The Farm Progress Show is in full swing through Thursday, Aug. 29, which means thousands of agricultural enthusiasts and farmers are on the hunt for a place to eat.
Thankfully, the City of Boone is just a few miles west of the Central Iowa Expo, offering plenty of grub options. From Mexican food to barbecue, Boone County residents know good food when they see it.
Here is a list of some of the area’s top eating establishments:
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Location: Highway 17, Luther
Just a few miles south on Highway 17 is one of central Iowa’s top barbecue joints, Whatcha Smokin, nestled in the small rural town of Luther. The award-winning establishment boasts a pair of spacious facilities as well as a robust outdoor patio.
Though well-known for their various smoked meats, try the cheesy potatoes or their moist cornbread as a side. Don’t forget to wash all the delicious BBQ with one of the many craft beer options Whatcha Smokin’ offers on top.
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Location: South Story Street, Boone
The City of Boone offers a handful of restaurants on the south edge of town, allowing quick entry off Highway 30 and even speedier return. La Carreta is one of two, delicious Mexican options in Boone. This one sits right along Story Street, boasting a secret homemade hot sauce and several authentic dishes.
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Location: S. Marshall Street, Boone
The Colorado Grill is tucked a few blocks off Story Street but in a prime position for easy highway access. This local establishment is the place to get whatever you crave, offering pasta, burgers, salads, sandwiches and steaks. The Colorado Grill also boasts several craft beer options.
Location: Keeler Street, Boone
Boone’s newest Mexican offering is perhaps its most authentic. With tasty homemade salsa and massive severings of fajitas, El Viejo is a cant-miss spot in the heart of downtown.
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Location: Story Street, Boone
Jimmy’s is a longtime Boone staple, offering some of the best smoked turkey and smoked ham in central Iowa. The BBQ restaurant has that hometown, rural Iowa feel thanks to its downtown location and cowboy ranch-style interior. Served with a side of chips, pickles and delicious lemonade, Jimmy’s is hard to beat.
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Location: W. Maime Eisenhower Ave., Boone
If it’s the comforts of a dive bar that you seek, look no further than Adobe Lounge on the western edge of Boone on Mamie Eisenhower Avenue. Adobe specializes in two things: Cold beer and hot, made-to-order pizzas. Try the pepperoni, you won’t regret it.
Location: E. Maime Eisenhower Ave., Boone
Another iconic bar and grill, Toby K's Hideaway is perched on the east side of Boone, a few miles from the Farm Progress grounds on Mamie Eisenhower. Known affectionately as “The Hide” to locals, this longtime establishment offers your typical bar food along with delicious fried sides and plenty of cold, domestic beers. Toby K’s is lively on Saturdays as they often stream the local Boone Speedway races.
Location: Story Street, Boone
Open for breakfast and lunch, the Whistle Stop in north Boone is one of the town’s hidden gems (for outsiders). Cross the train tracks (An endearing Boone trait) and transport yourself into simpler days, where the local diner not only offered the best comfort food, but also doubled as the place for local gossip. The Whistle Stop’s pancakes are iconic, while their cheeseburgers, fries and massive fried tenderloins are also staples.
Fast Food Options
Boone also offers plenty of fast food options. Get your regular fill from Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Domino’s, Pizza Ranch, Taco Bell, and Casey’s, all within a few miles of the Farm Progress Show.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: From BBQ to Mexican to dive bars, Boone offers plenty to eat during the Farm Progress Show
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