Newton Maid Rite • 1926

The loose meat sandwich—seasoned ground beef piled on a bun, no ketchup, no apologies—has anchored this Newton diner since 1926, making it one of Iowa's earliest Maid-Rite outposts. Generations have slid into booths here for the signature sandwich, homemade pies, and all-day breakfast, or pulled through the drive-thru window when the craving hits. The recipe hasn't changed, and neither has the reason people keep coming back.