Northwestern Steakhouse

We were able to get a same-day reservation at 8:30 PM, which is what we wanted because we got into town late. Northwestern Steakhouse was full of customers when we arrived. We seated promptly even though we were a few minutes early. And our server, Heidi, took great care of us. You should ask for her if possible. Although everyone there was super helpful and attentive. Courtney also helped us. We had a couple of cocktails, which were delicious and affordable. They brought us a pitcher of water so we could refill our own water glasses, which was lovely because of the heat. They also kept my Coke glass refilled. We each had the Greek salad, which was fantastic! Great feta cheese, a little egg and pickle with a wonderful dressing. My wife had the petite fillet and a baked potato and she loved it! Her steak was cooked, perfectly, medium rare as she asked. I had the top sirloin and spaghetti. Mine was cooked perfectly medium as I requested and the spaghetti was something truly special. It looks so simple, but it is unique and amazing. You definitely need to try it. Look forward to returning to this restaurant tomorrow for prime rib.

This restaurant was recommended to me, and it was definitely worth it! The steak was absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend getting the side of spaghetti—it was amazing.

This is apparently a highly coveted restaurant. Like many others my in-laws brought me an hour before the restaurant opened and we filed into a long line since they didn't take reservations beforehand. I think they accept reservations/call-aheads once you get there in person. Luckily, the line moved swiftly until all the tables were filled. I love the rustic feel of the restaurant! The history makes it all even better. They brought out some soft white bread to start. It was my first time there so I wasn't sure what to order. I ended up getting the lamb chops with a baked potato and Greek salad and everyone else got prime rib with rice pilaf. The food was fantastic! The meat was so juicy, tender, and especially flavorful. They didn't overdo it with spices or try to over-complicate the dishes. Just good old-fashioned salt and pepper, some garlic, and good cuts of meat! I enjoyed every aspect of the meal! Pretty pricey but worth it for good food! I definitely recommend queuing up early! Can't wait to visit again!

I've been going here for a decade now and never been disappointed! Mary my server was wonderful, kind, great personality, which makes this a unforgettable experience! I went back into kitchen and met Bill, ( owner) and he was cooking right along with the staff. You will not be disappointed here, amazing menu, best steak I have ever had, hands down!

We had the Tuesday night special ribeye with pasta, salad and bread. So delicious and a lot of food. The restaurant has been here over a 100 years. It small and larger booths that are very cozy. We will definitely be back if we are in the area. Mary and the other staff were very friendly and efficient.

I was referred to come to Northwestern Steakhouse. We all left very satisfied and full. The steaks had great flavor. I had roasted chicken and was very impressed with the seasoning. The Greek salad was also a nice option.

This was supposed to be a great restaurant and has been a staple of Mason City food culture for many years but I found it to be significantly lacking. I have to be up front about the fact that I am a vegetarian so I cannot firsthand comment on the quality of their steaks but multiple members of my party had their steaks sent back because they were not cooked correctly. We also had a very large party. It was weird that all of their salads came with an egg and a pickle regardless of whether you want it or not and regardless of what type of salad you got... Of which they only had two. I was not impressed by their bread or by their Greek spaghetti which was also supposed to be very good. My party ordered several drinks and they mixed up those multiple times as well. Considering plates here are upwards of $30 to $40 each there should be better quality of food and better service than what we experienced. It was also really loud in there.

I will say, this place is a local favorite but an acquired taste if you are a tourist. The portion sizes were decent, however the seasoning of the meat was inconsistent. The spaghetti and fries were great! No appetizers available outside of the bread and side salad that come with your meal. It’s a Greek style steakhouse, so be prepared for your meat to have a lot of liquid on the plate (I believe they broil it). Would not recommend the ribeye or the hamburger steak. The staff were really sweet and efficient! I have no complaints on the quality of customer service. All the waitresses kept our drinks full and the table cleared once we were done to save space. The restaurant is small and cramped. They also DONT take reservations if you are a party under six, so it’s like rope dropping at Disney to get in and get a table as soon as they open (if you know, you know). Overall, this was a fun experience to celebrate a special occasion, but if we were in the area again, we might seek other arrangements.

We were able to get a same-day reservation at 8:30 PM, which is what we wanted because we got into town late. Northwestern Steakhouse was full of customers when we arrived. We seated promptly even though we were a few minutes early. And our server, Heidi, took great care of us. You should ask for her if possible. Although everyone there was super helpful and attentive. Courtney also helped us. We had a couple of cocktails, which were delicious and affordable. They brought us a pitcher of water so we could refill our own water glasses, which was lovely because of the heat. They also kept my Coke glass refilled. We each had the Greek salad, which was fantastic! Great feta cheese, a little egg and pickle with a wonderful dressing. My wife had the petite fillet and a baked potato and she loved it! Her steak was cooked, perfectly, medium rare as she asked. I had the top sirloin and spaghetti. Mine was cooked perfectly medium as I requested and the spaghetti was something truly special. It looks so simple, but it is unique and amazing. You definitely need to try it. Look forward to returning to this restaurant tomorrow for prime rib.

The most tender meat of your life and who knew the Greeks had their own spaghetti??? Warm ambience, friendly service. I love it here.

Holy Cow this place is amazing!! Lisa, was so sweet we arrived without reservations, don't do that, call ahead! They are packed!! She squeezed us in at the waitress table :) thank you Lisa. Everything was delicious! We had the RibEye, tender and cooked perfectly, I had the Roasted Chicken...best I've ever had and I've had some fancy chicken before.. far better than the over priced places. Don't miss the Greek spaghetti, I know, sounds crazy, it's a must!! Chef Bill knows what he's doing and Mary our server was a doll! Can't say enough about how delicious everything was! Sorry about the lack of photos, it was too yum to stop and take some.

Had a great experience start to finish. Staff was super accommodating and was given an option for 2 to be seated within 10 minutes. Fillet was juuuicy. I already want the spaghetti again!!

Incredible meal, the service was exceptional, the atmosphere was warm and fun. We're from out of state and will come back again when we visit Iowa! 5 stars!

The filet was cut with a fork tender and cooked to perfection. We always enjoy eating here.

What can I say about this place after so many years coming here when I visit my family or relatives! Can't leave town without the taste from this place. Come and see for yourself! Good Food Takes Time (GFTT)

Can't go wrong with steak! Medium rare just like I like it. Hard to eat a perfect steak when my table mate has to eat hers well done (burnt, dry, and tough) but that's how she eats it. Service went well and ambiance was fine.

The best place in Iowa. If not best place in the region. If you have a large group try family style.

This is truly a destination if you want to be treated with amazing food and terrific service in a cozy atmosphere! You will not be disappointed in the tender steak, Greek salad and the side of Parmesan spaghetti!!! We were staying at the very nice Camp at the Woods RV Park and the fun and friendly owner highly recommended this place!! I also have a friend who drives from the MN Twin Cities periodically for these fantastic meals!!! Wish we lived closer, we'd be there there a lot more often!!!!

Solid restaurant. Great experience give it a try! Service, food, location. All is perfect!!

Always a good experience and the best steak you will ever eat. I can't believe I grew up in this town and never went there. We take all our friends there when we are in the area. The prices are high but well worth it.

Very good food, their steaks are fabulously prepared. You can't make a reservations for groups under 5, so plan ahead, and the seating is very cozy. Very..... cozy... like you'll be sitting in your neighbor's lap if you're not careful. The place is an iconic landmark and well worth the dine in. Service is always great. Plan to dine at 5:00 when they first open, if you don't have a reservation, though, because the line starts to form at 4:30'sh. Or be prepared to dine after 8:00. Highly recommend!

Umm NO!! Steaks are not grilled, they are all cooked in the oven, verified it with the waitress Definitely not the best steakhouse, there are better options. Ruined my vacation from Ohio!! Also had to return the steak because it was under cooked!! Will not return!!

The best steaks anywhere. Wait staff attentive and conversational. Thankfully we were a party of 6 so we could make reservations- but we hit it right during the middle of the week for a birthday celebration and several open tables, not busy like it usually is on the weekends. Our filets were done perfectly, others at our table had the lamb chops and he said they were perfect. Others had the special and it filled the plate. Large portion for sure. This is a must place but closed on Sundays.

Was there last night....Greek salad was superior, small filet was wonderful and perfectly done and Greek spaghetti was the perfect side. It just doesn't get better than this place. I hope they last another hundred years. Definitely worth a road trip form anywhere. Just be sure to call at 4:30 for your rez...

This was our 4th road trip throughout this region of Iowa and I have no idea how we haven't found this place before. History of restaurant is fantastic, food was delicious and the staff were very friendly and attentive! Can't wait to visit again, hopefully in warmer weather!

Open in 1920 family owned. A road-trip destination place. A one page menu USDA choice Iowa beef, Lamb Chops ( my reason for driving 2 hours). Make sure to fry the side of Greek spaghetti. The restaurant is very small. Get there early Reservations only for parties larger than 6.

Very expensive but very very good food. Steak is amazing and spaghetti as a side is even more amazing. Eat there every chance I get.

I grew up in Mason City. I later lived in Los Angeles and had the opportunity to eat at some of, if not the best, steakhouses in the nation. My wife and I were out so often we were on a first name basis with Wolfgang Puck. That all being said, Northwestern has the best steaks I have ever tasted period! It is 100% mandatory when I come to Mason City, or within two hours of Mason City that I eat there at least once! Yeah, it's that unique and amazing! Staff is always wonderful as well which is always a perk! I have introduced at least 20 friends and family to Northwestern, all but a few say it's the best steak they have ever tasted! The ones who said it was not are probably idiots.

Amazing! Best steak for hundreds of miles! We live in CO and try to eat here every time we're back in the Mason City area. We're long time customers, it remains great quality every time! Get the filet and spaghetti, you can't go wrong!

Great steak & Noodles love it. Good service. Definitely go back again! Good food yummy!!

These people got it nailed down. We got there at 4:10. They open at 4:30. Got in line about 4:15. The parking lot is already packed. They have limited tables so once they fill up the next round is 5:30. We sat next to the welcoming table and the lady was answering the phone nonstop. By the time we were leaving they were booked until 8:45. I got the NY strip steak. Of course it was amazing. Greek spaghetti=wonderful. Baked potato was a baked potato. GF had fries. Reservations are available for parties over 6 I think. The servers knew what they were doing and did it well. Cute place.

The spaghetti!!! The Greek salad!! The prime rib!! The bread!! It's absolutely delicious!! It's been here family owned for over 100 years!!! Very quaint! Make reservations!!! It's a smaller venue and it's very popular!! A definite must when in Mason City!!!

Absolutely fantastic. The perfect place to stop on our drive north. We were well taken care of & felt like a local. The steaks were perfect & the bread was heavenly.

Uh, no. Interesting and old School-cool, but no. GTFOOH. Best steak where? Please enjoy the experience for sure but this is not a contender for best anything.

Freaking awesome!! I'm dreaming about the steak now - absolutely melt in your mouth tender and seasoned perfectly so you still taste the steak. If you want THE BEST service ever, ask for Luann. Of course you're going to order a steak and be full, too full to eat the shockingly delicious plate of spaghetti soooo order a tub to go. Holy cow you're going to be so happy the next day when you heat it up for lunch. Trust, you're going to go through a withdrawal phase after the first night, the spaghetti will help ease the pain - especially if you save some steak to add with it. Enjoy!!

This place is an icon in Mason city. If you're ever here, traveling, you have to try their steaks. Some of the best you can ever find! And make sure they have the spaghetti as that is incredible as well.

A group of four of us made it to Mason City. Not to see the Music Man Square but to eat a fricken steak. And the drive was worth it. Get the greek spaghetti as your side. You'll want it for dessert too. Prime Rib was delicious I ate until I could eat no more. Make the drive even if it's a couple states away. It's well worth it.

Great Ribeye, salads, drinks and very friendly service. Always time our trips to the Northwoods so we can have dinner here on the way!

Top notch food. Unique atmosphere. One of those local staples that nearly anyone who lives here would recommend.

Best steak I've had in this country. The business model hasn't changed and I'm thankful for that. The quality of the steaks has always been the highest I've had. Many thanks the wait staff and all the other employees.

Boy what can you say about this place that someone hasn't already. It is worth the wait if you don't get there early enough to snag a table. Have been going here probably at least 20 years.

Came in from far out of town earlier this summer. One of the members of our party was signing the praises of this place based on reviews we had seen online, and we completely trusted his judgement. And we were wholeheartedly impressed with what we experienced. The tiny and unique architecture aesthetic has an intangible charm to it, not unlike many buildings you can find in the Midwest region. I had the burger steak with butter spaghetti and I still think about this meal often. Complete game changer. Admittedly I did not try any of the fancier steaks, but what we did receive was special. Although given that it is a small restaurant, be sure to get in early. We were lucky to snag a table for eight on a busy weekday night. The staff were also friendly for what I remember. If I ever pass through town again, I would be sure to stop by and try another steak.

Excellent food friendly staff. Small place with dynamite food. If you have never been there you are missing out.

I've been there several times. Space is limited, but steaks are perfect(just don't add for ketchup! Unless you order fries! They get offended if you get ketchup with your steak!). The parmesan pasta is really good too. Place is pricy, but worth going (early of course!)

This review is specifically for travelers. Although the restaurant is very casual in terms of dress and kid friendliness. There is nothing casual about coming here, you need to make a plan if you are just stopping through. The restaurant opened at 5pm, we arrived at 4:25, the parking lot was already half full with people waiting in their cars. There is a park across the driveway where we took the kids, as soon as the line started forming around 4:45 we left the park and waited in line. By than we were tenth in line. Seating is very small inside, maybe 20 to 30? In talking with the locals they said this is how it is 7 days a week, we came on a Wednesday. Around 5:15 as we were waiting for food other patrons arrived and were told all seating was full until 7:30, so that gives you an idea of how fast they fill up. They do have an up stairs lobby where you can wait and have drinks. Also you can only make reservations ahead of time with six or more people, if less you have to wait until they open at 5pm, but just from over hearing the calls they were being booked for 7pm. On the weekends, I heard it is even crazier people tell me they arrive before 4 since on the weekend they allow you to reserves at 4. However the restaurant still opens at 5pm. For our entrees we ordered the hamburger platter for my kid, lamb chops for myself and my wife got the special of the day a NY strip for $17.99. I got to say for their food the prices and portions are a tremendous value. The lamb chops were fantastic and the oil and steak au jus it is served with is so flavorful. The lamb chops were medium away from the bone and medium rare toward the bone, very tender. It is served with a mint jelly that goes pretty well with the lamb, but honestly their sauce is all you need. The NY strip was cooked perfectly very fresh and tender. The meal also comes with bread and a side salad, both of which were good. Our kids favorite was the side spaghetti, very rich butter and Parmesan flavor served over top their steak jus, a definite winner. They do not offer any desserts, but after eating all of their delicious meat we had no room for dessert. The only negative, I can say about this place is the inconvenience due to the small inside and the overwhelming popularity. Definitely glad, I stopped here.

A little late review. I "used to" get dinner at this place every time I come back to visit. Went on my birthday and order a ribeye medium rare it came out blue and cold so I asked them to refire it. Came back so overdone it was misshapen. Obviously on purpose. The waitress apologized and agreed there is no way someone would think that steak was medium-rare. She went and talked to the manager. Even though the place is as big as a shoebox by the time the manager came over everyone had finished eating and they started to bring the to-go orders. "ordered them at the beginning" She asked what I would like to be done? I just said, "whatever you think is right". When we got the bill she took half off the inedible steak. LOL I have worked in the service industry in Las Vegas for 30 years minus my time in the military and wrongly assume they just do the right thing. I thought they would just put a proper steak with the to-go orders or minimally take my steak off the bill. Everyone at the table got upset but I told them it was my bday let's pay the bill and I'll just get something at Burke's. The price of decency will cost them a few hundred bucks every time I come back to Mason.

The best steak ever! My family's favorite steak restaurant. You have to get there by 4:00 to wait in line. The wait is worth it! The fillet is my favorite with their special au jus sauce.

Arrive no later than 3:45, wait in line or in their upstairs room. For a special meal, it never disappoints!

My wife and I have eaten at steak-houses all around the country. Never have I had a steak that was so tender and delicious. We not only enjoyed our time there, but we thoroughly enjoyed every bite of the 9oz. Fillet Mignon and spaghetti. Yes! spaghetti and steak. It was a delightful combination. We will definitely be back with our entire family!!

Wonderful steak house in Mason City, some call it legendary. Wonderful Ambiance, great wine, and love the Greek pasta!

Not only is this one of Mason City's best places to eat, it's one of Iowa's best places to eat. The steak is amazing and never disappoints. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

The food is excellent. Wait can be a while at times. Good choice to call ahead for reservations. A great dining experience. Most patrons of restaurants don't know if they will receive at a visit to other establishments,yet you can rest assured at this steak house the experience will always be excellent. This steak house,I have visited a number of times and family as well as friends have definitely enjoyed the visit.

Am from Chicago but if your in Mason City, this is the place to go. Way better than my favorite or maybe comparable in quality to my favorite place in Chicago . Make reservations though or the locals will fill up the place. All Iowa beef......

This is the restaurant all of my family members dream of going back to. We know everytime we dine here we will have the best service and BEST filets ever. My family loves to try different steakhouses and we have yet to find a place better than this. Everything here is cooked to perfection and has the most amazing oil/garlic sauce topped off with everything. My family also loves their soft white bread they always serve and the start salads, SO GOOD. We fight over the left overs in the fridge always and usually have it for breakfast the next day it's that good!!!! Highly recommend if you're in clear lake too for the weekend. Only thing is you have to be waiting at least 30 minutes before it opens to get a table if your party is Less than 6 people. We usually just bring something to do in the mean time because it's always worth the wait!!

Always a great time with great food. Always order the side of pasta; it's delicious. The bread with the whipped butter as a starter is also a treat. Be prepared to take a doggie bag with you. It's a very rich meal. Also be prepared to shell out more cash than a typical dining experience at the end. Well worth the cost for this occasional treat for you and your loved ones. The Greek salad is also good. Obviously the steak is good. Go for the prime rib special on weekend nights. Usually my family gets the filet mignon. I've never had the walleye or the chicken but I'm sure it's as spectacular as the steak dishes.

Delicious steak. Old school atmosphere and cozy. They gave us samples of the Greek spaghetti and it was also delicious

One of the best steaks we've had in a long time! We shared the 14oz ribeye with a side of delicious spaghetti. The salads were fresh . Next time I'll get the Greek salad. The steak was cooked perfectly & extremely flavorful!