Amazing!!! Such tasty sandwiches & salad for lunch. We had the Granny - turkey with sliced Granny Smith apples on sourdough hoagie - and the Portside - thinly sliced chicken breast with avocado, lettuce & tomatoes on sourdough sandwich bread - with a side of broccoli salad (traditional Iowa potluck!). And a huge triple chocolate hot mess caramel fudge brownie. Food you would make for yourself, but you're on vacation! Staff is so welcoming & efficient. Don't be intimidated by the long line - enjoy chatting with those around you. A definite return visit is called for. read more

This place has been open for about 25 years and I wish I had known it when I lived in the area. We stopped through and ordered four sandwiches and a couple salads. All was made to order and the service was good. Definitely a local place. LOTS of great options in the menu and was difficult to decide. I had the chance to taste each of the four sandwiches and all were good - but only one of them was amazing. The other three were still very good and unique... but not as over the top as the The Dill (I think it was). I would easily recommend this place and plan to go back the next time I'm in town. In addition, this isn't a sit down place - you will need to leave with your drop What I could tell. There were some tables in the alley... but the lake is a close walk for a good view while eating. Finding this place was a pleasant surprise. Support local! read more

When we walked in we were blown away by all the options! When it was time to order an amazing staff member walked us through the whole thing! We got some basic sandwiches and a dessert platter. We sat outside at one of the 3 tables. We all agreed that it was the freshest sandwiches we have ever had. In our dessert pack that we bought was a mint and chocolate brownie. It was one of the best fuge and brownies ever! All in all, this was a cozy and tasty restaurant.This store wins the best sandwhich shop EVER award from our family !!! read more

Starboard Market - Outside photo of the best sandwich shop EVER!! - American Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

The Best Lunch in town. Period. The nicest people you will ever meet. It is for pickup/to go only now, which is actually pretty smart idea, as their tiny little gem was always uncomfortably cozy. Now it's super easy to order and be on your way. There is a really nice City Park half a block away that is a great place to eat an Amazing lunch. If you are in Clear Lake, looking for a place to get lunch, StarBoard Market is the place to go. BTW, the greatest Treat selection you could ever want. read more

Starboard Market - One of the many deserts offered. - American Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

See all

Our experience lived up to the other 5 star reviews. Just delicious! We had the FROG sandwich which was perfect temp, lightly grilled, excellent flavor, great bread. The Corn Bread soup was warm, yummy and smoothly delicious. Cashew chicken salad with celery and grapes was a stand out taste. I could eat that all week! Magic Bar topped off the lunch and it is yummy and filled with many layers of delicious dessert. We had to eat in the car due to the cool temps and wind but it was a short drive for a lake view. This is such a great menu I could go back every day to taste something new. read more

First visit to Clear Lake and this place looked jammin so had to pop in for lunch. They offer several different sandwiches, all made to order (I had turkey) , soups (had chicken enchilada), and an AMAZING bakery bar (had a cookie dough brownie, and a sopapilla bar - you'll be tempted to try them all). The sandwich, the soup and the baked items were all AMAZING. So much flavor in every single item, was extremely impressed by the care and quality that they put into their food. This place is open until 2:30 most days and is usually packed. Easy parking on the main street near the shop. read more

Although I live in St Petersburg, Florida, my first & favorite restaurant to visit in Iowa is Starboard Market. We have hundreds of delis, markets, restaurants within a short trip here, I always compare the tiny Starboard Market with each. Now, if I could simply move them here! read more

Brilliant creations; we tried several sandwiches and although the salads were limited by the time we arrived, the ones that were there earlier that we saw on plates looked fantastic! The line never ceased to remain out the door. All the locals love this place! The desserts are all unique, amazing and this locale could stand alone as a bakery, too! read more

See all

Yummy everything. They have a wide selection of sandwiches and incredible salads. You need to save room for dessert because you won't be able to turn down their bars and brownies. Plan to eat in the park or somewhere other than the shop. read more

