I had driven past the Raceway Motor Sports Cafe a few times but then I noticed a banner reading "Biggest and Best Tenderloin in Town." The racing themed sports bar has been open here since 2012 but hasn't been open on the previous times I've driven through on a Sunday or Monday.
Location: 2331 1st Ave East in Newton, Jasper County, Central Iowa. Its about 35 minutes drive from Des Moines on I-80.
Directions: You can take Main St east from downtown or take the exit from the race track and go north to Main St.
The Tenderloin: The first thing you notice here is the size. It feels like a good eight ounces pounded into a shape that doesn't quite fit into the to-go box. The very thin meat was dry on one half and only a little moist in the middle. The breading formed a crunchy and crackerlike layer that had little or no seasoning. Served with your fixings on an untoasted bun. Overall 7.5 out of ten.
Price: $8.95 with a side
Also on the menu: There are burgers and bar foods like chicken wings, but also Italian dishes like pizza or grinders or daily specials.
Service: I ordered take out from the bar but there is table service also.
Ambiance: It was too dark to take pictures inside, but there is table and booths for seating, and a bar and patio when its warm outside. There is racing gear and beer signs on the walls and flatscreen televisions to watch sports.
Final Thoughts: This is the second tenderloin that I have eaten in Newton this year after trying the Midtown Cafe in the center of town. This tenderloin was better than the one at Midtown, but I am still looking for anything really exceptional in Newton and I haven't found it.
