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✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Casual New American dishes, cocktails & craft brews served in an airy space with minimalist decor.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 924 Main St A, Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone: (641) 236-0205
Website: https://www.prairiecanary.com/
Menu Photos
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Prairie Canary Restaurant and Bar
Prairie Canary serves locally-inspired comfort food in a renovated historic building on Main Street in Grinnell, Iowa.
Prairie Canary | Grinnell IA – Facebook
Casual New American dishes, cocktails & craft brews served in an airy space with minimalist decor. American Restaurant · $$.
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar – Grinnell, IA | OpenTable
Prairie Canary has a lively, charming atmosphere with an airy, minimalist decor. Guests describe a vibrant energy that’s great for celebrations and casual …
Reviews
Heather Umphress
A Satisfying Soup and Salad Stop at Prairie Canary:
Today, I was in the mood for a comforting soup and a refreshing salad, which led me to Grinnell’s highly-regarded Prairie Canary. While I hadn’t planned on an appetizer, the special — fried green tomatoes — immediately caught my eye. I’m so glad I gave in to temptation, as they truly exceeded my expectations. Each bite was a delightful combination of crispy texture and tart, tangy flavor, perfectly complemented by the dollop of aïoli sauce.
For my main courses, I started with the Hungarian mushroom soup. It was exactly what I was craving. The rich flavor clearly came from rehydrated mushrooms, and I particularly appreciated how finely minced they were, which intensified the earthy taste. To round out my meal, I chose the chicken avocado salad, which perfectly hit the spot and satisfied my craving for a balanced soup and salad dinner.
My only minor critique is about the restaurant’s ambiance. While the food was exceptional, I felt the space itself was a bit bland and could benefit from more local art to enhance the overall vibe.
Despite that, the service was great, and we’ll definitely be returning. I’m especially excited to see what other delicious offerings they’ll have on their rotating menu of specials!
… moreToday, I was in the mood for a comforting soup and a refreshing salad, which led me to Grinnell’s highly-regarded Prairie Canary. While I hadn’t planned on an appetizer, the special — fried green tomatoes — immediately caught my eye. I’m so glad I gave in to temptation, as they truly exceeded my expectations. Each bite was a delightful combination of crispy texture and tart, tangy flavor, perfectly complemented by the dollop of aïoli sauce.
For my main courses, I started with the Hungarian mushroom soup. It was exactly what I was craving. The rich flavor clearly came from rehydrated mushrooms, and I particularly appreciated how finely minced they were, which intensified the earthy taste. To round out my meal, I chose the chicken avocado salad, which perfectly hit the spot and satisfied my craving for a balanced soup and salad dinner.
My only minor critique is about the restaurant’s ambiance. While the food was exceptional, I felt the space itself was a bit bland and could benefit from more local art to enhance the overall vibe.
Despite that, the service was great, and we’ll definitely be returning. I’m especially excited to see what other delicious offerings they’ll have on their rotating menu of specials!
Ryne Waller
We went for our first time on Valentines Day and were thoroughly impressed. The 4-course meal for as cheap as $110 was worth every penny. Service was great, everyone we talked to was very nice and personable. I knock atmosphere down to 4-stars because at least the floor we dined on was a smidge loud/echoy, I wonder how the downstairs tables compare. Still overall, one of, if not the best meals I’ve ever had! We particularly loved the tomato bisque and the beef wellington!
… moreTori Versteegh
What a cute place to eat! The food was outstanding and our waitress was amazing! We will be back for sure!!
… moremichael ware
What can I say? Our experience was nothing short of fabulous. We made a reservation online, received communication about it, confirmation, and the basics you’d need to begin a great evening experience.
We arrived and were immediately seated. It was about 10F outside, so I assumed when seated at the front window, I would experience a draft all night. Not the case! Even those tall windows didn’t offer a chill. What a pleasant surprise.
Our server was quick and attentive. I enjoyed a few different cocktails that evening. Aviation, Prairie Dove, and That Thyme Down Cody Road. All were top shelf, but I think Cody Road was my favorite. It lingered on the palate a bit and that particular bourbon choice was just right for that flavor combination. But the Prairie Dove was a pleaser too, especially if tequila trips your trigger.
We enjoyed some appetizers… The mozzarella was great, and I wanted to try our dinner companion’s egg rolls, but they evaporated before I could snag one. They must have been good, huh?
Wifey had the sirloin, and like too many wives, she ordered it medium well. While I didn’t actually walk back and personally apologize to the chef for such a faux pas, I’m sure he experiences that from time to time. Regardless it was good, according to her. Myself? I had the Salmon Tusca and it was fantastic. I’ve become a bit gun shy of such dishes, but this was salmon redemption. I loved everything about it… The bit of crust on the edge, and the polenta (grits by any other name) were tremendous. The sundried toms and shrooms were a juxtaposition that came across as the perfect dichotomy of texture and flavors.
And, as you guessed it, the desserts were killer. I didn’t know what to expect from the “flourless” choco torte, but it was devine. It reminded me a bit of lava cake with a gooey warm center. Really great stuff.
Overall, I’d give it a full 5 stars, and I typically hand those out sparingly. Great establishment.
Also, they have a sense of humor… I was joking with the waitress when she asked how the meal was that, “I gagged it down” and we all had a chuckle. However, it got back to the kitchen and they apparently took me seriously. Someone came out to check on me quickly, and the joke was realized across the board. All’s well.
What made it a bit funnier for me was the circumstances surrounding my comments… When my server asked me a question about the fish, and I responded as if I forced a few bites down, I was staring a plate nearly licked clean. LOL! There wasn’t a spec of food left on it. It was that good.
