RibCrib BBQ

3.7 (62 reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, American

Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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RibCrib BBQ - Motherlode platter. - Barbeque Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

RibCrib BBQ - Front entrance of Rib Crib - Barbeque Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

RibCrib BBQ - Ribs and coleslaw w some pickle slices - Barbeque Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

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RibCrib BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

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Jason M.

We drove through Mason City on our way back to Des Moines and decided on this place. We were a group of 10 and were seated promptly. The waitress did a great job keeping our 3 tabs separate. Drinks came out fairly fast. All the food looked good. The boys had wings and enjoyed them. My wife had a chicken salad of some sort. She said it was good. I had the Motherlode. It was a nice sampling of meats. Pretty decent bbq. If I lived in Mason City I'd likely frequent this restaurant. No issues with it on my end and I'd like to try some of their other stuff. Give it a try.

The food unfortunately was mid. I had my mouth set on some delicious brisket....however I met with dry brisket. I will say the ribs were tender but the flavor was lacking. Surprising the only flavorful and tender meat was the turkey breast and the fried okra was good. It was hot and fresh. The potato salad was creamy and the corn on the cob was unsalted and not buttered and overcooked, if that is a thing. Service was decent but overall, no thank you.

Elizabeth X.

Came in with a large group of 8 and were seated immediately for lunch. Staff was patient and got all our orders out to us pretty quick. They even snapped pictures for us. Menu is pretty good - Rib plates were the food for me. The BBQ sauce is pretty good too. Reasonably priced.

Great service, fast and friendly. Acceptable brbq food selection. Multiple choices for sides to add to your order.

Eric B.

Great little BBQ place with some great staff. I have been to a couple Rib Cribs around the US but by far this one has the nicest staff!! Oh and the BBQ is pretty damn good too!!

Caleb C.

Being from Texas, I was extremely excited to find a traditional barbecue restaurant in northern Iowa! I decided to try Iowa's brand of barbecue on a cold and rainy Friday afternoon. As I pulled in to the parking lot, I noticed that it was decently full. A good sign for it being 3 in the afternoon. As I approached the front door, I was greeted with that unmistakable smell of barbecue. A welcomed sign. When I walked in, there was nobody to be found at the front of the house! Granted, I did not have to wait terribly long to be seated. However, not having a host readily available is always a bad look. Once I was finally seated, myself and my partner were shown to a rather small high top table next to the bar. This was less than ideal as the tabletop was small and we quickly ran out of real estate even before our main courses came out. We noticed that other customers quickly experienced the same issue as there were larger parties getting seated at way too small of tables. For an appetizer, we decided to go with the chips and queso. This was a mistake. The queso had a layer of hard, congealed cheese on top as soon as it arrived. The salsa that was offered was just a glorified spicy ketchup. And the cheese lacked any flavor what so ever. The chips that we were served had quite a bit of chew chew on them! They definitely appeared to be old, which is never good. For a main course, I was going to order a variety plate that featured ribs. However, I was informed that the restaurant was out... You read that right. THE RESTAURANT WITH RIB IN THEIR NAME DID NOT HAVE ANY RIBS. I found this almost unbelievable as it was nearing dinner time on a Friday night. To make matters worse, I was not offered a substitute. I had to order something else. Disappointed, settled on The Motherload. It seemed to have enough variety (minus the rib) that I would be able to get a good feel for the restaurant. The dish came with pulled pork, brisket, chicken and sausage. It's also served with your choice of two sides. I went with mac and cheese as well as the fried okra. The lovely young lady I was with got the same as I did, only with fries and Mac and cheese. When our plates arrived, they looked the part! I was suddenly excited again and was ready to forgive the missing ribs. So, let's get into the main reason you're reading this. You want to know how the food is, right?! We'll start with the sides. I believe Mac and cheese goes with bbq like peanut butter and jelly. They pair perfectly... If the Mac and cheese is good that is. I am telling you now, DO NOT ORDER THE MAC AND CHEESE. It has the consistency of soup and leaves behind a chalky dry taste. The man and cheese gets a one and you're done, son. As for my fried okra? Damn, damn damn! That's what okra should be! It was fried up perfectly and the flavor was spot on. Considering the disaster I experienced with the Mac and cheese, this was a real surprise. Now for the meat of the dish... The chicken was dry. Which I don't really hold against the restaurant. Dry chicken is easy to do! The Carolina sauce they offer at the table is a great addition and fixes the dryness wonderfully. My brisket, which I was most excited about, had a rather odd presentation. It was chopped up rather than sliced, which I am not used to. However, the flavor was decent and it paired well with their house bbq sauce. Overall, I didn't have any major complaints. Now as for the sausage... That sausage is a lady in the street, but a freak in the sheets! This is some sneaky spicy sausage. It's like a punch in the face when you're least expecting it. However, if you like spice like I do, you'll love this sausage. As the old saying goes... Save the best for last. And the best is undoubtedly the pulled pork! Oh my word! The pulled pork could not have been more perfect or spot on. It was so good, I was almost able to overlook the other mishaps.... Almost. Overall, I'd say the Rib Crib is decent for what it is. And that is a slightly below average bbq restaurant. There are some things that need to be worked on across the board. But they do just enough to get by. So if you're in the mood for bbq and not too picky, give em a try.

