PRESENTED BY:
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
T2 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
T hank you to all our patrons!
Don’t forget to stop in for your Favorites!
A special thank you
to our hard working staff!!
Mon-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri., Sat. 9am-2:30am, Sun. 9am-2:00am
1316 Pierce St, Sioux City, IA 51105.
(712) 279-0772
siouxcityjournal.com
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
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Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 3
THE SIOUXLAND’S
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS Where’s a good place to eat? That was a question we posed to Journal online readers and you responded beyond our wildest dreams. You see, we weren’t necessarily looking for the best of the best. We simply wanted to know what eateries you recommended for out-of-towners or those dependable places you’d hit up that never disappointed. Siouxland’s Top 50 restaurants, literally, has something for every taste. From fine dining joints to holes-in-the-wall, from big chain operations to small mom-and-pops, here are Siouxland’s Top 50 restaurants, according to category.
PUB FARE 4 Brothers Bar & Grill
The Diving Elk 1101 4th St., Sioux City 712-234-0000
712-548-4444; 712-266-4444
Revolving craft beer list, classic cocktails and quality, local foods that change with the seasons.
Bar Louie
714 S. Lewis Blvd., Sioux City 712-574-8820
1430 Two Rivers Blvd., Le Mars, Iowa; 3322
Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City
Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and pastas with full craft beer and cocktail menu. 701 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 712-224-7600
Urban bar with signature cocktails and martinis in addition to specialty burgers, kicked-up flatbreads and main plate meals.
Bob’s Bar and Grill 5205 Main St., Martinsburg, Neb. 402-945-2995
Small town eatery with down home food options, including fish, chicken and oversize burgers.
Bob Roe’s Point After 2320 Transit Ave., Sioux City 712-276-5902
Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, dinners and comfort food favorites in a sporty atmosphere.
PUB FARE
Half Moon Bar & Grill All-American pub grub including specialty nachos, burgers, ribs and wings that come with your choice of 12 dipping sauces.
One-Eyed Jack’s 3091 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City 712-252-3162
Sports pub favorites including hamburger steak, whiskey sirloin and fish & chips. But don’t forget the Kackleburger, which comes with onions, peanut butter, grape jelly and a fried egg on top.
P’s Pizza House 630 8th Ave. S.W., Le Mars, Iowa; 723 8th
St. S.E., Orange City, Iowa; 300 Gold Circle, Dakota Dunes 712-546-8777; 712-737-9077; 605-540-0878 Pastas, wings, sandwiches and regional American pizzas served in a sleek and contemporary atmosphere.
Marto Brewing Co. 930 Fourth St. Sioux City 712-560-3397
What happens when craft beer joins forces with craft food? Well, you get Marto Brewing Co., which combines Erik Martin’s critically-acclaimed Marto beers with imaginative gourmet wood-fired pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and, even, a Brew Burger that includes a brisket and bacon patty, served with bacon jam, onions, heirloom tomatoes and arugula. Yum!
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
4 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Sgt. Brew Grill & Pub
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PIZZA
701 1st St. Sergeant Bluff 712-823-0261
Pizza, burgers, sandwiches and classic American bar food in a relaxed setting.
Sugar Daddy’s Sports Bar & Grill 100 Military Road, North Sioux City 605-232-9710
Burgers, wraps and a large selection of sandwiches in a sports-friendly establishment.
Pizza Ranch
Texas Roadhouse
3116 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City 712-222-1777
5130 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-274-7427
Admit it, a supreme pizza is actually named a Stampede, a veggie pizza is also known as a Prairie and a BLT pizza is, like, actually a wonderful invention. If you’re already a fan of the buffet at Pizza Ranch, you know what we’re talking about. But don’t forget the fried chicken or the All-American sides that complete your Pizza Ranch experience. Just remember to save room for the dessert pizzas!
Hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bones ribs and made-from-scratch sides in a classic roadhouse fashion.
Wheelhouse Bar & Grill
4501 Southern Hills Drive, Sioux City 712-224-4920
BBQ, pizza, sandwiches and a wide assortment of All-American side dishes.
FAMILY FARM
VISIT YOUR LOCAL CULVER’S RESTAURANT:
Fresh
Culver’s of Sioux City-Hamilton Blvd. 2420 Hamilton Blvd.,Sioux City, IA 51104 712-252-6984
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
siouxcityjournal.com
PIZZA
FINE DINING
1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria
1388 Hamilton Blvd. Sioux City 712-274-3784
Create your own Neapolitan pizza from sauce, crust, cheeses, meats, veggies and more.
El Fredo Pizza
523 West 19th St., Sioux City 712-258-0691
Quality ingredients and family recipes from a restaurant that’s been around for the past six decades.
Jerry’s Pizza
1417 Morningside Ave.; West 25th and Hamilton Blvd.,
Sioux City 712-276-1359; 712-252-5105 Take-out or delivery of pizza. Business has 60 years of experience.
Old Chicago 5050 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-224-0700
Featuring handcrafted pizzas and pastas as well as the best local and regional craft beer and taproom fare.
Westside Pizza 1200 West 4th St., Sioux City 712-252-3864
Archie’s Waeside Steakhouse
Soho Kitchen & Bar 1024 4th St., Sioux City 712-258-3434
224 4th St., NE, Le Mars, Iowa 712-546-7011
Menu full of American, made-from-scratch favorites including pastas, soups and skyscraping sandwiches.
Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium
100 Virginia St., Sioux City 712-454-1866
Nationally-known and family-owned chophouse serving traditional steaks, pork and seafood dinners in a low-key setting.
Table 32
814 Lincoln Place SE, Orange City, Iowa 712-737-3153
Craft American food and drink served unpretentiously in an upscale setting.
Fireside Steakhouse & Lounge
511 Fourth St., Sioux city 712-560-3500
Smoked prime rib, fish and chicken, burgers, pizza that are made to order. 121 East Main St., Anthon, Iowa 712-373-5611
Steakhouse featuring prime rib, house-cut ribeyes and sirloins. Seafood, broiled chicken and steak burgers are also available.
Kahill’s Chophouse 385 East 4th St., South Sioux City 402-494-5025
Gourmet food and elegant decor inside a restaurant that features picturesque views of the Missouri River.
Minerva’s Restaurant and Bar
2945 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City Pizza, wings and chicken dinners that have been fan favor- 712-277-0800 ites for 40 years. Traditional, upscale steak, fish and chopshop with pastas, salads and an extensive wine list.
Thank You Siouxland!!
• 40 Years In Business Family Owned • Over 3,000 People Gathered To Support The Warming Shelter For Our Anniversary Celebration • More Than $134,000 Raised • Now Voted Into The Top 50 Restaurants In Siouxland! God Bless & Thank You All!
712-252-0522
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 5
Trattoria Fresco Authentic Italian fare served in an elegant, romantic setting.
CASINOS Beano & Sherry’s Casinos 200 Military Road, North Sioux City 605-232-9077
Sharpshooter sandwiches, Blackjack baskets and Full House Dinners in a down home setting.
Main + Abbey 111 Third St. Sioux City 712-226-7610
Located inside of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, serves an eclectic menu of items, including burgers, sandwiches, entrees and Butcher Block steaks.
6 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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CASINOS
Flower Island Buffet 1500 330th St., Sloan, Iowa 1-800-Hot-WINN
What is Flowers Island? It was once an island in the middle of Missouri River where WinnaVegas Casino Resort. It is also the name of the Sloan, Iowa, casino’s casual dining buffet. Featuring weekend brunches, seafood extravaganzas and signature prime rib dinners, you don’t need to be a high roller in order to like one. Our recommendation: try the OMG! Burger Challenge. all you have to do is eat a four-pound burger and one-half-pound of fries in order to win a T-shirt. Easy, right?
FAST FOOD Billy Boy Drive Thru 2328 Riverside Blvd., Sioux City 712-233-1212
Family-owned fast food restaurant with both drive-thru, pick-up and eat-in options. Menu’s mainstay items include burgers, chicken and onion chips.
Jim’s Burgers 800 Pierce St.; 4030 Floyd Blvd.; 2500
Gordon Drive in Sioux City; 30 5th Ave., Le Mars, Iowa 712-252-1197; 712-239-1460; 712-224-2500; 712-546-6030 Offers wide variety of breakfast favorites in addition to burgers, specialty sandwiches and authentic Mexican fare.
