The Ahoy Fountain

I first visited the Ahoy Fountain in Eldora, Iowa many years ago.  For some time I had been intending to go back to review the soda fountain.  That opportunity finally came when I scheduled a dentist's appointment in Eldora.  Afterward, my papa and I stopped at the Ahoy Fountain for lunch.

Now it may not seem fair to review a restaurant after going to the dentist, but my mouth was not anesthetized; I was in full control of my faculties, and I can guarantee an honest review.

The original soda fountain was installed in the pharmacy in 1928.  It was destroyed by a fire in 1948 and replaced.  In 1982, it closed when the owner retired, but was later re-opened.   

The Red Rooster Grill

We have driven past The Red Rooster Grill in Iowa Falls many times, stopping at the McDonalds next door for fries and sandwiches whenever we're hungry.  Last time we were in town, we decided to find out if the Red Rooster really has the "good food" it advertises.

We arrived between breakfast and lunch time, so we had our choice from both menus.  I ordered a fish sandwich ($5.00) and glass of water.  

The sandwich was delicious.  I would rate it as better than McDonald's fish filet, which can be a bit greasy.    

Papa ordered a hamburger ($6.50) and onion rings ($4.50).  He reports that the hamburger tasted very good (he could taste a difference between the meat and the bun whereas at some other places, he jokes, the hamburger, bun, and package all taste alike.)  The onion rings, however, were slightly well done and not worth their price.  

My dear mother ordered the soup of the day (chili) for $3.50; she says it was all right. Her side of hashbrowns ($2.75) was unfortunately overcooked.

 

One of my sisters ordered a grilled cheese sandwich ($3.00); it tasted good.  My other sister ordered a pancake ($1.50), and it was a winner!  It was very large (it filled the plate),  and was fluffy and tasty. 

The atmosphere was homey, as if this is the place all the older folks come to drink coffee on a Saturday morning, and the waitress was friendly.  The restaurant was opened sometime around the '50s it seems, and is currently for sale.

 

We enjoyed our meal.  The cooking isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than McDonalds--and rest assured, you don't need to worry about eating anything raw.  At the Red Rooster you'll be around good old-time country folk, eating down-home Iowa cooking.

Treasures of Boone, Iowa: The Whistle Stop Cafe

Last Friday we took another trip to the Des Moines area to deliver concrete pads for propane tanks.  We visited a couple peaceful cemeteries on the way (including one where my great great great grandfather is buried), took a shortcut that was actually a dead end, noticed a pretty little country church, and eventually delivered the concrete pads.  We took the scenic route home, stopping to tour the town of Boone, Iowa, a city of 12, 546 people and numerous attractions

We were very hungry, so we drove down the main street of the town until we came to a small restaurant called the Whistle-Stop Cafe.  We are used to eating at franchised restaurants and weren't sure what to expect, but extreme hunger gave us the bravery to march our famished bodies into the cafe.

We took our seats on stools at the counter, and the waitress handed us menus.  Papa ordered a tenderloin and onion rings, Charity ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and I ordered a fish fillet.    While we waited for our orders we admired the paintings of trains and interior decoration.  Soon our food was ready and we commenced eating.

The onion rings were very good!  We had eaten a to-go order of onion rings from Applebees the day before, but these were much better.  The fish sandwich was also delicious (mmm....loved the sauce!).  And the service was way better than at McDonalds or Burger King--if your glass even started to look empty it would be whisked away for a quick refill.  In addition, the restaurant was spotlessly clean and the atmosphere was cheerful and friendly!  The waitress, Heather, made us feel right at home, and she and fellow customers gave us directions to various historical attractions throughout the town

Heather (our waitress) and John (who runs the cafe).

 If you ever find yourself suffering from hunger in Boone, Iowa; Whistle Stop Cafe is the place to find a cure!

Part 2 of our Trip: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Museum --will be posted soon!