Grandpa's Parlor

Nestled in the charming Mississippi River town of Bellevue, Iowa, Grandpa's Parlor stands as a true local institution. More than just an ice cream shop, this beloved establishment offers a delightful step back in time, combining the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with the comforting appeal of a hometown diner. For anyone in Iowa, especially those exploring the scenic beauty of Bellevue, Grandpa's Parlor provides a unique culinary experience that caters to all tastes, from a craving for a sweet, cold treat to a desire for a hearty, made-from-scratch meal. It's a place where friendly faces and delicious food come together, creating a memorable stop for families and individuals alike.

Grandpa's Parlor, located at 306 S Riverview St in Bellevue, Iowa, is a cherished local business with a rich history, having been opened by owner Kristi Maier's grandparents in 1986. What began as a simple ice cream shop offering basic flavors and light sandwiches has since evolved into a versatile and beloved establishment. Kristi took over the business in 1996 and, in 2000, expanded its offerings to include delicious breakfasts, solidifying its status as a full-fledged hometown diner with an old-time parlor feel.

Today, Grandpa's Parlor is renowned for its impressive selection of over 30 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream, with flavors rotated daily to keep things exciting. Whether you're in the mood for a classic hand-dipped cone, a decadent sundae like the Brownie Barge or Banana Boat, or a refreshing malt or float, Grandpa's has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Beyond its fantastic ice cream, the parlor serves up highly-praised breakfast and lunch menus. Popular customer favorites include the "Eggs Grandpa" for breakfast, the "Mount Rushmore" breakfast, and the "Chicken Salad BLT" for lunch. The food is noted for its quality and comes out surprisingly fast, even when busy.

The atmosphere inside Grandpa's Parlor is described as stepping back in time, complete with old-time ice cream shop décor, swivel stools at the counter, and malt-shop style tables and chairs for seating. Reviews consistently highlight the fast and friendly service, often mentioning Eric Flatjord, who manages the daily operations, as being "lovely to visit with & is a wonderful cook." This combination of delicious food, a nostalgic ambiance, and welcoming staff makes Grandpa's Parlor a must-visit destination in Bellevue, perfectly embodying the charm of a small-town Iowa eatery. It's important to note that the establishment is cash only, so visitors should come prepared.

Grandpa's Parlor is perfectly situated at 306 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA. This address places it directly in the heart of Bellevue, a picturesque town nestled along the majestic Mississippi River in Eastern Iowa. Riverview Street, as its name suggests, is centrally located within the downtown area, often offering scenic views and easy access to other local attractions.

Bellevue is known for its natural beauty, with attractions like Bellevue State Park and Lock & Dam 12 drawing visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and riverfront views. Grandpa's Parlor's location on Riverview Street means it's often within walking distance or a short drive from these points of interest, making it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike. The town itself maintains a quaint, small-town charm, making for a pleasant stroll or drive to the parlor.

Accessibility by car is generally straightforward, with local streets providing routes to the parlor. While specific parking information isn't detailed in general public data, small-town establishments often have street parking available nearby or dedicated lots. The presence of Grandpa's Parlor in downtown Bellevue also means it's part of a cluster of locally owned shops and cafes, creating a vibrant area for visitors to explore on foot. For anyone enjoying the scenic riverfront or engaging in activities in Bellevue, Grandpa's Parlor's central and accessible location makes it a natural and inviting place to pause for a meal or a sweet treat.

Grandpa's Parlor in Bellevue, IA, offers a diverse range of culinary delights, blending classic diner fare with a wide selection of frozen treats.

• Hand-Scooped Ice Cream: The establishment is famous for its ice cream, boasting over 30 flavors that are rotated daily. This includes traditional hand-dipped cones, bowls, and various classic ice cream specialties.

• Decadent Sundaes: Customers can enjoy a variety of elaborate sundaes, with popular options mentioned including the "Brownie Barge" and "Banana Boat."

• Classic Frozen Beverages: The menu also features refreshing malts and floats, perfect for a nostalgic treat.