Jimmy John’s 5001 Sergeant Road; 2408 Hamilton Blvd.;
3120 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City Freaky fast sub sandwiches.
DINER FARE Brightside Cafe & Deli 525 4th St., Sioux City 712-224-7827
Omelets and skillets for breakfast, burgers, wraps, salads and deli subs for lunch.
Johnnie Mars Family Restaurant 2402 East Lewis Blvd., Sioux City 712-252-7802
Classic American comfort foods plus a selection of Greek specialties in addition to breakfast served all day long.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 7
siouxcityjournal.com
Thank you to all our patrons!
DINER FARE
A special
Thank you
to our hard working staff
Garden Cafe 1322 Jackson St., Sioux City 712-252-2515
Want to taste Sioux City’s gift to the world? Eat a Ye Olde Tavern tavern in the very eatery where the loosemeat sandwich sandwich was born nearly 90 years ago. While times (and tastes) have changed, the Garden Cafe has continue to serve your comfort food favorites with taverns, soups, sandwiches and, believe it or not, waffles made all day long!
ASIAN OR ETHNIC Chinese Chef 2800 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City;
3069 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City 402-494-8940; 712-522-6189 dine-in and take-out Chinese and Cantonese meals, soups and appetizers.
Da Kao Restaurant 800 West 7th St., Sioux City 712-252-3937
Authentic Vietnamese and Chinese meals available for dine-in or take-out.
HuHot Mongolian Grill 4229 South Lakeport St., Sioux City 712-224-3400
Create your own unlimited stir fry by choosing meats, veggies and Asian-inspired sauces. It will then be cooked before your eyes.
Sun.-Thurs. 10am-9pm, Fri. Sat. 10am-10pm
Shahi India Grill 3146 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City 712-266-3826
Fantastic curry and authentic Tikka Masala in a colorful, energetic and fun setting.
FAST CASUAL Chick-Fil-A 4428 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-276-4233
Wide selection of chicken sandwiches, salads, soups and sides.
Culver’s 3102 Singing Hills Blvd., 2420 Hamilton
Blvd., in Sioux City 712-255-1551; 712-252-6984 Butter burgers, chicken tenders and sandwiches, seafood dinners and frozen custards.
611 W 29th, St So, Sioux City, NE
Tel.: 402-404-8022
8 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
siouxcityjournal.com
JIM LEE, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Served with house-made chips, The Wheelhouse Bar & Grill’s BBQ Bacon burger has a seared beef patty, Applewood bacon, a creamy cole slaw and haystack onion strips inside a toasted Brioche bun.
WHERE’S THE BEEF? IT’S RIGHT HERE! From burgers sauced with coleslaw, cream cheese and, even, PB&J, Siouxland has a bevy of burgers EARL HORLYK
ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com
Burgers are arguably America’s quintessential meal. And why not? They’re ready to eat, easy to get and, more importantly, you can dress ‘em and you can dress ‘em down. Most Siouxland restaurants have specialty burgers on their menu. Yet Billy Boy Drive-Thru has made handheld beefy masterpieces for more than 50 years. Perhaps better known for the Billy Boy (a loosemeat tavern) as well as chili dogs, the
2328 Riverside Blvd. fast food eatery has a growing menu of 100 percent beef burgers like the popular Outlaw. A burger with two patties, lettuce, tomatoes and a smear of “sassy” sauce, this Sioux City version of a Big Mac is much tastier than anything you can get from the Golden Arches. The same can be said about the Brightside Burger, which is one of the popular menu items at Brightside Cafe, 525 Fourth St. Like Billy Boy’s Outlaw, the Brightside A Kackleburger at One-Eyed Jack’s is topped with an egg.
JIM LEE, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
SIOUXCITYJOURNAL.COM
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 |
TIM HYNDS, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Brightside Cafe & Deli’s gourmet Brightside Burger is a onethird pound patty, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and a zesty Brightside sauce. Burger is made with an all-beef patty, lettuce, onions and, what general manager Karla Ruby calls a “kicky sauce.” “I think what makes a Brightside Burger delicious is the sauce,” she said. “Every burger needs a great sauce.” Wait, does coleslaw counts as a sauce? Well, it should since the popular and tangy slaw is the not-so-secret ingredient in the Wheelhouse Bar & Grill’s BBQ Bacon Burger. The 4501 Southern Hills Drive’s signature burger is served with a seared patty that is topped with Applewood bacon, BBQ sauce, crispy haystack onions and, yes, a healthy dollop of crispy, crunchy coleslaw. In our opinion, the bracing slaw nicely tempers the sweet and savory barbecue sauce. But when it comes to opposite attracts type of ingredients, few burgers can beat One Eyed Jack’s famous Kackleburger. It consists of a grilled beef patty that is, then, topped with onions, peanut butter, grape jelly and a fried egg. Yum? You betcha! Many
Siouxland restaurants have created variations on the Kackleburger but the 3091 Hamilton Blvd. sports bar had it first. Having said that, there may be a new contender for Sioux City’s weirdest-but-tastiest burger. Please behold the Popper Topper, one of Soho Kitchen & Bar’s most popular gourmet burgers. Now, take a gander at this list of ingredients. This bad boy is made with a grilled patty that is topped with cream cheese, jalapenos, pepperjack cheese and plop of grape jelly. It is placed on a bun that comes topped with, you guessed, a big, honkin’ jalapeno. According to owner Julie Schoenherr, this is one burger that draws plenty of oows and aahs. We can believe it. While hamburgers can be iconic and All-American, the sandwich lends itself to all sort of invention. If there is a burger innovation out there, we are certain there is a chef in Siouxland who is willing to put it on a plate for you.
Julie Schoenherr, owner of SoHo Kitchen & Bar, poses for a photo with the restaurant’s popular burger, Popper Topper. JUSTIN WAN, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Test your burger I.Q. The All-American meal with German origins: The name “Hamburger” was derived from the Hamburg steaks introduced to America by German immigrants. ‘Meat’ me at the fair: Burgers gain popularity after being served at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.
will be eaten in the United States. Are you doing your part? More than just the Dairy Capital: Yes, there is a Hamburger Hall of Fame Museum. It’s located in Seymour, Wisconsin.
Tip your hat to a great man: You may think of New Haven, Connecticut simply as being home to Yale University. How many can you eat: In any given year, 50 billion burgers But die-hards insist the city of 130,000 should be better
known as the birthplace of the burger. Legend has it that Louis Lassen, of Louis’ Lunch, made the first steak burger in 1900. Louis’ Lunch still exists, by the way. Mark your calendar: What will you be doing on May 28, 2020? Take our advice and go out to eat. That’s the best way to celebrate International Hamburger Day. Source: Factslegend.org
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10 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
FAST CASUAL
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX CUISINE
Sneaky’s Chicken
La Isla
3711 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 712-252-0522
611 West 29th St. South Sioux City 402-404-8022
You don’t need to be sneaky about being a fan of Sneaky’s popular broasted chicken. Dave Ferris and his family have been serving at least three generations of Sioux Cityans with chicken, ribs and sides in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Just be sure to follow Sneaky the raccoon or the ginormous chicken in order to taste cuisine at a classic Sioux City eatery.
THANK YOU SIOUXLAND
siouxcityjournal.com
Don’t expect fast food tacos or tortillas at La Isla. Instead, cast your net for luxurious lobsters, oysters and ceviche dinners authentically done in “Estilo Nayarit” style of Mexico’s western coast. Let us suggest one of La Isla’s langostino dinner washed down with one of the restaurant’s over-the-top margarita concoctions for a decadent and delicious dining experience.
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX CUISINE
For voting for us in the Top 50 Restaurants!
CELEBRATE WITH US DURING HAPPY HOUR! Monday - Saturday 3-6PM & 9PM-Close
Navarrete’s Mexican Food Cafe 3124 Highway 75 North, Sioux City 712-277-9778
2945 Hamilton Blvd, Sioux City, IA 712-277-0800 | minervas.net
It is time to give thanks to Eulalia Navarrete, the late mother (and grandmother) of Sioux City’s Tex-Mex scene. It is because of Eulalia — and her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren — that we’ve come to love enchiladas. tamales and entomatadas served with plenty of Tex-Mex red sauce.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 11
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MEXICAN/TEX-MEX CUISINE
HAPPY HOUR APPETIZERS BAR FOOD CHICKEN WINGS PIZZA TAKE OUT
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TOP 50 VOTE!
