The Downunder - West Branch, Iowa

Tammy B.

Conveniently located in downtown West Branch. This restaurant is literally ‘down under’ as in the basement of the building. We probably wouldn’t have found it without the useful sidewalk sign.

Adorable space. We loved the old brick/foundation walls.

Service was fabulous!

Food was ok… typical bar food. The Philly has good seasoning, the Ultimate panini had none.

Ashley

We wanted a place outside of Iowa City for a quick drink and bites. Randomly found this pace, we walked in and were instantly welcomed like we had been there a million times. We were BLOWN AWAY by the hospitality by this family owned business. The Hog Wings came highly recommended and let me tell you, I will be dreaming about them tonight in my sleep! hOLy. CoW.. never had anything like them ANYWHERE in the country. We will ABSOLUTELY be back here again.

Pete S.

The staff was very polite and friendly. The young cook delivered our food and later checked on how the food was. The food was delicious and filled us up. The food is air cook, nothing is deep fried. When leaving, our waitress offered us a to go cup of water and root beer.

Tom D.

Wow! Just had a dynamite burger cooked by Hallie. Great flavor with a side of fries that are deliciously cooked. Top notch service with the chef Hallie checking if we were satisfied with our meal! Beer selection was top notch with great variety and value. Definitely coming back!

Jill K.

We stopped by for lunch today and everything was perfect! The bartender warmly greeted us and grabbed our drinks right away. There was a burger special and a nice gentleman at the bar said the burgers were great so my husband and son ordered those. I got a panini. All of our food came out quickly and it was delicious! Highly recommend

Retha H.

Our group of 10 arrived right at 1:00 for lunch today. The first room was totally empty. There were a couple of people at the bar, and only a few people in the back room. We placed our drink order pretty much right away. After about 10 minutes, a guy wearing an oxygen tank came up and started serving our drinks from the window. He commented during our chatter with him that he did not work there. He was just a customer helping out. We placed our food orders at about 1:20. Seven of us ordered the Bear burger basket with fries. The first 2 orders come out at about 2:15, just short of an HOUR after we ordered!!! The waitress informed the 3 members of our party that ordered burgers with no cheese, that the cook had accidentally put cheese on theirs, and asked if they wanted to take them with cheese, or remake them with no cheese. They all took them with cheese so they would not have to wait that additional time. The rest of the orders arrived VERY slowly, 2 at a time. I was one of the last 2 to be served. I got my order at 2:35, a full 20 minutes after the first orders came out!!! By the time I got mine, 1/2 of the table was finished eating. One of our members ordered the chicken strip basket. She said the chicken strips were mostly breading and the chicken was tough. Her fries were cold and hard. Another member of our group ordered the Rubin sandwich. She said that there was hardly any sauerkraut, and the corned beef was crispy around the edges, like bacon. The burgers were good, although a bit more well done than most of us liked, so a little dry, but still good. One member of our group got a panini and said it was very good, and so was the potato salad. Bottom line, we could have understood the long wait time if our large party came in and they were already busy, but with only a few other customers, it should NOT have taken us an hour to an hour & 1/2 to get our food!! Especially burgers and fries.

Kevin Z.

Was up in West Branch for a soccer game!! We always try to eat somewhere close where we're at !! So I Google searches and found this place and I am so glad we did!! What an amazing place!! Love the atmosphere fireplace was awesome!! Will definitely go back when we can enjoy the fireplace!! Our server well she was great very friendly!! Talked about our kids being in show choir just made us feel like we have welcome!! And the food was great!! We had the nachos as an appetizer and I had the extreme Panini and my why had the down under Panini!! Next I will try their hamburgers because they are made fresh!! So I would Highly recommend this place if you get a chance you won't be disappointed!!

Kirk H.

Interesting little bar in the basement. Outdoor seating for up to 8. The local Big Grove beer is good! Maybe I'll try the '31 named for Herbert Hoover, our 31st President.