Sip and Savor Your Way Through Marshalltown

Here's a sampling the numerous great places to eat and drink in Marshalltown.

By Lindsey Hyde on August 11, 2022

iStock.com/InhausCreative

The rumors are true. Marshalltown is a destination for food and drink aficionados, and thanks to its range of options, even those with the most particular palates are sure to find something they’ll love.

“I think it’s surprising the breadth of choices our town has,” says Aaron Buzbee, a multibusiness owner in Marshalltown. “We are a diverse community, and with that comes diversity in restaurants, from Mexican to Chinese to Vietnamese to traditional American fare. And of course, great pizza.”

Here’s a sample of some of the best places to eat and drink in Marshalltown:

Zeno’s Pizza

Owned by Buzbee and his wife, Michele, this pizza palace was established in 1952 and uses fresh ingredients when assembling its menu of delicious pizzas, such as bacon cheeseburger, vegetarian, Mexican fiesta and BLT. Plus, a cannoli for dessert is considered a must.

Taylor’s Maid-Rite

For more than 90 years, Taylor’s Maid-Rite has been serving up loose meat (aka ground beef) sandwiches and delicious homemade ice cream. After sizzling in a cast iron, the meat is served on a bun, and customers can add mustard, pickles and chopped onions. You are sure to order more than one.

OPA!!! GRILL

Located on Boone Street, OPA!!! GRILL is a Mediterranean- American restaurant that’s serving up everything from pastitsio (Greek lasagna) to jambalaya and classic burgers. Locals love ending their meal with a serving of baklava or strawberry cheesecake.

El Portal Mexican Restaurant

While said to have the best margaritas in Iowa, this authentic Mexican restaurant located on Center Street is dishing out a variety of favorites, from cheesy quesadillas to sizzling fajitas and chimichangas with a bit of a crunch. And you can’t stop in without eating at least a bite of their fried ice cream.

MAMA DiGrado’s Pasta & Pizza

This is another local favorite on Center Street, where diners can find authentic Sicilian dishes that will make your tastebuds sing. An order of the homemade garlic parmesan breadsticks is a must-try (they melt in your mouth), and folks love getting to build their own pasta dishes.

Wayward Social

With a space that boasts an arcade and 20 bowling lanes, Wayward Social, which is also owned by Buzbee and his wife, offers Gutter Point patio – the perfect place to savor a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail. A local favorite is The Wayward Social, a refreshing cocktail made of rum, blackberry syrup, lime and ginger beer.

Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill

While this bar and grill serves up some tasty dishes, like a grilled salmon salad and a BLT burger, it is also the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy a beer or two with friends.