What 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
173° Craft Distillery
306 1st Ave. N, Clear Lake
(641) 357-1733
173° Craft Distillery uses knowledge passed along through 3 generations of chemists to combine the science of distilling with the art of blending to bring you a unique take on spirits.
So sit back, relax and take in the lake and city park views from the rooftop lounge while enjoying a beverage and bite to eat.
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.
Avion Azul
9184 265th St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2626
A family-owned Mexican restaurant located inside the Mason City Airport, 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. Come for the delicious food ? stay for the incredible view!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Da-Lish! Acai Bar
407 Main Ave., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2345
Da-Lish Acai Bar is a vibrant oasis of deliciousness, serving up refreshing acai bowls and bubble waffles. All of their bases in their extensive menu are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. Pair them with a wide range of fresh toppings and add-ons to customize your healthy treat and indulge in guilt-free goodness!
Elly’s Lounge
12 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 231-0339
Elly’s Lounge is your go-to speakeasy with a cool basement bar vibe, live music, and ice-cold brews. You’re in for unforgettable nights of fun and entertainment!
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! Cocktail hour 4:30-6pm. 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 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 ? 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.
Lakeside Landing
1603 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(319) 569-3538
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!
McDonald’s
2 Plaza Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6502
Serving World Famous Fries®, the Big Mac®, the Quarter Pounder®, Chicken McNuggets®, the Egg McMuffin® and a range of delicious gourmet McCafé® coffees and beverages. Drive thru service or dine in. This contemporary location offers free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, a two-lane drive-through and a comfortable dining room to enjoy your favorites or relax with a McCafe item.
Muskie Lounge
702 East Lake St., Ventura
(641) 829-3850
Rich’s Muskie Lounge is a family owned and operated restaurant located on Clear Lake. Stop in for our fish fry, burgers, sandwiches and more. Or just stop by for a drink on the lake at our outdoor bar, open every weekend of the summer. Come as you are.
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.
PM Park & Tiki Bar
15297 Raney Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-1991
Located on a sandy beach under mature oak trees, this hotspot is busy from sunrise to sunset. Serving breakfast every day, they are known for their Everything Hash Browns and whimsical menu, like the Shorebird Sandwich. Dine inside the historic and charming restaurant, or settle in at one of the colorful picnic tables on the lakefront lawn. Open Mother’s Day through Labor Day
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.
Scooter’s Coffee
1903 Hwy 18 E, Clear Lake
(641) 210-6404
Blu Water Brew LLC is the franchise that owns 11 Scooter’s Coffee locations in the Midwest, including the one in Clear Lake.
There is just something about Scooter’s Coffee; We look forward to serving you Amazing drinks, from our Amazing people, Amazingly fast!?
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.
South Shore Donut Co
1205 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-8005
Named Top Donut Shop in Iowa by the Sweetest Bakery in America Contest, you won’t want to miss this beachy shop that offers award-winning donuts! Their gourmet donuts are the perfect treat, follow them on social media for new flavors and promotions.
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
Now open! 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 buffet 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!
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!
The Olde Creamery
604 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 231-0198
The Olde Creamery is a small town ice cream and gift shop with big city options! The family-owned business’s offerings include, but are not limited to, premium ice cream, old-fashioned soda, candy, gifts, creamery goods, apparel and much more! Not only do we offer dairy free, gluten free and vegan flavors but we offer a variety of flavors including the Clear Lake exclusive Big Bopper – cookie dough ice cream with fresh chocolate cookies mixed in!
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 Surfside
444 North Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-0444
The Surfside is a full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner with apatio dining experience. Chef David is a French master chef and believes in seasonal, fresh, farm-to-table food that has been sourced locally but with flavors around the world. Their menu changes with the seasons to ensure that you are getting everything at the peak of flavor.
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!
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
9184 265th St., Clear Lake
(641) 357-2626
A family-owned Mexican restaurant located inside the Mason City Airport, 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. Come for the delicious food ? stay for the incredible view!
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.
Chad’s Pizza
909 W 23rd St., Cedar Falls
(319) 242-2263
Voted Best of Iowa Pizza Fest ’21 & ’22
People’s Choice Des Moines World Food Festival ’22
WCF Courier Best of the Best Delivery Service ’21-23
Best Food Truck @ Waverly Heritage Days ’22
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.
Cosmic Smash Burgers
24678 250th St., Nora Springs
(641) 420-9523
Smash Burger Food Truck: Smash Burgers on the Go! Our trailer is more than just a place to grab lunch. It is a place to try burgers out of this world created from local Iowa beef!
Available for Events! Do you have a company picnic or other special event where you would like us to show up? Our weekends book up fast, so contact us soon.
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.
Hubba Bubba Cuppa
1112 N 16th St. W, Clear Lake
(507) 259-9187
Mobile coffee trailer specializing in BOBAS which pop with flavor as they burst in your mouth. Our drinks include: Bubba’s Bubblerz, Frappes, Cold Press, Iced Teas, Lemonade and Slushies.
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
, Belmond
(515) 825-7397
Mama Dee’s Mexican Food and More! Enjoy fresh burritos, street tacos, churros, steak fries, quesadillas, aguas, frescas and walking tacos.
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.
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!
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.
The Chrome Grille Eatz & Sweetz
310 19th St. SW, Mason City
(641) 420-6340
The Chrome Grille Eatz & Sweetz is a mobile food trailer serving grilled foods and ice cream treats providing meal options at events, parties and social gatherings. Also offer sit-down dining at our brick-and-mortar location at 310 19th St. SW. in Mason City
The Olde Creamery Ice Cream Truck
604 Buddy Holly Pl., Clear Lake
(641) 231-0198
The Olde Creamery is a small town ice cream and gift shop with big city options! The family-owned business’s offerings include, but are not limited to, premium ice cream, old-fashioned soda, candy, gifts, creamery goods, apparel and much more!
The Wandering Brew
7 Walnut Ct., Rockwell
(641) 512-8633
Mobile vintage coffee bar serving organic espresso and coffee drinks, refreshers, plant based energy drinks and more.
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
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
Holy Apples Orchard
10 N 6th St
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-4004
Taco John’s
2905 4th Ave S
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-0900
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
Perkin’s
1207 N 25th St
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-7558
Wendy’s
1302 N 24th St
(641) 357-0811
Rumorz Bar & Grill
1210 South Shore Dr
Clear Lake, IA
(641) 357-1035
Wildfire
2 W Lake St
Ventura, IA