As we always do when visiting a new town, let’s start our day off right with some coffee. Opening her storefront in September 2020, owner, Katie Van Zee, not only brought caffeine to downtown Rock
As we always do when visiting a new town, let’s start our day off right with some coffee. Opening her storefront in September 2020, owner, Katie Van Zee, not only brought caffeine to downtown Rock Valley, but also her love of houseplants.
Rooted Plant + Coffee Shop
Graduating with a horticulture degree from Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Katie first opened a wedding planning business in Inwood, Iowa. Then, after realizing she would eventually need more room for her growing business, she moved to Rock Valley where she paired her love of plants with her other love, coffee. And lucky for us, we get the best of both worlds with Rooted Plant + Coffee Shop.
Naturally, my cousin Rosie, the agronomist and coffee-lover that she is, loves this spot. And living in a small town of only 4,000 has its perks since everything is practically in walking distance, and this is no exception. Parking my car in front of her house, which is also located on Main Street, we started off our adventurous day with a couple pick-me-ups.
I got their beverage of the month, the “Pistachio Cream Cold Brew” but then noticed that they have coffee flights! What?! Um, yes…next time I come visit Rosie we will need to splurge a little and try something new. You get your choice of five coffee pours, which includes everything from a white chocolate mocha, to a vanilla latte, and even an Americano. You can check out their entire menu here (https://www.rootedplantshop.co/menu), which also highlights their mimosa flights and other seasonal flights as well. With spring upon us, I can’t wait to see what unique blends they come up with next. You can keep up with their weekly announcements via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/rootedplantshop.ia/), and their Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rooted_plantshop/).
Finally, let’s not leave without appreciating the original reason Katie opened her coffee shop, to help patrons like me who have absolutely no green thumb at all. In her shop are an array of hardy house plants that are a great starter for those who have their doubts. So, stop in, enjoy a morning tea or an afternoon recharge, and browse their selection of potted plants.
712-470-9684
1514 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Friday: 6:30am to 5pm
Saturday: 7am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed
Stone Soup Café
Now that we have coffee in our system, let’s go get some breakfast! Only serving basic pastries and donuts, Rooted Plant + Coffee Shop does not have the full-ensemble breakfast menu, so we shall make our way down Main Street to Stone Soup Café.
With its country general store aesthetics on the outside, I knew that much care and quality for such a cohesive curb appeal meant this place would not disappoint. Therefore, making this one of our first stops of the day, my cousin Rosie and I made our way in, and like many small-town diners we made ourselves at home, sat at an open booth and got settled for an amazing homecooked meal.
I was super hungry from my hour-long drive so I ordered the biscuits and gravy with a scrambled egg laid on top, and my cousin ordered her favorite, the waffle. We enjoyed some more coffee, along with orange juice, and I took in the basic but homey décor of this quaint small-town diner.
Only open for breakfast and lunch, make sure you come early, since Stone Soup Café seemed to be the place to be on Saturday mornings. And since this was one of the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had in, I will definitely be back soon to try out the rest of their menu, which you can find on their Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063476265894).
712-476-9322
1446 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 6am to 2pm; 5pm to 8pm
Saturday: 6am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed
Cedar Rock Grill
Naturally after breakfast comes lunch, so after strolling along Main Street and doing some window shopping, we worked up enough of an appetite to sit down for a cozy lunch at Cedar Rock Grill. Walking in, I immediately got a lakeside vibe with the wooden canoe hanging upside down from the ceiling. Along with boat ropes and fishing nets, patrons can enjoy an afterwork drink without having to stroll all the way into the restaurant.
For those who want to sit down and enjoy a meal, you will be met with an impressingly long hallway leading up to the front desk. With hardwood floors creeking under your feet, you are transported to a quaint and cozy establishment. After sitting down and looking over the menu, Rosie and I decided to order sandwiches, a Philly cheeseteak with chili and a classic cheeseburger with waffle fries. Eyeing their savory steaks, this may have to be a date night for my husband and I once our summer winds down.
To check out more of their menu, visit their website (https://cedarrockgrill.com/), and keep up with them on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CedarRockGrill/) for weekly updates and holiday specials.
712-476-2600
1423 14th Ave
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 11am to 1:30pm; 5pm to 8pm
Saturday: 5pm to 8pm
Sunday: Closed
Bistro 67 & Gifts
Before we head back to town, let’s fuel up our caffeine intake with some more coffee, but this time we’re going to the hospital, but don’t worry, we’re not checking in. Rather, we’re taking advantage of this little hidden gem where the locals come for some amazing lunch sandwiches.
Today we are not going to partake in a panini, but rather a white chocolate mocha. Located just past the check-in desk inside the medical center is Bistro 67, a well-established cafe that serves restaurant magazine quality fares. Along with an iced coffee, I also enjoyed a yogurt parfait and some peanut butter oatmeal balls. Which gave me the energy I needed to head to my last stop before heading back to town.
You can check out their impressive selection of burgers and wraps via their online menu (https://www.hegghc.org/visitors/bistro-67-gifts/), and as always their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bistro67gifts/) is updated almost daily with various pictures of some of their fan favorites.
712-476-8300
1202 21st Ave
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 7am to 3pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
The Lunch House
Originally, I didn’t have this last stop on my list, but so many locals I met referred me to the Lunch House, and told me to take home one of their pizzas for dinner when I get home. So, if the locals recommend this restaurant, then we must go.
Not knowing what to expect, I was super impressed to find that the Lunch House is also a wedding venue! And if you know me, you know I’m all about weddings. I’ve done two wedding series on my blog, and I love finding new locations to recommend soon-to-be brides.
Therefore, after introducing myself to owner Julee, she graciously gave me a tour of her facility. With the capacity to sit 200, this would be a modern yet rustic venue to host your next event. From weddings to graduations and even company Christmas parties, patrons have access to the powder rooms and a fully functioning kitchen where guests can prepare for their event.
In fact, the Lunch House also does catering, so no need to look any further when booking with them, because they will provide everything you need for a perfectly planned eventful day. Just bring your decorations and a hungry stomach, and be sure to familiarize yourself with their online menu (https://bigtimemeals.com/). And finally, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thelunchhouserv/) for upcoming events and monthly updates.
712-476-1200
1129 Main Street, Suite #106
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Plan your visit
With so many surprising places to grab a bite in Rock Valley, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner to a quick coffee date, you’ll enjoy what this unique town has to offer. I hope you enjoy your experience here, and be sure to check back since rock Valley is one of the fastest growing towns in Iowa, meaning there may very well be some upcoming changes to their food scene in the next few years!