Are you craving a delicious meal and wondering where to find the best food Cedar Falls has to offer? You’re in for a treat! Cedar Falls, Iowa, a vibrant city nestled along the Cedar River, is more than just home to the University of Northern Iowa. It’s a growing culinary destination brimming with diverse restaurants, cozy cafes, and local eateries that cater to every palate and budget. This guide is your passport to exploring the best food Cedar Falls has to offer, from hearty breakfasts to delectable dinners and sweet treats in between. Whether you’re a student, a local, or a visitor, prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure! Get ready to discover hidden gems and local favorites that will leave you wanting more. This article will guide you through the best dining experiences in the area.
Rise and Dine: Morning Meals in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls understands the importance of a good start to the day, and its breakfast and brunch scene reflects this. You’ll find everything from classic American diners serving up fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to trendy cafes offering artisanal coffee and innovative brunch creations. So, where should you head for your morning fix?
First up is Scratch Cupcakery. While their name might suggest dessert, Scratch Cupcakery is a breakfast and brunch must! Located downtown, this is a favorite because of its fun environment and even better breakfast options. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this spot! Price Range: $$
Next, there’s Carter House Market & Cafe. This charming spot offers a delightful blend of breakfast classics and unique brunch items. It’s a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy things such as their pastries and their popular biscuits and gravy. The Carter House is the perfect spot if you’re wanting to dine at a place with a more laid back environment! Price Range: $$
Finally, check out Sidecar Coffee. Sidecar Coffee is a local treasure that provides all the delicious coffee and pastries you could need! It’s a wonderful spot for grabbing a coffee before heading out for the day. The atmosphere is very welcoming and comforting. You’ll be sure to enjoy what Sidecar Coffee has to offer. Price Range: $$
Lunchtime Legends: Casual Dining Delights
When lunchtime rolls around, Cedar Falls offers a plethora of casual dining options perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. From mouthwatering sandwiches to satisfying pizza and flavorful international cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy your midday cravings. If you’re looking for good food Cedar Falls has a plethora of choices.
First off, we have the well-known Montage. Located in downtown Cedar Falls, this spot offers something for everyone! With sandwiches, burgers, pasta and more, you’re sure to find something to love. The atmosphere is fun and exciting and the customer service is amazing. You won’t want to miss out on Montage! Price Range: $$
Next, we have a classic, Basil’s Pizza. Basil’s is a wonderful pizza place that is family owned and operated! Basil’s Pizza is a Cedar Falls treasure. With lots of options to choose from, you’re going to love Basil’s! They also offer pasta and sandwich options. Price Range: $$
Last, but certainly not least, we have Sub City. Sub City is a Cedar Falls staple for University of Northern Iowa students! Sub City offers so many options when it comes to sandwiches. Their bread is freshly baked and will leave you wanting more. You can’t miss out on Sub City! Price Range: $
Dinner is Served: Cedar Falls’ Evening Eats
As the sun sets, Cedar Falls transforms into a vibrant dining destination, offering everything from elegant fine dining experiences to relaxed family-friendly eateries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal, Cedar Falls has a restaurant to suit every taste and mood.
For fine dining, consider The Black Sheep Social Club. This restaurant offers a sophisticated ambiance and a menu filled with innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion! You won’t be disappointed! Price Range: $$$
For a family-friendly option, Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe is a popular choice. This restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, a kids’ menu, and generous portions of classic Mexican dishes. Everyone in the family will find something to love here! This restaurant offers lots of fun for all. Price Range: $$
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Tony’s La Pizzeria is a must-try. This local pizzeria serves authentic Italian pizzas, pasta dishes, and other Italian classics in a cozy and inviting setting. They even have great prices and a fun vibe. Price Range: $$
For something different, Singha Thai Restaurant is highly rated! With the right mix of Thai food classics and options that are safe for more of the typical food palates, this is a great restaurant for trying something new or enjoying a favorite! You’ll love this delicious and flavorful option. Price Range: $$
Sweet Endings and Beyond: Desserts and Drinks
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet ending! Cedar Falls offers a variety of dessert spots to satisfy your sweet tooth, along with cozy coffee shops and lively bars to quench your thirst.
For ice cream, Cedar Falls Creamery is a local favorite. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, and other frozen treats. This is the perfect spot to bring the whole family and enjoy some delicious ice cream! It’s definitely worth the hype.
For coffee, Main Street Sweets is an independent shop that serves high-quality coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Main Street Sweets is located downtown and is a great spot for grabbing coffee and pastries! This coffee shop is a great choice for supporting small and local businesses.
For drinks, Second State Brewing is a popular craft brewery that offers a wide selection of locally brewed beers in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. They also have a large menu to choose from! You won’t want to miss out on Second State! This is a great place to unwind and enjoy your time with others.
Exploring Cedar Falls’ Food Culture Beyond Restaurants
Beyond its restaurants, Cedar Falls offers several other ways to experience its local food culture.
During the warmer months, be sure to visit the Cedar Falls Farmers Market. This vibrant market features local farmers, bakers, and artisans selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products. The Cedar Falls Farmers Market is the perfect spot for supporting local farmers and businesses while enjoying a fun time with others!
Keep an eye out for local food festivals and events that showcase the region’s culinary talent. These events are a great way to sample a variety of local dishes and discover new favorites. Cedar Falls is a fun spot that has so much to offer when it comes to eating!
Finally, explore the city’s specialty food shops, such as Hansen’s Dairy. These shops offer a curated selection of unique and gourmet food products. Hansen’s Dairy is located right outside Cedar Falls in Hudson, Iowa. It’s the perfect family fun day!
Tips for Navigating the Cedar Falls Food Scene
To make the most of your culinary adventure in Cedar Falls, keep these tips in mind:
Parking: Parking can be limited in downtown Cedar Falls, especially during peak hours. Be sure to allow extra time to find parking or consider using a ride-sharing service.
Reservations: Some restaurants, particularly those offering fine dining, may require or recommend reservations, especially on weekends.
Dietary Restrictions: Many restaurants in Cedar Falls offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Be sure to check the menu or ask your server about available options.
UNI Student Discounts: Some restaurants offer discounts for UNI students. Be sure to ask if a discount is available when you order.
Support Local Businesses: By dining at locally owned restaurants and shopping at local food shops, you’re helping to support the Cedar Falls community.
A Delicious Conclusion
Cedar Falls offers a diverse and delicious food scene that caters to every taste and budget. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches, elegant dinners, and sweet treats, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings in this vibrant Iowa city. With its friendly atmosphere, growing culinary scene, and commitment to local ingredients, Cedar Falls is a food lover’s paradise. So, get out there and start exploring the amazing food Cedar Falls has to offer! Discover your own hidden gems, support local businesses, and savor the flavors of Cedar Falls. It is a culinary destination that promises a delicious experience for all. Enjoy your culinary journey in Cedar Falls, where good food and good times are always on the menu!