Raye R.

The menu featured a photo of the crib fire burger and it did not disappoint. The double beef patty was stacked was layers of cheese with onion rings and hot link sausage. Simple decor,friendly staff, great food and reasonably priced. It was worth the 13 minute detour from the interstate.

Kamron A.

Wow what can I say but this is real deal BBQ in northern Iowa! The smell from the outside makes you drool! I got the 3 meat choice with brisket that was smoked perfect and flavor was bold, smoked chicken breast that was juicy and smokey and the ribs which comenSt Louis style and have a nice bark on them! The potato salad was ridiculously good and Mac and cheese was solid! To see all the cool pics go to my Facebook page Kam Finds Food and check them out!

Bobbie M.

From the moment you walk in and smell the meat being smoked/grilled you know it's going to be good! The staff is AMAZING! We had the house Rita let me tell you for $5 bucks we got almost 3 drinks out of the shaker they gave us. The food was outstanding.BBQ Chicken

I wasn't expecting much. Mason City is a smaller town and I wasn't expecting a meal that blew my socks off. Well that was until I had the ribs. Oh my they may have been the best I've had. I've been in Kansas City twice in the last month, and these were better than any I had there. I went with the sampler to try a few others and while they were good, the ribs stood out. If you're in the area, it's worth a stop. In addition, the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Sharif Kathy C.

I myself have read a lot of you guys review. Most from the city of Mason . I don't get the Same taste , not so delicious I got unseason Ribs and very tender but a little too much which I wonder if a little ?. I didn't get that Teeth bite into my ribs just fall off the bone. Mac taste like store brand not homemade, but I will say that fried okra was delicious and Staff was courteous and friendly, they are the one reason I rate

Angie M.

Best Ribs I have had in a long time! They literally fell off the bone. Loved the mild BBQ sauce. The baked beans were just as I like them thick and sweet. The lunch special has a lot of good food for $10. The chicken breast was baked perfect and juicy with no fat. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. Glad I stopped in. Might even take ribs to go!

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Jim G.

0

21

8

9 years ago

Great little barbecue place staff was friendly the food was terrific the price was reasonable what more can you say I had the club sandwich with a barbecue twist had smoked turkey pulled pork bacon smoked ham it was delicious read more

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Daniel E.

1

6

0

9 years ago

The brisket is awful. It was dry and lacked taste. It reminded me of roadkill lighty smoked with exhaust fumes from passing diesel trucks....but hey, the beans were good. read more

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David G.

Elite 16

13

144

6

11 years ago

Visited here for dinner this evening with a couple of French guests. We all ordered ribs and okra. I also ordered some smoked sausage. I was not, at all, impressed with this place. The ribs completely fell off the bone (ribs should be a little firm) and the dry rub was ok, the sausage tasted like generic kielbasa, but the okra was spot on! My French guest loved this place, though. read more

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Mark G.

57

59

31

14 years ago

First off I really want to say that this is really 2 and a half stars. I went on a Friday afternoon really craving some good dry rub ribs. I looked at the menu price and it was 15.99 for just a half rack of baby backs. I'm not cheap, but for that price the ribs needed to be spectacular considering the ribs at Whiskey Creek down the road had some of the best ribs I've had since moving to Iowa for a little bit less.. I decided to go for a sampler of baby backs, and chicken and my friend went for the pulled pork, sausage and ribs. The lunch finally came out about a half an hour later and I noticed that both of our ears of corn tasted stale and almost like they sat in water for too long. The ribs were disappointing though not bad. I liked the flavor of the dry rub, but they just werent the "fall off the bone" ribs. My chicken tasted old and rubbery, but my friends pulled pork and sausage were pretty decent but not great. The French fries were ok, but what really disappointed me was that a classic coleslaw only came in a tiny cup (condiment size). I wouldve traded all of my fries for some more coleslaw which ended up being my favorite item. I ordered the hot fudge sundae for dessert and the ice cream tasted freezer burned. I dont really hold that against them because its supposed to be a rib joint. All in all, it was decent but next time I want bbq it will be at Whiskey Creek. Oh yeah, 1 more thing. I wouldve thought that there wouldve been a better selection of BBQ sauces, but they just had 3. The spicy was pretty decent, the mustard based was ok and the mild bbq sauce was extremely disappointing. read more

RibCrib BBQ - Rib Crib Mason City Iowa - Barbeque Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

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Thad C.

7

107

48

13 years ago

This is hands down one of the top 10 WORST restaurants I've ever had the displeasure of dining in. I had an all you can eat brisket meal that was awful and undercooked. Their sides were also terribly bland and tasted as though they came from a can to the microwave. AVIOD if at all possible! read more

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Wendy S.

8

34

3

11 years ago

My husband and I tried the Rib Crib for the first time this past weekend (feb 2015.). We walked in and saw a huge line, but we're seated quickly since they had just got through with a big bus. It smelled fantastic inside. Our waiter was amazing (adam) he helped us with our questions, gave recommendations and was really friendly, and upbeat. I ordered the smoked turkey and BBQ chicken combo and my husband ordered the catfish and St. louis rib combo. Our food came and we were so disappointed. My chicken was so dry, I literally choked trying to eat it....slathered table BBQ on it, and managed to get some down, but quit after the 2nd piece. He smoked turkey was decent. The fries were good, and my husband got Mac and cheese for one of his sides, and it was literally the best thing on either of our plates. The catfish was gross, and the St. Louis ribs were super dried out, not very tasty, and had hardly any meat on the 2 rib pieces he got in hiis combo. If it wasn't for our server, this place would have gotten a 1 star, the food was just that bad. read more

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Rocko C.

0

18

5

9 years ago

Tasty good food with prompt service. They could improve their brew selection and offer a brew menu. Brew selection is somewhat limited and basic. read more

Business owner information

Caron R.

Hi Rocko - Thanks for the good review and suggestion on the beer…

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JK S.

0

66

1

10 years ago

Normally I avoid chain restaurants, but I was really craving BBQ. Being from the South, I am very picky about my BBQ. I sat at the bar and Jenny was my server. I had brisket, pulled pork and chicken. Brisket and chicken were a little dry, but very tasty with sauce. I mixed their hot sauce with tobasco for a sweet and tangy sauce. I will eat here again. I tried another BBQ place in town, but did not care for it. read more

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Steven E.

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1

0

7 years ago

I've never had bad food or bad service, and the wait isn't as bad as most BBQ places. Can be a bit pricey but not horrible.

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Sean B.

0

3

1

11 years ago

The service was great! We had a guy (didn't catch his name) as our server and he was exceptional! We had a credit card mix up and he apologized profusely. He was very fast and understandable. They food was good and worth the cost. The best part of our lunch was the server! Amazing service! read more

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J B.

0

9

1

11 years ago

Tonight we had an okay time at the Rib Crib, our waitress Sarah was in a rush, never asked to give us refills and never saw her during the meal. Food as always was top notch but when we asked for desert ( after we were brought our bill) the Peach Cobbler with ice cream is what we ordered. It came out microwave hot and the peaches were soggy and limp while the crust was even limpet. This surprised us because this place is usually better. It's sad how something you look forwards to turns into a disappointment. read more

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Jerry L.

20

4

0

10 years ago

Went here for an early dinner with my family and had one of the worst experiences dining I've ever had. First off the sliced brisket my wife ordered was the dryest I've ever seen and her corn on the cob was wilted. I ordered a simple salad and the cook couldn't understand the order and cursed at the waitress. The kitchen was open so everyone could hear. Pretty awful read more

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Tom M.

0

26

3

15 years ago

When I overnight in Mason City I always head for the Crib. St Louis style ribs with dry rub AND sauce is very good. Clean, friendly place and priced right. While it's no Corky's (Memphis), it's good for the Midwest. A step up from Famous Daves. read more

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Phil H.

