Along the eastern side of West Okoboji Lake lies the city of Okoboji. It is situated in Dickinson County, Iowa, in the United States. Seven hundred and sixty-eight people were living there as of the 2020 census.
It’s a significant summer tourist destination. It’s rising popularity is a result of the expansion of resorts along the Iowa Great Lakes and the proximity to other tourist destinations like Spirit Lake and Arnolds.
Okoboji’s fun-filled outdoor adventure and activities aren’t the only things that make the town one of the top vacation spots in the country. They also offer a lot of unique cuisines from different restaurants to make your stay worthwhile.
Are you planning a food tour of Okoboji? Here are the best restaurants in Okoboji, IA
Best Restaurants in Okoboji, IA
1. Wyman’s Spudnutz
Wyman’s Spudnutz, established in 2012, has since become a pillar in the neighborhood and an excellent spot for loved ones and friends to enjoy quality time together.
Wyman’s Spudnutz identifies as veteran owned. Donuts in various flavors and coffee beverages are served in this relaxed, welcoming cafe. The toppings are ample and prepared to order.
In-store pickup, in-store shopping, takeout, and dine-in choices are all available at the store. You can make payments here with debit or credit cards.
Some of their breakfast and dessert menu options include doughnuts, glazed donuts, cinnamon twist, frosted chocolate donuts, maple bacon donuts, bagels, raspberry Bismarck, sprinkle donuts, and cinnamon balls.
Wyman’s Spudnutz is the number one place to go when visiting the Iowa Great Lakes, whether you are purchasing a donut for yourself or bringing a box of them to a group at the office or school. Come and experience the lively atmosphere of this heritage structure!
You can visit Wyman’s Spudnutz every Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:30 am to 1 pm and every Sunday from 7 am to 12 pm.
Address: 1104 US-71, Okoboji, IA 51365, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-6293.
2. Minervas Restaurat and Bar
Minervas Restaurant and Bar, one of the most well-known dining establishments in the Midwest, has roots in its original Sioux Falls, South Dakota, location. The principle of offering top-notch meals and first-rate service has served as the company’s cornerstone.
The best stories are told over food, according to the staff at Minervas, not to mention the funniest jokes and the most treasured memories. Here eating is all about the experience it provides and fostering relationships with the people who matter the most.
At Minervas Restaurant and Bar, you can either dine in or opt for the takeaway service option.
The Midwest-style hand-cut steaks and chops, freshly produced pizza, spaghetti, vibrant and tasty salads, tomato bisque, ranch burger, French dip, seafood mac and cheese, pork entree, butter noodles and fries, and homemade desserts are Minervas main specialties.
Minervas Restaurant and Bar strives to satisfy its patrons by serving the best seafood and grilled meals in elegant settings. It is revered as one of the best Okoboji restaurants.
They operate on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, respectively, and on the weekends from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
Address: 1406 Highway 71 N, Okoboji, IA 51355, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-5296.
3. O’Farrell Sisters
Locals claim that an authentic diner in the lakes region of Okoboji is O’Farrell’s Sisters. This venerable restaurant has been around for years and serves lunchtime sandwiches and morning items like colossal cinnamon rolls.
Customers who prefer to spend their mealtimes outside in the sunshine have access to outdoor seating. The restaurant’s uniqueness stems from its vast history and the mood it exudes.
A few of their classic menu items are eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, fish sandwich, pork tenderloin sandwich, ham and cheese omelet, pancakes and bacon, ice cream sundaes, chicken tenders, egg combos, and cinnamon rolls French toast.
Everyone who visits Okoboji must stop here for food at least once. This Lakes Region classic is a sure thing.
O’Farrell’s Sisters is open on Thursdays to Mondays from 8 am to 2 pm.
Address: 1109 Lake Shore Dr, Okoboji, IA 51355, United states. Phone: +1 712-332-7901.
4. Nutty Bar Stand
Since 1945, The Nutty Bar Stand has been a landmark in Arnolds Park. For years they have sated the sweet tooth of people in the Okoboji region.
They are an ice cream restaurant, particularly famous for the Nutty Bar, and a family favorite due to its dedication to providing the best products at the best prices.
There is a great outdoor seating area for patrons to stay and enjoy their delicious ice cream.
They produce numerous other mouthwatering goodies in addition to the Nutty Bar, such as caramel ice cream cones, mint chips, sundaes, popsicle and fudgesicle bars, and frozen banana.
Drinks like soda pop, rainbow float, and a glass of their house-brewed root beer delivered in a frosty mug go perfectly with a Nutty Bar.
So what are you waiting for? Make a treat out of the Nutty Bar today and include them in your summertime ritual!
The Nutty Bar is open on weekends from 1 pm to 8 pm.
Address: 37 Lake Street, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-2243.
5. Maxwell’s Beach Cafe
Another superb restaurant in Okoboji on the waterfront just next to the historic Arnold’s Park Amusement Park entrance is Maxwell’s Beach Cafe. From Memorial Day to Labour Day weekend, they specialize in providing excellent cuisine and catering, especially for their customers.
The owners of Maxwell’s Beach Cafe, which opened in 1986, intend to keep advancing the traditions and standards that have distinguished the eatery from its contemporaries.
In addition to its casual elegance-inspired dining room, Maxwell’s also provides exquisite dining in its heated, covered patio. Throughout the summer, a spectacular firework display takes place every Saturday night on the terrace.
Due to its features that include regional Iowa beef and pork products, traditional cosmopolitan dishes, fresh seafood flown in daily, an extensive wine list, superb service and a comfortable dining environment, Maxwell’s continues to be one of the best restaurants in Okoboji, IA.
Visit Maxwell’s Beach Cafe every day from 5 pm to 12 am.
Address: Cafe, 37 Lake Street, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-7578.
6. Nautical Bar and Grill
One of the top reasons to plan a trip to Okoboji is to experience Nautical Bar and Grill, the newest hotspot in Arnold’s Park.
They provide excellent entertainment for everyone, including live bands and DJs, and their food entices customers to return time and time. They also offer service options like takeaway and dine-in choices.
This place is known for its wings, Nauti burger, fish and chips, onion rings, bison burger, cheese sticks, quesadilla, chicken wrap and salad, pepperoni and sausage pizza, and lobster grilled cheese sandwich.
Every day from 11 am to 2 am, Nautical Bar and Grill is open to patrons.
Address: 95 W Broadway Street, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-7879.
7. Barefoot Bar
Barefoot Bar at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji is one of the most well-liked family attractions in the area. This buzzing, seasonal hotspot will blow your mind with its refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and live music in a tiki-themed environment.
At the Barefoot Bar, everyone is welcome, including your furry animal friends. They provide more free live entertainment than anyone else in the area. Additionally, there is a gift shop where patrons may purchase products bearing their renowned signature emblem.
They provide entertainment for kids, including a sizable playground, a giant sandbox in the area for playing in and creating things, and even a water slide.
Expect a relaxed setting, with food being freshly grilled. The Barefoot Bar offerings include pizza, pina colada, strawberry mojitos, mimosas, and taco salad. With everything from a famous BBQ to a taste of Mexico, they offer the lake’s most incredible appetizers. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places to eat in Okoboji, IA.
Visit Barefoot Bar on Mondays to Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
Address: 24457 Stake Out Road, Okoboji, IA 51355, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-7303.
8. The Waterfront Grille
The Waterfront Grille is situated on the beaches of Lake Okoboji. Their outdoor seating is highly recommended, and this lake dining and event center provides a cozy atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
They offer all wheelchair-accessible options, including a wheelchair-accessible lift and wheelchair-accessible seating.
This restaurant features a steakhouse, a pizza parlor, and more, along with an event space that overlooks a lovely lake. Their menu options include flatbread pizza, BBQ bacon cheeseburger, wedge salad, cheesecake with burritos, bacon mac and cheese, prime rib, jambalaya crepe, and more.
Opening hours are 11 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Sundays.
Address: 610 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-218-1163.
Also, check out our guide on things to do in Ames, and things to do in Cedar Falls for a fun time.
9. Los Pueblos
Los Pueblos is the home of Okoboji’s best Mexican food. In this family-run restaurant, food is created with fresh, high-quality ingredients to meet the customers’ needs. The Iowa Great Lakes offers a variety of cuisines thanks to its Mexican-American Grill.
Both takeout and seated dining choices are available in this cantina-style space’s vibrant design eatery. They also offer happy-hour drinks, happy-hour food, cocktails, alcohol, beer, coffee, a kids’ menu, wine, and vegetarian options.
Los Pueblos provides a full menu of traditional Mexican dishes and American favorites for the whole family to enjoy, such as fajitas, shrimp, chips and salsa, nachos, seafood chimichanga, enchiladas Bandera, tacos, and quesadillas.
Spend some time today in Los Pueblos indulging in delectable food and beverages while you relax in the sunshine, as it’s one of the top restaurants in Okoboji, IA.
You can find them open on Sundays to Mondays from 11 am to 9 pm. This establishment doesn’t operate on Tuesdays.
Address: 384 US-71, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-7315.
10. The Outrigger
The Outrigger provides the area’s most excellent service and meals. This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Okoboji, IA. It has efficient staffs that strive to make visitors feel like VIPs.
The Outrigger is similar to a miniature museum because the exhibits and depictions of the Lake’s past line its walls for idly amusement. The crowd reflects the atmosphere, which resembles an old-fashioned supper club.
Their highlights include a great beer selection, cocktails, a great wine list, comfort food, a bar on site, and a kids’ menu. For the comfort of their customers, they offer a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a toilet.
Walleye, salmon, grilled asparagus, crab cake Oscar, blackened sirloin with melted blue cheese and mushrooms, cob salad, prime rib loaded baked potato, pork tenderloin, and spinach and artichoke dip are a few highlights of their menu list.
