Met up with some friends at The Lucky Pig on the first leg of a motorcycle trip. Was not disappointed!! We had arrived a little early and had a few drinks at the bar waiting for our crew. The bartender was a hoot and she started off the evening with some good laughs and good beverages. Ordered some Jalapeno poppers and Onion rings for apps. Both were homemade and fantastic! For dinner, my wife had the Salmon and I did the Pulled Porky Pig sandwich and we were both very happy with our meals. We had a party of 7 and food all came out quick and hot and don't think there was anyone in our party that went hungry one bit. Really a nice casual dining place and service was friendly and quick. Loved it and only sorry that it is over 200 miles from home. read more

Great, friendly service in a small local diner! We're not disappointed with the prize winning tenderloin sandwich and fries! A huge, thick cut tenderloin, cooked perfectly and served on a toasted bun with all the sides. Delicious flavor and more than enough to satisfy a hungry appetite. I'll be back and highly recommend!!! read more

The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill - Tenderloin sandwich with fries - American Near Me - Ogden, Iowa

My husband and I have been wanting to try a Pork Tenderloin for awhile and this place says theirs is "award winning". The restaurant is located in downtown Ogden. There is seating in the front then you walk thru the bar area then in the back is a hip dining area of high tops, booths, tables bad chairs and bench seating. There are 4 large TVs and also seating outside. 2 pg menu. Of course we ordered the tenderloin sandwiches. They come with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and onions and 1 side. My husband got cottage cheese, which was the size of a to go sauce. I ordered sweet potato fries which were really good. They were super busy and the food took awhile, there was 1 server for the whole back part. The vibe is fun and family like. Everyone knows everyone. There is also a room at the front for party that can be reserved. Will be trying this place again soon. read more

See all

Hit up Lucky Pig on a Saturday night after a long day at volleyball. Everything was great! Thanks to Lisa for putting a smile on a couple grumpy girls' faces with a brownie and ice cream. read more

Definitely outside of the metro, but not a long drive. I've wanted to try the tenderloin here for a while since it's been touted as one of the better ones on the Iowa Tenderloin Trail. I don't buy into the contests much as most of them seem to be popularity contests. At least to get enough votes to be on the list of places the judges visit in the end... I only trust to a point and need to verify for myself. We walked into the Lucky Pig at about 1145 am or so Saturday (yesterday). There was a please wait to be seated sign, but a staff member told us to grab a seat wherever we wanted. The place is bigger than it seems. The front section is tables and chairs. There's a private room off to the side. The kitchen and a counter with the cash register are towards the middle. There's a bar and what appeared to be booths towards the back. The decor is minimal and old school. You kind of look around and think... I bet breakfast here is hella good. If you know what I mean? Our drink orders were taken quickly and menus dropped off. Our server (Mary) came by shortly after. The lunch menu is a condensed version of the dinner menu. They don't make onion rings for lunch. Still a good selection of items to choose from. We ordered the breaded tenderloin with a side of fries and the bay of pigs (a Cuban) with a side salad. The iced tea is brewed fresh daily. One of the best teas I've had in a long time. Tasted like old fashioned Lipton. The way it used to be. No frills. Strong enough for good flavor, not watered down, but not over the top. The fries are like a double fried version. Fried once and then dropped again to give them that extra crispy crunch. Excellent! The side salad was okay... The lettuce was chopped into very small pieces and there wasn't enough dressing for the amount of lettuce. It was good but I regretted not getting the side of fries. We were Nick's fans as far as tenderloins and it's been hard to find a suitable replacement. Tenderloins are many in the metro, but almost every one is unique unless it comes out of the back of a Sysco truck. The tenderloin at The Lucky Pig is probably the closest to Nick's that we've found so far. A good portion of pork. Probably somewhere in between the Queen and King size. Crunchy breading and the flavor of the pork wasn't overshadowed. A great tenderloin imho! The bay of pigs (the Cuban) was good. The amount of ham kind of drowned out the pork loin, and the pork loin was shredded. It was a fine sandwich too, but not even close to the tenderloin. Our server checked on us often and was quick to meet our requests. Refills, a little more ranch, etc. At the end of the meal you go to the register to pay. There is a small discount for paying cash. This is plainly posted on placards at each table. Our bill came to $28 and change before tip. Ogden is a little bit of a drive, but then again so are Dexter (The Rusty Duck) and Luther (Whatcha Smokin'). We frequent our closer metro spots much more than we leave the confines of its borders... But we don't mind redefining those lines for good food! Definitely a great first impression and we will be back! read more

See all

Food was good, will return. Service was prompt and friendly. Pork tenderloin was huge and one of best we have had and onion rings were great also. read more

The food was out standing. Nice clean place to sit down down and eat. Staff was friendly

Good pub food, great service, and a comfy atmosphere. Good for family dinners, an easy night out with friends, or a casual date night. Menu is clear, broad enough to suit most folks, and well prepared/presented. read more

Understandably excited for this meal, it's been over 2 mo since we've dined out to eat. Being from the DSM area, dine in for us means driving a ways away from our counties still closed for dine-in service. A lovely 40 minute drive to Ogden, Iowa brought us to this small town, local pub. Set in what I can only imagine is their "downtown" is a random pub along the strip. We dressed up like it was our first date out, and it truly felt that way (I almost forgot how to put on make up)! I was giddy like a high schooler getting ready for prom, and ironic correlation given current times. The 40 minutes was filled with lovely conversation about what we could potentially be going to eat, since the location was a surprise for me and I wasn't sure if he was taking me to eat Mexican, Italian, or bar food. I was honestly excited for anything we landed upon. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by a host and noticed immediately that the tables were spaced extremely far apart. She asked where we wanted to sit and we could pick any open table. We picked the most corner table of the restaurant, giddy like teenagers on their first date picking the "most romantic" corner. Our server was a lovely young mother, one of her first days out since quarantine, and was genuinely excited to have other humans to talk to. She was very sweet. We immediately ordered two cold beers and a 1/2 order of the homemade jalapeño poppers, which turned out to be truly homemade. Four large, whole fresh jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with a slice of bacon. No heavy breading, nothing but bacon wrapped (fresh) jalapeños. Totally up our alley, we aren't really pickled jalapeño fans (will eat but not first choice). She asked me for an ID but not my date, double bonus points for her! I am pretty sure my age shocked her but that's even better As we waited for our drinks and appetizer, we skimmed the menu which seem to be extremely bar food like but extensive with various choices. It was exciting. We settled on their award winning, voted #1 in Iowa pork tenderloin with a side of cheeseballs (upgrade). We also opted for the prime rib med/rare, with a side of sautéed vegetables and a salad. We both love ranch dressing but we are picky about real ranch versus bottled, and stuff this was the real deal. Obviously homemade given that we could taste the ranch powder, sour cream and mayonnaise that went into making this dressing. Outstanding. Love me some homemade ranch! As we were about done with our appetizers, our meals came out with more chatter from our lovely server, sharing her trials and tributes of quarantining with her children and husband, and the excitement of being back to work. She seemed genuinely excited and grateful to be serving us and that was a really special feeling. We both dove face first into our meals. I finished up the sautéed veggies before our server even left the side of our table. They were sautéed in some type of herb butter and cooked al dante; not too soggy and not too raw. I could have made an entire meal out of just another side of sautéed vegetables but I had a 10oz prime rib awaiting. Coupled with a side of creamy horseradish and au jus, I must say the prime rib was rather bland. I didn't find any of the spices along the sides to have any flavor at all. Oh well, not the end of the world because I decided then that I would take the meat home and whip it up for breakfast with a side of eggs. I moved onto my side salad and a bite of pork tenderloin. I do have to say that the size and thickness of the pork tenderloin is exactly our preference, not pounded out flat like a fritter but with actual substance. Only complaint...it was not cooked all the way in the center. We could've sent it back to be cooked a little longer but no harm no foul, we had other things to eat and decided to take our leftovers home so we could reheat ourselves. Honestly, no skin off our backs, we were just excited to be out and about, have great and personal service, and be away together out of the house. This is my kind of off-the-beaten-path pub to go and relax at. We will definitely be back. If quarantine has taught us anything, it's that we enjoy getting in the car and driving out of town to some central Iowa, off the beaten path town to try their local fare. Can't wait to go back and try their McCoys Pizza with sausage and green olives. As a not-so-much-of-a pizza fan, I am always up to try pizza, regardless if it's my first choice or not, but bonus if it has green olives on it! Last was the homemade caramel apple pie ala mode . No, I'm not a dessert fan but I had a bite of it and it was delish. CLEARLY not store bought, no vending machine apple pie to be found here! We will definitely be back, not only for the service and food, but also because this place will always be special to us as our first dine-in place after two very long months. read more

See all

I have mixed feelings about this place mainly because of service from one employee... we walked in and a woman who had some tattoos and lighter hair was just plain rude.... She really just left a bad taste in our mouth.. she told the hostess we have no where to sit them in the most snarkiest way.... until the woman who works at the bar came out and greeted us... I cannot begin to say it but she was just the sweetest person I've ever met... she made sure we were taken care of and sat us immediately... she tended to us from the minute we walked in and when we left... our server... I wish I would have caught names but she had brown hair and wore glasses... she was fantastic and funny! Gave us recommendations and had so much patience with my 2 drink spilling toddlers... the food was DELICIOUS!!! And I mean it... the pizza, the jalapeño burger... everything was fantastic! thank you to the 2 women who completely changed a bad experience into one that will make us make the 12 hour drive again to be here! read more

We stopped in to celebrate my husband's birthday, sat at the bar and were welcomed by others and great bartender! She recommended the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes, it was amazing! Atmosphere was great, and we made some friends in the process, win win! Thanks for a great night out! read more

See all

Tenderloin was raw and they made us pay for food didn't give us no discount after giving us another tenderloin and our drinks were empty for a long time waitress in didn't get to us in time as we get I need in Romeo way to wait to get a refills wasn't satisfied read more

The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill - Tenderloin was raw and we had to pay for food - American Near Me - Ogden, Iowa

The buddy & I road out on the Harley's for a quick dinner. Both got the award winning tenderloin & was not disappointed. Talked to the owner for a lil as he's a Harley rider himself. Definitely worth the ride out & will be back for sure read more

The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill - Award winning Tenderloin - American Near Me - Ogden, Iowa

We love the food we ordered every other Friday for dinner we love the jalapeño with cheese

Should definitely come here. A really good place to come and eat, hang with your friends, etc. there is this one lady that is very talkative and cheers everybody up. She needs a raise. Her name is Lisa and she is awesome. She deserves employee of the month. She is a great person. read more

Fantastic food and very friendly people. The tenderloin in the hamburger that I always order are outstanding I highly recommend this place

The food here is delicious. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to go on a day when they have potato soup. It was FANTASTIC. My sister and I ate here on our drive X country and it was one of our favorite stops. But maybe that's because our waitress Mary is probably the nicest person I've ever met. read more

I found myself in Ogden last week and had remembered someone telling me about a great place to get a good tenderloin. Growing up in Iowa, I'm a big fan of tenderloins and I look all over to find the best. I've had some that are great and others that really are nothing to write home about. With that it mind I pulled up my map app and located the Lucky Pig. Within a minute I was at the front door. I decided to see for myself if all of the hype is worth it. There's nothing overly fancy about the Lucky Pig. It's a small town bar/restaurant and in a town the size of Ogden, there probably aren't too many other places to compete with. It has simple decor and a nice, clean dining room. It's nothing that you wouldn't see in any small town eatery in a small town in our state. On the wall near the door sits an award, stating that the Lucky Pig was voted Iowa's Best Tenderloin in 2015. Obviously it was going to be a good experience. The staff was friendly and the courteous. Our waitress was nice and very attentive. I believe we met the owner during our visit and he too was very polite. When they brought the tenderloin to the table, it wasn't enormous, nor was it really small. it was a well-cooked, golden fried breaded pork tenderloin. It was both flavorful and tender. I can see why the Lucky Pig was given this honor of Best Tenderloin. Of all the places where I have ever eaten a tenderloin, the Lucky Pig is in the top two or three. Whatever hype they are selling you should be taken at full face value. They make a fantastic tenderloin. If you are anywhere close to Ogden and hungry, stop in at the Lucky Pig and grab one of these awesome breaded pork tenderloins. The prices are good and even if the tenderloin isn't your thing there are plenty of other standard bar & grill menu items to pick from. On top of the food and drinks, you can take home your very own Lucky Pig t-shirt if you so desire. This was a great experience, so much so that it is worth making the trip out there. read more

