What went well? EVERYTHING. I was a lonely dude just trying to start over. Saw a suggestion for…read moretraveling to Iowa and starting over. I got a steal on a big ass house, it was old, and a ton of work to modernize. I was determined to make the house ready for my future family. The folks at THE STANK ( what we locals call it) were very welcoming and kept me from quitting on my dreams many times. They also suggest maybe asking Jesus, and God. I did. I worshipped, I prayed. I danced. The snake thing was weird. met this cool woman that already had 6 kids, but my dream was 7. She's like, no problem. Life is good. Probably getting married. Job at the Post Office didn't work out. I'm a pet groomer now. Her kids are violent and rob stores across Iowa.

I was single in Aplington for a while. There just aren't many people here to choose from. I took a…read moreleap of faith and decided to go on a date with a guy from church. He had just moved to IA to take a job at the post office for $25/hr. That's more than most people make here! I wasn't sure about him but he took me to Stinky's bar and grill and I had a great time. Now we go once a year with our 7 kids on our anniversary. What a life!

Stopped by today after a long bike ride. Good food, cold beer and great service at a very…read morereasonable price.

For a small town bar, it was always a great place for a cold drink & hot food! It's the only bar…read moreI've been to that has a jail cell inside!

The place to watch Iowa games, especially if Jake or Endo is behind the bar…read more Great selection of beer. They will have something you like. Their mix drinks are great. Not burned but you can taste the liquor. They have frozen pizzas if you want a snack.

Had a couple drinks here while in town for my brother's graduation. I have to say I was impressed…read moreby the beer selection. Being in a college town I automatically expected there to be just basic beers on the menu, but the bar offered a variety of different craft beers. I have to say I was very impressed. The owner and locals were extremely friendly and welcoming. Enjoyed The Wooden Foot very much. If you are ever in Waverly, Iowa you must go there.

Stopped into Willie's Food & Spirits in Hampton, Iowa around 8:15 on a Monday night. A couple folks…read morewere at the bar and a booth was finishing up dinner, but the place had that classic small-town bar atmosphere--very clean, well lit, and welcoming. The menu is simple in all the right ways: sandwiches, wings, salads, and a few other staples. I went with their award-winning tenderloin and onion rings. My wife had boneless wings and the deep-fried cauliflower. The food was excellent across the board. Portions were big, nothing was greasy, and everything was cooked exactly how it should be. The cauliflower was crisp and seasoned well, the wings were solid, and the tenderloin was spot-on--great flavor, not oily, and the onion rings were light and perfectly done. Our bartender/waitress, Jesse, was outstanding. She was friendly, checked on us several times, and made sure everything was right. All in all, a great stop. Good food, generous portions, and the kind of service you don't take for granted. We'll gladly make the 30-minute drive to come back.

We both had the Chicken Philly. On a positive note...there was probably 3 or 4 slices of chicken…read moreon a hot dog bun. Not sure what the cheese was, or if it was actual cheese? The "grilled veggies" were uncooked. Nice workers, disappointing food.

Try the pork tenderloin - you won't regret it. Best one I've had since moving back to Iowa a year…read moreago. It's also delicious the next day, which is great because it's a big sandwich and I would never be able to eat it all in one sitting. Their fish is haddock, which is amazing. My husband is pretty picky when it comes to fish and chips, but said theirs is a definite "order again." We made the mistake of ordering the onion rings as an appetizer. I say "mistake" because they were fresh, hand-breaded, and so delicious we couldn't stop eating them. The order was huge and we pretty much filled up on them. ‍ Another couple that was there ordered pizza. It looked amazing as well - something to try next time if I can convince myself not to order the tenderloin.

Excellent choice for take out if you are in the area! Friendly staff very helpful! Quick service-…read moreOnly 15 minutes for a call in order! I showed up early so I could sit and relax at the bar, and was surprised when the food was ready 5 minutes early! Highly recommend the tenderloin! Pizza is excellent as well! If you have the opportunity to dine here or get take out, do yourself a favor and try them out!

We stopped in for a quick lunch and a couple drinks and were not disappointed. The waiter was…read morefriendly and they had a nice selection of beers from Iowa to choose from. The entire restaurant was very clean and the food came out hot and tasty.

Cool place. Friendly staff. Food was average but a large menu to choose from…read more Bacon Cheese Fries "Made Healthy"- 7/10 French Fries- 8/10 Mac N Cheese Burger- 5/10 Buffalo Chx Wrap- 5/10

It looks like its still under construction inside. It's hard to find. But this is a very friendly…read moresmall town bar & grill with some surprisingly good food and homemade pizzas. Fried fish is a point of pride here, and it's well worth a try.

I love this place, they make you feel right at home. And they go out of there way to make you…read morehappy. You can't say that much anymore now days. There food is good, call a head and see what the special is, it always changes. But the it is worth the trip of trying to find it!

This is the coolest bar I've ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I've ever been…read moreto- PERIOD! The Sanity Room takes "theme" bar to a whole new level. There is a state mental facility outside of Independence, Iowa, and hence the theme of the Sanity Room. But don't think it's cold and creepy. No. The owners have gone to great lengths to make this an inviting place complete with the unique chairs, private small booths, and kitschy motto signs surrounding the place (one of my faves: "I can only please one person per day. Today I choose me."). They serve shots in pill bottles and syringes, and the staff will even make you don a patient gown, sit in the old hospital bed (vintage and they claim it came from the state hospital), and then administer the shots while wearing a doctor's coat. Genius! After you are vaccinated, you get a sticker. As if the booze wasn't awesome enough! And let's talk about the booze. This is a full bar that also features some great craft and local beers, as well as a local wine. Iowa wine, you ask? It was by far the best I sampled and I bought a bottle. Yeah, you can buy their stock too, if they have enough. As for specialty cocktails? Look no further than the bloody mary made with Chardonnay. That's right, I said the bloody mary is made with wine. And it's delicious. Since wine doesn't have as much alcohol as vodka, you might have to drink a lot to get the same effect, but with a taste like this you won't mind. The Sanity Room does seem to be a work in progress as they only have one unisex bathroom but they are working on more accommodations. Still, it's small so you can't imagine there would ever be a long line. It also sits in the back of an antique store, so blink and you might miss it. I know we did the first time we walked by, but the second time we took a chance and walked in and I am so glad we did! There's even a back patio area that overlooks the Wapsipinican River. The only bad thing would be that there are no TVs in the Sanity Room. I question if this would change the integrity of the bar, as it might compromise the theme and inviting nature. But I am a sports nut and there would be nothing better than belly up at the bar, drinking a glass of La T Da & watching the game! Seriously, if you're ever in Independence and you don't stop in here, you're missing out. I can't wait to get back and get my dose of Sanity!

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun decor and the…read moreowner/managers obviously love their work! A deck in the back gives a nice view of the Wapsie River, and an antique shop with all sorts of fun things, from tools to quilts. Thanks for the hospitality!

Variety of food and easy parking. Staff is friendly and helpful. Wings are delicious highly…read morerecommend

Only have 1 out of 10 tvs working currently. Quesadillas are over $18 which is crazy . Bartenders…read moreare rude and don't pay attention to their customers . Food is avg at best