Visit The Outrigger from 5 am to 9 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Address: 1013 US. Hwy 71 S, Okoboji, 1A 51355, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-6020.
11. The Koffee Kup
The Koffee Kup is not your ordinary breakfast restaurant. This exceptional property is located in the center of the Iowa Great Lakes, close to numerous hotels and resorts. They are in the business of generating lasting experiences, delectable American cuisine and putting a smile on customers’ faces.
Here at The Koffee Kup, dine-in and takeout options are available. Cozy and laid-back characterize the setting of this restaurant.
Make sure to eat at the Koffee Kup if you want delicious full-service breakfast fares such as cinnamon rolls, cinnamon French toast, the bottom of the lake omelet, pancakes, sad biscuits and gravy, and butter toast and jelly.
The Koffee Kup is open on Friday from 7:30 am to 11 am and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 am to 12 pm and 7:30 am to 1 pm, respectively.
Address: 43 Okoboji Grove Road N, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-330-4569.
12. The Ritz
The Ritz has been associated for over thirty years with what makes Okoboji, Iowa, the top holiday spot. It has long been the go-to spot for dining, entertainment, and Fish Bowls in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Just south of the “grade” that connects East and West Lake Okoboji, The Ritz provides lakeside eating, beverages, and entertainment all year long. During the summer, you can arrive by boat, car, or motorcycle, and during the frozen lake season, by snowmobile or ATV.
Enjoy their diverse menu options like hot wings, garbage pizza, tender lovin’ loin, onion rings, pulled pork, taco pizza, shamrock shake, Philly cheese steak, thin crust pizza, tater tots, pork nachos, walleye bit, and more.
The Ritz operates Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 am to 11 pm, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 11 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am, and on Sundays from 9 am to 11 pm.
Address: 394 US, Hwy 71 Street, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-2777.
13. Bracco Okoboji
Experience terrace dining with a tropical flair here at Bracco Okoboji. Bracco is among the beautiful Okoboji restaurants. It is close to Bridges Bay Resort, offering breathtaking sunset views over East Okoboji Lake.
With its lively outdoor setting, sensational cocktails, Caribbean-inspired menu, and kids menu, Bracco Bar is sure to give you a taste of the tropics.
A covered seating area, a sizable open-air deck, and the Bracco Beach Bar, where live music is played on the weekends, are available to customers. This beach-themed bar and diner offer happy hour food, a kids’ menu, coffee, and comfort food.
The Caribbean and American fares served here include cheese curds, sweet and sour chicken with a tropical twist with rice, BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, bacon cheeseburger, jambalaya, shrimp tortellini, southwest chicken salad, and coconut shrimp appetizer.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labour Day Weekend, Bracco is open for business on a seasonal basis.
Address: 317 240th Ave, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-7900.
14. La Barca Mexican Restaurant
This unassuming neighborhood dining establishment serving traditional Mexican fares is one of the top restaurants in Okoboji, IA.
La Barca accepts reservations and offers dine-in and takeout options for their guests.
They offer chips and salsa, enchiladas supremas, shrimp chimichanga, salad, carnitas, rice and beans, fajitas de camaron shrimp, and Roz con polo.
Please stop in for sumptuous meals, take advantage of their happy hour drinks, or try some comfort food in a welcoming setting. You can never go wrong with Mexican delicacies!
Opening hours are 11 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
Address: 24 US-71, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-6200.
15. Yesterdays
Visit Yesterdays, a longtime favorite in the community for more than 35 years, for fantastic meals prepared in ‘Okoboji Restaurant Style.’ There is an extensive dinner menu and a full bar here at Yesterdays.
This restaurant which is run and operated by Marilyn and Duane Zahradnik, is celebrated for its Certified Angus Beef Prime Aged Steaks and seafood cuisines.
Meals like shrimp scampi, cedar pink smoked salmon, dinner salad, baby back ribs, jumbo lump crab cakes, and strip steak are available here at Yesterdays.
In addition, their meals are complimented with exotic wine selections. Certainly, it is among the outstanding Okoboji restaurants.
Their doors are open from 5 pm to 9 pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 5 pm to 10 from Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 131 Broadway Street, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States. Phone: +1 712-332-2353.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Okoboji, IA
To get around during your trip to Okoboji, here is a map of the best restaurants in Okoboji with markers of the top places to eat in Okoboji, IA.
Want more places to visit in Iowa? Here is a guide on things to do in Sioux City, and things to do in Iowa City for an amazing meal time.
Plan a Visit to Okoboji
Take advantage of all Okoboji restaurants has to offer! You can have a delicious meal and a cool cocktail in the afternoon while gazing over picturesque West Lake Okoboji.
You’ll undoubtedly have a fantastic time in the city with any excellent food of your choice.
There is no better way to explore Okoboji, whether you want to have fun and adventure or rest with your family. So make a trip to Okoboji, today!