This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Waterloo, Iowa—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries was open, they contributed to someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or simply became a part of the community. So please join us in remembering this aspect of our town.
Waterloo, Iowa, with a population of around 68,000, is situated in the scenic Cedar Valley region. Known for its rich agricultural history, the city’s food scene reflects a blend of Midwestern heartiness and diverse cultural influences. Local favorites include the iconic Maid-Rite sandwiches and hearty casseroles, showcasing the region’s strong farming roots. A notable dining gem, the iconic Brown Bottle, serves up a fusion of Italian and American dishes, drawing inspiration from the area’s history of immigrant communities. The nearby Cedar River adds to the lush landscape and has historically been vital for trade and sustenance, reinforcing Waterloo’s connection to its agricultural and culinary traditions.
Are you looking for a restaurant job in Waterloo, Iowa?
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Love old restaurant stories, local history, and keeping up with the places that quietly disappear? Our free weekday emails follow restaurant closures across the entire United States—one region at a time— with short stories, links, and context you won’t see in a headline. Sign up once, and you’ll get a quick tour of what closed this week, Monday through Friday.
- 🌵 Southwest Stories — Monday
Texas · New Mexico · Arizona · Oklahoma - 🌾 Midwest Farewell — Tuesday
Iowa · Illinois · Indiana · Ohio · Michigan · Minnesota · Wisconsin · Missouri · Kansas · Nebraska · North Dakota · South Dakota - 🌤 Southern Last Call — Wednesday
Louisiana · Mississippi · Alabama · Georgia · Florida · South Carolina · North Carolina · Tennessee · Kentucky · West Virginia · Arkansas - 🌊 Coastline Closings — Thursday
California · Oregon · Washington · Alaska · Hawaii - 🏔 Mountain West Report — Friday
Idaho · Montana · Wyoming · Colorado · Utah · Nevada - 🍁 New England Notes — Saturday
Maine · Vermont · New Hampshire · Massachusetts · Rhode Island · Connecticut - 🏙 Mid-Atlantic Memo — Sunday Morning
New York · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · Delaware · Maryland · Washington, D.C.
Howard Johnson’s Restaurant was located at 4418 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. It has since been replaced by a JLL Extended Stay Inn. The restaurant was converted into a mattress store, but it has been vacant for many years.
