Maid-Rite

American restaurant · Marshalltown

Maid-Rite

American restaurant · Marshalltown

1

106 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158

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Diner serving signature ground-beef sandwiches, shakes, salads  

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106 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158 Get directions

maidrite.com

$1–10 · Menu

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106 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158 Get directions

+1 641 753 9684
maidrite.com
maidrite
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@maidrite

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@eater

Why Voters Will Always Love Seeing Politicians Stuff Their Faces | Eater

"A nearly century-old counter-style institution beloved by locals for a single specialty: a signature loose-meat sandwich served on a soft bun with pungent mustard, pickles, onions and unseasoned moist steamed meat that spills onto a paper wrapper; the place prides itself on preserving an unchanged tradition (even voting by customers once decided whether to allow ketchup). Its three-sided wraparound counter, wooden pie cabinet and longtime regulars make it a touchstone of communal, down-to-earth Midwestern dining and a ritualized, if mildly annoyed, campaign stop when politicians pass through." - Meghan McCarron

https://www.eater.com/2019/12/9/20992394/election-2020-eating-biden-sanders-warren-buttigieg-politicians-diners
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Covers by Cota

Google
So cool to finally find this restaurant. Saw them on TV years ago and kinda forgot how much I wanted to try these. Glad to stumble across it during our road trip. The staff is uber friendly and the old restaurant is a great throwback in time.

Jason Reis

Google
2 wets and a chocolate shake. Taylor's is fantastic. The history makes this place and the kind service and patrons make it a great stop. I get mind usually wet if I am eating in. With everything. Dry for to-go so they don't get soggy. I do add katchup. I know not a purist but. Relaxing simple place is great food. Will absolutely be back

Debbie Collier

Google
Got to have my first" made-rite" at Taylors in Marshaltown Iowa! My parents and I traveled from Texas to Iowa for my dad's class reunion. It was the best! I had two of them! So good! If you're ever traveling through, you need to stop! It's worth it! ❤️

Dawn Carver

Google
Met our out of state family! Generations of the love of Taylors maidrite

Dustin Betzer

Google
Was traveling and seen a sign for Maid Rite. Haven't had it since I was a kid. It did not disappoint. Simple, fast and great atmosphere. Had a old small town feeling and food was great. Would highly recommend.

David Nancy Kuhn

Google
First time attendance. Was very impressed with the service and food prep system. Food was excellant. From out of town, but would like to return. Have been to other maid rite, which were not as good.

Tim Eckert

Google
Top notch for loose meat sandwiches. Do not be distracted by the 3 star rating. They do make rites correctly and quickly

KC Collins

Google
Not a lot of atmosphere, but I knew that. I've gone to the Maidrite since I was a child. As usual, seating was a problem. After all these years I don't see that changing. It is NOT an enjoyable eating experience but I love Taylor's. And, imho, it is the only TRUE Maidrite...and, believe me, I've tried many. The person serving us was not up to Taylor's std. He was just short of rude and didn't check to see if we wanted anything else. Apparently having a bad day. The sandwiches were wonderful, but not the same flavor as 60 years ago.
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Dustin E.

Yelp
We saw a YouTube video about Taylor's Maid-Rite and I just had to come here! It's truly special. A slice of Americana. The crew working here was incredibly friendly and capable. The restaurant was spotless. Super clean. The menu is very small, but it is perfect! My wife had the maid ride special with Doritos with cheese and a diet Pepsi and I had two Maid-Rites with Cheese and the best chocolate peanut butter I have ever tasted. I grew up near Wichita, where we had NuWay loose meat burgers. They were extraordinary. Taylor's Maid-Rite is the closest thing to those. SO GOOD!! Please stop here if you are in the area and support this gem, open since 1928. Here's the YouTube video about this place. We visited from Kansas City. https://youtu.be/dDn45y_FtBo?si=3LN_nYV00pRbUszw
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Dana K.

Yelp
The original Maid-Rite, do not and I repeat do not try the Maid-Rite chains. This original one (Taylor's) won a lawsuit on the differences. Great, small town diner with a limited menu but they do it right. Try a maid-rite loose meat sandwich and the homemade shakes are delicious. Worth the trip to Marshalltown.
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Stephen K.

Yelp
One of a kind. Please don't call it loose hamburger & if you know why, never put ketchup on it. Order it wet!
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Conde A.

Yelp
This place has been around for over 90 years - was a recommendation from a local - very glad we tried it! The beef is very high quality and ground fresh - comes with onion, mustard and pickles - and absolutely delicious! I got a chocolate malt as well :) Bonus is that they carry my fav brand of chips - Old Dutch - and they had the dill pickle flavored ones - yum! Will def be back when in the area and would highly recommend it to others!
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Candice H.

Yelp
Wasn't really sure what to expect. So I ordered a regular loose meat burger. The lady sitting next to me ordered a burger, no fat. You sit around old fashion round counter with old fashioned stools. Very quaint. Well I went, really didn't conquer, not sure I be back!
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Joe M.

Yelp
You've got to go - even if it's just once. I'm on a keto diet but still are the bin - you can get in a cup or bowl if you want. The atmosphere and setup is like nothing you've seen before.
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Eric B.

Yelp
My wife is from Iowa so was raised on Maid-Rites from Taylor's in Marshalltown. I'm convinced it's an acquired taste that I haven't yet acquired. So this review is mostly from her perspective. She said the sandwiches were really good but not as great as she remembers from her youth. We also ordered chocolate shakes which is a taste I've acquired and they were very good - her impression plus mine.

Taylor O.

Yelp
The food is great The employees are friendly The food comes quick and fresh The vibes are immaculate inside and it smells amazing If you're a local or just passing through town definitely worth a stop
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Alex T.

Yelp
Funny little diner in a small town in IA. Undoubtedly a town favorite and staple. Everyone loves it and I can see the charm. I am not from town or IA so objectively... meh. BUT I would go back to maintain such culture and support their town/families. The food is just okay, nothing I couldn't make in 13 minutes at home. The staff is friendly and fast. If you happen to come through this town. Stop by.

Robin M.

Yelp
I really miss maidrite i live in Dallas now would love to ooen a branch here. Give me a call with franchise ops
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Beth W.

Yelp
This place is a classic and you know Iowans when they talk about the unique 'maid-rite' sandwich. Not to be mistaken as any ordinary dry, crumbled ground beef sandwich on a bun, the maid-rite has great flavor with the seasoned meat and your choice of toppings - mustard, pickles, and onions. cheese is extra. They now feature ketchup bottles on the counter to use as you see fit. They are smart enough to give you a spoon as I inevitably have meat slip out of the bun on to the wrapper, and it is easier to finish up with the silverware. Typically I'm a fan of their handmade milkshakes but didn't get one this visit. My husband had the strawberry rhubarb pie with ice cream on top and said it was delicious. I tried a cup of the chili and at the server's suggestion, but some on my sandwich. The flavor was pretty simple with the meat and some beans. The menu is intentionally small, and the seating area is a limited 'u' shaped counter service around the main workspace of the staff as they prepare your food in front of you. The servers were friendly and attentive. I suspect not much has changed since the first time I ate here in the early 90s and that is why it this is one of our family's favorite classics when visiting Iowa!
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CJ G.

Yelp
It's definitely worth a try. The experience is more memorable than the food, but I don't think you'll leave hungry! The staff is nice as all get out. It's a really cool little spot where you walk in and get service as quick as they get to ya (which is usually pretty quick). The menu is simple and some of the rules or styles are more implied than overtly written. It's a staple in Iowa, but transplants like me may never fully understand the absolute love for "loose meat" sandwiches. People have raved to me about the seasoning. What seasoning? Still though, there is something about getting "one with cheese and everything" that satisfies. And their shakes are huge and very tasty. I hear tell the pie is good, but they've been out of the ones I want when I go.

Penny H.

Yelp
This was a great welcoming place! The sandwiches were delicious and the service friendly. I loved the diners seating, it was a great lunch date.
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Jeff S.

Yelp
Food is always good. Food tastes the same as when I was younger. Service is pretty quick despite being busy. Some things seem to stay the same even though time moves on. Taylor's is one of those that stays the same but not losing the taste or quality.

Austin P.

Yelp
The name is absolutely accurate as this is made right! The Maid-Rite with cheese is incredible and worth coming back for. Service is incredibly quick as people around us were in and out in under 10 minutes. The shakes are incredible too. The employees are incredibly friendly and this is a great place to eat. Coffee is 93 cents too, can't beat that!

David S.

Yelp
Classic fare in a classic cafe!!! The maid-rites are wonderful and the homemade shakes superb.
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R B.

Yelp
Been a fan for nearly half a century. Always come back each time near Marshalltown. Order with everything and never use ketchup. Ha.

Ryan L.

Yelp
We are lucky to have such a loyal and amazing business in Marshalltown. They are a shining example of small business serving a community.

4gymnastics Girls ..

Yelp
Tasty lunch counter meal with a bit of nostalgia. Great manager! Get a malt or some pie and enjoy the feeling of Marshalltown community.
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Libby G.

Yelp
This takeout restaurant does have some picnic tables in their parking lot if you choose to dine outside. It serves a classic loose meat sandwich and you can get it wet or dry. Condiments include ketchup mustard and pickle. There's a variety of chips you can get with your sandwich as well as sodas. Shakes and malts come in a few classic flavor...the peanut butter was fantastic. They also offer pie. It did not disappoint. Sandwiches had plenty of meat!
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Aaron B.

Yelp
I'm sure it's great, I may never know. Their delivery service doesn't deliver. Sucks too, I was really looking forward to something different and something good.
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Hector S.

Yelp
I love this place! From the milkshakes to the burgers! It's so simple but so delicious. I like coming here also cause it's always nice and fast service.
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Koni B.

Yelp
I LOVE Maid-Rite sandwiches! The recipe hasn't changed, the buns are always soft, the meat seasoned just right. The service is always fast and friendly. The ambiance remind me of old lunch counter and we enjoy the atmosphere

Kay S.

Yelp
I recently only came across Taylor's from the book "100 things to do before you die in IA" and stopping at this local restaurant was listed as one of them. We made a special trip to stop and so glad we did. We luckily made it before they closed at 3p and ordered our food to go. It's super messy, so i don't know if trying to eat to-go was the best decision. Staff was very pleasant and the location was quite busy (15 min wait for our food). I don't mind- it was soo good! I can't wait to make this place our new tradition!

Megan G.

Yelp
The best burger place in a 10 mile radius the malts it the top of the cake and the service was incredible would recommend
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Peter T.

Yelp
Most of American was introduced to the concept of "loose meat sandwiches" on the television show, "Roseanne" but Iowans have known about them for nearly a century. Mainly operating under the name of "Maid Rite" - Taylors is a great example of the classic loose meat sandwich restaurant, offering only the sandwiches, soda, milk shakes, chips, and a variety of pies. Many people prefer their sandwiches with ketchup, mustard, pickle, and onion, but I go for pickle and onion only. Cheese is also an option. I am many decades old, and Taylors has been around longer than I have. Want a souvenir after lunch? Buy a tee or a coffee mug. In any case, stop by this Iowa institution.
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Craig B.

Yelp
The food is soooo good. The service is so fast it's incredible. They're one of the last original diners in town so it's obviously a hit.
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Jamie J.

Yelp
Taylor's Maidrite NEVER disappoints! Maidrite is a must do state in Marshalltown Iowa, FILLED with nostalgia and history. The decor appears to be original from the 50s when they first opened in Marshalltown. I learned today Maidrite as a whole began in 1928. You can have your Maidrite made to order wet, dry, or in between with pickles, onions, mustard or combo of those. The meat is made uniquely and fresh everyday. Fresh homemade pie, malts, and shakes are available as well. And SO TASTY! You can have your maidrites mailed anywhere in the main 48 states as well. Just an old fashion 50s diner with lots and lots of fun and flavor!
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Rachel R.

Yelp
A Marshalltown classic. Make sure to stop by for the epic maid rites! This is by far the best maid rite I have had, to date. The meat is a tad greasy, but worth it. Make sure to get yours with mustard and pickles and wash it all down with a chocolate malt.
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Shannon W.

Yelp
Taylor's offers the ever popular loose meat sandwich. So good everytime! The original comes with pickle mustard and onion. But if you must (I wouldn't suggest it). They have cheese and ketchup I hear. maid-rites are good with a bag of chips, a freshly made malt or shake and they even have pie for dessert!
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Cory A.

Yelp
I grew up in Marshalltown and Taylor's was always a great place to. It has become a bit pricey but I continue to go there...just not as often. The maid-rites are good, malts are good, great selection of pies for dessert. The staff is friendly. I would recommend Taylor's but, again, it's pricey.
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Sebastian B.

Yelp
So there is nothing better than Taylor's Maid-Rite sandwiches in the whole wide world. END OF REVIEW!!! Just kidding... The Good: Taylor's made rights have been around for a long time and I have been there several times to eat in. Do to covid-19 they only offer pick up at the window which they have not done before. This was a great way for the business to adopt to the current situation and serve its customers. The Bad: Here is yet another place we have been to that is hard to find anything to write under "The Bad" section of my review. --- 5 minutes have passed --- I still can't come up with anything as I am always very pleased coming here The Ugly Truth: Every time we dying here the Maid-Rite sandwiches are very consistent, delicious and very filling. Do not forget to order a malt while you enjoy this yummy Maid-Rite, they are also absolutely delicious. The staff is always willing to joke around with you and put a smile on your face even when they are very busy during the lunch rush for example. Thos locally owned business truly knows what it means to prepare amazingly tasting food and wanting to have customers come back as often as possible in order to not just enjoy their sandwiches and malts, but also interact with friends and the staff.

Becky I.

Yelp
Sometimes the meat is hot but the bun they serve it in is cold..out of the fridge. Lately it seems we're getting less meat and it's almost $5 just for the sandwich. I don't like it when they wipe the counter-leave it wet and then set my spoon in it..gross!. I don't see the workers wearing gloves or washing there hands between dirty dishes and serving food or drinks. Seems a bit unsanitary if your serving to multiple customers. Gloves would be a plus. Some workers seem willy-nilly when they wait on you and you have to ask someone else to ring you up...I never leave a tip..because of those reasons. They don't even try.
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Shawn C.

Yelp
Always a must stop for me when I get to Marshalltown!! What a outstanding burger!! I like to add a little extra mustard on mine!! Just writing this review is making my mouth water!! If you're in the area don't cheat yourself treat yourself to a Maid-Rite!!!!!!!
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Cierra W.

Yelp
So to stay true to my Iowan experience, everything I read said I had to try a Maid-Rite at Taylor's, and I was not disappointed! True to the word, I only had mustard, onion and pickles; NO KETCHUP lol. I also ordered chips, pop and a chocolate marshmallow pie. Taylor's also has souvenirs. I bought a cute water glass. I can't wait to go back!
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Richard A.

Yelp
best loose meat sandwich you can get ! ! they are delicious. we sometimes drive 80 miles just to get one.

Shalee L.

Yelp
Best maidrites around!! The malts are the best too! I take visiting friends and family here all the time because it's a must stop in marshalltown.
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april c.

Yelp
It is definitely good! Like a burger you have never had before! Make sure to ask for it wet. Yummy!
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CarrieNation S.

