There's nothing like going out to eat at an old-school diner!

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

I recently came across an article from the website Only in Your State that mentions a restaurant here in Eastern Iowa that I've somehow never heard of before! It's called Ross' Restaurant, and it's had quite a few celebrity guests over the years.

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

Ross' Restaurant in Bettendorf is a popular diner that got its start in 1939. The first location was in Toledo, Iowa, but it eventually moved to the Quad Cities. The original owner Harold "Lyle" Ross retired back in 1975 and today it's owned by Cynthia Ross-Freidhof and her husband Ron, so it's still in the family! It has stood the test of time because of its "quality, homemade food at reasonable prices." The official website reads:

"Ross’ Restaurant’s farm-to-table offerings and vintage style have made it a must-stop destination for Presidential candidates and celebrities alike! We have been a Quad Cities icon, a classic diner that also serves vegan, vegetarian, and farm-fresh meals."

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

Some of the celebrities that have visited the famous diner over the years include Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bette Midler, Bill Murray, Keith Urban, Will Ferrell and more! It has also served three sitting presidents and a number of other well-known politicians.

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

One of the things that Ross' Restaurant is known for is the "Magic Mountain." Ross' original Magic Mountain consists of grilled Texas toast covered with loose ground beef and piled high with either hash browns or fries and cheese sauce. Other options include the Mac & Cheesy Mountain, the Poutine Mountain, the Morning Mountain, the Volcano, the Tipsy Rooster, and Cockadoodle Doo Mountain. If "Mountains" aren't really your thing, there are plenty of other menu items to choose from! The breakfast menu offers Ross' Biscuits & Gravy, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, the El Grande Breakfast Burrito, and a variety of omelettes and crepes, while the lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and home-cooked comfort meals. You can check out the full menu online HERE.

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

Have you ever visited Ross' Restaurant? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
Ross' Family Restaurant, Home of the "Magic Mountain", Facebook
loading...

The ABCs of Iowa

I know Iowa may not be the most popular state to visit, but we still have plenty to offer! Using countless article, websites, lists, and maps, we put together a list of some of Iowa's best and biggest events, venues, and attractions using every letter of the alphabet (which wasn't easy)! Unfortunately, we couldn't include EVERY awesome place in the state (there aren't enough letters!), but here are our Iowa ABCs:

Midwest Party Palace Home Has A Jail Inside

Reportedly built by a doctor next to a home he shared with his wife, this 6,467-square-foot home sold for $40,000 over its asking price in the summer of 2022. It's believed that it was built as a party palace, which makes sense. Its features include an indoor pool and jail cells. Yes, you read that right. It's located at 117 N Brandon Ave. in Celina, Ohio.

More From 98.1 KHAK