The best restaurants in Waterloo

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

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Restaurants · 21 places · showing the latest additions first

Treat yourself to a quick staycation at The Historic Weis Mansion B&B, a Victorian bed and breakfast that lets you trade errands for…

800 W 4th St

Treat yourself to a quick staycation at The Historic Weis Mansion B&B, a Victorian bed and breakfast that lets you trade errands for vintage charm, quiet corners, and that blissful feeling of being away even though you're still in Waterloo.

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 7, 2026

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When you want zero cooking and maximum variety this week, Hibachi Sushi Buffet covers the cravings with familiar Chinese and Japanese…

1535 Flammang Dr

When you want zero cooking and maximum variety this week, Hibachi Sushi Buffet covers the cravings with familiar Chinese and Japanese comfort picks plus plenty of sushi rolls, so everyone at the table can self-serve happiness and go back for that one thing you swore you'd save room for.

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Doughy Joey's Peetza Joynt is a downtown Waterloo staple to hit this week for fresh-daily dough, New York thin crust cut party style, and…

300 W 4th St

Doughy Joey's Peetza Joynt is a downtown Waterloo staple to hit this week for fresh-daily dough, New York thin crust cut party style, and Chicago deep dish topped with marinara. Come for the pies, stay because the crew makes it feel like home and the rest of the menu keeps surprising.

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Blue Barn BBQ

Restaurants

Relaxed venue specializing in slow-cooked barbecued meats (including brisket, chicken, pork and ribs, as well as wings) alongside…

623 E 18th St (Cedar Falls)

Relaxed venue specializing in slow-cooked barbecued meats (including brisket, chicken, pork and ribs, as well as wings) alongside hand-crafted sauces and sides.

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Cozy, contemporary tavern featuring eclectic American bites & a vast whiskey selection.

402 Main St (Cedar Falls)

Cozy, contemporary tavern featuring eclectic American bites & a vast whiskey selection.

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Relaxed bar (with whiskey and martinis) featuring a menu of wings, spring rolls and salads.

205 W 4th St Bldg A

Relaxed bar (with whiskey and martinis) featuring a menu of wings, spring rolls and salads.

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The Brown Bottle

Restaurants

Family-owned Italian eatery showcasing Italian eats & myriad wines in a rustic, casual atmosphere.

209 W 5th St

Family-owned Italian eatery showcasing Italian eats & myriad wines in a rustic, casual atmosphere.

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Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to Pad Thai.

2833 Crossroads Blvd

Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to Pad Thai.

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Sleek, colorful breakfast & lunch spot dishing up new spins on classics in a diner-style setting.

128 E 4th St

Sleek, colorful breakfast & lunch spot dishing up new spins on classics in a diner-style setting.

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Big Head Burger

Restaurants

Hamburgers, fries and milkshakes are served at this laid-back burger joint.

324 W 4th St

Hamburgers, fries and milkshakes are served at this laid-back burger joint.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

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

714 La Porte Rd

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

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Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

1104 Washington St

Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

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

1130 Ansborough Ave

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

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Casual barbecue restaurant dishing up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, plus sides like cornbread.

250 Westfield Ave

Casual barbecue restaurant dishing up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, plus sides like cornbread.

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Table 1912

Restaurants

Modern eatery showcasing traditional flavors alongside regional produce plus a wine list.

5307 Caraway Ln (Cedar Falls)

Modern eatery showcasing traditional flavors alongside regional produce plus a wine list.

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Japanese destination featuring sushi rolls and hibachi-grilled dishes (vegetarian options included), plus teppanyaki cuisine.

1931 Sears St

Japanese destination featuring sushi rolls and hibachi-grilled dishes (vegetarian options included), plus teppanyaki cuisine.

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Village Inn

Restaurants

Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.

212 W Ridgeway Ave

Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.

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Basal Pizza

Restaurants

Chill outpost for pizza, salads, sandwiches & starters with a dozen craft beers & cocktails.

225 W 4th St

Chill outpost for pizza, salads, sandwiches & starters with a dozen craft beers & cocktails.

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Highway 63 Diner

Restaurants

Casual diner featuring broasted chicken, pork loin, salads and homemade bread pudding.

3030 Marnie Ave

Casual diner featuring broasted chicken, pork loin, salads and homemade bread pudding.

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Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.

4045 Hammond Ave

Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.

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Factory turned beer hall with family-friendly vibes serving burgers and other casual eats alongside their own brews.

325 Commercial St

Factory turned beer hall with family-friendly vibes serving burgers and other casual eats alongside their own brews.

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