Ladora Bank Bistro
| Address: | 811 Pacfic St, Ladora, IA 52251, USA |
| Phone: | +1 319-623-7766 |
| Site: | ladorabank.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | Closed Closed Closed 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM 12–6PM |
Location
Photos 94
Reviews 7
MA
Matt Uhlman
Weve been wanting to visit the bank since coming through on RAGBRAI a few years ago and is this place a gem! On a lazy Friday we took a leisurely drive on over and were blown away! It seemed like this was the only thing in town - besides the gentleman sitting in an old golf cart outside his place (he was there when we left too). Totally worth the trip! Upon entering, we were greeted by the owner and were very impressed with the place. Two seating areas were at our disposal - the bar, which was located inside the old teller area and had some really cool memorabilia and chairs in a small seating area aside the actual bar, and the larger area in what was the bank lobby. With only 3 or 4 tables and total seating for about 15 people it offers a pretty intimate atmosphere, but is big enough to host a solid group of friends. Regardless of your party size, its best to call ahead and make sure youve got a seat. The decor in the bank was very fun and a good combination of both historic and modern. Plenty of decorative items give it a little flare and compliment the high ceilings and stone walls. The four wisdom filled sayings around the ceiling were good food for thought and are ones Ben Franklin would appreciate. The wine list and beer selection were both very impressive. The beer list was no less than 25 deep and had a great variety of lights to darks from all over the world. The Obolon Dark was particularly nice! The wine selections were equally impressive with roughly 30 bottle available and tastes for any palate. The food is where the magic truly happens here and we go so far as to say this is some of the best food weve ever had. Served small plates style with both cold and hot options, theres plenty to fill you up and even more to sample/share. The Stromboli Bianco was heavenly - quintessential meat and cheese with a pesto that was amazing. Plenty heavy to serve as the big item of your group. The La Quercia Prosciutto is a local favorite and is considered by many to be the best Prosciutto you can get. The presentation was excellent and served with olives, it made for a lovely bacon-esk treat! Next we samples the mushroom tart and it too was lovely. Flaky crust with a delicious and rich mushroom center. The final item we sampled is probably on the top 5 list of things Ive ever tried. The "Devils on Horseback" is sheer genius and something that everyone who comes here should try. Its so good, it gets its own paragraph! "Lightly toasted pinenuts inside sweet dates and wrapped in applewood smoked back". This description sounded so good I read it three times! The pinenuts gave just a little crunch and smokey flavor that complimented the dates very nicely. Wrapped in legit bacon and this was ready for primetime! The kicker however was the addition of maple whipped cream. I was like a beautiful maple hug that was there simply for our pleasure. Put another way - imagine if Chuck Norris and his beard had a child - that child would eat this exclusively. The ambiance was lovely. Classical music in a very relaxed setting with some incredible food and (for me) great company as my better half was there too! Bottom line - this is a place worth driving 40 minutes to and checking out. Its a different and unique setting that serves some incredible food and drink. The food is familiar enough for those who dont want to stray too far, but different enough for those of us wanting some adventure. We found it to be the perfect place to spend an hour and a half eating, chatting and just enjoying an evening. This is where well be taking friends that come into town and somewhere we plan to be back to as often as were able.
KE
Kelda Hankins
Food delicious, flavorful, well-paired and made to order (there is only one chef) but not much of a wait. Food is also very reasonably priced for its quality an chef likes to experiment a bit so everything just gets better. Large and varied selection of wine and beer. Much of the food and drink is locally sourced and super fresh. Interesting building with great decor that gives a nod to its historic value. Relaxing, quiet atmosphere. None of the hustle and noise of a normal restaurant. Wait staff and chef very personable, polite, happy to answer questions and generally awesome. Personal note: For someone who is not much of a foodie and doesnt know what "duck confit" is, the menu definitely introduces a multitude of new flavors and combinations without making a person feel unqualified. Only downside (not enough to lose a star) is its location. Bit out-of-the-way, but that may actually be the secret to the good food and great atmosphere. Another note upon reading other reviews: This is gourmet restaurant, NOT a family restaurant and as such is not appropriate for children. There is also no kids menu nor are there accommodations for children such as booster seats.
AM
Amy La Grange
My husband & I live in Ladora, we were planning on eating at the "Ladora Bank Bistro". We were excited to try it out! When I walked in to ask for a table, while my husband and 3 year old son parked the car, I spoke to (whom I can assume was the owner) that we would have two adults and one child, and asked if we could have a booster seat. The gentleman that greeted me said "We dont have booster seats, this is not a place for kids, you may want to remember that next time." and walked off. I stood there is shock for a few seconds because I could not believe how rudely I was treated. I just walked out, and told my husband what was said to me, and we went to a competitor in marengo for supper. Unfortunately they lost a good customer. The only thing I can say to the gentleman that greeted me is: "Dont worry there will not be a next time, after the way I was treated, we will not be going back there for a dinner service any time soon." Wow....
KA
Kallyn Buschkamp
Great place, great food, awesome drink selection and tap rotation. I make the effort to drive in from Iowa City as often as I can. All of the dishes very well made and most have unique flavor combinations that are extraordinary. There are about a dozen or so tables so Id recommend making reservations if youre going at popular times, but that being said, they have always found room everyone.
M.
M.E. Gallagher
Last night, four of us, all participants in the University of Iowa Writers Workshop, stumbled upon the Ladora Bank Bistro and enjoyed a terrific dinner. We each come from a different part of the world - Paris, NYC, Australia and Pakistan - and agreed that our meal was equal to a fine dinner in any of our home cities. Thank you, Ladora Bank Bistro, for a surprising & tasty evening.
RY
Ryan Hall
Really surprised by this relatively hidden gem. The menu was small but really exceptional, the food and prices would please upscale and casual diners alike. Our waitress was prompt, professional, and down to earth. The atmosphere is what really seals the deal, with much of the old bank still intact and clean, it has an aura that most similar restaurants dont.
DA
Dave Tanner
Had 6 of us there for Fathers Day. Spent about 3 hours there and had a wonderful time. Friendly owners, great food (passed 4 items around the table), very nice selection of beer. We will bring others back for an introduction to a fun destination. Well worth the drive for all of us as some came from Cedar Rapids and others from Indianola. See you again soon.