Yelp
Old school Maid-Rite like they're supposed to be. Original small menu. Loose meat sandwiches and strawberry rhubarb pie always win. This place has heart. Great folks in a rad old building. MR is a Midwestern icon.

Tyler F.

Yelp
I love this, their shakes are amazing and their maid rites are the best in Iowa must stop if I'm marshalltown
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Sharon J.

Yelp
Taylor's is an old fashioned Marshalltown restaurant staple that has kept up with the times. You can still get a maidrite and a malt while surrounded by the nostalgic counter and wooden pie shelves.
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B N.

Yelp
A Marshalltown jewel. Not much has changed in 60 years except a red ceiling fan and bottles of ketchup. Thank goodness for this iconic meal that needs no introduction into Americana. Come and steam up the windows while enjoying a Maid-rite.
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Steyr A.

Yelp
Still awesome. Thank god they haven't messed with this place. Everything tastes exactly like it always has. They even have ok chili in a cup, which I've never had before. But obviously the sandwiches are where it's at. Add a chocolate malt and you are still good to go. Could have sworn they used to have Coke products though, didn't matter just ordered a root beer.
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Jon T.

Yelp
To start with I have always liked Maid-Rites. I had them as a little kid. As an adult, I lived in the Motherland of Maid-Rites (Muscatine, IA) for over 15 years. I know when they are good and when they are not. I also know that Taylor's lays claim to making the most authentic examples of the original, implying that recipes at various stores allowed the recipe to drift and change, while Taylor's kept the faith. I stopped on my way through while returning to St Louis. It was my chance to experience "the way they are supposed to be". I experienced a true disappointment. I had been drinking soda in the car so decided I would not need anything to drink. Huge mistake. This Maid-Rite was so dry I could barely eat it. Are they somehow trying to pretend this is health food? It had no salt and no moisture, either juice or fat. In fact while I was there, I watched them squeeze all liquid out of the meat in the cooker and return the tasteless, dry meat. For those of you who have Taylor's on your list to try to get a "real" Maid-Rite, save your time. I have had similar experiences at other places, though not this bad. Those who think they love these are loving the memory of what they used to be. They are not the same and apparently we cannot go back. It's two stars out of respect for the memory.
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Jim S.

Yelp
The only "real deal" Maid-Rite ... no ketchup! Mustard onion and pickle... Get it wet. ... And there is no such thing as a maid rite with cheese!
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Teri V.

Yelp
If you want to enjoy a great Maid-Rite, this is THE BEST PLACE TO GO... Now get going!!!

Debbie M.

Yelp
One can never go wrong with a maid-rite, a bag of chips and a root beer float! My favorite treat meal when I need a pick me up. Great customer service.
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Eric B.

Yelp
I have been eating sandwiches at this location since the mid 70's. Their sandwiches are hands down better than the "franchised" locations..i got worried when tornadoes went though town. The sign took a beating but they are still open for business and haven't changed the way they do things. All the way down to the same stools and counter tops. Lol. I get mine with pickles and mustard. I am a traditionalist and stay away from cheese and ketchup. I also order mine moist. There are 3 levels. Dry, moist, and wet..that determines where they pull the loose meat from the cooking basin. Also if you crave them and are away from Iowa. They will ship them to you. Not a cheap deal but worth it. If you have shipped go with them at least moist..they will warm up much better. Don't forget the milk shake while you are there.

Ryan M.

Yelp
I find Taylor's Maid-Rite to be one of my favorite places to eat. Some might say it tis too expensive. Well I would tap them on the shoulder and say, "you think there is a price for great quality and great tasting food?" (the obvious answer is no. No you cant) Nice staff and good food, and I LOVE the fact they have added on new shakes/malts to the menu. LOVE THE PEANUT BUTTER SHAKE! Its a must have, unless of course you have allergies, then you go with the smores or good old vanilla. Thank you maid rite for being my local go-to restuaraunt!