Driving I-80 across Iowa question (Iowa City, Ottumwa: sale, assessment, food)

[lthenderson]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

No I definitely have time to make this stop as I am driving on 80 then staying the night in Ottumwa, IA.

Best place to eat in Ottumwa is Appanoose Rapids. http://www.appanooserapids.com/

But if you are in the mood for Chinese, try Jade Palace. It isn't a buffet place like most Chinese restaurants. You may have to order it carry out though as eat in service is still closed to the pandemic. https://www.facebook.com/ottumwajadepalace/

If you want something different, try the Pupuseria Juanita which is a tiny hole in the wall place that serves El Salvadorean food. https://www.facebook.com/JuanitasRestaurant/

If you are looking for good but filling, the biggest burritos I have ever seen in my life can be found at Garnacheria y Taqueria Ebenezer. One burrito is usually three full meals for me and very tasty. https://www.facebook.com/garnacheriaytaqueriaebenezer

For pretty good BBQ, try Bubba Q's. https://www.bestbbqmidwest.com/

To cap everything off, it you want something a bit healthier, try the Polar Express Yogurt Shop on Main Street. I love that place. https://www.facebook.com/polarxpressottumwa/

For regular unhealthy but tasty ice cream go to Graham's Dairy Freeze. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grahams/136961463039484

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

No I definitely have time to make this stop as I am driving on 80 then staying the night in Ottumwa, IA. I'd like to see the area you mention.

Ottumwa's a long ways from I-80 and not exactly a tourist town. Even Radar O'Reilly don't live there anymore . In fact, this small city is in pretty bad shape compared to most around Iowa. You might want to re-check your map.

[lthenderson]

Originally Posted by jmgg

Ottumwa's a long ways from I-80 and not exactly a tourist town. Even Radar O'Reilly don't live there anymore . In fact, this small city is in pretty bad shape compared to most around Iowa. You might want to re-check your map.

I wouldn't say it is in any worse shape than any other small town in rural Iowa, especially when compared to other towns heavy on blue collar jobs. In fact, it has done a lot in the last decade to spruce itself up, especially if you compare it to the way it was 30 years ago.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by lthenderson

I wouldn't say it is in any worse shape than any other small town in rural Iowa, especially when compared to other towns heavy on blue collar jobs. In fact, it has done a lot in the last decade to spruce itself up, especially if you compare it to the way it was 30 years ago.

I've travelled the state of Iowa pretty extensively over the last 20 years, with the exception being the far southeast corner (Keokuk & Fort Madison area). We'll have to agree to disagree.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by jmgg

Ottumwa's a long ways from I-80 and not exactly a tourist town. Even Radar O'Reilly don't live there anymore . In fact, this small city is in pretty bad shape compared to most around Iowa. You might want to re-check your map.

I am heading at a S/E line down towards I-64 to finish the drive home. Not really looking to do any sightseeing here. Mainly grab a bite and a place to sleep.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by lthenderson

Best place to eat in Ottumwa is Appanoose Rapids. Appanoose Rapids | Downtown Ottumwa

But if you are in the mood for Chinese, try Jade Palace. It isn't a buffet place like most Chinese restaurants. You may have to order it carry out though as eat in service is still closed to the pandemic. https://www.facebook.com/ottumwajadepalace/

If you want something different, try the Pupuseria Juanita which is a tiny hole in the wall place that serves El Salvadorean food. https://www.facebook.com/JuanitasRestaurant/

If you are looking for good but filling, the biggest burritos I have ever seen in my life can be found at Garnacheria y Taqueria Ebenezer. One burrito is usually three full meals for me and very tasty. https://www.facebook.com/garnacheriaytaqueriaebenezer

For pretty good BBQ, try Bubba Q's. https://www.bestbbqmidwest.com/

To cap everything off, it you want something a bit healthier, try the Polar Express Yogurt Shop on Main Street. I love that place. https://www.facebook.com/polarxpressottumwa/

For regular unhealthy but tasty ice cream go to Graham's Dairy Freeze. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grahams/136961463039484

Is this, dine in, still seen all over IA or only a select few restaurants?

[601halfdozen0theother]

Do you mean 63? That's a nice road. I don't know of a 64 in Iowa.

I agree VERY STRONGLY with jmgg about Ottumwa.

You're much better off staying in Oskaloosa. Lots of decent motels in town. The best place to eat in Oskaloosa is Smoky Row downtown.

If you're taking 63 down from 80 you should definitely stop at the Nelson Pioneer Farm just north of Oskaloosa. Cool old buildings and a surprisingly good museum collection.

[smpliving]

I concur with 601 and jmgg. I was in Oskaloosa a couple days ago and would choose that over Ottumwa any day. Granted I haven’t been to Ottumwa for 12 years but when I was I couldn’t wait to get out of there. So much potential but unfortunately those days seemed long gone.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by 601halfdozen0theother

Do you mean 63? That's a nice road. I don't know of a 64 in Iowa.

I agree VERY STRONGLY with jmgg about Ottumwa.

You're much better off staying in Oskaloosa. Lots of decent motels in town. The best place to eat in Oskaloosa is Smoky Row downtown.

If you're taking 63 down from 80 you should definitely stop at the Nelson Pioneer Farm just north of Oskaloosa. Cool old buildings and a surprisingly good museum collection.

I'm heading down to St. Louis then on to I-64 east. But I did move my hotel from Ottumwa and even further south/east to shorten my drive the next day. Ottumwa was just going to be too short of a day.

[lthenderson]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

Is this, dine in, still seen all over IA or only a select few restaurants?

I don't know for certain. In Ottumwa, only two places that I have seen are deliver or carryout only. Most are dine in though service can be a bit slow during busy times. In my travels around the state, I have mostly been able to dine in where ever I went.