BOB ROE’S POINT AFTER WESTSIDE PIZZA 2320 Transit Ave., Sioux City (712) 276-5902
NORTH END ZONE
1200 W. 4th St., Sioux City 4100 Leeds Blvd., Sioux City (712) 252-3864 (712) 522-2834
La Juanita 1316 Pierce St., Sioux City 712-279-0772
Ask a native Sioux Cityan about “La Wah” and they’ll immediately know what you mean. For two decades, La Juanita has come to mean authentic comfort food made as if it was on the streets of Jalisco, Mexico. From burritos, tortas and quesadillas, this family-owned eatery is a-buzz with happy diners morning, noon and night.
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX CUISINE
BBQ
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Famous Dave’s
3138 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City 712-222-1203
201 Pierce St., Sioux City 712-277-8800
Classic fajitas, quasadillas and burrito served in a casual setting. Kids menu, daily specials and beer/margarita menu are also available.
Tacos El Guero 525 Pearl St., Sioux City; 201 East Main St.,
Hinton, Iowa 712-252-9084; 712-947-4088 Authentic, made-to-order Mexican food served in fast, casual setting.
Features award-winning ribs, Q’ combos, pitmaster favorites and smokin’ starters.
Iowa BBQ Company 100 Plymouth St. SW, Le Mars, Iowa 712-541-6606
Named one of
Siouxland’s Top 50
restaurants!
Brisket, pulled pork, sausage links and chicken smoked by expert pitmasters. However, don’t dawdle. Once that day’s food is gone, they’re done with their service.
bl u emo u n t ai n emp o r i u m.n et | 712- 737- 3153 814 Lincoln Place SE, Orang e City, I A 51041
12 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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Thank You Siouxland For Your Support & Kindness
We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude:
Free
www.shahiindiagrill.com
3146 Singing Hills Blvd
712-266-3826
garlic naan when u buy an entrée expires 12/31/2019
A round of thanks... from all of us to all of you!
TIM HYNDS PHOTOS, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
P’s Pizza House opened its Dakota Dunes branch in December 2018.
P’s is for pizza ... and much more P’s Pizza House creates gourmet comfort in a casual setting EARL HORLYK
ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com
• Burritos • Tacos • Nachos • Enchiladas • Tamales • Combination Dinners & Much More Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Closed on Sundays
(712) 277-9778
AKOTA DUNES — There are four pilD lars of business when it comes to P’s Pizza House, according to owner Joe Sitzmann. “Joe always says it is the quality of our pizza, our pastas, our burgers and our wings that built this business,” David Westergard, general manager for Dakota Dunes’ P’s Pizza House, explained. “If we get those four things right, we will always be successful.” This has been Sitzmann’s philosophy ever since he purchased Mr. P’s Pizza & Sports Grill, an established Le Mars, Iowa-based pizzeria from original owner Marty Pippett in 2007. It continued to be the case when Sitzmann expanded his operations with an Orange City, Iowa, location in 2016. Located at 300 Gold Circle, the new, 8,000-square-foot Dakota Dunes P’s Pizza House first opened its doors to customers on New Year’s Eve 2018. “We were slated to open in August 2018,
If you go WHAT: P’s Pizza House in Dakota Dunes WHERE: 300 Gold Circle, Dakota Dunes WHEN: 11 a.m.—midnight, Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.—1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays PHONE: 605-540-0878
which is typically the slowest time of the year for a restaurant,” Westergard said. “Due to a few construction delays, we decided to open on New Year’s Eve, which is, historically, one of the busiest nights of the year for a restaurant.” “When we saw people lined outside of the door on the first day, we figured this might be interesting,” he said, laughing at the memory. Luckily for Westergard, he had an ambi-
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 13
siouxcityjournal.com
Thank you to all of Siouxland for the Support!
Boasting an event room, patio and mezzanine seating, Dakota Dunes’ P’s Pizza House is the third location opened by restaurateur Joe Sitzmann. Other P’s Pizza Houses are located in Le Mars, Iowa and Orange City, Iowa. tious kitchen staff who were ready to wow the crowds. OK, what was especially wow-worthy? Well, how about the Nero Fettuccine and Lobster, which is made with squid ink fettuccine, a wild mushroom medley, chili flakes and a scallion cream sauce? Wait, are we talking about black pasta? Westergard said don’t worry about the color. “It’s straight-up, stick-to-your-ribs, Midwestern comfort food,” he said. And so is P’s Guancuale Mac & cheese, which is Cavatappi pasta, smothered with a house-made cheese sauce and topped with plenty of Guanciale, an Italian cured meat that tastes like kicked-up bacon. If that sounds too rich for you, consider P’s wide assortment of wings or one of its popular burgers. While P’s Classic consists of a one-half pound patty, American cheese, house-cut bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on a brioche bun, you might also consider something more decadent like the Juicy Lucy, which is made with a one-half pound patty that’s been stuffed with caramelized apples and Gouda cheese. It is then served on a brioche bun. Pizza fans should note that P’s pizzas are either made in a traditional, American manner or in a Neapolitan style via a coalfire oven. According to Westergard, P’s coal-fired Margherita (San Marzano tomato sauce, Fior di Late Mozzarella, fresh basil, salt
Monday - Thursday 3pm to 10pm Friday 3pm to Midnight Saturday 11am to Midnight Sunday 10am to 8pm
Kitchen Hours
In addition to a full food menu, P’s offers craft beers, wines, mixed drinks and specialty cocktails, according to general manager David Westergard. and olive oil) and the Bomber (pepperoni, sausage, spicy linked sausage, mozzarella, ricotta and crushed tomato sauce) are already hits with his customers. And so is the sleek-but-comfortable decor. “We’re a restaurant that has appeal to guys wanting to see a game on TV, a couple wanting a night on the town or a family wanting something good to eat,” Westergard said. “That’s what we’re known for in Le Mars and in Orange City. Now, we’re bringing those same qualities to Dakota Dunes.”
Monday - Thursday 4pm to 9pm Friday 4pm to 10pm Saturday 11am to 10pm Sunday 10am to 7pm” (712) 560 3397
930 4th St, Sioux City, IA 51101
martobrewing.com
14 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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A dynasty in a tortilla shell Tacos El Guero expanding the tastes of Jalisco EARL HORLYK
ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com
Come in enjoy our daily specials!
HINTON, Iowa — A person’s ability to find a Taco El Guero Restaurant has just gotten twice as easy. The downtown Sioux City taqueria at 525 Pearl St. has recently expanded to include a 210 East Main St. eatery in the Plymouth County town of Hinton. Wait, you say that Taco El Guero will also soon be setting up shop at 1301 River Drive in North Sioux City? And that there are still ongoing plans for opening a fourth locale on Sioux City’s west side by the end of the year? Phew! OK, a person’s ability to find a Tacos El Guero Restaurant may soon be four times as easy. Does all of this rapid expansion worry Eduardo “Guero” Sanchez, the taqueria’s owner and namesake? “No, our customers like our food,” he said with a smile. “Now, we will have more locations to serve our customers.” So, how does Sanchez’s wife and business partner Candy Sanchez feel about this massive expansion? “I worry that we’re growing too quickly,” she said. “But I’m also proud we’re a family-owned restaurant with made-form-scratch from family recipes.” Indeed, Tacos El Guero has become known for its full menu of authentically Mexican tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas and fajitas. “In downtown Sioux City, the best sellers are our tacos and burritos,” Sanchez said. “In Hinton, people like
TIM HYNDS PHOTOS, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
A wet burrito with beans, rice and avocado is a popular entree at Tacos El Guero in Hinton, Iowa. Owner Eduardo “Guero” Sanchez recently opened the second location while maintaining the original Tacos El Guero at 525 Pearl St. in downtown Sioux City. the fajitas and wet burritos (a burrito topped with cheese sauce).” “That’s because our Sioux City spot is smaller and the pace is faster,” Candy Sanchez noted. “Our Hinton location is so big, customers will want to stick around for a family-size meal.” Indeed, Tacos El Guero in Hinton has two dining room: a banquet room as well as a fully-stocked bar for patrons who like to whet their whistle with a Mexican beer cocktail, complete with a chamoy-coated straw. “I can’t believe the size of this kitchen,” Candy Sanchez said as her husband manned the grill. “In Sioux City, our kitchen is tiny but, here, we have space to spare.”
