From crepes to kahula pork sandwiches, local restaurants offer a variety of tasty foods

 It’s February. The temperature is below freezing and we’ve forgotten what the sky looks like without a blanket of clouds. Whether you experience the winter blues or just miss seeing the sun, we all could use a treat to help us through this season. Although it may not be the perfect solution, comfort food can make your day a little brighter, and there are so many great restaurants to choose from. Read on to get a glimpse into the tastiest that Cedar Falls has to offer.

Located on the first block of Main Street, Tata Yaya is run by a small family from Thailand. Wanida, Evaron and Rada opened the restaurant back in December of 2019. They offer a variety of sweet and savory crepes and waffles, as well as espresso drinks and Thai tea. The restaurant’s name captures the welcoming atmosphere that the family hope to create, saying “Ta means maternal grandfather [in Thai] and Ya is paternal grandmother. We chose this name because we want people to come in and feel like they’re at their grandparents’ house— comfortable, happy, and leaving with a full stomach.” 

A brand-new addition to the Cedar Falls restaurant scene is Bobby Q’s Hawaiian BBQ. Bobby Q’s started out as a food truck and officially opened its brick-and-mortal location last November, serving “comfort foods of the Hawaiian Islands.”

George’s Local opened last year on Main Street and features multiple tables surrounding firepits on their patio, and they aren’t letting the cold stop anyone from enjoying them. Customers can reserve an igloo to dine in, staying warm while still enjoying the outdoors. George’s offers a variety of sandwiches, flatbreads and steaks, and also offers brunch every Sunday from 9AM – 2PM. They offer classics like biscuits and gravy, french toast and breakfast pizza.

With his restaurant Cottonwood Canyon “The House,” Randolph Bryan brings the flavors of Jamaica to the Cedar Valley. Located a few blocks off main with a sister location in Waterloo, the restaurant offers their home-roasted coffee beans as well as espresso drinks and a cozy atmosphere to study at. Grab a gourmet grilled cheese, a Jamaican jerk sandwich or an avocado rice bowl while you’re there.

Make your day a little bit sweeter with a trip to ICON Donuts & Sweetery. Located at 4505 Algonquin Drive, the shop offers tie-dyed donuts, a donut decorated with the album art from Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and a cereal-covered donut aptly named “The Breakfast Club.” ICON is there for you when you need a sugary pick-me-up.