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Spillway: Rustic Bar & Grill in Harpers Ferry Known for Legendary Pork Tenderloin & Pizza

Spillway, located in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, is a charming Bar & Grill known for its hearty, classic American fare. Specialties like their hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, crispy onion rings, and savory pizza highlight a menu rooted in comfort and tradition. The inviting atmosphere, with rustic décor and friendly staff, makes it a local favorite. Notably, Spillway’s tenderloin, praised for its light, golden crust and tender meat, stands out as a true Midwestern treasure. Pair your meal with a well-priced drink like a classic Bloody Mary or a cold PBR. Spillway captures the essence of a timeless rural supper club, delivering both flavor and value.

Spillway at a glance

  • Address 112 3rd St, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, United States
  • Phone +1 563-586-2181
  • Restaurant type Bar & grill .
  • Popular for Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Spillway: Reviews & Ratings

Ray K (Southside_Ray)
5

We arrived about 6:00 p.m. Seated right away and was able to order food immediately. Food was very tasty and our waiter Tucker did an excellent job!

Pavithra Kamdadai
5

This place has got such a friendly vibe! And great place to grab a drink ! We got some finger food from the menu and one of our order had meat(we are vegetarians and the menu didn’t say so). The staff were so nice about it and got us a replacement dish! Definitely recommend when your in town or on route through the town!

Mike Hawker
5

The Spillway is awesome. Halfway between nowhere and the back of beyond along the Mississippi River in far Northeast Iowa lies the very small historic town of Harpers Ferry, where fishing and hunting isn’t a sport, it’s been a way of life since the beginning of time. And today, we discovered a timeless rural supper club. Read that; ‘Bar and Amazing Grill & Pizza Joint’. The Spillway is a destination worthy of a national tour of local greats proving that home town beats big town every time. We passed by this place for years traveling on the Iowa side of the Mississippi between Lansing and Marquette. Then we see that the Spillway is a top five finalist in the Iowa Pork Producers annual best Iowa Pork Tenderloin sandwich competition. Well, what do you do? You go see for yourself, obviously. And Spillway is a major contender. Now, where to begin: The Spillway atmosphere is magnificent. Awesomeness as only a dark old river bar can be. You know you have struck rural gold when you walk into a dimly lit tavern and see over 25 trophy buck deer head mounts on the walls. If eating at the bar isn’t your thing, the other side of the place is a well lit dining room of the kind you only find in this region. Nothing fancy, but sufficiently functional to host the Pope to one of the best tenderloin sandwiches in Iowa. We tried both the traditional breaded, and the no-breading grilled with various condiments. I’m a purist. Breaded, generous onions, dill pickles, and yellow mustard. My wife goes for grilled. But, we had the ultimate judge with us. My 92 year old mother. She is a breaded, tomato, lettuce, no onions, person. We all loved our sandwiches. Yes, Spillway is a righteous competitor for the 2023 Iowa title. Mom says hers was the most tender and flavorful pork she has had in ages. And Mom is picky: well earned in her centennial decade. Spillway breading is a light golden crispy crust that reminded me of a really well done tempura, fried to tenderloin sandwich perfection. The onion rings were equally perfect, as were the bar standard crinkle fries. I congratulate Spillway in leaving off the salt. Us older folks appreciate the lower sodium standard. Many thanks. Beyond our target tenderloin lunch today, Spillway’s menu is something I’ll return to explore. Especially the burgers and that awesome looking thin crust pizza. Could be a national pizza destination too, but needs further research! Value? Just look at the menu picture. Enough said. While I can be as much a beer snob as anyone, spending stupidly for a so-called craft beer, Spillway wins the day. $1.50 PBR long necks. That’s VALUE. Say what you want about PBR, but it’s one of America’s oldest beers and what was good for my great granddad is good for me. Just go with the place and the rare moment gracing you when you find your way to Spillway.

C L
5

We had a great breakfast here and it was good! Later we also had pizza and that too was great. Pricing was good too, not overly expensive. It isn’t fancy or full of thrills but a nice neighborhood bar.

Sue Sander
5

Great food and super staff, Awesome burg and great tenderloin

Heather Morrison
5

The service was amazing. The food was also amazing. Thanks for a great first experience. We will definitely be back.

Carl Moe
4

Descent food selection and the prices are very competitive. A small town near the Mississippi River. Also has beer and spirits.

Arun Madhavan
5

Great small town bar. No beer tap but they have Toppling Goliath beers on tap. Quick note to vegetarians: the broccoli cheddar bites have meat. I found out the hard way, and the manager was great about fixing it even though I didn't complain about the issue

Location

  • Spillway
    Spillway
    112 3rd St, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, United States Hotline: +1 563-586-2181

Nestled in the historic town of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Spillway stands as a genuine Bar & Grill gem where rustic charm meets hearty Midwestern flavors. This unpretentious spot, set along the Mississippi River’s edge, delivers a dining experience steeped in local tradition and comfort. The dimly lit, trophy-decorated bar area exudes warmth and character, while the well-lit dining room offers a functional space perfect for enjoying a satisfying meal without fuss.

The menu at Spillway celebrates classic American bar favorites with a strong focus on quality and flavor. The pride of the place is undeniably their pork tenderloin sandwiches—both the hand-breaded and grilled versions earn well-deserved praise. The breaded tenderloin features a light, golden crust reminiscent of a perfectly fried tempura, tender and flavorful beneath every crisp bite. Accompanied by generous onions, dill pickles, and a touch of mustard, it pays homage to Iowa’s rich pork heritage. For those seeking a lighter option, the grilled tenderloin does not disappoint, retaining juicy tenderness and balanced seasoning that appeals to purists and novices alike.

Beyond tenderloins, Spillway’s craft lies in its generous portions of comfort fare—the onion rings are equally noteworthy, boasting a perfect golden fry without excessive salt, a thoughtful nod to customers mindful of sodium. The menu is rounded out with standouts like the Mushroom Swiss Burger, hand-breaded pork tenderloin, and a crisp thin crust pizza that hints at potential as a Midwest pizza destination. Fries and tater tots serve as ideal accompaniments, satisfying the hunger of any bar food aficionado.

Spillway also scores high on the beverage front, offering an impressive value with $1.50 PBR longnecks, blending tradition with affordability—a detail that adds to the place’s accessible and welcoming vibe. Friendly service enhances the experience, as noted in customer reports praising staff attentiveness and willingness to accommodate dietary needs without hassle.

Visiting Spillway feels like stepping into a time-honored supper club where quality, value, and local flavor intersect. It’s not about flashy presentations or modern trends but about honest, delicious food served in a space that respects its rural roots. Whether you’re stopping by for a juicy burger, a celebrated pork tenderloin sandwich, or simply to unwind with a well-made Bloody Mary, Spillway offers a memorable taste of Iowa’s heartland cuisine and hospitality.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments