Before I planned our one-year wedding anniversary trip to Okoboji, I put my feelers on Facebook, asking what are some of the best places to eat during our stay, and several people recommended O’Farrell Sisters
Before I planned our one-year wedding anniversary trip to Okoboji, I put my feelers on Facebook, asking what are some of the best places to eat during our stay, and several people recommended O’Farrell Sisters for breakfast. Therefore, on our last day, I knew we had to enjoy a healthy and wholesome meal for our drive back to Sioux City.
A true mid-century diner
After somewhat getting lost in the surrounding neighborhood, we finally made our way to this quaint location. Holding steadfast to its 71-year heritage, the O’Farrell Sisters diner is, in fact, the last remaining true diner in Okoboji.
Operated and ran by sisters Ferne, Arlene and Edna Mae O’Farrell, it was eventually handed down in 1978 to their nieces, who successfully ran it up until 2003 when it was sold to Butch Parks of Parks Marina. Parks, who owns multiple properties around Okoboji and Arnolds Park, knew it was imperative to keep the O’Farrell Sisters legacy going.
Pies, pancakes and platters, Oh My!
In fact, Butch even went as far as to reach out to Sharon London, daughter of O’Farrell sister Ferne, asking her to return to the diner she once helped run with her family. Known for her homemade pies, London made her way back to the Midwest, taking her rightful place at her mother’s diner, and continues to make her Okoboji famous pies.
Another infamous menu item are their homemade pancakes. You can add blueberries, coconut, chocolate chips and even apples to your pancakes. We chose walnuts, since we thought that would pair perfectly with our hot coffee and Florentine Eggs Benedict platters.
An added bonus: they offer a full bar! Meaning you can enjoy a Mimosa with your omelette, or a Bloody Mary with your burger. And for those arriving by boat, you’re in luck, situated right off Smith’s Bay, there is boat parking available.
Plan your visit
We both agreed that the 1950s diner feel, the faded logo printed on our coffee mugs, and the vintage plates on which our food was served, all added to the ambiance. My mom would definitely appreciate the black and white checkered tiled floor, and let’s not forget about the Betty Boop figurine positioned right outside their front doors.
Finally, check out their website (https://www.parksmarina.com/ofarrell-sisters/) for seasonal hours, and their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ofarrellsisters/) for daily specials. And if you’d like to read more about their story, the Sioux City Journal wrote an excellent article about this local icon: https://siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/after-50-years-the-rules-are-gone-at-the-ofarrell-sisters-in-okoboji/article_4d0bebc1-db07-5fdc-a8ca-82ef988f0fd7.html
Overall, there were a lot of locals meeting up with friends and family, which means if the locals approve, this must be the place to go for breakfast and lunch! Open from 8am to 2pm daily, make sure you come early because seating is limited, and it tends to fill up fast.
712-332-7901
1109 Lake Shore Drive
Okoboji, Iowa 51355
