Duncan's Cafe in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Duncan's cafe has been serving up breakfast and diner food in downtown Council Bluffs for a long time. I get the idea that Duncan's sells a lot of tenderloins, some other people were eating them as I walked through the dining area.

Location: 501 S. Main St. in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County in Western Iowa.

Directions: The cafe is at the corner of 5th and Main St. in the old downtown area. You have to enter a hallway area to reach Duncan's.

The Tenderloin: The size was good, this thing dominated the multicolored plate with potato chips. The meat portion would be described as steamy but not moist and definitely not juicy. The breading felt dusty but had a distinct salty seasoning blend. Served on a large toasted bun that felt like the Rotella buns that come from Omaha. Those are good buns. Overall 7.1 out of ten.

Price: 7.00 with fixins and a side of ruffled potato chips.

Also on the menu: The menu is just regular diner food like chicken fried steak or daily specials, with full breakfast options served on big skillets.

Service: Its just table service with a counter for paying the bill and grabbing to-go orders.

Ambiance: The outside of the building is a historic main street facade, but the interior is unsophisticated small town diner with tables and booths and bright colored plates. I almost expected the plates to start beeping and lighting up.The exposed brick walls are covered with just plain random and weird pictures.

Final Thoughts: I have not exactly spent much time in Council Bluffs over the years. I read a local article a long time ago that pointed me towards the Railway Inn and LPL Lounge. I still haven't found a real good one any closer than the Dairy Sweet in Dunlap. My next stop might be a roadhouse in Beebeetown if I can find the time to drive through during the day.