Bob’s Drive Inn

In our last post we visited a nationally recognized steakhouse, Archie’s Waeside. Well, in this post, we have yet another infamous Le Mars eatery, Bob’s Drive Inn. Featured in People’s Magazine as the best hotdog in Iowa, Bob’s was started in 1949 by Bob Kass, himself.

Passing down ownership to his son, Myles, and now his grandson, Nate, residents and repeat customers will say the quality of meat has not deteriorated over the years. In fact, Nate Kass still gets his hot dogs from Wimmer’s in West Point, Nebraska, and the buns are freshly made at the Casey’s in Sioux Center, Iowa.

• 

• 

A tavern in an Inn

Now, unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably had a hot dog, but what about a tavern? Most people here in Siouxland know what a tavern is, but for those living outside Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, a tavern is a loose meat sandwich, much like sloppy joes, but sauceless.

You can read more about the cooking process on Road Food’s website (https://roadfood.com/restaurants/bobs-drive-inn/), and check out The Sioux City Journal’s article outlining the family tradition of this legendary eatery (https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/bobs-drive-inn-operator-built-family-enterprise-on-hot-dogs-customer-service/article_ed37ed77-f3b9-53e0-9b67-d026dc395822.html).

• 

• 

A doggy shake

Having never been to Bob’s, my friend and I decided to stop in for an afternoon snack while we were passing through Le Mars. Wanting to try both their hot dog and a tavern, I decided to order the Bob Dog, a hot dog topped with loose meat. This was a strategic move, allowing me to get a better sample of each of these famous items on their menu. And without much persuasion, my friend also talked me into trying one of their freshly-made shakes, made with real fruit. This time I chose strawberry, but next time I’ll have to experiment with other flavors, such as pineapple, blueberry, and black raspberry.

• 

Walking up to the order window, I felt like I was at a 1970’s car hop. I could immediately sense the nostalgia and unending love for this neighborhood landmark. And being that it was a beautiful sunny Fall day, we snagged a spot on the patio next to a group of middle-aged men chatting about the town gossip over coffee.

• 

• 

• 

Plan your visit

Finally, while doing research for this blog post, I found out their root beer is made in house, so one of these Summer days, I’ll have to make my way back up there and specifically order a root beer float, with maybe some cheese balls and a buffalo chicken sandwich.

Perhaps now that I will be driving up to Le Mars every other month to get my wedding ring cleaned at Hotopp’s Jewelry, I’ll have to become a frequent flyer at Bob’s Drive Inn. And lucky for me, I have all Spring and Summer to expand my menu knowledge.

712-546-5445
23 5^th Ave SW
Le Mars, Iowa 51031

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sun: 11am to 9:30pm

• 

•