Which is good news for Sanchez, who remains a master in concocting creative Mexican fare. That includes meaty combo fajita platters with avocado, grilled veggies and a side of rice and beans. While her husband is happiest in the kitchen, Candy Sanchez said her main interest is in the front of the house. “Tacos El Guero is built around family,” she said. If Eduardo Sanchez is nervous about running multiple restaurants, he isn’t showing much stress. “I love cooking the foods that I grew up with,” he said. “Being able to make a living at what I love doing is a blessing.”
Try our famous omelet’s! Breakfast served all day! Mon.-Sun. 7am-8pm. Phone • (712) 252-2515
Formerly home to Krause’s Main Street Burgers, Tacos El Guero will allows Hinton, Iowa residents a chance to enjoy authentic Mexican foods in a comfortable setting at 201 East Main St.
Candy and Eduardo “Guero” Sanchez are shown at Tacos el Guero’s new location in Hinton. Candy Sanchez handles the business side of the restaurant while her husband makes authentic, made-to-order meals in the taqueria’s kitchen.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 15
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Barbecue that can’t be beat
thank you
Serving up our DeepeSt thankS!
Iowa BBQ Company brings down-home cuisine to Siouxland EARL HORLYK
ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com
LE MARS, Iowa — Forget Austin, Memphis or Kansas City. Some of the best barbecue can be found in the Plymouth County town of Le Mars. That’s right, inside the city best known for being “The Ice Cream Capital of the World.” Don’t believe us? Then, ask the approximately 1,300 BBQ fanatics who participated in the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Pulled Pork Madness contest who gave Iowa BBQ Company a second place finish for best ‘que in the Hawkeye State earlier this year. Which is a sweet (and spicy) turn of events for a 100 Plymouth St. S.W. eatery that has for only been in business for a little more than a year. A big part of Iowa BBQ’s success must go to executive chef Keaton Kimble. A Le Mars native, Kimble had spent more than a decade working at various restaurants in Cedar Rapids before coming back to his hometown. “I spent a year-and-a-half at P’s Pizza House,” he explained. “That’s where I first met (P’s Pizza House owner) Joe Sitzmann.” Wanting to relocate to Little Rock, Arkansas, Kimble worked in a craft brewery and taproom specializing in smoked meats and quality, downhome cuisine. It was there that he discovered his passion for barbecue. That was when Kimble’s former boss reached out to him. “I’m always looking for opportunities to expand Le Mars’ dining climate,” Sitzmann said. “I knew the idea of a downtown barbecue restaurant would be a great alternative to fast food fare.” Kimble agreed and quickly to become a partner in Iowa BBQ Company. Since it opened in July 2018, the unpretentious eatery is known for using the best cuts of beef, pork and chicken available. For instance, brisket is done in a classic Texas style while the ribs are more in the mode of Kansas City or St. Louis style of barbecue.
TIM HYNDS PHOTOS, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Iowa Barbeque Company’s Keaton Kimble displays a pulled pork sandwich in Le Mars, Iowa. Opened in July 2018, the eatery is already gaining statewide attention for its award-winning barbecue.
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A pulled pork sandwich with sides of house-pickled vegetables and verde bbq sauce is shown at the Iowa Barbeque Company in Le Mars, Iowa. The locallyowned barbecue restaurant recently placed second in a statewide pulled pork sandwich contest sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “We’re looking to bring all styles of barbecue together while putting in a few Midwestern touches,” Kimble said. Sitzmann nodded his head in agreement. “Initially, we want to keep our menu pretty limited to classic barbecue,” he said. “What can be more simple than a meat plus some sides.” Especially when the side dishes include such made-from-scratch favor-
ites as baked beans, coleslaw and mac & cheese. “From our sauce to our sides to our sausages, everything is made inhouse,” Sitzmann said. “This is what will separate us from chain operations.” Which is fine by Kimble, who considers quality barbecue to be both a passion and an art form. “I’m very fortunate to be able to share it with my hometown,” he said.
We sincerely hope that everything will be to your satisfaction and that you will visit us soon.
• Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm • Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:30 pm • Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
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3138 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City, IA 712-222-1203 For reservations, takeout orders or catering services call for more information
T16 | Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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Our passion is to provide the best BBQ experience. We believe in knowing and believing in every step of the production process to ensure quality.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 - 9. 100 Plymouth St West Le Mars, IA 51031 712.541.6606