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Big cities love to brag about their brunches — but Iowa just smiles, grabs a spatula, and shows them how it’s done. Here, comfort food isn’t a trend. It’s a tradition baked into every flaky pie crust and poured into every steaming bowl of soup. These cafés don’t chase fame or fancy plating. They serve memories — slow-cooked, butter-drenched, and made to warm the soul after a long day on the farm or a cold morning drive.
From loose-meat sandwiches in tiny towns to cinnamon rolls the size of your head, these Iowa comfort food spots remind the world what “homemade” really means.
Pullman Bar & Diner — Iowa City, Iowa
In Iowa City, Pullman Bar & Diner brings together the charm of train-car-inspired decor with elevated comfort cuisine. Their chicken & waffles drizzled with maple-bourbon syrup is a standout. The bacon-wrapped meatloaf sandwich is another favorite, embodying the diner’s quirky yet warm ambiance. Pullman thrives on turning classic comfort dishes into something extraordinary…