Lou's Diner

Stopped into Lou's during a long road trip, based on great reviews. Arrived minutes before their 2 pm closing time, but was welcomed with open arms after asking if it was cool to pony up to the counter still. This place is exactly what I love: hole in the wall (actually missed it driving by...exterior is not inviting and sign is tiny) with fantastic service, great people, and wonderful food. There were four of us. Two had pancakes, two had BLTs. The pancakes are flipped from heaven! They are infused with fresh blueberries and chocolate chips, and you can watch them being made in front of you. My buddy got the "stack of three" which is gigantic, heavy and requires specific techniques to even attempt (see picture). I wimped out getting just one, but it was the best, I think, I've ever had. The bacon served with my two side eggs was thick and perfectly crisp. The wives noted their BLTs were equally impressive (and, from bites we shared of pancakes, they contemplated a monthly 2.5 hour journey from home just to enjoy them again.) On top of all the food greatness, the people were a joy. Chatting, ribbing each other (apparently syrup techniques for The Stack are excessive for my single pancake...who knew?) and providing some local color to the town or Perry, IA. Spot on! Unfortunately, this is not a quick turnoff I-80 as you zoom through Iowan corn fields (maybe 20 minutes?), but it is worthy of contemplating a detour just to support and enjoy this rare gem.

We've visited many times but the food is so good we eat and forget to take pictures. Today I remembered!! Lou's Diner in perry is so delicious!! I got the 6 oz sirloin eggs, toast and opted for hashbrowns instead of the ginormous pancake pictured below. My husband got 3 eggs, hashbrowns, toast and bacon and his daughter got a full order of biscuits and gravy on top of hashbrowns. None of us were able to finish our meals but they were delicious!! Everytime we go the service is friendly and personable. They treat us like friends/ family not just customers. Homestyle cooking, generous portions and great prices. We love lou's diner!

Stopped for brunch, and it was the best breakfast I'd eaten in years. (I ordered the Barnyard Platter, as recommended by another patron who sat next to be at the counter. It's a small place, with not that much seating, but it didn't feel like it was too crowded. Service was great. Coffee was constantly refilled. Tell you what the food itself is why I'm giving this five stars, and why I might actually make the 45 minute drive to Perry Iowa just to have another case of that amazing grub.

We sat there for an hour. Only got served coffee and milk. Everyone who walked in after us was served. I believe they were all local. What made us get and leave was a guy gentleman walked in set down at the counter and was served in 15 to 20 minutes after walking in the door. I believe in 2nd chances, but don't know if I want too. I didn't want to put even one star