Great tenderloins. We stopped in on a Sunday while out on the Harley's. Great sandwich. Everyone had a tenderloin and would come back for another one. Finishing off the lunch with homemade pie, what could be better. Cold beer and down home service. Next trip we will try the sliders. read more

The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill - The standard size tenderloin - American Near Me - Ogden, Iowa

See all

I've had steak before. But never like this. I'm not sure how they do it but by-golly this is the best darn steak this side of the Mississippi! A must visit when in Ogden, Iowa. read more

My family & friends have been to The Lucky Pig twice now. We've had good service & great food!!! Each time we have visited we have had a group of 7-8. Everyone has been thrilled with the food. IF you love PORK, this is the place!!! They also have other meats (beef, chicken, fish). They have a tenderloin sandwich that is Thick & HUGE!!! SO GOOD!!! They also have a sandwich called Porky's Revenge that is a tenderloin (same size as normal) ham, bacon, & pulled pork in bbq! I might be missing an ingredient, but its pork heaven! I'm a big eater and I can only eat half! They also have good pies! Only complaint: Both visits the restaurant was cold... very cold. The owner showed up and turned the thermostat up... but we had asked for it to be turned up when we arrived... didn't happen. We mentioned it to owner. Will be going back!!! Keep the PIGS a coming!!! read more

Definitely don't skip dessert! Audra is an amazing waitress! The pork tenderloin sandwich definitely a HUGE sandwich! My manly man could only eat half of it! I had the pulled pork which was extremely filling!! Deb & Randy have an AWESOME Pub!! So glad the other two pubs along our route were closed! read more

We probably come here one a week! Great food. Very friendly staff. I would suggest the BEST burger and the kinky pig for your drink!

Heard about this place from a friend of mine and decided to drive up from Urbandale to check it out. I had the "Bay of Pigs" Cuban sandwich and my friend had the Pork Tenderloin -- 2 thumbs up on both sandwiches -- will definitely be making that road trip again !!! The pie for dessert was an extra bonus and well worth the guilt :) !!! TSN read more

food is very overpriced and not very good. a worker there is also very creepy. i don't like it

Thanks to Yelp we tried this restaurant for lunch. Great choice! I had the "Bay if Pigs", which seems like a unfortunate name for a great sandwich which is their variation on a Cuban. While it lacked certain aspects to make it an authentic Cuban it was very good! My wife had the pulled pork which was excellent. The atmosphere is a very comfortable with lots of room and the service was perfect! read more

WOW is what I have to say bout Lucky Pig in Ogden. Very friendly atmosphere/excellent service and the food. Mmmmmmmm GOOD. We all had tenderloins which were sizable/cooked to perfection. Accompanied by fries and delicious Cole Slaw. I also ordered Spinach Artichoke Dip. It was also yummy. All in all this was a wonderful experience read more

Found this local spot using yelp. Was encouraged by the glowing reviews and boy were we not let down! We were on our way to Des Moines and contemplated waiting for more choices. However this place was better than anticipated. My husband got the Saturday special (a pork chop, potatoes, and green beans). He gave me a bite and the meat was cooked perfect! I got the bay pig and it was excellent! My daughter got the kids Mac and cheese and I loved that it was home made and topped with bacon! She had to defend herself from our forks trying to sneak bites! Our waiter was a young guy, (guessing high school or college) and he was polite and checked back with us often. We always had full drinks and our food came fast! We will be back in the future! A perfect stop on our way to Des Moines!! read more

