Where to Eat
Welcome to the dining guide for Clear Lake, Iowa! Clear Lake is a beautiful community located in North Central Iowa and is home to a wide variety of unique and tasty eateries. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a full-course meal, Clear Lake has something for everyone. From classic American diner fare to fine dining experiences, you’ll find it all here. We hope you enjoy exploring the great eateries of Clear Lake and discovering something new!
Clear Lake & Ventura Restaurants
7 Stars Family Restaurant
2309 3rd Ave. S, Clear Lake
(641) 231-8026
This down home eatery features satisfying comfort foods in a cozy café. Serving breakfast all day, they are famous for their Country Hash Browns grilled with bacon, diced ham, onions and peppers topped with American cheese. Hearty entrees that stick to your ribs are joined by a variety of sandwiches, salads and seafood to round out the menu. Check the board for their daily specials and pies of the day.
Bennigan’s Clear Lake
2023 7th Ave. N, Clear Lake
(641) 357-2366
Welcome to Bennigan’s, an upbeat and relaxing place to kick back and experience the genuine spirit of Irish Hospitality while enjoying craveable, crowd-pleasing food and a bountiful selection of ice cold beers, specialty drinks and wines. Our menu combines longtime Bennigan’s favorites with innovative new American fare selections, with different ‘extra special’ values offered every day of the week.
The Boulevard Bar & Grill
1311 Bayou Rd., Clear Lake
(641) 357-3000
The Boulevard Bar and Grill serves American cuisine with a variety of drinks. A bar and grill that you can watch your favorite sports team play and feel like you haven’t left home, or if you’re feeling like playing pool in an elegant environment this is the place for you!
Cabin Coffee Company
303 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6500
Cabin Coffee Company is an upscale coffee house designed to serve coffee lovers and non coffee lovers alike. Log furniture, large rock fireplace, western and north woods decor.
Surf Market – Café du Lac
608 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 425-7975
Surf Market offers freshly roasted, ground, and brewed coffees and a variety of baked goods on Saturday mornings from 7a-11a. You can choose from donuts, bagels, cinnamon rolls, pies, cheesecakes, cakes, baguettes, flatbreads, naan, ciabatta rolls, pizza crusts, hand-rolled pasta like pappardelle, baby bun cakes like chocolate trio and wedding cake white, chocolate-peanut-pretzel crunch, Tuscan herb grinders, and a variety of handy kitchen items and decor. If ordering ahead of time, please order by the Monday before that Saturday’s pickup. SURF’S UP!
Cancun by the Lake
14 N 3rd St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6010
Cancun by the Lake specializes in margaritas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, salads, seafood dishes and much more! Oh, and did we mention the bottomless chips and fresh-made salsa? Located across from City Park, we are open 7 days a week to enjoy lunch & dinner with a lake view. Take out also available.
Charlie’s Soda Fountain
2 N 4th St., Clear Lake
(952) 457-4572
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop to this old-fashioned soda fountain. This newly renovated building brings a bit of nostalgia to Clear Lake offering old favorites like a Phosphate or the Mudd. Stop in to enjoy a soda, soft serve ice cream, malt, sundae, or one of their delicious acai bowls. Their menu has something for everyone!
CLAW Cafe
115 N 20th St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2529
The CLAW Cafe is now open right inside our state-of-the-art Wellness Facility! Stop by for coffee, protein smoothies, refreshers, and a variety of healthy snack and food items. Whether it is pre or post workout nutrition, or something while you watch an event in our fieldhouse, we have something for everyone!
Clear Lake Nutrition
604 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 440-0102
For those looking to kick-start their wellness journey, Clear Lake Nutrition opens on November 21 with an array of nutritious, delicious options. This smoothie and juice bar offers protein-packed shakes, metabolism-boosting energy drinks, and nutrient-dense boosters to fuel your day. Clear Lake Nutrition combines flavor with function, making it easy to get a health boost while enjoying tasty options tailored to your wellness goals. Mark your calendar for their grand opening and stop by to check out their energizing menu!
Cookies, etc.
217 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-1060
These warm-from-the-oven cookies, made from family recipes, are legendary. The giant cookies are baked fresh all day and will wow you with seven different flavors. For a cool treat, try our ice cream sandwiches, shakes, malts, sundaes & generous ice cream cones. Cookies, etc., home of the cookie ATM is a must stop in Clear Lake.
Culver’s
1204 N 25th St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-0757
Using fresh, never frozen 100% Midwest beef, the signature ButterBurgers are seared to perfection and served on a lightly buttered toasted bun. Frozen custard is made fresh in the store throughout the day, using real Wisconsin dairy, cold-pressed vanilla and Dutch-blend chocolate. Try the Flavor of the Day!
Fizz Co. Sips & Sweets
417 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 425-9060
Fizz Co. Sips and Sweets is now open downtown Clear Lake! They offer custom sodas, plant-based energy drinks, unique high quality candy, curated goods & more! They also have a full service mobile drink catering company operating out of a 1980’s horse trailer.
Ge-Jo’s By the Lake Italian Restaurant & Lounge
12 N 3rd St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-8288
Handmade specialties prepared the old-world way with family recipes that have been handed down for generations! Ge-Jo’s is famous for their hand-stretched made-to-order pizza, authentic pasta dishes and 18-ounce Italian margaritas. Dine on the patio overlooking City Park and the lake, and enjoy a variety of homemade sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes or mouthwatering pizza.
Gyro Place
300 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2525
A local family-owned eatery big on authenticity. If you’re craving a gyro, burger or tacos, you can count on us to get your fix – prepared and served right. Bring the whole crew by soon and savor the simple things, like our made-to-order bites for everyone.
Half Moon Inn
701 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 357-9339
Serving delicious char-grilled steaks & seafood since 1972! Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches, and Entrees (served with a hot loaf of bread).
The food is fresh and portions are generous, like the pile of food on the combination platter and their homemade ranch dressing. Be sure to try the crispy hash browns!
Holistic Harmony
313 N 8th St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-4372
Promoting beneficial responses for body, mind and spirit through alternative therapies, teas and education. We serve & sell bulk teas, tea lattes & ice tea-lemonades, herbal remedies to increase wellness, offer classes on mindfulness, herbs, meditation & flower essences and Reiki services.
Lake Liquors Wine & Spirits
910 N. 8th St. W., Clear Lake
Lake Liquors has a great selection of wine, spirits, and beer, including NA beer. The knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect wine for that special meal or gift. And if you’re looking for bourbon, Lake Liquors is the place.
Lake Pin & Play
514 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2600
Located in the Historic Surf District, Lake Pin & Play is your ultimate destination for endless fun! This hotspot features a full service bar and grill, six lanes of bowling, an action packed arcade, and all-sports simulators.
Lake Time Brewery
801 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2040
Established in 2012, Lake Time Brewery was born from a vision to cherish the simple things in life, a state of mind that has translated into great craft beer that can be enjoyed anytime, not just at Lake Time. Lake Time Brewery produces and sells craft beer in Clear Lake Iowa. It has 10 different beers on tap including specialty and seasonal brews.
Lake View Pub
18 N. 3rd St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-5025
Located right next to Pretzelmaker, Lake View Pub is Clear Lake’s newest spot to unwind. This brand-new bar features a full drink menu and a bright, modern atmosphere with a clear garage door that opens to scenic views of City Park and the lake. Grab a handcrafted cocktail, beer, or your favorite Pretzelmaker snack and enjoy the laid-back lake life vibe—indoors or out. Whether you’re meeting friends before a concert at the Surf or soaking in the sunset, Lake View Pub is the perfect place to sip and stay awhile.
Lakeside Landing
1603 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-5124
Conveniently located on the shores of Clear Lake and behind Lakeside Inn, The Landing is a large outdoor lakefront bar and grill with perfect views of the water. They offer a private dock to tie up your boat to stopy by for great food, unique drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere!
Lillie Mae Chocolates
423 Main Ave.
(641) 751-8581
Step into our whimsical world of sweets, where vintage charm meets modern indulgence at Lillie Mae Chocolates’ newest location in Clear Lake, Iowa. Since 1939, we’ve been crafting joy through our hand-dipped chocolates and small batch confections. Opening Spring 2025!
Livonia’s Coffee Bar
408 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(515) 570-9784
Nestled on Main Avenue, our coffee shop offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and vintage charm. Step inside to enjoy a light and airy atmosphere with natural light flooding the space, highlighting sleek contemporary touches alongside carefully curated vintage decor. Whether you’re here to grab a quick coffee or unwind with friends, our warm and welcoming environment makes it the ideal spot to relax and enjoy expertly crafted drinks.
McDonald’s
2 Plaza Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6502
Head to the golden arches! This location offers free Wi-Fi, a two-lane drive-thru, and a comfortable dining room to enjoy your favorites or relax with a McCafe menu item. Skip the line and order ahead for curbside pickup in the McDonald’s App or get it delivered with McDelivery!
NIP Fitness & Smoothie Bar
216 Hwy 18, Clear Lake
(641) 357-1647
24/7 fitness center. Featuring smoothies, chicken wraps, massage, cryotherapy, classes and supplement store. Our smoothie bar is open to the public! Fruit smoothies are an excellent way to fuel your body with fresh fruit, vitamins and minerals your body needs.
The Other Place
200 Hwy 18 W, Clear Lake
(641) 357-8118
Known for signature crisp pizzas with loads of fresh gooey cheese, this family friendly sports bar also offers oven-baked subs, Mexican specialties and Italian favorites. Their huge outdoor party deck with an exclusive menu is a summertime favorite. Check out their lunch specials, happy hour Monday-Friday and daily deals.
The Palms Rooftop Cabana
468 North Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6151
A vibrant rooftop escape with tropical vibes and lake views—The Palms Cabana Rooftop Bar sits beside the iconic Surf Ballroom, where music history meets laid-back luxury.
Pretzelmaker
18 N 3rd St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-5025
Satisfy your snack cravings with Pretzelmaker’s fresh, handcrafted pretzels and innovative bite-sized creations. From classic salted pretzels to sweet cinnamon sugar bites, each pretzel is made from scratch daily using a unique recipe. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or catering your next event, Pretzelmaker delivers full-sized flavor in every bite.
Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
306 1st Ave. N, Clear Lake
(641) 530-8694
A family oriented bar & grill designed for everyone to enjoy from casual nights out to celebrations with friends. Reserve 173° brings an upscale experience without the high end price tag where every dish, drink, and conversation feels just a little more special.
Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
307 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-4629
Pull up a stool at the huge two-sided bar or gather with your group at the front of the bar and socialize as you look out over Main Avenue. Watch your favorite game on one of the 24 tvs or play at one of the 4 pool tables. Daily happy hour with food and drink specials and a jukebox plays your favorite hits every day and night.
Rumorz Bar & Grill
1210 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-1035
Rumorz Bar & Grill serves great food, cold drinks, and live music in a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Enjoy daily drink & food specials, Karaoke Fridays, daily Happy Hour and all-day Happy Hour on Thursdays, plus a dance floor and outdoor patio!
Scooter’s Coffee
1903 Hwy 18 E, Clear Lake
(641) 210-6404
There is just something about Scooter’s Coffee: Amazing people, serving amazing food & drinks, amazingly fast!
Blu Water Brew LLC is the franchise that owns 11 Scooter’s Coffee locations in the Midwest, including the one in Clear Lake.
Seven’s Restaurant & Steakhouse
307 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-0106
This steakhouse doesn’t end at beef: almond-crusted walleye and pecan chicken are also local dinner favorites. Sit at one of their tall booths and enjoy lunch with friends, or stop in for one of our hearty breakfasts. Check out their daily features and nightly specials.
Starboard Market
310 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-0660
With 25 signature sandwich recipes plus build-your-own options, this deli is a destination in itself. The regionally famous hand-crafted soups have everyone trying to crack the recipes. The glass case is full of colorful salads and mile-high desserts made in-store daily. The scratch-made cookies and bars beckon you with their soft sweet chewiness. Daily features, boxed lunches, and catering available.
Subway
210 Hwy 18, Clear Lake
(641) 357-2442
Serving fresh, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads for a fast healthy meal. Daily specials and monthly featured menu items. Order online for fast and convenient pick up!
Surf Galley
619 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 357-5756
Come try our chef-created dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and selection of wines and spirits.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and offering a delicious brunch menu on Sundays. Come check out the newest hot spot in the Surf District!
TAP’d
313 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-8273
24 of Iowa’s best craft beers on tap! Enjoy the rotating selection of craft beer, along with signature cocktails and a full bar. With live music on weekends and your favorite games on tv, TAP’d is the perfect place for your next night out!
VFW Post 4868
219 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-7964
Not your grandpa’s VFW, the bar nicknamed ”The Bunker” offers happy hour daily 4-7pm. Every Sunday enjoy your choice of their house made Bloody Mary, screwed up screwdriver, mimosas, or margarita on the rocks for $4 served in a pint glass! Weekly taco night every Thursday from 5-7pm makes this a downtown hotspot welcoming young and old.
Worth the Drive
These Clear Lake Chamber member restaurants are just a short drive from the lake and are definitely worth exploring!
Avion Azul
1631 4th Street SW, Mason City
(641) 460-0010
A family-owned Mexican restaurant located inside Willowbrook Mall, we provide a modern Mexican feel with fresh ingredients, craft margaritas, and table-side guacamole! It’s the perfect place for an intimate date night, or to gather with friends. They also have a Food Truck for your next event!
Bistro Nineteen
3331 19th St. SW, Mason City
(641) 424-8470
Bistro Nineteen is an upscale, year-round dining experience located within the Legacy Pavilion in Mason City. Open to the public, Bistro Nineteen offers an elegant atmosphere, ideal for romantic evenings, special celebrations, or memorable nights out with friends and family.
Dandy’s BBQ
215 S. Madison Ave., Mason City, IA
(641) 424-4944
A family-owned little hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurant in Mason City. We make all of our smoked meats & homemade sides, daily. We cater every day of the week & have a food truck.
Mama Dee’s
336 State St., Garner
(641) 444-2235
Mama Dee’s Mexican Food and More! Enjoy fresh burritos, street tacos, churros, steak fries, quesadillas, aguas, frescas and walking tacos from their food truck or their restaurant in downtown Garner.
Contact us to cater your next event! You can also find their food truck around North Iowa at events like Thursdays on Main! Follow them on Facebook to see where they’ll be next.
Vulcan Hawaiian Barbecue
18 1/2 N Monroe Ave., Mason City
(641) 201-1402
Aloha! Welcome to Vulcan Hawaiian Barbecue, where the flavors of the islands come alive on your plate! Dive into a culinary paradise with our mouthwatering menu featuring classic Hawaiian favorites served daily from Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Indulge in the irresistible taste of our Kalbi short ribs, tender and savory, or savor the succulent Bulgogi beef, marinated to perfection.
Food Trucks and Specialty Foods
North Iowa is home to a huge variety of food trucks, specialty catering businesses, and bakers you can place orders with or find at one of our area’s many vendor events!
Avion Azul
1631 4th Street SW, Mason City
(641) 460-0010
A family-owned Mexican restaurant located inside Willowbrook Mall, we provide a modern Mexican feel with fresh ingredients, craft margaritas, and table-side guacamole! It’s the perfect place for an intimate date night, or to gather with friends. They also have a Food Truck for your next event!
B-Lo Zero Sno Cones & Minnie Donuts
, Albert Lea
(507) 210-3878
The locally owned southern Minnesota favorite!
Gourmet flavors and many popular specialties. We pride ourselves on the highest quality ingredients as well as outstanding customer service. Our goal is to provide each and every customer with an exceptional experience.
Big Brad’s BBQ
, Britt
(515) 293-0791
Custom BBQ food truck as well as vendor and caterer for small parties, big events and town celebrations!
Meats: Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Pork Loin
Sides: Mac and Cheese, BBQ Beans, Cheesy potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Cole Slaw, Pasta salads and more.
CharcuteMe
13957 Grouse Ave., Clear Lake
(406) 490-4118
Elevate your celebration with hand-crafted charcuterie boxes or catering. Specializing in ”bites” and grazing for corporate events, weddings and parties.
Dandy’s BBQ
215 S. Madison Ave., Mason City, IA
(641) 424-4944
A family-owned little hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurant in Mason City. We make all of our smoked meats & homemade sides, daily. We cater every day of the week & have a food truck.
Fizz Co. Sips & Sweets
417 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 425-9060
Fizz Co. Sips and Sweets is now open downtown Clear Lake! They offer custom sodas, plant-based energy drinks, unique high quality candy, curated goods & more! They also have a full service mobile drink catering company operating out of a 1980’s horse trailer.
