Iowa Buffet has been on my Yelp Bookmarks, for many years and I've finally visited. Let me begin by telling you it is definitely not in Iowa. It's not even on Iowa Avenue, it's at the corner of Iowa and Winnebago. Also, it's not a buffet. Its name is all a lie. What it truly is, is a diehard dive bar. If Bette Davis walked in she'd say, "What a dump." The decor is totally tacky and that is part of its charm. Another part of its charm is the welcoming atmosphere. When we entered not only did the bartender say, but so did a couple of the guest already seated at the bar. When reading the menu for your first time, you'll be shocked at low-low prices. Our plan was to have cheeseburgers and fries, but once we saw the pricing, we added wings as an appetizer. We had our wings, plain with Bleu Cheese for dipping. We received 6 pieces, 3 flats and 3 drums. I like it when the chicken pieces are the same quantity. They were super crispy and seasoned with only pepper and salt. I built my own cheeseburger. As my cheese, I chose Pepper Jack and added raw onion and jalapeños as garnishes. To make it perfect, all I had to add was ketchup and mustard. My dining partner enjoyed a Hank Burger, but changed the cheese from American to Pepper Jack. We both gave our burgers a thumbs up. Our adult beverage was Vodka and Club Soda. When the bartender brought us our drinks, at first we thought they were glasses of water. Yep, the cocktails were made in huge water glasses and they were strong. It's exactly what I'd expect from a dive bar. If you're on a tight budget and want to out, head over to Iowa Buffet for a budget friendly fun time. Good food and strong cocktails on the cheap. read more

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If you love, great jukebox music that surprises you and like smash burgers and you like a dive bar that serves great food. This is the place for you, especially on Saturdays when they serve barbecue try the ribs, pork steak and now that summer you can get brats and also hamburgers. read more

This is definitely a neighborhood dive bar! Dog friendly with a very welcoming bar tender, cheap drinks (no complaints there!) and a very dark, small interior. Love that they close down every summer for a float trip that includes any patrons wanting to join them for a weekend of fun! Didn't try the burgers, but I did see the small portable grill behind the bar. read more

I almost didn't want to leave a review because I consider this little gem a hidden secret. You walk in and feel like you're stepping back in time to 1978, from the beer posters and lights to the tables and chairs. The drinks are a decent pour and are cheap. So what's so secret about the Iowa buffet? It's the grill at the end of the bar that's been seasoned since the late '70s. It puts out one of the best burgers in town. That's not even hyperbole. A burger with grilled onions is one of the best you'll ever have. Don't forget to order a side of hand cut fries. The bartenders are super friendly and keep your glass full. On top of everything else, they make delicious BBQ on Saturdays. Get there early on Saturday though as they will sell out. read more

Love the burger lol it's really good. I also love the good stiff drinks they be having. It's in my neighborhood and I'll def be back. read more

The food was very good. All the people r so sweet.I was going there for a long time. Very good place to go

Fun dive bar to visit. Staff are friendly and funny. The menu is pretty cool too. Really old place with lots of Budweiser antiques.

If I could give zero stars I would. Went to Iowa Buffet for lunch the other day only to see F*ck ICE taped to the front door. I've been going their for at least a year and probably spend around $300 monthly for lunch and drinks. Food is great but politics should not interfere with business. I nor my friends will not patronize a business who disrespects law enforcement . The bartender explained to me over the phone the ICE agents are not police. If you look up the definition of an "ICE AGENT" they are federal law enforcement officers who go through extensive training. As I recall the last few times I was there, you were complaining that you lack business and may have to close your doors. Just a piece of advice, I'd take that sign down if I were you. We are entitled to our own opinions but putting it out there for the public to see is ignorant. read more

I love a good dive bar, but don't recommend this one. Burgers were okay but not great. The fries were hand cut, so they could have been awesome - unfortunately they weren't cooked enough so they were limp and cold. We could've looked past the just-okay food if the drinks were good, but they were disappointing as well. The cocktails were weak, and the bartender used an obviously old, pre-opened bottle of tonic to make my gin and tonic. It was completely flat and should not have been served. The atmosphere is bleak as well. The prices were lower than most bars in the city, but still not worth it. read more

Very good hamburger made by a very nice young lady. I was alone in the place and was able to really enjoy my burger luncheon.

If you're looking for cheap drinks and great burgers look no further! Quaint little dive bar with very friendly regulars. And lots of dogs to pet read more

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Great burger! Great lunchtime spot. Haven't been there later in the evening but I hear it's still cool to hangout and eat. Only one bartender so at night you might have to wait for your burger read more

I love bar food, something about a simple fryer and pre-prepped appetizers that just hits the spot. This was a cute little place. It's got "character" as they say. This place has hot food and cold drinks. Very well priced and looking at the neon on the outside I could tell this place would be a gem! They have music too! read more

I'm sorry but this place was pretty gross. The waitress had her buttcrack out and wasn't using gloves on a dirty surface to cook the burgers. I felt disgusted before eating it but decided to man up and eat a little bit. I now feel sick. The lady was very nice but i'm sorry this was ridiculous read more

The food is great. Service is warm, friendly and very helpful l. This place is frozen in time 1957'ish. It will blow your mind for sure. We have been here plenty for lunch. They say it is a hoot at night with the locals. read more

Loved this place! I have been wanting to try Iowa Buffet for quite some time and I finally made it! There were three of us later on a Saturday evening. We were greeted by a friendly bartender when we entered the bar. We sat down at the bar and she quickly got our drink orders while telling us about the menu. We were coming for the burgers, but she let us know they barbecue on the weekend, so we all got that! Wow! Delicious! I had a brat with the BEST home cooked cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and this came with a slice of cheesecake! My family had wrapped chicken breast which was so flavorful and juicy! The chicken portion was so big they took half of it home for a second meal! We were so full from yummy food, cold beer and spent the rest of the time talking with the bartender, who told us all about the Iowa Buffet. What a great place! We will definitely be back for the burgers!! read more

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Went to Iowa Buffet for their entry during Burger Week. Amazing burger topped with onions, jalapeños and chipotle cheese sauce. Local draft beer for $4 a pint as well. Kind of a dive bar but they wear it well. Super nice bartender took great care of us. The neighborhood is kinda sketchy but it IS a neighborhood bar!! Loved the vibe and suggest to anyone on a "dive bar" tour to hit. Thank you to Burger Week as I would have probably never considered going here. Now I'll tell everyone I know to hit them up!! read more

We were heading to Casa Loma tonight I wanted to eat in the city. Have been hearing a lot about the Iowa Buffet and their barbecue. When we got there the lady behind the bar was extremely rude to us and pretty much yelled at us wanting our drink order before we even sat down. She finally brought us menus over and stated that her and her mother were getting ready to exchange shifts so her mom would be cooking and she would see what they had left of the barbecue menu which was not much. So she said well next time you'll need to come in earlier if you want barbecue. It was just around 5:00 they shouldn't have been out of everything. So we had our drinks but nobody ever came to get our food order when my friend said something to her she said well my mom's outside she'll be in and she'll get it then we still waited for a little while. A gentleman came into place to go order and she said well I can write it down but it'll be a little bit before she gets it up she ain't even offered to do that with us and we were there for 20 minutes paid for drinks got up and left usually I will give a place another chance I will never go in there again the way we were treated. I got the impression that we weren't regular so we didn't matter. read more

Iowa Buffet is a historic Saint Louis landmark! The food is delicious on a consistent basic. Don't come in the bar looking for smoked salmon or dom perignon. Grab a seat where you fit in.​ read more

The name of the place is very misleading. I was expecting pork on the menu or even, I don't know, a buffet. We almost left because the doors were locked! The bartender apparently locks the door when there aren't a lot of people inside. There is no mistaking that this is a local dive bar that almost exclusively serves burgers. And the burgers are good. There's something special about a simple burger, cheese, and a bun. It was exactly what you want out of a burger. Fries and onion rings were just right. Nice local joint. I wouldn't go far out of my way to eat here, but if you're in the area, you should definitely stop in for lunch. read more

We're locals, and this is one of our favorite bars. So....a tip for those who've not been there...don't ask what's on the "buffet." No, there is NO buffet. Apparently when they bought the place 100 years ago, a stipulation was that they had to keep the name, although the new owners had no plans for a buffet. It's part of this dive bar's charm, really. When you walk in, it's like stepping right back to 1977. I don't think anything has changed (or been cleaned) since then. But don't let that scare you. The bartenders are all fantastic. The service is great. The drinks are strong and pretty cheap. Carol, the owner, is a spit fire and a hoot to talk to. She's owned the place since forever and can tell some stories. She wears a shirt that says "ask me about the buffet." Then there are the burgers. And the fries. Oh my God the burgers and fries. Holy shit, they're fantastic. Hand made patties cooked on a seasoned gas grill. Yum to the yum. Hand cut fries that are no doubt fried in full-on lard (I don't know this for a fact, but they taste good enough to have been cooked in the real stuff). They also have wings, onion rings, and some other bar type foods. But on Saturday...there's BBQ. Like, a dude outside cooking 2 inch thick pork steaks kind of bbq. You get a shit ton of meat, 2 sides, and a dessert for 12.99. Worth. Every. Penny. TL;DR version- shit hole of a place with a scary bathroom that has fan-frigging-tastic food and good drinks for cheap. Just go. You might be a little skeeved out walking in, but you'll thank me later. read more

I attempted to eat here with a friend. There are no smoking signs posted on the doors and anyway, it's the law in St. Louis City so imagine my surprise that there was a dude sitting there smoking at the bar. I know this happens at small bars all over the city, but I'm not going to risk my health to eat here. I left and I won't be back. If they aren't enforcing this health and safety law, what else are they skipping? read more

Have heard of Iowa Buffet for several years and thought it was time to try it. Everyone said you have to get the cheeseburger. I ordered the double cheeseburger with American cheese. Had to be one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever had. They make them on a 100 year old antique grill. You will thank me the rest if your life for introducing you to Iowa Buffet in South City! read more

Always a friendly atmosphere. Good food and booze at a great price. This place is a St. Louis treasure!

Great burgers, and super affordable and generous portions. had no idea what to to think going in, expectations exceeded. get the horseradish cheddar on your burger. read more

I really love this place. Well actually I just love Alice the bartender and follow her wherever she goes, shes there on Mondays and she is wonderful, she knows my drinking habits so well she cuts the big straws in half for me because I dont want lines on my face from sucking through those tiny cocktail straws, awww! Anyways, the burgers here are so good, I mean really, really good. Old school. The fries, while I hate the portions of those fries aren't that big, I understand that they are handcut and thats probably a bitch to do. It is very small and they do allow smoking, but its never been bad. Love this place! read more

Best dive bar in So City. If you eat meat, try their burgers! They are made from local beef on this 1950's broiler right next to the bar. You can judge, but once you get a bite, you'll thank your server. Hush yo mouth! Beer and food close enough to Cherokee. They also have BBQ on Cherokee nights- second Tuesday of the month, check it out! read more

Iowa Buffet is an old school neighborhood bar located in South City a few blocks west of Jefferson on the corner of Iowa and Winnebago in the middle of a residential neighborhood, They have cheap drinks ($4 Kettle One/$4 Glenlivit). They sling burgers from behind the bar. The crowd is a mixture of old timers, hipsters, and neighborhood folk. They have a great juke box and an awesome patio. It's relatively small inside, paneled walls TV's and lots of beer lights. You may be approached by a neighborhood panhandler on the way in, but you will be in another world once you are inside. Good times can be had at the Iowa Buffet. Incidentally, you will not find a food buffet here. It' a bar that offers pub grub, No live entertainment of any kind. read more

