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!

This was a nice bar. It was clean, spacious, nice staff and the other people that were there…read moredrinking were very friendly!

Not a bad little bar...clean, well-lit, and spacious. Friendly staff, cold drinks.read more

Newly re-opened restaurant at the River Ridge Golf Course in Independence. Sorry that Okoboji Grill…read moreclosed - but very happy with Denali's. We hear that they hired away all the wait staff from Bill's - which recently closed. The have added a "party room" on the east end of the building - in what previously was an outdoor eating area with fire pits. The new party room and the large room on the west end were in use when we arrived. We had reservations for three on a Friday night and were seated promptly at a booth in the bar area. With the open ceilings and no carpet - it is LOUD in the bar. At the moment - they do not have a wine list - and - we may have been the first customers to order a bottle of wine. It was a red from Portugal - I don't remember the grape - but it was a good complement to our meal. All three of us ordered the Prime Rib special- medium rare. I chose the "loaded mashed" potatoes, Rick had the "regular" mashed and Mom had baked potato. Portions of prime rib were ample and prepared perfectly; tender - flavorful - delicious. The loaded mashed came with cheese and bacon - think - loaded baked potato. They were fine for something different - but for my taste - I'll stick with the more traditional baked potato next time. Even though we were celebrating Mom's 97th birthday - we opted for no dessert. Did not take a menu picture - but - in addition to the Prime Rib - they offer a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and entrees. Well rounded menu for a quick bite after a round of golf - or coming out for an evening. Welcome addition to the northeast Iowa dining scene.

I have given these guys three times to improve and they just can't do it. Today I ordered a Rachel…read morewith baked potato. Who makes a Rachel without Thousand Island dressing? These guys. The turkey lacked flavor, so was way overpowered by the kraut. The baked potato clearly had been baked days before, then a weak attempt to reheat was made. It didn't even start to melt the butter. Mealy and gross.

This place is closed and gone. Site needs updating to reflect such. Franklin Street will be…read moremissed by many in the area.

Sad to say, they have announced closing the brewery. Such a great place, decor, and beverages.read more

Excellent food! Service is working out the kinks…read more Went twice in one week for dinner. Beer cheese soup is to die for! Steaks are flavorful and cooked just how one orders them! Service could use a little work - there seemed to be almost as many employees in the building as customers both times we visited and service was pretty slow. We sat for twenty minutes at the bar without even being acknowledged.

I hear from my friends Carmen and Brian that this is the place to go for the greatest steak dinner…read more Next time I'm back in the area. Let's all go! I know from past visits that the live music and beer is outstanding.

Absolutely incredible! JJ, the owner, let us enjoy the establishment while in the middle of closing…read moreon a Sunday night! Great vibe, best staff around, incredible atmosphere! You should be here! Also, the options for food is incredible!

From the owner: Family Owned and Operated Licensed and Insured…read moreOver 7 Years of Experience

Great place! Great bar tender& wait staff awesome food & awesome drinks. Pork tenderloin is huge…read moreRack of Ribs huge &yhe brisket was superb and the prices were fair!

Absolutely the worst dining experience of my life! Last…read morenight we tried Bent's, Walk in, stood in doorway for a few minutes, not knowing their procedure, no sign saying please seat yourself, or wait to be seated. Never greeted by anyone. We go sit near bar area. Saw 1 bartender and a server. 10+ minutes later a server greeted us took our order, dropped off our drinks, needed more time to look at menu. So server went to another table for nearly 20 minutes. My girlfriend and I had a lengthy conversation about walking out. But we didn't have cash on hand to leave for payment of our drinks. Finally order, food came out in 5 min. Minus 1 side. Sampler platter. Pulled pork, molten hot, huge amount, and good! Brisket, at best warm, and the fattest slab of meat I've ever seen. Most prime rib has less fat. 50-50 ratio of meat and fat. Oh I had to use my pocket knife to cut because my gf had the only knife we were provided. Then the ribs..... Warm ish, tried using my fork, then pocket knife. Considered asking for a Sawsall to cut them. We ate about 15% of our food. The take home is going to the dog!

I live between the tiny towns of Quasqueton & Rowley, Iowa. Wolfey's Wapsie Outback is literally…read morethe only restaurant within 8 miles of me, so regardless of whether I considered this a five-star masterpiece or a single-star dump, it truly wouldn't have any bearing as to how frequently I visited, because its nice to go to a restaurant without having to drive 10+ miles. Wolfey's is located in a bar that had been out of business for a few years. It is obvious that the owners did a wonderful job renovating it and made it much more inviting to both fans of late-night boozing and lunch or dinner dining. The walls have a log cabin style, and behind the bar is filled from wall to wall with wildlife art that the owner actually painted himself. For the most part, the menu is what you'd expect in a small town bar & grill. Lots of deep-fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, etc. What sets Wolfey's apart from every other small town bar & grill is that they offer pizza. Their pizza is hands-down the best in rural Buchanan County. You'd have to drive nearly 9 miles to Bill's Pizza and smokehouse to even give them a run for their money. I prefer their thin crust, as the thick crust is too doughy to me. As for toppings, I prefer the Wolfey's Supreme or their Pineapple & Canadian bacon. My only gripe with their thin crust pizza is the consistency of how it is baked. You never really know whether you can expect to get a well cooked pizza that has crispy crust and golden brown cheese, or an undercooked pizza that is too doughy to support the barely melted cheese and toppings. Aside from their pizza, I also enjoy their reuben sandwich. But Wolfey's is not just a restaurant, it also happens to be a very fun place to hang out and drink on a Friday or Saturday night. It has a very friendly crowd, and I've always been treated very well by the bartenders. Drink prices are reasonable, and no more or less than any other bar in the area. It seems that on a busy night, every age group is well represented. Whether you're in your 20's or your 70's, you will not feel out of place. There is a nice deck that overlooks the Quasqueton Dams that is fun to congregate at on a warm spring or summer night. Overall, I really enjoy Wolfey's. It was a much needed addition to the rural Buchanan County area. Once they get some more experience in the kitchen, I expect I will like it even more.

The food is awesome. The service and ambiance is great. We always stop there when we are in town…read more Best place to stop for a late night meal.