I wandered along.

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.

Great drink specials, very friendly staff. Food, not my favorite. I am sure it depends on what you…read moreget.

I've eaten a lot of burgers across Iowa, but this one at The Wilder just climbed to my Top 10 list…read morefaster than I could say "extra napkins, please." I'm ready to fight anyone who disagrees--this burger is a legend. The Wilder, you've ruined me for all other burgers, and I'm not even mad about it. I'll be back tomorrow, and I'm bringing stretchy pants and a bib. Shoutout to our waiter, Chase, who was an absolute rockstar! He brought the burger with a smile that could light up the room, checked on us just the right amount, and even laughed at my terrible food puns (sorry, Chase, I couldn't resist). He made the whole experience even better, and that's saying something because this burger was already stealing the show.

Don't come thirsty. Nobody will ever notice your empty drink cup. Good location. Good food.read more

Great cafe joint with a trendy atmosphere. I had a chocolate croissant with cold brew. I'd like to…read moretry their lunch items next time as those looked delish. Check them out if you are in the mood for cafe style food or drinks. The pita bread looks good but did not try it. The service was good.

I got the original falafel salad bowl with sundried tomato spread. The overall taste of the bowl…read morewas bland and very underwhelming... needed more flavor and salt in the dressing. There was very little of the sundried tomato spread (which cost extra). I also found it odd that they charged more for the bowl over the wrap, and I thought it was overpriced for what I got. Not many tables inside for dining in. Also, the menu posted on the website did not have current prices, which are now higher.

Stopped in for a work lunch. It shares an entrance door with a coffee shop, go left and it's a long…read morenarrow area with seating at the front. Plenty of tables to choose from whether small or large group. I just really wanted a massive salad and massive salad I received! You can choose from a selection of menu items or you can build your own sandwich or salad. I chose a menu selection, they tossed it all in a bowl with some dressing and packed it into a little container with zero room for activities. There was like a dusting of protein and an absurd amount of lettuce, but it was pretty good and hit the spot. Service was about what you'd expect from a small town cafe!

The online ordering process is terrible. Three separate times my order has been incorrect…read more Everything from forgetting a cookie or roll to completely forgetting the salad dressing. Disappointing process but the restaurant has great tasting food and the ambiance has a nice vibe.