They offer one of the largest pork tenderloins I have ever seen. More than enough meat on one bun for 2 (or 3) people. They also have fantastic homemade onion rings. read more

Drove from Des Moines just to try their tenderloin and wasn't disappointed. Service was great, enjoyed the atmosphere (TVs everywhere) and the food was excellent. One of the best tenderloins I've ever had and top 3 in the state of Iowa. read more

Stopped by this cool little place on way home from Des Moines. They have one of the best hand breaded pork tenderloins I have ever eaten. They also do pulled (more likely chopped) pork. I ordered some of this on the side to go on the tenderloin. Delicious! The waitress was super friendly as were the locals who seem like they come here frequently. read more

My wife and I heard about the tenderloin and went for a 40 min drive from Van Meter. From the the minute we walked in the door they where so friendly, clean and was WOWED. Fast friendly food and the pie is a must. We will be back !!! read more

Great find for small town iowa. Tenderloin lives ups to its billing. Hand pounded. Thick cut. Fresh made. Solid choice. Onion rings were thin sliced and delicious. Service was pleasant and attentive. I will definitely stop here again on my travels through the state. read more

We stopped here for the first time and had a late lunch. The service was very friendly and helpful. The Tenderloins were good, salad was nice and crisp and a nice size, my husband's potato soup was delicious according to him. We shared an appetizer of tenderloin sliders. We didn't find out until later that they had a half order which would have been the perfect size. The sliders really good read more

Visiting family in Ames and drove here to experience Iowa's #1 rated pork tenderloin sandwich. Charming, cozy and classic small town diner/coffee shop experience. Our group went for the pork tenderloin sandwich and it didn't disappoint. Surprisingly thick cut of pork. Often tenderloin sandwiches are dry. This one wasn't. Breading was light with great flavor and hugged tightly to the meat. And did I mention it's huge? Served with a classic hamburger style bun, lettuce, tomato and onion. I requested a side of mayo to make mine just the way I like it. Sides of cole slaw and fries at the table all received big thumbs up. Unfortunately we were too full after our tenderloins to sample the amazing selection of pies. Service was very welcoming and friendly. I root for places like this to thrive. Give The Lucky Pig a try. read more

Premise this with the fact that there was a musician and it was packed.....that said, the "famous porkchop" was good. Unfortunately the service may have been the worst I have ever experienced. 8 of us at the table, took over 20 minutes before they even took our drink orders. Then over 35 minutes to get food. Server was never at table. Ordered water twice and still didn't get. I waited 25 minutes with an empty water glass and empty drink before server finally showed at table then another 10 minutes to get drinks. The service was so poor I would not go back or recommend. read more

We used Yelp and found this place. Right away we were greeted very friendly by a young man. The waitress was quick and gave us the recommended the pork tenderloin. So that is what we both ordered. The food came out really fast. The tenderloin was HUGE. We ended up cutting 1 in half and boxing the other to take home. It was very yummy. One of the best tenderloins and shoestring onion rings I have ever had. Great place read more

The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill - Pork tenderloin - American Near Me - Ogden, Iowa

they were voted the best tenderloin, but I didn't have it. I had burger instead and it was fantastic . if you are up by their its worth the stop. Also cold beer. read more

Have eaten here several times, and while very pub in Iowa claims to have the best tenderloin, this place could give many a run for their money! As big as your plate, but tasty and moist. All the fixings. You can select from many sides, but I recommend the cilantro rice. Save room for pie! They always have a bunch of good options. Only downside was the bit too greasy onion rings, but you can't fault them too much for that... read more

We went here specifically for the tenderloin after hearing they won the best tenderloin contest. It was fine, there was nothing wrong with it, but I was not overwhelmed by it. We also sat at the table for an hour waiting for our food. They were busy but that was a long time to sit waiting to eat. If you want the best tenderloin, in my opinion, try Cole's Ice Cream in Slater, IA. read more