Where to Eat in LeClaire Iowa
When we go on road trips, we love to eat at places with local history and connections. We skip the chain restaurants when possible and find places where we can talk to the people that live in the community and experience the city where we are visiting. On our recent visit to LeClaire, Iowa, we knew we were going to take a tour of Antique Archaeology so we were excited for the opportunity to eat lunch at Crane & Pelican, a boutique restaurant overlooking the Mississipi River.
Hobbies on a Budget received discounts or products for the purpose of the review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Where to Eat in LeClaire Iowa
On our arrival to the city of LeClaire we stopped down by the Mississippi River and enjoyed the views of the river and the paddleboat anchored at the dock. The weather was dreary, but that didn’t stop us from getting out to explore a bit before lunch!

The Crane & Pelican Cafe is located just a few blocks from the banks of the Mississippi and sits high enough that you can look out the window and enjoy the view of the river.

The Dawley House is a brick Italianate-style house built in 1851 by a riverboat captain and features Victorian-era chandeliers, a curved staircase and a metal fireplace.
Reservations are preferred and will allow you to walk right in and find your seat for your party.

The lunch menu is a perfect mix of sandwiches, soups and salads made with ingredients sourced from local Iowa businesses.

If you have children that get a little antsy during the meal or you need a place to nurse or take care of your baby, the restaurant offers a great room upstairs perfect for all your children’s needs during your meal!

You can eat lunch at many places when you are on a road trip, but not all places can boast the local history or give you the same experience of really getting in touch with the city.
It was a pleasure to be hosted by the staff at Crane & Pelican Cafe on our visit to LeClaire! Thank you Mandy and staff for creating such a place of iconic history in LeClaire!

Do you look for local restaurants on your road trips? What is your favorite place you have found off the beaten path? I’d love to hear!
Find the Crane & Pelican Cafe
127 S 2nd St
Le Claire, IA 52753
Looking for more things to do in Iowa? Check out the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch!