Waterloo’s best local businesses

The 83 spots we’ve checked and stand behind — the ones we’d send a neighbor to. No stars, no pay-to-play.

BaseLocal's Best

● Updated Aug 2

Find a spot

83 businesses across 11 categories — pick a shelf, or search them below.

• 01Restaurants21 places · newest: Doughy Joey's Peetza Joynt, Aug 2
• 02Beauty5 places · newest: Hair Gallery and Hair Replacement Studio, Aug 2
• 03Shopping3 places · newest: Truly T Boutique, Aug 2
• 04Entertainment11 places · newest: Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course, Aug 2
• 05Nightlife8 places · newest: Flirt's Gentlemens Club, Aug 2
• 06Bakeries & Sweets6 places · newest: Ledos Bakery, Aug 2
• 07Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage7 places · newest: Cedar Valley Coins & Collectibles, Aug 2
• 08Arts & Culture5 places · newest: Fusion Dance & Performing Arts, Aug 2
• 09Home & Garden5 places · newest: Iowa Wall Systems Inc, Aug 2
• 10Hobbies, Books, & Crafts3 places · newest: Tenor Madness, Aug 2
• 11Sporting Goods4 places · newest: Winnebago Scout Shop, Aug 2

Nothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →

Pinned in Waterloo today

More spots

Businesses in categories too small for their own page — yet.

• Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

  Parks & Outdoors

  40-acre oasis with multiple themed gardens, including a kids’ area with a fish pond & Hobbit homes.

  1927 E Orange Rd · cedarvalleyarboretum.org ↗

• Riverloop Expo Plaza

  Parks & Outdoors

  Big open-air plaza that turns into whatever Waterloo needs this week: farmers market mornings, food truck feasts, concerts and art fests.…

  400 Commercial St · elkqr.link ↗

• Foxy's Beauty Lounge

  Health & Wellness

  Whether your brows need taming, lashes crave a lift, or you’re overdue for gentle sugaring and a proper pedicure, Foxy's Beauty Lounge has…

  located within The Wellness Center, 3151 Brockway Rd Ste 103 · foxysbeautylounge.com ↗

• No Filter Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Inc.

  Health & Wellness

  If your skin needs a pick‑me‑up this week, No Filter Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Inc. has the Mermaid Facial for instant radiance, plus…

  517 Lafayette St · nofiltercedarvalley.com ↗

• Wilson Restaurant Supply

  Services

  Long-running store supplying restaurant and hospitality businesses with equipment and supplies.

  5746 Westminster Dr (Cedar Falls) · wilsonrestaurantsupply.com ↗

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