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Address and Contact Information
Address: 24 Lincoln Hwy, Colo, IA 50056
Phone: (641) 377-3662
Website: http://www.clover.com/online-ordering/nilands-cafe-colo
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Niland’s Cafe | Colo IA – Facebook
Historic Cafe, motel, and gas station museum located proudly at 24 Lincolnway in the small community of Colo, IA. Full service restaurant with homemade comfort …
NILANDS CAFE – COLO, IA | Online Ordering – Clover
Ordering Online from NILANDS CAFE is fast and easy with Clover Online Ordering. Select what you would like today!
Historic Colo cafe to be featured on Business Insider documentary
COLO, Iowa —. For just under a century, travelers from across the country … And on that street corner is none other than Niland’s Cafe.
Reviews
Amy Bradley
The food was what you would expect for a diner. But it’s not about the food as much as it is the atmosphere. I had the hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes. It’s what they are known for. I like the fact that I could do a half order. I didn’t even finish that, so it makes me wonder about the full order. Good service and neat location. It’s on the corner of Jefferson and Lincoln Hwy next to a really old gas station. The whole corner is like a museum. I included pictures of the whole area so you get an idea of what I am referring to.
… moreKailen Fitzgerald
Great diner food at a good price. The waitress was attentive, and the portions were large. I got the mushroom and Swiss burger with fries, and was very happy with what I got. This definitely has the old roadside diner feel, along with historical photos of the location hanging on the wall. Prices were very reasonable, will definitely be coming back.
… moreSarah Lewis
We went on a certain night after work just for daily special. Special was still written on board, so we go to order, oh we are out. Never got refills on our drinks. Server was not very friendly.
On our way out someone that got there way after us was sitting there eating the special we were told they were out of. I think I have had better and friendly service at a fast food restaurant. We try to support small businesses, but this was a last for awhile for this one.
Food was ok, nothing special.
… moreOn our way out someone that got there way after us was sitting there eating the special we were told they were out of. I think I have had better and friendly service at a fast food restaurant. We try to support small businesses, but this was a last for awhile for this one.
Food was ok, nothing special.
Trent Brown
Niland’s Cafe isn’t just a place to eat, it’s living history. As one of the oldest original truck stops in the nation and the first motor court in the state, this café represents a time when travelers depended on honest food, consistency, and hospitality you could feel the moment you walked in.
What truly sets Niland’s apart is that nothing has been compromised. Their food has remained the same since its inception – all meat portions (beef, chicken, and tenderloin) are hand-picked, hand-cut, weighed, and portioned, just as they’ve always been. Even the eggs are locally grown, reinforcing their commitment to quality and tradition. The legendary roast beef and gravy, especially that famous golden gravy, isn’t hype – it’s comfort food perfected over decades.
In an era where places like this are disappearing, Niland’s Cafe deserves to be protected and supported. If you’re a traveler, road-trip enthusiast, or someone who values authenticity over trends, make the stop. Eat the food. Look around. Appreciate what remains.
Places like this don’t just feed people – they preserve our shared roadside history.
… moreWhat truly sets Niland’s apart is that nothing has been compromised. Their food has remained the same since its inception – all meat portions (beef, chicken, and tenderloin) are hand-picked, hand-cut, weighed, and portioned, just as they’ve always been. Even the eggs are locally grown, reinforcing their commitment to quality and tradition. The legendary roast beef and gravy, especially that famous golden gravy, isn’t hype – it’s comfort food perfected over decades.
In an era where places like this are disappearing, Niland’s Cafe deserves to be protected and supported. If you’re a traveler, road-trip enthusiast, or someone who values authenticity over trends, make the stop. Eat the food. Look around. Appreciate what remains.
Places like this don’t just feed people – they preserve our shared roadside history.
Sean Flynn
Out traveling Lincoln Highway today, stopped in Colo to get some pics of the old service station (now a museum), the diner, and the old motel. Got a great review from some folks doing the Pony Express about the diner so we decided to stay and grab some lunch. I got the grilled tenderloin with a side of cottage cheese. It didn’t disappoint! Service with a smile is what we experienced! Would definitely stop when in the area again! 10/10 recommend
… moreTimothy Payton
Quaint hometown diner with a great staff. Had the Hawaiian Grilled Pork Loin Sandwich and homemade onion rings and both we’re outstanding. I highly recommend this diner
… moreJosh Dunahoo
Asked to do a substitution on the daily special because I did not like the soup they were offering today. Was told anything would be a up charge. If you are going to have a special with soup you should have a couple options. Last time I was there I got a piece of pie and it was very small. I bet the pie was cut into 10 or 12 pieces. The service has gone down hill and I hate to see that is a small community.
… moreChancey Oddson
What a great little Cafe. The waitress was very friendly and the food was pretty good. I always like eating at these moments and pop places. You meet such great people.
… moreP M
Fantastic historic cafe, worth the drive. Service was fast and friendly, the food we had was great. (Reuben, Patty Melt, Turkey BLT). Their onion rings are thin and awesome. Also save some room for homemade pie or a shake. Definitely will be back.
… moreEd Loudermilk
First time eating at this establishment. Fantastic, small town experience. Very friendly staff. Excellent food and delicious “home made” pie!
Highly recommend!!
… moreHighly recommend!!