The best restaurants in Dubuque

28 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 28 places · showing the latest additions first

Craving a game-night hang this week? Mason Dixon Saloon nails the local-meat, in-house-smoked vibe with signature dry-rubbed ribs, legit…

163 Main St

Craving a game-night hang this week? Mason Dixon Saloon nails the local-meat, in-house-smoked vibe with signature dry-rubbed ribs, legit wings, and a slow-cooked Reuben people won’t shut up about, all spread across two levels where you can watch the big game or sneak in a little dancing.

From the Dubuque newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Happy Joe's Pizza - Dubuque - University keeps weeknights fun with the original Taco Joe pizza and a lineup of Mexican-style pies, dessert…

1094 University Ave

Happy Joe's Pizza - Dubuque - University keeps weeknights fun with the original Taco Joe pizza and a lineup of Mexican-style pies, dessert pizzas and ice cream sundaes. When you need an easy crowd-pleaser, this is classic Dubuque comfort that hits the nostalgia button and still tastes great.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

3415 Stoneman Rd Unit 1

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Rustic Southern Italian eatery with an old-world vibe, full bar & family-style meals on Sunday.

180 Main St

Rustic Southern Italian eatery with an old-world vibe, full bar & family-style meals on Sunday.

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Lively, family-friendly venue offering a large sushi menu, Japanese kitchen entrees & teppanyaki.

3187 University Ave

Lively, family-friendly venue offering a large sushi menu, Japanese kitchen entrees & teppanyaki.

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Casual pizzeria chain serving thin-crust, stuffed & deep-dish pies, plus fries, wings & calzones.

3250 Kennedy Cir #3

Casual pizzeria chain serving thin-crust, stuffed & deep-dish pies, plus fries, wings & calzones.

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Old-school pizza parlor dishing up familiar Italian fare such as pasta, subs & made-to-order pies.

2022 Central Ave

Old-school pizza parlor dishing up familiar Italian fare such as pasta, subs & made-to-order pies.

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Down-to-earth eatery offering hearty portions of classic American breakfast, lunch & dinner plates.

401 Central Ave

Down-to-earth eatery offering hearty portions of classic American breakfast, lunch & dinner plates.

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Steak, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, and other comfort foods are offered at this eatery with a casual atmosphere.

342 Main St

Steak, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, and other comfort foods are offered at this eatery with a casual atmosphere.

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Nostalgic eatery serving traditional Italian recipes including sandwiches, pizza & pasta.

1298 Main St

Nostalgic eatery serving traditional Italian recipes including sandwiches, pizza & pasta.

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Vibrant hangout featuring pub fare, multiple bars & a deck with water views, plus live music.

1201 Shiras Ave Ext

Vibrant hangout featuring pub fare, multiple bars & a deck with water views, plus live music.

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Kid-friendly pizza chain known for crust choices & Mexican-inspired pies plus oversized sundaes.

855 Century Dr

Kid-friendly pizza chain known for crust choices & Mexican-inspired pies plus oversized sundaes.

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Relaxed breakfast and lunch eatery offering coffee, pizza, pancakes and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

2811 Jackson St

Relaxed breakfast and lunch eatery offering coffee, pizza, pancakes and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

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Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.

2775 NW Arterial

Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.

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Relaxed eatery offering Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, steak dishes & sushi.

300 N Main St (Galena)

Relaxed eatery offering Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, steak dishes & sushi.

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Stylish eatery with an exposed-brick interior serving elevated New American fare & craft cocktails.

955 Washington St #101

Stylish eatery with an exposed-brick interior serving elevated New American fare & craft cocktails.

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L.May Eatery

Restaurants

Creative, market-driven plates served in upscale-casual environs with cocktails, wine or craft beer.

1072 Main St

Creative, market-driven plates served in upscale-casual environs with cocktails, wine or craft beer.

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House-brewed beers & clever pub grub offered in a converted warehouse with a large u-shaped bar.

1085 Washington St

House-brewed beers & clever pub grub offered in a converted warehouse with a large u-shaped bar.

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Swagat - Dubuque

Restaurants

Casual, trendy, modern restaurant for Indian eats, including tandoori chicken and tikkas, plus a bar and cocktails.

1108 Locust St

Casual, trendy, modern restaurant for Indian eats, including tandoori chicken and tikkas, plus a bar and cocktails.

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Dottie's Cafe

Restaurants

American breakfast & lunch standards in traditional, utilitarian diner environs.

504 Central Ave

American breakfast & lunch standards in traditional, utilitarian diner environs.

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Casual restaurant and bar offering comfort food and sports on TV, plus late-night hours.

2600 Central Ave

Casual restaurant and bar offering comfort food and sports on TV, plus late-night hours.

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Shot Tower Inn

Restaurants

This longtime pub with simple, old-school decor draws lively locals for pizza, beer & grinders.

390 Locust St

This longtime pub with simple, old-school decor draws lively locals for pizza, beer & grinders.

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Papa Ozz

Restaurants

Casual eatery offering pizzas, gyros, sandwiches and other comfort foods in a family-friendly space.

3338 John F Kennedy Rd

Casual eatery offering pizzas, gyros, sandwiches and other comfort foods in a family-friendly space.

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Upscale bistro showcasing creative American fare & drinks in warm, brick-walled surroundings.

378 Main St

Upscale bistro showcasing creative American fare & drinks in warm, brick-walled surroundings.

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Specialty coffee drinks, baked goods, and lunch are offered at this snug, Wi-Fi-enabled cafe.

1104 White St

Specialty coffee drinks, baked goods, and lunch are offered at this snug, Wi-Fi-enabled cafe.

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Family-run, country-style tavern offering down-home American fare as well as buffets.

563 Balltown Rd (Sherrill)

Family-run, country-style tavern offering down-home American fare as well as buffets.

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Foodies Downtown

Restaurants

Burger spot offering dozens of varieties, plus pancakes, breakfast burritos and steaks.

1046 Central Ave

Burger spot offering dozens of varieties, plus pancakes, breakfast burritos and steaks.

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Magoo's Pizza

Restaurants

Cool pizzeria with a retro interior assembling custom-made personal pizzas & salads.

1875 University Ave

Cool pizzeria with a retro interior assembling custom-made personal pizzas & salads.

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