At Parlor On Main, located in the heart of Central City, IA, restaurant-goers experience a delightful fusion of comforting diner food and exceptional service. Patrons rave about the "smash burgers," particularly the unique cream cheese burger that stands out among typical grill fare. Jeremiah Mesch captures the essence of this charming eatery, emphasizing not only the great food but also the friendly staff, a sentiment echoed by many visitors.
Adam Lau's review highlights the restaurant's fresh ingredients and generous portions, particularly praising the Reuben and chicken strips that accompany their perfectly cooked fries. The soft serve machine is nice, but it’s the rotating selection of hard scoop ice cream, boasting unique flavors, that truly steals the show. Guests can indulge in mouthwatering desserts, such as the strawberry cheesecake mixer recommended by Rob McInerney.
As Anna W notes, even a quick stop here can surprise with the quality of their burgers and the warmth of the service. While the burgers might be classic, the care in preparation and attention to customer satisfaction make Parlor On Main a must-visit spot for both locals and travelers alike. Just be prepared for a slight wait, as this small-town gem has garnered a loyal following and is well worth the time!
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great dessert
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Parlor On Main
Jeremiah Mesch
Jul 1,2025
Great food. Great ice cream. Friendly staff. We'll be back for more!
John Carroll
Jun 28,2025
Burger patty was nothing special but cooked expertly. They have a cream cheese burger that was different, very good. Friendly people. Nice small town diner.
Adam Lau
Jun 22,2025
Parlor on Main is a pleasant surprise in sleepy Central City. The other place we wanted to go was closed so we walked down the road 30 seconds. Parlor serves typical chill and grill fare, with an emphasis on their smash burgers. The food was fresh and delicious. We ordered the burger, Reuben, and chicken strips. It was hot as yummy, nothing to complain about. The fries on the side were great as well. They have a soft serve machine, but the real treat is their selection of hard scoop ice cream. They have lots of unique flavors that rotate frequently. We got three different flavors and a large root beer float. Prices are super reasonable and you get large portions. Service was excellent. It’s a small and popular place so be prepared to wait a bit longer for your order. Highly recommend if you live near, passing through, or camping nearby.
Anna W
May 9,2025
Happened to be in the area for business so we stopped to eat a bite before leaving, was very pleasantly surprised! The burgers were excellent and we'll definitely be returning. The service was great, the person working the counter was very pleasant.
Rob McInerney
May 4,2025
Bacon cheese burger was great. Had a strawberry cheese cake mixer. All was delicious. Recommend
Tasha Lovell
May 1,2025
Amazing little small town place. Have been here a couple time!! Everytime the food is amazing and the employees are awsome also. This is a must try place if you haven't tried it yet!
Mary Panosh
Apr 4,2025
Our Bacon Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries were excellent. Tonight was the first time we’ve eaten there. We will be back!
Tara Ann Walker
Apr 2,2025
Great small town place with delicious food, friendly service & ice cream!! If you're passing the area I would highly recommend you stop. I had the bacon cheeseburger which was juicy and packed full of flavor. My husband also enjoyed his large tenderloin! The highlight of course was all the ice cream & shake options
Reviews For Parlor On Main