• Breakfast: Grandpa's Parlor serves made-from-scratch breakfast dishes, embodying a hometown diner feel. Popular breakfast items include "Eggs Grandpa" and "Mount Rushmore," along with traditional options like eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage patties. Breakfast is served Thursday - Monday until 1:30 PM.

• Lunch: A selection of lunch items is available, with customer favorites like the "Chicken Salad BLT" and "pulled pork sandwiches." They also offer daily lunch specials.

• Other Food Items: Reviews also mention "delicious mushroom burger" and other sandwiches and sides to-go, suggesting a broader menu of comforting diner food.

• Dine-in and To-Go: Customers have the option to sit and enjoy their meal in the parlor's nostalgic ambiance or take their food and treats to go.

Grandpa's Parlor in Bellevue, Iowa, stands out for several unique features and highlights that contribute to its charm and popularity among locals and visitors.

• Extensive Ice Cream Selection: A significant highlight is the availability of over 30 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream, with daily rotations. This vast variety ensures there's always something new to try or a classic favorite to enjoy, appealing to all taste preferences.

• Dual Offering: Ice Cream and Full Meals: Unlike many ice cream shops, Grandpa's Parlor offers a complete dining experience with highly-rated breakfast and lunch menus. This versatility makes it a destination for any time of day, whether you're craving a sweet treat or a hearty meal.

• Nostalgic, Old-Time Ambiance: Stepping into Grandpa's Parlor is described as "stepping back in time," with its old-time ice cream shop décor, complete with swivel stools at the counter and malt-shop style tables and chairs. This nostalgic atmosphere enhances the overall experience, creating a cozy and inviting environment.

• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Reviews consistently praise the staff, with special mention of Eric, who is noted as "lovely to visit with & is a wonderful cook!" This friendly service contributes significantly to the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

• Delicious and Fast Food: Customers rave about the quality of the food, particularly breakfast items like "Eggs Grandpa" and the "mushroom burger," which is described as "delicious!" Despite being busy, food often comes out faster than expected, indicating efficient service.

• Long-Standing Local Business: Established in 1986 by the current owner's grandparents, Grandpa's Parlor has deep roots in the Bellevue community. This long history adds to its local appeal and trustworthiness.

• Cash Only Policy: While some might see it as a minor inconvenience, the "cash only" policy can also be seen as a feature that adds to its old-fashioned charm, reminding visitors of simpler times.

• Community Integration: As a beloved local spot, Grandpa's Parlor is a place where locals gather and connect, embodying the spirit of a small Iowa town.

For more information or to plan your visit to Grandpa's Parlor in Bellevue, Iowa, please use the following contact details:

Address: 306 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA

Phone: (563) 872-4240

Mobile Phone: +1 563-872-4240

For the residents of Bellevue and the wider Iowa community, Grandpa's Parlor is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished local establishment. Its unique blend of a classic ice cream parlor and a full-service hometown diner makes it a versatile destination for any time of day, whether you're craving a sweet treat or a hearty, made-from-scratch meal. This dual appeal ensures that it caters to a broad range of preferences, solidifying its place as a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful dessert.

The nostalgic, old-time ambiance instantly transports patrons back to simpler times, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that resonates deeply with the appreciation for heritage often found in Iowa communities. Combined with the consistently praised friendly and efficient service, particularly from individuals like Eric, the overall experience at Grandpa's Parlor is one of warmth and genuine hospitality. Locals value businesses where they feel welcomed and recognized, and Grandpa's Parlor delivers on this front.

Furthermore, the extensive selection of over 30 ice cream flavors, rotated daily, offers endless possibilities for sweet indulgence, ensuring that there's always something new to try. The highly-rated food, from the "delicious mushroom burger" to hearty breakfast plates, provides substantial, satisfying meals that locals appreciate. As a long-standing, family-rooted business, Grandpa's Parlor embodies the spirit of community support and local tradition. Its prime location in charming downtown Bellevue, often near the scenic Mississippi River, makes it an easy and appealing stop for everyday enjoyment or as part of a leisurely day exploring the town. Even with its "cash only" policy, which adds to its old-fashioned charm, Grandpa's Parlor remains a beloved and highly recommended gem for anyone in Iowa looking for authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Grandpa's Parlor

306 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA