Posted by When landing in Grinnell, Iowa, we couldn’t have known it would be the perfect overnight respite. We chose it as a good stopping point with reasonable fuel cost. After hopping in the complimentary crew car and checking in to the local hotel, things definitely started looking up.
Stepping into the lobby of the Comfort Inn, we were greeted by the down-to-earth humor of a boisterous old dude behind the counter. Soon he was joined by a young sidekick who offered back-up vocals to his one-liners.
“People would think there aren’t any restaurants in Grinnell, but you will be surprised!” he replied with some modest pride, and whipped out a printed list, circling as he narrated. “The Prairie Canary is up for best burger in Iowa,” he boasted, with a sotto voce “get the duck fat fries” offered by his associate. Good enough for us!
A short drive up West Street, right on Fourth Avenue, left on Main Street and we entered the uniquely charming “Jewel of the Prairie,” downtown Grinnell. Several blocks of retail shops abutted the well-regarded Grinnell College, their historic red brick facades warmed by the late May prairie sun. This was promising.
Like the hotel, our welcome at the Prairie Canary was enthusiastic and authentic – no “welcome in” recordings here! Kayln efficiently seated us and asked “Are you here for alumni weekend?” Guess we looked the part, but no, just passing through. Soon, a stream of happy lanyard wearing graduates arrived and began reminiscing. But we were here for the burgers.
Kayln described the offerings, and while they hadn’t won best burger in Iowa, they placed top ten out of 3,000 contestants. More chatting revealed this was a family affair. She and her husband Paul (cooking away in back) opened the restaurant in 2014 and ten years later brought on two more working partners. “When the kids come back from college, they get put on the schedule!” Getting down to business, she recommended we try the Vietnamese spring rolls “made by my mother-in-law.”
So we did. Shatteringly crisp and filled with deliciousness. The build-your-own burger offered a wide array of customization and was perfectly cooked. The signature “Burger Jam” lived up to its billing and featured a unique “bacon jam” that gave the hamburger a deep smokey flavor. There was a lot of care reflected on our plates.
More importantly, Kayln was simply filled with joy. Fourteen years into their endeavor, the Prairie Canary was rocking their food and their vibe. Who knew the perfect restaurant was waiting for us!
Go Pioneers! (Andy & Jen)