2

129

12

7 years ago

We had a large group of 9 people meet here from out of town. So we expected to have a little wait. We walked in at 5:30pm to a half empty restaurant. We were greeted by hostess who said they didn't have any available tables and it would be a 15 minute wait. Nearly 30 minutes later after we saw many other people seated in front of us with only a 5 minute wait. They pushed two 4 person tables together and pulled up an extra chair. They could have done this 30 minutes ago. After we were seated we waited 15 minutes to have someone come and get our drink order. Because it took so long I made sure when they took our drink orders we gave them our food orders too. We had 45 minutes to study the menu. The drinks and first bit of food came out fast. But it came out in three rounds spanning over about 5-7 min. Then 3 of the entree's served had errors...nothing major but just took more time to finish our meal. The only saving grace not giving them a 1 star review was the food was good, fresh, good flavor and large portions. But then once our meal was complete we had to wait for to go boxes, then wait an astronomical amount of time for the check. All in all this meal took us over 2 hours. Part of our group was late to another engagement that evening because how long it took. I would not go back. Poor slow service trumped the above average barbecue. read more

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Korma C.

0

89

1

14 years ago

Decent enough ribs for a chain. Still prefer Bill's but they were closed the night we were driving through town. Sauce was o.k. Waitress was very pleasant. read more

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Denise L.

14

3

0

10 years ago

Spotless place to eat, great service, awesome ribs, chicken and burgers. Love going there.

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Nick K.

0

12

0

15 years ago

Nice, quiet place. The food is pretty good and the prices are nice.

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Ste B.

0

2

0

9 years ago

Baby back ribs were dry and tasteless. Green beans were straight from a can. Service was subpar. Will not be coming back.

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Susan D.

0

12

3

11 years ago

Great ribs, brisket sandwich. Super side salad with bbq ranch dressing and tortilla curls. Service a little spotty.

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Lori J.

0

2

0

13 years ago

Love going to the Rib Crib. If you are wanting ribs, their St Louis style ribs are the best. For lunch I usually get the club sandwich or the Santa Fe Chicken spud or Super Spud are awesome too! My husband gets the Crib Fire burger. He says best burger around. We have never had to wait long for our food and servers are very attentive. Oh I can't forget their baked beans they are loaded with bacon and pieces of ribs. Delish. My son requested them for his graduation party. They furnished the roaster also. read more

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Amanda B.

126

11

0

13 years ago

I used to love Rib Crib when I lived in Oklahoma, so I was excited when I spotted one during my trip to Mason City! I ordered my favorite, the Dynamite Chicken Salad. It comes with a yummy cheese quesadilla roll-up and bbq ranch dressing. Next time I'll be ordering the Super Spud - another favorite I miss from living down south! read more

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M D.

0

26

1

10 years ago

We are visiting from the south and came upon this BBQ restaurant in Mason City, Iowa. The service was very good, helpful and fast. Once the food came it was hot, and very tasty! The sauces on the table are very good, hot sauce was my favorite. We even bought a couple bottles for home! The lunch potion was not a lunch potion that was reported in the menu...it was much, much bigger! So big my husband (who is a big BBQ fan) had to bring part of it home. We started with the cheesy fries that my family of four could all enjoy. I highly recommend this place as it is a touch of the south in the north! read more

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More info about RibCrib BBQ

455 Tiffany Dr
Mason City, IA 50401
Directions
(641) 424-3794
Call Now
Visit Website
https://ribcrib.com/locations/?location=mason-city

Full menu

Hours

What time does RibCrib BBQ open?

RibCrib BBQ opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does RibCrib BBQ close?

RibCrib BBQ closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.RibCrib BBQ closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does RibCrib BBQ take credit cards?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does RibCrib BBQ have catering options?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ does have catering options.

Does RibCrib BBQ serve alcohol?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does RibCrib BBQ have TVs?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does RibCrib BBQ have bike parking?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ has bike parking.

Does RibCrib BBQ have outdoor seating?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ has outdoor seating options.

Does RibCrib BBQ have parking?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does RibCrib BBQ have free WiFi?

Yes, RibCrib BBQ has free WiFi.

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Specialties

Family friendly casual dining with smokers rolling 24/7.

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The Blue Heron

4.8

(105 reviews)

2.5 mi

First time here and had the grilled chicken sandwich with their home made chips. Delicious!!…read more Service amazing and just an overall friendly place!! Highly recommend!!!

Battered and fried green bell peppers? I had to order them with my sandwich simply because I've…read morenever had them anywhere. I'm glad I did. They were delicious. It's very similar to the flavor of a jalapeño popper (without the bacon, cream cheese, or the heat). They have a modest sized parking lot that is a one-way. We sat at the bar and both had sandwiches. I ordered a burger but subbed out the beef patty for a chicken breast. The chicken breast was seasoned and juicy, but it actually made the American cheese on my sandwich a little too slippery. Better than the alternative, though! I would eat here again, but I might try something different next time. The menu wasn't super large, but they had enough apps, sandwiches, and burgers to choose from.

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Stained glass over bar

Fried Pickles

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Lovely Pinot Grigio.

Boulder Tap House

Stopped in here on the way out of town after looking for a chill place to relax after reffing a…read morebunch of youth basketball games. I was immediately greeted by a young hostess who was happy to find me a table, but I said I'd find a spot at the bar. I was immediately greeted by Sophia who handed me a beer list and was happy to pour a sample. That's nice service to start out with. She checked in but was never overbearing. A+. Their unique 60/40 beef/bacon burgers caught my eye...mine had cheese sauce, tons of bacon, and bacon jam. You can only have these cooked medium well or well done; for a burger I feel that's acceptable. Sandwich components were all delightful...the beer battered fries have a nice smooth coating and the house made ranch was the thinner variety was a great complement too. I'll kip the pretzel bun next time; I didn't find it to be a great complement to the components on the burger. I felt too many taps had crappy mass-produced domestics for the squares out there. I highly recommend the Mason City Cream Ale. Wish they sold their glasses! Credit cards have a 2.99% service fee. Thankfully, debit cards have no fee...which is the law. Not many places follow this procedure.

do not get jamaican jerk wings they taste like shit. my dad says they taste like toilet chemicals…read more whoever is in the kitchen needs to self reflect and taste their own product. i threw 9 wings straight into the trash where they belonged.

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Mason City Cream Ale

Mason City Iowana Cream Ale

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Hot honey chicken

Village Court Family Restaurant

Ordered an omelette and there was nothing special about it. My partners order had onions in the…read moreomelette and she ordered specifically w/o onions. Service was mediocre at best. Ambiance was a basic coffee shop vibe. Sign outside is 98% faded and can't even make out the establishment I would try somewhere else for breakfast... one and done

Stopped by for brunch was recommended by a friend. Tried their Texas French Toast and Western…read moreOmelette and it was delicious! The service was 5-star and friendly. Overall a great restaurant for brunch and lunch, family friendly. Great atmosphere.

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Ribeye

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Western Omelette and Texas Toast French Toast

The Quarry Restaurant

Sitting on the plaza patio on a warm October evening was perfection. The dirty martini and…read moremargaritas were well prepared and met expectations as excellent cocktails. Shared the sweet potato hummus with house made crackers and veggies. It was flavorful and my dining partner was a hummus virgin (yes, that's a thing) and loved the hummus! The service was great. We were not forgotten outside and our server was attentive without being too much. This is a definite stop when you come to Mason City to enjoy all the beautiful architecture and history the city offers.

The ambiance was delightful, welcoming. We loved the couches and cozy atmosphere…read more The food was fantastic! The walleye fish and chips were SO good! The fish was cooked perfectly!! The Cuban sandwich was fresh and delicious! The service was lacking - we had to ask for salt & pepper. We were never offered sweetener for our tea. It was not explained that there are no menus - just a posted QR code. We had to ask after being left sitting for several minutes. All in all - we will go back!

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Bar area

Chicken enchilada on flatbread with avocado and ranch

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Outside dining

Burke's Bar & Grill

5.0

(3 reviews)

2.4 mi

Decided to stop in some place we hadn't been before. Husband got the chicken gizzard and…read morecheesesteak, and I got the pretzel bites and hot beef. My husband said his meal and appetizer were excellent! My food was very good too. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is very welcoming and friendly. It's definitely a place we would come eat again.

Great night staff. Good food. Just need to have kitchen open past 10pm. Or have chips or popcorn or…read morejust appetizers.

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Hot Beef Dinner

Pasta Bella

My wife and I visited Pasta Bella on a Sunday evening around 5:00 PM. When we arrived, the…read morerestaurant was not very busy, but by the time we finished our meal, the dining room had filled up and was extremely busy--a good sign that this is a popular local favorite. One thing that stood out was how well staffed the restaurant was. Even as the dining room became busier, service never slowed down. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and did an excellent job making sure our drinks were filled, checking on our meals, and making sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. I ordered the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with a house salad, and my wife had the Chicken Florentine (without mushrooms) along with a cup of Pasta Fagioli soup. Overall, the meal was excellent. The house salad was average but a nice size, featuring lettuce, a cucumber slice, a tomato slice, and croutons. The Pasta Fagioli soup had a very good flavor and was prepared a little differently than what we're accustomed to, but we both really enjoyed it. We were also served fresh-baked Italian rolls, which were warm and delicious. The entrée portions were extremely generous. My Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo arrived piping hot, and the Alfredo sauce had a phenomenal flavor. My wife's Chicken Florentine included two chicken breasts that were well-seasoned, tender, and cooked perfectly. She thoroughly enjoyed her meal as well. We had planned to order dessert, but the portion sizes were so large that we simply didn't have room. For two dinners, soup, salad, rolls, and water to drink, our total bill was right around $40, which we felt was an excellent value for the quality and quantity of food we received. We will definitely be back and would highly recommend Pasta Bella to anyone looking for great Italian food, generous portions, attentive service, and outstanding value in Mason City.

They were swamped to say the least. The staff there hustled like you Wouldn't believe. We had…read moredrinks salad and bread within five or six minutes of getting seated. We ordered when we put in our drink order because we knew it was so busy. Expecting a long wait we had our food within 10 minutes after getting our drinks. It was delicious as always they were even working 4 ppl short tonight. Clean place friendly staff excellent food. We always get the same thing: the Arrabiata sausage dish! If you like spicy, you'll love this!

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Baked Ziti

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Pizza was so good

Applebee's Grill + Bar

Service was great the food came out piping hot, and great flavor. The restaurant was clean and well…read moretaken care of

I love the expansive menu. Service is always good and the help are really friendly. Love their 2…read morefor 22 or 24 menu. Family friendly restaurant!

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L D's Filling Station

The breakfast was good. Service was a little slow, but it was busy. The staff were very friendly.read more

This place is adorable!!! it's like taking a step back in a time warp... The decor is absolutely…read moresuper fun with all of the references to cars... All of the items on the menu are named after old cars... We were seated rather quickly on a Saturday morning... Lucky us!!! The food is really good and extremely reasonably priced... The hubby had a Volkswagen... My mom had hubcaps... which were pancakes lol .. and I had a breakfast sandwich... It was a great start to the day and you can't go wrong coming here

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Breakfast sandwich

Volkswagen

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I didn't expect this place to be as bright when entering from the outside. Much, much better than I expected!

The Boulevard

4.1

(48 reviews)

5.5 mi

We called in for dinner while passing through town. The food here is to die for. The calamari was…read moremelt in your mouth fresh (so good we had to order a second round), salmon with mango salsa, jambalaya pasta and rib eye steak were all flavourful and delicious. Great service too. Can't wait to go back!

We stopped here on the way home during a road trip for lunch. Online It looked like a casual…read moresports bar, but it's actually a pretty upscale place with a fancy bar. They had a lot of fun entree options, but It was lunch, so we just decided to split a few appetizers. We got the beef nachos and breaded mushrooms. The breaded mushrooms were actually really good, good quality of mushrooms (portobello), big, and homemade breading. The nachos were plentiful, but just okay. The chips were definitely not homemade and the beef was just a bit dry, I've definitely had better, but it was loaded with a nice amount of toppings and the salsa was good. Both were tons of food for us to split and be full to continue our journey home. Our server was attentive and even offered to accommodate my friends' light diet request despite us not going that route.

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Nice bar and comfortable booths/tables

Fries and bar back

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Mushroom Risotto

Awe’z Sandwich Shop

Nice throwback diner spot for lunch! Expect a wait because everything is made to order. Nice Mason…read moreCity gem.

Great loose meat sandwich. Haven't been here for years and it hasn't changed. That's a good thing!…read moreGreat Ladies filling up the buns so full you won't be disappointed. Fries are hot and fresh and malt free hick and creamy.

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Loose meat with cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchup.

Crisscut fries

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Onion rings

Pasta Bella

My wife and I visited Pasta Bella on a Sunday evening around 5:00 PM. When we arrived, the…read morerestaurant was not very busy, but by the time we finished our meal, the dining room had filled up and was extremely busy--a good sign that this is a popular local favorite. One thing that stood out was how well staffed the restaurant was. Even as the dining room became busier, service never slowed down. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and did an excellent job making sure our drinks were filled, checking on our meals, and making sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. I ordered the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with a house salad, and my wife had the Chicken Florentine (without mushrooms) along with a cup of Pasta Fagioli soup. Overall, the meal was excellent. The house salad was average but a nice size, featuring lettuce, a cucumber slice, a tomato slice, and croutons. The Pasta Fagioli soup had a very good flavor and was prepared a little differently than what we're accustomed to, but we both really enjoyed it. We were also served fresh-baked Italian rolls, which were warm and delicious. The entrée portions were extremely generous. My Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo arrived piping hot, and the Alfredo sauce had a phenomenal flavor. My wife's Chicken Florentine included two chicken breasts that were well-seasoned, tender, and cooked perfectly. She thoroughly enjoyed her meal as well. We had planned to order dessert, but the portion sizes were so large that we simply didn't have room. For two dinners, soup, salad, rolls, and water to drink, our total bill was right around $40, which we felt was an excellent value for the quality and quantity of food we received. We will definitely be back and would highly recommend Pasta Bella to anyone looking for great Italian food, generous portions, attentive service, and outstanding value in Mason City.

They were swamped to say the least. The staff there hustled like you Wouldn't believe. We had…read moredrinks salad and bread within five or six minutes of getting seated. We ordered when we put in our drink order because we knew it was so busy. Expecting a long wait we had our food within 10 minutes after getting our drinks. It was delicious as always they were even working 4 ppl short tonight. Clean place friendly staff excellent food. We always get the same thing: the Arrabiata sausage dish! If you like spicy, you'll love this!

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Baked Ziti

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Pizza was so good

Taco Tico

FOOD --very good--our favorite is deluxe tostada:: perfectly crunchy tostada with taco meat,…read morerefried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream...AND the options of black olives, jalapeño, green onions, at no extra charge...THEN top it with mild sauce, hot sauce, or green sauce... TOTALLY AWESOME SERVICE--is fast and pleasant. Anxious to please. Order is paced at counter & brought out to you AMBIANCE-- clean and pleasant without extra 'frills. PRICES--very reasonable compared to other places

Service was quick, price was cheap, food was satisfying. If you want hot, reliably good Tex Mex…read morestyle food, this is your joint! I love Tex Mex with a touch of authentic, and that is what Taco Tico delivered. I went back twice while I was in the area, it was so good! It is not a 5 star restaurant or anything special. It simply hit the spot, cheaply and reliably. Their canned refried beans are filling. Best thing there? Deluxe tostada!!!!!!

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Enchilada platter with taco, chips, refried beans, enchilada, and rice

Tico dinner missing one bite

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Sauces, jalapeños, black olives and extras

Northwestern Steakhouse

DON'T Judge a steak by its building!! It looks cozy and old-school on the outside, but the food…read moreinside is straight-up legendary! The steaks are ridiculously tender, juicy and seasoned so simply that the flavor of the meat does all the talking. You can even cut it with plastic silverware if you need too! Like.. melt-in-your-mouth, cancel all your plans after, think about it for days...kind of good!!!!! Do NOT forget about the Greek spaghetti...the perfect combination of butter, cheese and whatever secret ingredient they use, is the best sidekick to the steak! I normally choose the filet. The Bread: just get it. Used best as a juice cleaner upper when you are saddened by the steak already being digested and all you have left is the liquid reminder that you just housed as steak faster than an Indy Car. Get there early. This is not a suggestion, this is a warning. They are always packed. Just remember, if you find yourself near a baseball complex....you are surely close to one of the best restaurants in the MIDWEST! Enjoy!

One of the best steaks I've ever had and their spaghetti noodles with steak juice on it is…read moreexceptional. Service was wonderful and made fabulous martinis Definitely will go back when I'm in town.

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Inside

AMAZING. Filet, Greek spaghetti, I travel for work and have eaten across the world...never had anything like this meal!

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Outside

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

Food was excellent along with service, would highly recommend if you enjoy authentic Mexican…read morecuisines

Absolutely wonderful, Grateful they had queso! Clean place…read moreand service right on, very happy place to dine. The wait staff saw to our needs quickly. The windows made us feel comfortable and inside very much like little Mexico. Great place to meet up with family and friends! Prices very reasonable

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Chips & Salsa and Guacamole

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4 street mini tacos with side of rice

The Quarry Restaurant

Sitting on the plaza patio on a warm October evening was perfection. The dirty martini and…read moremargaritas were well prepared and met expectations as excellent cocktails. Shared the sweet potato hummus with house made crackers and veggies. It was flavorful and my dining partner was a hummus virgin (yes, that's a thing) and loved the hummus! The service was great. We were not forgotten outside and our server was attentive without being too much. This is a definite stop when you come to Mason City to enjoy all the beautiful architecture and history the city offers.

The ambiance was delightful, welcoming. We loved the couches and cozy atmosphere…read more The food was fantastic! The walleye fish and chips were SO good! The fish was cooked perfectly!! The Cuban sandwich was fresh and delicious! The service was lacking - we had to ask for salt & pepper. We were never offered sweetener for our tea. It was not explained that there are no menus - just a posted QR code. We had to ask after being left sitting for several minutes. All in all - we will go back!

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Bar area

Chicken enchilada on flatbread with avocado and ranch

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Outside dining

The Blue Heron

4.8

(105 reviews)

2.5 mi

First time here and had the grilled chicken sandwich with their home made chips. Delicious!!…read more Service amazing and just an overall friendly place!! Highly recommend!!!

Battered and fried green bell peppers? I had to order them with my sandwich simply because I've…read morenever had them anywhere. I'm glad I did. They were delicious. It's very similar to the flavor of a jalapeño popper (without the bacon, cream cheese, or the heat). They have a modest sized parking lot that is a one-way. We sat at the bar and both had sandwiches. I ordered a burger but subbed out the beef patty for a chicken breast. The chicken breast was seasoned and juicy, but it actually made the American cheese on my sandwich a little too slippery. Better than the alternative, though! I would eat here again, but I might try something different next time. The menu wasn't super large, but they had enough apps, sandwiches, and burgers to choose from.

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Stained glass over bar

Fried Pickles

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Lovely Pinot Grigio.

State Street Deli

Very good food and service!! Whenever I get the chance to go I always choose this placeread more

Have had a sandwich here once. It was good but think they are a little pricey! They do a good…read morebusiness so this is just my opinion.

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Bd Z.

0

6

2

8 years ago

Retired Critic compelled to Critique So here I am, writing again after years of being out of the loop. I wrote back in the days before all this online stuff. Before all this everybody is a critic thing. Back in the days where we were paid to write up our opinions and sell them off to the papers of note. And, with that said, I've chosen to write about a chain restaurant, that is anything but... Rib Crib in Mason City, Iowa... This place, a place you would expect to be on par with any other chain place - with average service, average fare, and average... well, everything - is anything but. I went here a few times and enjoyed the smoked ribs and chicken. I sat with my wife and thought "not bad, really good, actually, what a place". It took me a while to realize that this place wasn't a typical chain restaurnt. I kept expecting them to drop the ball. To do something "middle of the road" so to say. But each time, no - they kept up the service and the quality. So I played along. I dropped a fork, I asked questions about food, I was particular about drinks and service, I requested "off menu" items and service. To my surprise, they came through - they knocked it out of the park. They did all the things a five star, Michellen Star restaurant would offer. They met the challenge and served well. I found the place to be not only up to par, but a comfortable place that I felt welcomed in and that I wanted to return to. And so I did. In time, I decided that I wanted to know more. I checked out their kitchen (top shelf). I talked to their cooks (actually cared). And I spoke at length with their service staff, bartenders, and management (all invested). What is it that Rib Crib is doing to make these people care? Profit sharing? Bonuses? I don't think so. Bottom line: the corporation gives the individual locations the freedom to experiment and do what is right for the customers in their area. This allows for them to tailor their offerings and care to the locals they serve. Do you live in the area? If so, this is the place you NEED to visit. Enjoy yourself! They will make sure you do. With that said - I want to speak to the drink menu. A lot of places that do good food, do not necessarily do good drinks. This place does both. I was very impressed with Rib Crib's willingness to allow their bartenders the freedom to experiment with cocktails. I tried a few house favorites - local recipies that their bartender came up with, that really appeal to the area and pair well with the smokey fare of the meats. I tried a number of cocktails, and I'd like to hilight a few here. I highly recommend coming in and trying the "Berry Wobbler" - its a light and smooth rum drink with that fits well on a date night or a party of people. Or try the "Peachy Keen" - a refreshing concoction that finishes sweet, enhancing the enjoyment of the smoked ribs or chicken that Rib Crib is known for. Other mixes I found notable were the "One Night Stand" that has the hint of coconut and is a great lubricant for a first date. Finally, I would finish up with the "Lemon Sour Diesel" which is a nice contrast to the other fruity drinks, providing a solid melon flavor that finishes clean and palate-cleansing. Paired with their famous ribs or Dynamite Chicken Salad, these drinks really do the trick. I hope that these humble hints from an old-school reviewer like me will help to drive you to the Rib Crib. It's worth the time. The prices are middle of the road, to be sure, and the quality of both food and service are the tops! Check it out today - it is worth it! read more

Thomas J.

0

2

0

5 years ago

This is horrible. Let me start with a complaint, they are unhandled and make food with no gloves. Garbage service, eat here if you want to wait an hour for food... read more