email: roadarch@outlook.com

Iowa Diners

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Dinky Diner
Decatur City, IA
The Dinky Diner was built in 1967 by Valentine. This style had both stools and booths. This building was originally located in Ellsworth, KS where it was known as the Elkhorn Diner. I believe it was moved here in 2005. For more, see this website. [map]

Suzie Q Cafe
Mason City, IA
The Suzie Q Cafe has been here since 1948. A typical Valentine Little Chef diner, this one has 10 stools. These photos are from 2009. New owners restored the building in 2019. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Clam Shell Diner
Muscatine, IA
The Clam Shell Diner is a Valentine diner from around 1955. It was previously located in Mount Pleasant, Mount Union, and Danville, IA. In Danville, it was known as the Cracker Box Diner. After closing there in 1986, it was moved to a scrapyard. The diner was later rescued and brought to Muscatine for restoration. It has been at its present location since 2004. I believe it is only open in summer. In 2014, the owners announced they were interested in donating the diner to Muscatine High School. However, in 2016, it reopened as part of the Contrary Brewing Co. which is located nearby. In 2020, the diner was removed and is now in storage in town. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Archie's Diner
Sioux City, IA
Archie's Diner is a Kullman from 1941. It was previously known as Mike's Diner and Dick's Diner. It has been closed since at least 2020. [map]

More Iowa:
Fort Diner (Fort Madison)
Town Talk Grill (Ottumwa) [vintage; gone]

Diners Main Page

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Tips & Updates. If you have suggestions about places that I haven't covered, historical info, or updates about places/things that have been remodeled or removed, I'd love to hear from you: roadarch@outlook.com.