Kona Ice, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee and DonutNV Trucks
, Webster City
(515) 853-3080
Kona Ice is the shaved ice truck that brings a one-of-a-kind, tropical experience to you. Guests can flavor their own Kona Ice on our signature Flavorwave, dance to our island tunes, and enjoy a nutritious and delicious treat.
Lake Lemonade
, Clear Lake
(406) 490-4118
Indulge in a truly refreshing and flavorful experience at Lake Lemonade! This vibrant food truck is a haven for food lovers, offering a delightful combination of fresh-squeezed lemonades, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and even CharcuteMe charcuterie cups on board!
Lucky Wife Wine Slushies
16 N 8th St., Clear Lake
(641) 251-1411
We are a guilty pleasure?a quick and delicious way to enjoy wine day or night. Find our trailer at one of the area’s many events!
Main Event Catering
2023 7th Ave. N, Clear Lake
(641) 357-5253
Elevate Your Clear Lake, Iowa Events with Main Event Catering! Our catering location serves Clear Lake, Mason City, and Ventura, Iowa. Whatever size your event is, we will ensure you and your guests experience the most delicious cuisine to compliment your special day. We are familiar with multiple venues in the area including Best Western Holiday Lodge, The Surf Ballroom, Winan Creek Barn, and Diamond Oak.
Mama Dee’s
336 State St., Garner
(641) 444-2235
Mama Dee’s Mexican Food and More! Enjoy fresh burritos, street tacos, churros, steak fries, quesadillas, aguas, frescas and walking tacos from their food truck or their restaurant in downtown Garner.
Contact us to cater your next event! You can also find their food truck around North Iowa at events like Thursdays on Main! Follow them on Facebook to see where they’ll be next.
Marcy’s Munchies
In-home Bakery, Clear Lake
(402) 714-5785
Marcelous is a skilled culinary professional specializing in creating a wide variety of delicious desserts, pastries, and sweet goods!
Mexican Flavor
, Belmond
(641) 903-1654
Mexican Flavor is a delicious food truck serving all of your favorites, including burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, aguas, & frescas!
MJ’S Cheesecakes
109 10th St N, Northwood
641 430 0576
Delicious made to order cheesecake at reasonable prices for weddings, graduations, any occasion or no special occasion at all!
Monster Eats
Clear Lake
(641) 220-2265
Mobile food service specializing in wraps, paninis/sandwiches, quesadillas, salads, and desserts. In addition, we offer smoked pork, smoked chicken wings, nachos, and street tacos.
Portside Pop-Up Picnics
21 Venetian Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 425-7432
Portside Pop-Up Picnics offers our clients unique picnic dining experiences that will help make memories that last! From location, staging, dining choices, beverages, flowers, and photography, our picnic planners handle all the special details and heavy lifting, you simply show up with loved ones and enjoy making instagram worthy memories that your group will cherish!
Smokin’ Mana’s
, Northwood
(641) 420-8462
Family-run food trailer specializing in smoked meats. Menu ranges from sandwiches and salads to unique spins on family favorites using our smoked meats.
T’s Sweets
In-home Bakery, Clear Lake
(641) 425-3091
T’s Sweets is an in-home bakery serving up custom cakes, cookies, and irresistible desserts to the Clear Lake area! From beautifully decorated cookies and celebration cakes to crowd favorites like peanut butter crunch bars, caramel rolls, brownies, and fruit pizza—everything is made with love and serious baking talent.
The Smashery
Clear Lake
(641) 512-5017
Titanium Lunchbox
62 Main Ave. N, Britt
(641) 843-4600
Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches & More!
Food truck and catering available for all events!
Join us at our restaurant in downtown Britt.
Arby’s
1212 N 24th St
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-3462
Shao Ting Guo
200 7th Ave N
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-1683
Wildfire
2 W Lake St
Ventura, IA
El Loro
1205 N 25th St
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-3045
South Shore Sweet Spot
5269 S Shore Dr
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-9338
Papa Everett’s
910 Highway 18 E
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-4040
Viking Drive-In
3 S Main St
Ventura, IA
(641) 829-3514
Perkins
1207 N 25th St
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-7558
Wendy’s
1302 N 24th St
(641) 357-0811