Stayed with a friend in Clear Lake and we got lunch boxes from Starboard Market. The sandwiches were amazing. We had the #3, #6, #9, and #13 and picking between them is like picking my favorite amongst my children. Super fresh ingredients, the salad options on the side were all great and the cookies were excellent. The full sandwich option was plenty of food for anyone. Highly recommend this spot. read more

Such an awesome staple to downtown Clear Lake! I stopped in the other day, order the Moose sandwich and pasta salad. I arrived at 11:30 and there was already a short line. By the time I ordered the line was out the door. The employees do a great job of moving the line along and you never feel hurried or rushed. The food is all made from scratch and fantastic! You absolutely must try something from their dessert case, which is rotating depending on the day, this time I had a salted nut roll bar. Definitely a must stop if you are looking for a quick lunch in Clear Lake! read more

See all

Nestled in the town of Clear Lake, IA is this little sandwich shop with an overwhelming array of sandwich options. Sandwiches not your thing? Fine, choose from one of their equally overwhelming prepared salad options. Oh wait, salads not your thing? No worries, they also featured a few different soup options that are all equally rich, delicious and most likely against every dietary recommendation your doctor has given you. Order your lunch at the counter, pay at the opposite counter and don't forget to grab one of their homemade dessert options to finish off your meal. Find a seat in their little establishment or sit outside on their patio (in the alley). Regardless of what you order, you pretty much can't go wrong. read more

I couldn't eat last Tuesday because I had a colonoscopy scheduled for Wednesday. I called Jen at the Starboard and asked her to save me a couple of pieces of raspberry cheesecake for my post colonoscopy celebration. Im thinking about scheduling another colonoscopy next week so I can justify gorging myself on it again. It was that good. read more

The best soups and salads! Their sandwiches and sweets are the best I've ever had. My only complaint is I wish they were open year round, but maybe the waiting makes it even more delicious. A must have if you go to Clear Lake read more

This is in response to Elina's review below, I have eaten in this restaurant since its opening, go often, sorry but the review sounds so far off base, from ALL my eating experiences over time. At any establishment things can go away, such as the A/C, as far as teenagers go most would be behind in the kitchen, it does get chaotic in season. The sandwiches I would put up against any and I travel lots very comparable-to say Sherman's in Palm Springs, Ca. Since there is no specification of ingredients,or changes it is difficult to combat this kind of review. Honestly in the future to those that feel this strongly, it would be helpful to discuss this while there, with the owners, they are the best ever and very accommodating. This review will not deter me or all those that are frequent patrons and to the staff please keep up the good work. Love all the food. Merry Christmas to you all. read more

Delicious! This is definitely a hidden gem. If your ever in the area you need to try it because they have some amazing little gourmet sandwiches. I had the Club Flyer and it was 3 different meats with cheese and crispy bacon... its just perfect. I got half club half soup and it was the chicken enchilada soup. At the checkout station they have all sorts of sweets. I went for the gluten free chocolate chip cookie and it melted in my mouth. Cant wait to go back when I fly into Mason City next. read more

See all

The line was super long when we walked in and we almost left...but we decided to wait it out and eat cuz it looked so good when we were walking by! Man are we glad we decided to stay!!! Got the club on marble bread- Delicous! And had lots of meat(see pic), got the fruit salad on the side. Nice ripe fruit in it (strawberries were amazing!) Mom got the half club on rye and chicken enchilada soup(soup was to die for!!) Dad got Ham salad sandwich and potato salad(both were very good!) For desserts came with 2 cookies snicker doodle was good, chocolate chip with melt in your mouth gooey goodness!! Also got the peanut butter oatmeal bar which was also great. They had so many desserts that looked amazing! Even had a gluten free one. Everything is made with love here! So good! Might make a point to stop here again when we are driving to Minnesota! read more

Starboard Market - Yummy club! Amazing chicken enchilada soup! Delicious fruit salad! And I also loved the pickle! - American Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

Starboard Market is a must-do when visiting Clear Lake, Iowa. You can't miss with their sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. My favorite is the chicken enchilada soup! read more

This is a great deli with really good and fresh ingredients. The mango chutney was fantastic as was the cornbread soup-will definitely go back when in the area again! read more

Starboard Market is 5 star Top Notch! Jen , Dude and the gang are always friendly and awesome!

We enjoyed stopping here on our way back home from a trip to Minneapolis. Cute little downtown not far off the highway, only a few blocks away from the lake. Good food, friendly service. read more

Really liked our sandwiches! Had cup of salad as a side but could have done a "salad plate" instead, with three of their interesting deli salads, yum! So many tasty choices. Husband loved the corn salad - Even I liked it, because it was fresh-off-the-cob corn. The chicken salad with celery and grapes and cashews was also excellent; the grapes seemed so fresh, and that matters!! Broccoli salad looked like the delicious one my grandma used to make but will have to try that next time. read more

This is a great spot for a classic cold cut. There are lots of side options and they always have fresh Pie. As I recall, you can stop and see Mary in the morning to request a pie at lunch and she'll have it ready for you. I'd love to live in Clear Lake and stop here for lunch every day. Alas, there are no corporate jobs in this beautiful town. read more

This place is packed, and as soon as you try out the food, you will know why! This quaint little deli is located in downtown Clear Lake, and it is a very popular lunch menu. Their sandwiches are unique, and so amazingly delicious. They have tons of great sides, too, way beyond the standard chips. And of course, they have dessert! It's rather difficult to get a seat, due to a small location and popularity. I'd recommend just getting your sandwich to go! My mouth is watering just thinking about this place. Is it time for lunch yet? read more

Absolutely the best deli at which I have ever dined! Food, service, friendly folk...all superb!

BEST lunch in clear lake, try the corn chowder! They deserts are too good as well. I love the sugar cookie bar.

Tasty as hell! Get here early because there WILL be a line. Try the Granny or The Big Heavy.

I hate to write negative reviews, especially for mom&pops, and especially for one of the few lunch options in this cute little town...BUT...I feel compelled to do it in this case. We read rave reviews on TripAdvisor and planned to come here for lunch while enjoying a lazy day in Clear Lake. There weren't many other options for lunch but this place got great reviews. We didn't expect anything amazing but were hungry and looking forward to some solid, Midwestern sandwiches. We walk up and this tiny place was crowded, line out the door. Good sign, right? Not so much. Here is why: 1. No AC. At all. It was like a hot box and that automatically got me paranoid (i.e. food safety). 2. No way to read the chalkboard menu until you made it to the very front. 3. The place is staffed entirely by teenagers who didn't look happy to be there. 4. Bagged Lays potato chips as sides. 5. The sandwiches were SO bad. Not gross or anything, just...BAD. They were bland, under seasoned, under dressed, mediocre ingredients that did not pair well...nothing we couldn't have slapped together ourselves in a few minutes (and honestly, that would have been a better idea). I'll end on a positive: the lady at the register (owner?) was very upbeat and pleasant, the homemade desserts and fresh-squeezed lemonade looked really appetizing. Hope this place steps it up in terms of providing patrons consistent quality and friendly service - it has a lot of potential just lacks execution. read more

Starboard Market is THE must-stop spot in Clear Lake for a sandwich or salad. Nice sized portions made fresh daily. The best savings, if you're hungry, is to grab the salad medley or the boxed lunch. You can get both under $11. The boxed lunch includes a sandwich, chips, salad and cookie. The salad medley includes three salads from where else, the salad section. Lots of salads to choose from, too. Even calorie-craving carnivores will enjoy the choices. My favorite signature sandwiches are the Port Side and Italian, but I haven't heard anyone complain about anything offered. An interesting soup to try is the cheesy cornbread. It's a good comfort-food choice. I don't eat dessert, but if you have a sweet tooth it will be difficult to pass up the 7-layer chocolate cake and other assorted goodies offered at the register. Great service from a small crew that really enjoys what they're doing. read more

Every time I'm home I make sure to get lunch here at least once. The sandwiches are awesome. Great meats, fresh vegetables and creative combinations. Their salads are also great and its almost impossible to pass up a super chocolaty and minty brownie for desert. Pretty much the perfect summer lunch. read more

The assortment of salads that you can get either to eat in or take out is just amazing. I especially love the traditional chicken salad and the seafood salad. read more

Starboard Market - A picnic by the lake! - American Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

If only small-town Iowa had more places like this. After eating too many "meat and potato" meals while biking Ragbrai, the Starboard Market was a sight for sore eyes. We happened to stumble upon this place and I'm so glad we did. Fruits, veggies, salads, soups, sandwiches and much more. I had the Zephyr sandwich which has smoked turkey, havarti, and their cranberry chutney on cracked wheat bread. Yum! I also got a side of strawberries and cream. Delicious. We sat on the patio and watched as the Ragbrai bikers rolled though town. I went back for more and got a slice of raspberry cheesecake. This is not your usual crappy, frozen cheesecake that most restaurants serve. This is the real deal. I can only hope that Iowa (and the whole Midwest for that matter) can produce more places like this. Check this place out. read more

We dined at Starboard Market on 10/9/19. I had the Chicken Salad on a croissant. There were large chunks of chicken and of celery and too much mayo. The croissant was fresh and delicious. Personally, I'd reduce the mayo and add some salt. My husband had the roast beef with cream cheese on a brioche bun. He felt that it was tasty but that there was not very much roast beef on the sandwich. We did not have any of the salads or desserts although they all looked yummy! read more

Love, love, love this place! Soup Favs : Chicken Enchilada, cheesy cornbread and spinach artichoke. Sandwich Favs: Dilly Beef, The dude and the turkey and cranberry Sammy ( forget the name). The grasshopper brownie is the best desert if you like chocolate and mint. All side dishes are great too! The line can be long and you may spend a little more but the food matches the price and the food is worth waiting for! I love grabbing lunch to go and enjoying it at the sea walk with a beautiful lake view! read more

We come to this area every year on Memorial Day weekend and make sure we take the time to go to Starboard Market. The food is delicious and the staff is amazing. Luckily, there is a park just a block away so you can sit outside and enjoy your food! read more

Great little lunch place. I got my lunch to go and everything was packaged up. The cornbread salad was okay and the Italian sub was awesome. Service was okay. The woman behind the counter was not very friendly and seemed to have a chip on her shoulder. I asked which sandwich she recommends (I'm not a local) and she seemed annoyed that I asked. read more

this place deserves 10 stars!!!!! a little pricey (obviously, it's 2022) but the quality is so worth it - the staff is so kind & helpful! best lunch ever!!! read more

Well, it has character. Its a "chick deli" , and heavy on the mayo. The "tuna melt" was neither. They apparently have something called tuna salad, that must have some tuna in it but is mostly mayonnaise, water chestnuts (a lot), celery, and a bunch of other watery vegetables. They should squeeze before they add. So they use it to make their "melt", but its not melted, kinda warmed. Try something else. The "signature soup" was not bad, "cheesy cornbread" was actually corn chowder with cheese, and presumably some crumbled cornbread. Its a chick deli because it is a bit cute, or as Katy said, "Lovely", and because of all the quote marks this review demands. You go in the bathroom and there is a sign that tells you to spritz with "Poop-pouri". I didnt get whether the spritz was for me or the toilet bowl. To their credit everything looked to be made there, not canned food, and they are making an effort to be creative and interesting, much better than the chains near the interstate, so i gave them a three. The main take away here is 3 things, taste before you buy, think twice about hot panini sandwiches, and three, shop around, there are other restaurants on Main St. On the other hand, if water chestnuts on your tuna melt is your thing, you done found Hog Heaven. read more

No one was wearing a mask, employees included. Their employees are standing in front and breathing on baked goods all day. These same goods are then sold to customers. Especially with Iowa's high COVID rate, they should be acting less recklessly. Will not be returning until the pandemic is over. Good soups though. read more

This small café was decorated really nice. The young girls behind the counter were very helpful and made good recommendations. The food was actually very good my only complaint is that the owner or manager was very abrupt with people and seemed quite rude. read more

Starboard Market - a wall of black and white photographs - American Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa