Uptown Cafe in Audubon

The locals in Audubon are divided over who has the better tenderloin in town, the Chatterbox Cafe or the Uptown Cafe. I was lucky enough to try both in my travels through Western Iowa. The sign in front of the Uptown Cafe reads HOME COOKIN', and lists tenderloins, and that is always a good omen.


Location: 320 Broadway St in Audubon (population 2,382), in Western Iowa. Its just about 90 minutes from Des Moines.

Directions: The main drag is Highway 71, turn onto the main street Broadway, this place is on the north side of the road.
The Tenderloin: I walked in here at about 1:55 PM, just before closing time. I think they cook may have rushed this thing through the fryer. The breading on one side wasn't fully cooked and was mushy upon biting. This is one of the thicker tenderloins I have found in Western Iowa. The large bun disguises how large this tenderloin is. Served with your choice of fixings on a buttery toasted bun. Overall 7.0 out of 10.

Price: $4.00 and a little extra to go.

Also on the Menu: They serve a full breakfast menu and the regular sandwiches for lunch.

Service: I came in just before the place closed, but I think its table service.

Ambiance: This is a main street small town diner with tables for seating in a large dining area.

Final thoughts: Highway 71 in Western Iowa passes from Atlantic to Exira, then through Hamlin and north to Audubon and beyond. In about a 25 mile stretch there are great tenderloins at the Farmer's Kitchen in Atlantic, the Red Barn in Exira, Darrell's Place in Hamlin, the Chatterbox Cafe and Uptown Cafe in Audubon. Further north is the Corner Station just outside Templeton. Each place has a great tenderloin, and a visitor really can't go wrong when passing through. While passing through Audubon it is difficult to miss Albert the Bull: