As always, I like to run an analysis of sort regarding the common places to eat in a town I’ve never been to. This gives me a general idea of what to expect the next
As always, I like to run an analysis of sort regarding the common places to eat in a town I’ve never been to. This gives me a general idea of what to expect the next time I come back and also some inspiration of what to try next. In this post we are going to look at three popular places to eat here in Denison, and all three are completely different from the other.
The Bake Shop and Hollywood Café
To start, let’s grab some coffee as we begin our tour, and what better place than the most popular eatery in Denison by far! The Bake Shop and Hollywood Café is located in the same building as the Donna Reed Theater, and it even has direct access to the theater lobby. In fact, patrons have to walk through the lobby to get to the restroom down on the basement level.
On my first visit here my husband and I scored a private tour of the Donna Reed Theater after I introduced myself to the staff and that I was in town featuring things to do in Denison. The staff was incredibly amazing and even turned on all the lobby and theater lights so I could grab the photos I needed for my blog post on the Donna Reed Theater.
Being that this staff was so inviting on that first day, I knew I needed to make them my first stop upon my next visit to Denison. Therefore, when the next week rolled around, and I was leaving Sioux City with absolutely no coffee in my system, I made this drive the quickest ever, and when I got to The Bake Shop I was more than ready for a hot cup of Joe.
After warming my cold bones with an amazing hazelnut latte and enjoying a slice of their homemade coffee cake, I was ready for the rest of my day. Unfortunately, I arrived too early for lunch, but I will most definitely make another visit this spring and summer to enjoy one of their sandwiches. Looking over their menu, I’m already game planning for the egg salad croissant. I also love that they have a featured soup and salad along with their daily specials.
In addition, The Bake Shop is built out of a once operational candy store, The Candy Kitchen. Opened in the early 1900s, this was the place to go for homemade taffy, licorice and chocolate. Located on the corner of Broadway and Main, the outdoor patio allowed for the perfect view of downtown Denison. Along with candy, The Candy Kitchen also served up homemade ice cream and phosphates from their soda fountain.
Preserving the original storefront windows, visitors can take notice of the tinted glass and seasonal holiday decorations. I made my visits near the end of the year, so they still had their Christmas themed display out front, but I plan to return in the spring and summer, so I’ll be looking forward to see what they have planned then.
To view their entire menu, check out their website (https://www.bakeshopandcafe.com/), and keep up on weekly specials and monthly events via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bakeshopandcafe/).
712-263-5552
1301 Broadway
Denison, Iowa 51442
Krazy Delights (La Michoacana)
Once I had my coffee I was fueled up for some shopping. Working my way down Broadway, I spoke with a few local business owners and asked them where I should get lunch. All, and I mean ALL of them told me to go to Krazy Delights.
As mentioned in my first blog post this month Denison is the second most diverse city in all of Iowa, even beating out the capitol of Des Moines. With that being said, the amount of culturally diverse restaurants located in this small Midwest town is admirably surprising.
Citizens and visitors have their pick of dining options from the familiar Mexican eateries, to Central American influenced options such as Salvadorian, Guatemalan and even Honduran. Understanding there are about a dozen to choose from, I played it safe and went to one of the favorites in town.
Walking in I was met with the familiar colorful palette of bright hues which are often used in many Hispanic diners. Personally, I love this mix of brilliantly vivid tints, since it is something different than just boring grey walls.
I am naturally drawn towards unique experiences and I believe people communicate their culture through their food, so as soon as I saw “the shoe” on the menu I ordered it, along with coconut water. And after ordering and waiting for my meal I walked around and noticed a colorful butterfly painted on the wall. Perfect for that Instagram shot.
Once I sat down and got settled, my food arrived and this dish almost reminds me of the Indian tacos my Spanish mother-in-law makes. Topped with refried beans and ground beef you also get lettuce, tomatoes and avocado. I initially tried eating this with a fork and knife, but after the crispy shell kept cracking on me, I eventually relegated to just picking it up by hand.
Seeing they also had elote and other popular Hispanic menu items, I know the next time I’m in town I’ll have to try something new. And maybe I’ll even do a taco tour, and try the other south-of-the-border restaurants located all through Denison.
Get acquainted with their online menu here: (https://oo.shift4payments.com/#/142f158e-058d-4cd5-a957-211e3ab69df3), and visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lamichoacanakd/) to keep up daily specials.
712-267-0958
22 N Main Street
Denison, Iowa 51442
Bogey’s Grille
The last restaurant on our list is Bogey’s. Located at the Majestic Hills Golf Course, this is where all the club members go to relax after shooting 18 holes. I went during the winter months, so the course was obviously closed, but I was happy to see there was a large group of ladies meeting up for lunch and maybe a little gossip.
Sitting down up at the bar I immediately noticed how large the seating area is with lots of awards up on the wall. In fact, on their website (https://majestichillsgolf.com/) they even have a Hole-in-One recognition page. Also on their website is a guide to the course along with membership, rates and tee times.
But we are here for the food, so let’s dig in. After getting comfortable I ordered one of my favorite sandwiches, a Rueben. Personally, I love sauerkraut and this one did not disappoint. I also enjoyed a glass of lemonade even though I was tempted to crack open a beer, but I resolved to save that for when I got home.
Located in the basement of Cobblestone Inn and Suites, Bogey’s would be an inviting place to enjoy breakfast while you watch the golfers come and go as they enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition. In addition, being that Bogey’s is situated within the beautiful Majestic Hills of Denison which boasts some of the Loess Hills scenery, you can image the popularity this golf course garners during peak season.
Tournaments are held throughout the spring and summer bringing in golfers, and their caddies, from all over the Midwest and beyond. And being that they usually need a place to stay, Cobblestone Inn and Suites is one of the few places in town to rent a room, and one with such a view.
So, now that I know this hotel, and its corresponding bar and grill, can get quite busy during the warmer months, I may have to make a return visit and maybe bring a couple yard chairs so my husband and I can people watch.
And also, be sure to look at room rates for the Cobblestone on the golf course’s website mentioned above. Supporting local businesses and keeping your money within the community is crucial to the economic health of unique towns like Denison. Plus, with all the uncertainty of the airline industry it may suite you better to stay close to home and enjoy local events happening in your area. To keep up with Bogey’s events schedule and upcoming menu changes, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083096264336).
712-263-4404
2505 Boulder Drive
Denison, Iowa 51442
In all, I quite enjoyed my mini tour of Denison, and from what I’ve heard all around town, I need to make a return visit in September for their BBQ Fest. That’s when I’ll be able to see the town come alive, and maybe even try a new restaurant along with some amazing brisket and ribs.