Good Food, Great Company: Where to Eat in Altoona
Meeting friends for lunch? Planning a family night out? Grabbing a bite after work? Altoona’s restaurant scene has something for every appetite and every kind of get-together. With more than 50 restaurants to choose from, including family-owned gems, national favorites, and award-winning steakhouses, Altoona is a delicious destination just minutes from Des Moines!
From burgers and wings to steaks and pasta, here’s where to eat next time you’re in town.
Family-Friendly Favorites
If your crew includes kids, grandparents, or picky eaters, Altoona makes it easy to find a spot that keeps everyone happy. Burger Shed is a go-to for casual bites and classic combos—think burgers, fries, and hand-spun shakes. It’s laid-back, kid-approved, and always hits the spot.
For something a little more relaxed but just as satisfying, Spectators Sports Bar & Grill offers a fun, friendly vibe with plenty of TVs, solid kid-friendly options, and comfort food for grownups who just want a great burger (or a plate of wings). No need to overthink it, just show up hungry!
Craving pizza? You’ll find locally loved pies, oven-baked specialties, and plenty of shareables at several spots around Altoona. It’s the kind of town where dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good, and that’s exactly what busy families need.
Dinner with Friends (Or a Much-Needed Date Night)
Sometimes you need an excuse to ditch the sweatpants and eat something with more than one course. For a casual-but-elevated dinner with friends, Brick & Ivy Rooftop is a great pick. With an upbeat atmosphere, full bar, and a menu that ranges from burgers to pizza, it’s ideal for group dinners, birthdays, or just catching up over craft cocktails.
If you’re celebrating something special (or just want to pretend that you are), Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse delivers on steaks, seafood, and pasta all in a cozy, polished setting. It’s perfect for date nights or adult dinners that don’t involve ordering off the kids’ menu.
Business Meals, Meetings, and Steaks That Mean Business
When you want to impress a client—or just enjoy a great steak with no distractions—The Big Steer is your go-to. This longtime Altoona staple was just named 2025 Best All Around Restaurant by the Des Moines People’s Choice Awards, and it absolutely lives up to the title! The steaks are top-notch, the portions are generous, and the service is exactly what you’d hope for in a spot that knows how to do hospitality right.
Need a setting that pairs great food with built-in flexibility? AJ’s Steakhouse, located inside Prairie Meadows, offers a refined menu, private dining options, and easy access if you’re already attending an event or meeting at the casino or racetrack.
So Many Bites, So Close to Home
One of the best parts about Altoona’s food scene? It’s just far enough from the city to feel like a change of pace, but close enough that you can be home before bedtime!
Stay close, eat well, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes Altoona feel like home.
Hungry Yet?
Explore even more dining options and plan your next meal out with recommendations from Visit Altoona.