Craving a memorable meal? There’s nothing like a perfectly seared steak or a bowl of soul-warming pasta to celebrate a special occasion or simply make Tuesday night shine. And lucky for us, Monticello boasts some truly delicious spots. Here are our favorites.
Subway
$ | (319) 465-4648 | WEBSITE
Cruising through Monticello is one way to find a quick bite. Another is to just pull into Subway. At this tucked-away spot, classic sandwiches that come in an assortment of satisfying options are the name of the game. The standout Philly Cheesesteak, the unique Bella Mozza, even the straightforward turkey and ham will beckon you from behind the clear counter. But aside from offering something for everyone, these sandwiches are delicious.
They’re super fresh and taste about as close to a perfect cheat meal as you can get.
Diamond Pi Company
$ | (319) 465-5477 | WEBSITE
What makes this pizza spot near Monticello special is the attention to fun the owners put into the whole dining experience. Case in point: the nostalgic train. This charming model follows along the ceiling throughout the meal, making it an entertaining show for kids and a bit of whimsy for adults. The buffet is similar to Pizza Ranch but smaller and more manageable, with solid beer options available to wash it all down.
Diamond Pi has the friendly staff and clean restaurant you’d want for a family meal, plus a small arcade area to keep the little ones busy. Or just call for their fast delivery to enjoy that great cheese pizza or delicious pepperoni and meat lovers pizza at home.
The Market at the Tap
$ | (319) 844-1028 | WEBSITE
The Market at the Tap is a standout spot near Monticello with a cool, upscale atmosphere—just without the stuffiness or pretension, for that matter. Instead, this place has a western saloon vibe that makes you feel like you’re dining somewhere special—and in the somewhat-quiet Monticello area, that’s worth a ton. The prime rib and sirloin are the way to go—the locally sourced meat melts in your mouth.
Out of all the options, the ribeye with cowboy butter is a savory hit, but you’ll always leave happy with the Dillenger burger or anything from the attentive staff.
McDonald’s
$ | (319) 462-3589 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s lives up to the reputation, somehow serving the freshest fast food in all of Monticello. No matter if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s as if every meal has been cooked to order. Go for the hot breakfast sandwiches or the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, which could moonlight as a comfort classic. Kid-friendly options are included in the regular menu, and there’s always at least one limited-time special.
They get busy during peak hours, so plan ahead—and use the self-serve kiosk while you’re at it.
Las Brasas Restaurant
$ | (319) 462-0137 | WEBSITE
Las Brasas Restaurant in Anamosa is a great spot for a lively dinner—they have tons of Mexican dishes, high-quality tequila, and perfect margaritas. But chances are very high that something from their perfectly seasoned menu will call to you. They focus on classic flavors here, like the must-try Anamosa Special, fresh and delicious plates, and well-presented meals, all of which will immediately send satisfaction coursing through your veins, in the best way.
Grab a table on a night with live music and take in the welcoming atmosphere.
Hillside Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (319) 465-3624 | WEBSITE
When you spot the rustic wooden sign perched on a hill surrounded by trees, you’ll know you’ve arrived. Hillside Sports Bar & Grill in Monticello is where we go to fill up on generous portions of “The Sticky One” wings, juicy burgers, and pizzas that are crispier than our cast-iron skillet.
The family-friendly spot has a spacious new patio with comfortable seating to enjoy your meal if you want to stay for live music, but we like to grab a table inside and sample the huge baked cookie dessert under the warm glow of the clean rustic decor.
Tyler & Downing’s Eatery
$ | (319) 462-5533 | WEBSITE
With just a few tables in the historic building, Tyler & Downing’s can feel like a hidden gem. But if you arrive before the evening rush, you should be able to snag a cozy booth near the fireplace. While the sirloin is fantastic, the Cuban sandwich is even better. It tastes like it’s been crafted with care and disappears after just a few satisfying bites. Our favorite dish so far is the whole catfish, which comes with those amazing crispy fries.
The cheesecake for dessert is worth saving room for, and the local beers on tap pair perfectly. It’s a bit pricey—expect to spend around $25–$35 per entrée—but the friendly service from Dirk and the team makes every dollar feel well spent. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting that adds to the charm. For families, it’s super kid-friendly, and the wheelchair accessibility is a thoughtful touch.
This place is a must-stop if you’re passing through Monticello, offering an experience that keeps you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
$ | (319) 465-3700 | WEBSITE
What makes the Oevos con Chorizo at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant special is their authentic and hearty flavor. If it weren’t for the generous portions of chorizo, we’d be worried the eggs would get lonely on the plate. There’s no going wrong with any of the Mexican specialties—if you only have room for one or two dishes, you should get the Oevos con Chorizo and the nice selection of Mexican beers (feel free to skip the limited vegan options that are sparse and have few choices).
This Monticello restaurant does run out of their Mexican beers the quickest, but the quick service and friendly staff are also a great fallback. If you have time, ask to dine in so that you can enjoy the wheelchair accessible space that comes with a welcoming atmosphere.
Cone Shoppe
$ | (319) 465-6342 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a classic ice cream spot to satisfy a sweet tooth, this is the place. There’s just one location in Monticello, but the bright shop is the go-to for treats. No matter what time of day it is, you’ll always find the soft-serve machine humming, and the flavor board updated and cheerful, like a welcome sign after a day exploring the area.
The Twist cones at this place are creamier than you’d expect, the Razzle specials are always perfectly blended, and even better—nothing costs more than $6.50.
Deb’s Sports Bar
$ | (319) 462-4242 | WEBSITE
You’re at this classic Iowa sports bar for lively nights, cold drinks, and Hawkeyes games. While the atmosphere decidedly has a welcoming feel, fun additions like karaoke nights, friendly staff, and easy parking make this place stand out. Their service tends to be on the faster side (and in a good way), but the way the drinks and camaraderie literally fill your evening with fun more than makes up for any basic bar fare. Grab some friends—you’re likely going to meet some new people.
And bring your team spirit.
Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant
$ | (319) 462-6918 | WEBSITE
When Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant first opened in Monticello, people drove across town for their buffet—and we get why. It’s generous and so satisfying that it almost feels like home. At their current location, there’s rarely ever a crowd. You just need to exert a few moments of patience as each dish is prepared fresh.
We suggest going for the juicy chicken or the delivery service, and stopping by for lunch to take advantage of their clean environment, which scores you a nostalgic experience for about $15 per person.
Java Jones
$ | (319) 465-3730 | WEBSITE
This cozy spot in Monticello nails classic coffee shop fare, from breakfast sandwiches and wraps to daily rotating soups. But their seasonal drinks are what keep us coming back—think holiday lattes, autumnal ciders, and refreshing summer lemonades. It’s also one of the few spots with standout pairings (the Reuben panini with chicken broccoli soup is our go-to). Grab a cup of their good coffee to wash it all down.