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Yep, one of the best neighborhood bars in St. Louis. It blows all other ~dives~ away. They sell packaged liquor for chrissakes! They joke that the reason their cheeseburgers are so rad is because they've never cleaned the grill in the 27 years they've been open. You can get tanked for 10 bucks. THEY ACTUALLY ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! They are some of the nicest, friendliest bar owners in St. Louis. They make an effort to get to know their customers and they are super sweet to their EXTREMELY diverse clientele. Give 'em a try and thank me later ok! (WARNING: They allow smoking but when I went it wasn't nearly as bad as most smoking bars. Maybe they don't have a lot of clients who smoke) read more

This place is a hidden gem that is for the true dive bar seeker. They source their meat from neighborhood butchers, their fries are hand cut and it's all really cheap. A friend and I had a combined 3 budweisers, 2 rum and cokes, large order of onion rings, large order of fries, and 2 burgers for a whopping $21. Definitely worth the visit for those not afraid to wander off the beaten path. read more

Omg LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Carol and her daughter are just simply amazing. Cheap beers, fun atmosphere, everyone is friendly, and a juke box!! A must visit in STL! read more

Cool place.Good cheap hamburger. Great old South City bar with lots of character. Friendly crowd. Good tunes. Shana (sp?) was an excellent bartender who apparently, grew up around the corner. Made for a great evening. We'll be back. read more

I loved the double cheeseburger I got. Prob the best one I've ever had at a restaurant. Prices are great. Booze selection was pretty skeet. It is a dive bar. Keep your expectations low. I asked for American honey, nope. Others I asked for but don't recall. I eventually got some Jim beam with honey. read more

This is one of those hidden gems that you don't wanna miss out on. The people there are genuine. I hope you have the pleasure of meeting Kenny. He welcomed up to St. Louis with open arms and even made sure we got to our car safely. But it get better, the food there is DELICIOUS. They have had the same cast iron for 50 some years, but it's been working for 70 years. The burgers were delicious and only $3.00!! YOU CANT BEAT THAT. I recommended making a stop by this bar if you get the chance!! read more

If you don't mind smoke its an awesome little hideaway. In fact, the smokiness is the only reason I have to take away on star. (Its a small place so the smoke can get a little thick) The bartender was exceptionally welcoming to what a first looks like a "locals only" kind of place. You are gonna laugh when you see the way they cook burgers, but do not doubt me when I tell you to order one or two! Shockingly good burgers. Go in to grab a beer and a burger and play some Keno. I don't think you will be disappointed unless you are too fancy for a good time. read more

A good dive bar has cheap drinks, low rate aesthetics, packaged liquor, a jukebox, usually Keno, and a bartender that has past her prime. Iowa Buffet meets on all accounts. The bartender was nice. We were there too late for food, but we drank for about an hour. They do have an outdoor patio which is kind of nice... except the kids from the apartment next door crawl up the fence to look at the drunks. read more

Just finished up my first experience at The Iowa Buffet. Food was amazing! We had the pork steak and baby back ribs with some great home made sides- Watermelon salad, garlic scalloped potatoes, chopped vegetable salad and dessert was home made lemon berry pie. Their home made BBQ sauce was outstanding as well. The dry rub ribs were perfectly smoked. To top it all off the customer service was like we were family. The owner came over and introduced herself and even served some the food. We will be back for more soon! If you have found this place then you need to give it a try. I honestly don't do many reviews but this business needs to be bragged about. read more

Tiny but what a hoot! Diane is a riot, love that lady!! Cheap drinks, burgers and fries. Friendly neighborhood folks.

This place is a hidden gem! Iowa Buffet has one of the best burgers in town. Don't be thrown off by the interior of this place. Once you sink your mouth into a burger its heavenly! read more

Had the burger with the horseradish cheddar 4 years ago. Amazing. Had it again today. Just as amazing. Beer selection is on point. Do yourself a favor and give this place a go. Top notch dive bar. read more