Every once in a while, you have to take the day and treat yourself. Take for instance my birthday. Not only did I take the day off, I enjoyed myself at a fairly new restaurant I have been meaning to get to in my hometown of Monticello, Iowa.

Credit: Tom Ehlers Easy to find on the main drag in Monticello, the Blind Pig offers up good food and good times.
Credit: Tom Ehlers
Easy to find on the main drag in Monticello, the Blind Pig offers up good food and good times.
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The Blind Pig is a two-story prohibition-era fashioned bar with lots of tasty cocktails, beers on tap, and delicious food! It's well worth the stop for all the delish eats and the atmosphere is fun and inviting. Check it out.

As I mentioned, I grew up in Monticello, and the new storefronts and additions that line 1st Street are a great way to enjoy new takes on all your old haunts. My wife and I were starving and the menu at the Blind Pig looked amazing.

I knew right off the bat I had to try my go-to food at any new restaurant I visited. I ordered a classic Rueben, and I was not disappointed! In-house slow-roasted corn beef brisket topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing on thick-cut marbled rye.

Credit: Tom Ehlers Highly Recommend. Would Eat Again. 5 Stars!
Credit: Tom Ehlers
Highly Recommend. Would Eat Again. 5 Stars!
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The meal my wife chose can only be described as a monstrosity of mac and cheese goodness and a half pound of delectable beef. The Jacked Mac Burger stacks on seared Angus beef, topped with cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, and jacked mac & cheese served on a brioche bun.

Credit: Tom Ehlers
Credit: Tom Ehlers The Jacked Mac Burger
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Wifey opted for the coleslaw. It was good, but once I tasted the fries, I knew she had made a mistake. The fries are excellent. I could have eaten an entire tray of them alone and been satisfied! And I mentioned the atmosphere right...

Credit: Tom Ehlers A ladder shelf climbs the two story building with some seating available on the second level.
Credit: Tom Ehlers
A ladder shelf climbs the two-story building with some seating available on the second level.
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Another great addition is their "Wall of Fame." It features signed Great Jones County Fair entertainment bills, posters, headshots, and more from celebs that have stopped by the huge fair in the small town. Local celebrities, events, and families are also celebrated here as you walk into the Blind Pig.

Credit: Tom Ehlers The Blind Pig's "Wall of Fame."
Credit: Tom Ehlers
The Blind Pig's "Wall of Fame."
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And what would a birthday celebration be without cake? Well, funnel cake that is!

Credit: Tom Ehlers Funnel Cake Fries!
Credit: Tom Ehlers
Funnel Cake Fries!
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This delicious and easy-to-eat take on a fair food favorite has my vote for a new sweet-treat fix. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the service, atmosphere, and amazing food. My only complaint: I didn't have quite enough room to eat it all. But hey, funnel cake fry leftovers are good hot or cold!

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