There is something about the ambience at Sip that suits me so well. It is one of my favorite places to come for a quiet dinner and relaxing conversation.
A cheeseburger and fries are a slice of paradise at Sips.
Photo by Lori Berglund.
My husband and I enjoyed an early Valentine’s style outing to Sips on a recent Saturday. He loved it as much as I did. We could have lingered for hours over the delicious meal; a few sips of our favorite beverages, and all the time in the world to just enjoy being together.
We visit our share of sports bars all around Iowa — and they can be a lot of fun — but as we left the door at Sips, we both remarked on the fantastic change of place at an establishment where the focus is on sharing a meal — and time — together. After all, when did every restaurant decide it has to have 17 million TV sets hanging from the ceiling?
Oh, there are a few TV sets available at Sips — just enough for one to keep in touch with things — but they don’t overwhelm a person. It’s also a smaller venue, which lends itself to an intimate setting. As my husband and I chatted, I looked around at our fellow diners. There was a father catching up with his college-age daughter at one table. A group of several friends seemed to be swapping stories and sipping brews at another. One diner was enjoying a meal alone, reading from a tablet and taking her time with her studies.
But, hey, let’s not forget about the food! I call it “Comfort Food with Flair.” It’s always good, hearty food, but it’s never boring or predictable. My husband, who I would never say is boring but can be predictable, ordered his all-time favorite cheeseburger. It gained high praise as one of the two best he has had, and we visit a lot of restaurants! The French Fries, of which I managed to steal just a few, were crisp and lightly seasoned to make me want even more!
Fresh taco salad is fresh and meaty at Sips.
For myself, as a fan of the soup and sandwiches at Sips, went another direction this time, ordering the taco salad. I was in the mood for a lot of greens and the salad delivered, coupled with plenty of taco meat, all in a delicious tortilla shell.
Food and atmosphere, always the best recipe!
Sips
444 North Shore Drive
(641) 358-1250
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
