Gayle and I recently made our annual trip to West O. We came in on a Sunday after the Iowa-Iowa…read moreState Football game the day before. As we were past labor day and big game, we almost had the place to ourselves. We usually show up with a Subway sandwich and order a beer. This time around, we ordered one of their delicious Pizzas and washed that down with a Coco Stout for her and a Doppel Bock for me. We added an order of peanuts and a 6-pack of the Doppel Bock for me to carry home all the way to Nevada. That supplemented the Smoked Red and Octoberfest beer back in the fridge at the Lake Cabin.

What a gem! First…read moreoff, I am a stout girl. The darker the beer; the better as far as I am concerned the the West O Cocoa Stout is the chef's kiss! Every Iowan beerfest I attend, I am always in search of the West O Beer tent. We popped in on our final night of vacation for a pint and some pretzel bites as the kiddos played out on their patio. Pricing was on par. Parking was a bit cramped, you can tell when the parking lot is full that the inside will be, too. You need to order at the bar. (They are closed on Monday, FYI.) The pretzel bites were good, mustard definitely had some kick. My West O Cocoa was the perfect end to vacation. I'll pop in this brewery again when we are in town!

During my recent annual stay at the Iowa Great Lakes, I had the chance to visit both West O and the…read moreOkoboji Brewing Company (OBC) Tap Rooms. Northwest Iowa is truly blessed to have both of these quality brewers here for the good beer-loving citizens to enjoy. The OBC facility is clearly visible from US 71, but takes a little more maneuvering to get here. I hope that partially explains the low attendance that I've seen here, as it's your loss if you haven't stopped in. West O seemed to be better patronized, and that might be partially explained by the occasional availability of live entertainment, proximity to the Taco House, easier access from US 71, and perhaps a more prominent social media presence. I tried the OBC IPA which is very good and a lot smoother than the "Total Domination" version that you can get at West O. Actually, I like the West O style very much, but at the same time was pleasantly surprised and impressed by OBC's vision of this classic. Like West O, unlimited peanuts are available at the bar or table and food can be brought in from the outside. I found OBC room a little more homey and appreciated that there was a soft drink option available for anyone who didn't wish to imbibe. OBC also has a complete line of home brewing supplies for home enjoyment..

A large beer selection with a handful of house brews and many Iowa brews. We've been here a few…read moretimes and they always have one or two of their own taps run out, but maybe it's because we always visit on the major holidays when Boji is busy. We haven't been here while they have their food truck outside "Farm to Fork", but the waitress spoke highly of it. You can pick up Papa Murphy's next door and cook it in the brewery's oven as well.

Went in to see if they had my drinks. Nope of course not. no one does. Staff greeted me. I didn't…read morepurchase anything. they appear to have quit a selection of stuff.

We split the sandwich and the flavor is off the chart. Can't wait to see everything in the store…read morehere.

I'm a transplant to Northwest Iowa, so when I discovered The Hen House years ago - with its…read morebig-city charm, gifts and home decor options in a small-town setting - I fell in love. I often tell the owners that if The Hen House ever leaves town -- I'm outta here, as welI! The Hen House is my favorite shopping destination in Spencer. I also love to bring my out-of-town company to experience it for themselves, because it's tons of fun! They offer amazing seasonal items, baby gifts galore (ear of corn chew toy is my favorite staple gift), house wares, kitchen/dining, funking jewelry, pillos, lamps candles. . . Oh, and to receive a gift card from The Hen House is like finding a little lump of precious gold in your pocketbook.

Great hole in the wall small town Tavern. I went to this Tavern/Restaurant on the recommendation of…read morea friend on a Thursday night which was a "wing night". Bartender/waitress was very nice and the food was served quickly. The cheeseballs were ok and the wings were pretty good and well worth the price (20 wings for 5.75). Sodas/pop (lol) are served by the can and not a fountain which was ok by me. The wings came in 3 flavors BBQ, sweet Teryaki and buffalo. I personally like the buffalo best but the other two were pretty good also. I hear that their pizzas are pretty good on Friday nights and I will amend the review next time. Overall, I generally like small town restaurants because of the quality service and prices. 4 stars

This was our first time here. While exploring Arnold's Park, we came across this cute little shop…read more Although it wasn't a particularly hot day, we decided to stop in and check it out. The shop offers many different flavors, and my daughter absolutely loved the mint chocolate chip. There is no indoor seating, but they do have a few outdoor tables available in the shade, which makes it a nice spot to enjoy your treat.

Friendly service and the lines move fairly quick. Recommend trying the drumstick. Will likely come…read moreback to try the root beer float.

This nice little place is located within the Emporium so a great spot to grab a bowl if shopping or…read moreout for a morning stroll in the Park area. Don't plan for quick service though. There's always a line but that's a sign of a good spot. There's no place to sit and enjoy your food so plan to walk and eat. I've tried a few different bowls and have never been disappointed.

Usually always a great experience but this morning was everything but that. 3 employees who you…read morecould obviously tell did not want to be there. No smiles, no welcoming gestures. Didn't have any rolls or pastries by 8:45. Then after we ordered one we had to go up to the counter after they came out of the oven to ask about ours to learn that they don't even have the kind that the guy said they have. Not a good experience.

I love finding these Gems in small towns. Toads is super quaint. Very tiny, only three tables that…read moreseat two each. But the space is so amazingly eccentric, it's enjoyable to just sit and look around. The coffee is roasted on site, good flavor nice balance. The proprietor was just as eclectic as his shop, interesting and informative. Overall I gave this a 5 star rating for the atmosphere, the good coffee was a bonus. Huge fan of this place.

It sure is interesting! Like stepping back into time. The coffee is not my favorite by any means…read more But it is something different and is fun to stop by.