I’d go back again and again. Granted we live 30mins away, but that’s no problem. We had heard it was worth the drive and it certainly was!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
… moreWe arrived and were immediately seated. It was about 10F outside, so I assumed when seated at the front window, I would experience a draft all night. Not the case! Even those tall windows didn’t offer a chill. What a pleasant surprise.
Our server was quick and attentive. I enjoyed a few different cocktails that evening. Aviation, Prairie Dove, and That Thyme Down Cody Road. All were top shelf, but I think Cody Road was my favorite. It lingered on the palate a bit and that particular bourbon choice was just right for that flavor combination. But the Prairie Dove was a pleaser too, especially if tequila trips your trigger.
We enjoyed some appetizers… The mozzarella was great, and I wanted to try our dinner companion’s egg rolls, but they evaporated before I could snag one. They must have been good, huh?
Wifey had the sirloin, and like too many wives, she ordered it medium well. While I didn’t actually walk back and personally apologize to the chef for such a faux pas, I’m sure he experiences that from time to time. Regardless it was good, according to her. Myself? I had the Salmon Tusca and it was fantastic. I’ve become a bit gun shy of such dishes, but this was salmon redemption. I loved everything about it… The bit of crust on the edge, and the polenta (grits by any other name) were tremendous. The sundried toms and shrooms were a juxtaposition that came across as the perfect dichotomy of texture and flavors.
And, as you guessed it, the desserts were killer. I didn’t know what to expect from the “flourless” choco torte, but it was devine. It reminded me a bit of lava cake with a gooey warm center. Really great stuff.
Overall, I’d give it a full 5 stars, and I typically hand those out sparingly. Great establishment.
Also, they have a sense of humor… I was joking with the waitress when she asked how the meal was that, “I gagged it down” and we all had a chuckle. However, it got back to the kitchen and they apparently took me seriously. Someone came out to check on me quickly, and the joke was realized across the board. All’s well.
What made it a bit funnier for me was the circumstances surrounding my comments… When my server asked me a question about the fish, and I responded as if I forced a few bites down, I was staring a plate nearly licked clean. LOL! There wasn’t a spec of food left on it. It was that good.
I’d go back again and again. Granted we live 30mins away, but that’s no problem. We had heard it was worth the drive and it certainly was!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
DeSpee
My husband and I are traveling to Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and stopped in for dinner.
We shared their pork belly lettuce wraps, truffle fries, and brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious, but the true star of the show is the pumpkin spice bread pudding! We devoured it.
I wish we had a place like this at home. There are many more things on the menu that we’d love to try.
… moreWe shared their pork belly lettuce wraps, truffle fries, and brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious, but the true star of the show is the pumpkin spice bread pudding! We devoured it.
I wish we had a place like this at home. There are many more things on the menu that we’d love to try.
Larry Hanthorn
This is one of our favorite go-to places. A short drive to the quaint city of Grinnell and an excellent meal with friendly, caring servers. Check out the brussel sprouts for a great appetizer. Don’t forget their signature salads & desserts!
… moreyoel hooper-antunez
Solid food, cocktail, and beer choices, with some vegan and gluten free options as well.
Pricing is in the middle to high end. There are $15-20 dishes, but can easily go into the $25-35 range or even higher. There is a speakeasy downstairs, but it was closed when we visited. Would recommend making a reservation to avoid waiting, as it can get busy.
… morePricing is in the middle to high end. There are $15-20 dishes, but can easily go into the $25-35 range or even higher. There is a speakeasy downstairs, but it was closed when we visited. Would recommend making a reservation to avoid waiting, as it can get busy.
Lynn Hanson
Had lunch here recently on my very first visit to Grinnell. I had a wonderful experience. Terrific and tasty sandwiches. Atmosphere was simple, clean, and elevated in a welcoming way. Our server was great – just the right mix of friendliness and attentiveness. I was truly happy I chose to lunch there.
… moreCindy Petted
Stopped here for mother’s day brunch as part of our road trip. The restaurant reminded me of the weathervane in Neenah Wisconsin… Comfortable, classy, and clean with a wide variety of food choices.
Everything about the Prairie Canary was excellent… though reservations are recommended, we were able to get seated quickly. Our waitress is from Belgium and a Grinnel College student. Very very friendly and Johnny on the spot when it comes to service and refilling my coffee (by the way, their coffee was fresh, not bitter, and had a nice creamy texture to it to it).
Of course I had my usual Eggs Benedict but their Mothers Day special was served with asparagus and truffled hash browns. Brian tried something new. An open-faced dish of avocado, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, and eggs on homemade bread.
… moreEverything about the Prairie Canary was excellent… though reservations are recommended, we were able to get seated quickly. Our waitress is from Belgium and a Grinnel College student. Very very friendly and Johnny on the spot when it comes to service and refilling my coffee (by the way, their coffee was fresh, not bitter, and had a nice creamy texture to it to it).
Of course I had my usual Eggs Benedict but their Mothers Day special was served with asparagus and truffled hash browns. Brian tried something new. An open-faced dish of avocado, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, and eggs on homemade bread.
Rita F
They were very busy but service was still great! We had the fried brussel sprouts and lettuce wraps for starters. The lettuce wraps were our least favorite part of the meal, they were just okay. The brussels are definitely a shared starter as it’s a larger portion and delicious. We had steak de burgo and the Iowa Chop for our entrees. Both came with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. I like my steak medium rare, and they nailed it! That doesn’t always happen. I also had the apple salad… loved it! For dessert we had crème brûlée and mixed berry shortcake. They were a great finish to a wonderful meal!
… more