Where do you eat (and drink) local?

As the world reopens and friends gather all across North Iowa, your favorite local restaurants and grocery stores are excited to see you with greater frequency.

Nothing tastes better than the freshest greens in your salad, a burger made from locally raised meat, or beer that is sweetened with local honey.

But how do you know if your favorite restaurant or grocery store is stocking high-quality, fresh and locally grown ingredients?

A few easy ways to find out are…

Check the menu at your favorite restaurant. If they source a local ingredient, it will probably be listed with the item in the description or if they source local meat you might find the name of the farm or ranch at the bottom of the menu.

Ask the staff at the restaurant. They might occasionally source local ingredients, but not list it on their menu. Asking helps them to know that it’s something you value as a customer and helps you decide what you’d like to order or buy!

Explore our searchable directory for restaurants and grocery stores that we know locally source. Do you think we’re missing one? Let us know!

Click here to explore our searchable directory

Bonus: At grocery stores, look for signage near or on the item that lists the state or country of origin. Usually if ingredients are locally sourced there will be clear signage with the name of the farm.

Restaurants and Grocery Stores aren’t the only place you can experience North Iowa’s local food. How about picking your own strawberries at one of our local berry farms? Or shopping your local farmers market?

Not sure which experience is best for you?

Take Our Quiz: What local food experience should you do?