A sandwich called The Farmer puts a cheeseburger right on top of a breaded pork tenderloin. It is the kind of order that makes the table next to you turn their heads.
I found it in a tiny Iowa town, and it comes with a menu full of other surprises. Keep reading to see what else is hiding in this small-town kitchen.
A Sandwich Built Like a Tower
The Farmer is the sandwich that started my whole trip. A cheeseburger sits right on top of a pork tenderloin, and the stack is tall enough to make you rethink your plan.
Diners at the next table looked at it with real surprise. One group noted they could not believe anyone could finish something that big.
Tenderloins are an Iowa favorite, so pairing one with a burger feels like a playful nod to local taste. The breading gives crunch, while the burger adds a juicy, cheesy layer.
Plan on sharing, or go hungry. I will tell you where this sandwich lives in just a moment, and what else the kitchen serves.
Meet the Pub in Kamrar
The place behind that big sandwich is Pickles Pub, at 425 Main St in Kamrar, Iowa, United States. It sits in a small Hamilton County town, and the drive pulls in travelers from surprisingly far away.
One couple told me they drove about 38 minutes after a recommendation. Others stop while heading to Sioux City or Des Moines, or while returning from trips up north.
The pub does not try to look fancy. It feels like a hometown spot where people walk in expecting a good meal and a friendly table.
Inside, the menu tells the real story, and it starts with the food that gave this place its name.
Fried Pickles Worth the Name
Here is a fun twist. The name on the sign points straight to the fried pickles, and the kitchen takes that job seriously.
These come as battered spears rather than little rounds. A traveler who usually prefers rounds said the flavor won her over.
The coating is crisp, and the tangy pickle inside stays bright. Dunk one in a cool dipping sauce and you will see why this is a menu favorite.
They are easy to share, which helps, because the rest of the menu is long. Next up is the food that keeps the tables full on weekends.
Pizza Is a Big Deal Here
Plenty of people walk in expecting burgers and leave talking about pizza. Tables around the room often have one in the middle.
The Ultimate pizza stands out for its toppings. One diner said she had never seen a pizza with so many.
The menu also includes taco pizza and a German pizza, which tells you the kitchen likes to play with flavors.
Orders arrive hot, and I noticed the food came out quickly. If you are stuck choosing between pizza and sandwiches, the answer might be to bring friends and get both.
The Breakfast Burger Twist
Another burger on the menu is called the Early Riser, and it gets a lot of attention. Diners who ordered it alongside The Farmer said both lived up to the hype.
The name hints at a breakfast-style build, which is a fun idea for a pub burger. It gives you a change from the usual lettuce and tomato routine.
Burgers like this are messy in the best way, so grab extra napkins.
Pair it with a side and you have a full meal. The appetizers deserve their own spotlight, so keep reading.
Garlic Cheese Curds and Cheeseballs
Appetizers are a real strength here. Garlic cheese curds arrive golden, with a stretchy center and plenty of savory flavor.
Cheeseballs are another popular starter. A couple on a date night ordered them with pizza and said everything came out fast and hot.
With fried pickles also on the list, choosing a starter becomes a fun problem.
My tip is to order one or two for the table and save room. Sandwiches are next, and they go well beyond the big tenderloin stack.
Local Memorabilia on the Walls
Look up and around, because the walls have stories. Local memorabilia fills the space and gives the room a hometown feel.
It is the kind of decor that nobody orders from a catalog. Each piece hints at the community around Kamrar.
The room feels like a neighborhood gathering spot, and a packed house is common. That crowd adds a pleasant buzz.
Take a minute to wander while you wait for your food. One chilly note is coming up in the next section, along with a tip to help you stay cozy.
Bring a Light Jacket
Here is a practical tip from the dining room. One visitor said it felt cool inside and suggested bringing a jacket.
The owners explained why. During the Kamrar Car Show, the doors opened and closed constantly and the weather was very humid, so they set the thermostat at 68 degrees.
Many guests were glad to escape the heat, so it all depends on the day.
Toss a light layer in the car if you run cold. Next I will cover the best times to go so you can plan your stop.
Hours and Planning Your Stop
A little planning goes a long way. The pub opens at 4 PM Monday through Thursday and closes at 9 PM.
Friday and Saturday it opens at 11 AM and stays open until 10 PM. Sunday it runs from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Weekends can get busy, and a few guests mention waiting a bit for food. Arriving a little early helps.
Since the place is in a small town, it makes a solid pit stop on a longer drive. Check the website before you go, because hours can change.
A Road Trip Pit Stop
Many guests find this place by accident. Some are heading to Sioux City, others to Des Moines, and one group stopped on the way to a concert in northeastern Iowa.
Drivers coming from Minnesota ended up here after hours without food, and left satisfied. A couple grabbed two pizzas to go and kept driving.
That flexibility helps. You can linger at a table or pick up dinner for the road.
A short detour turns a long drive into something you actually remember.
Celebrations and Return Visits
People do more than grab a quick bite here. One family held a 60th birthday party at the pub, and everyone left with good memories.
Others come in on snowmobiles in winter, or come back again and again because it feels like home.
That loyalty says a lot. The long menu gives everyone something to try, and there is always another dish to save for next time.
If you leave curious about more small-town Iowa eateries, keep exploring nearby towns. There are plenty of local tables waiting.
Share this story
