Ox Yoke Inn Review – Amana, Iowa
The Amana Colonies are seven villages on 26,000 acres (11,000 ha) located in Iowa County in east-central Iowa, United States: Amana (or Main Amana), East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. The villages were built and settled by German Pietists, who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church.
For nearly one hundred years, the Colonies were completely self-sufficient. When they decided to start selling their home-made goods to the outside world, they formed the Amana Society, which included the Amana Corporation (the appliance company).
Today, the colonies are largely a tourist destination, which shops selling home-made goods like quilts, and furnitures, as well as locally produced foods. There are a number of restaurants, including the Ox Yoke Inn. Opened in 1940, the restaurant features old world and traditional recipes, and side dishes that are served “family style.” Service includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch buffet.
It’s big on the tour bus circuit and has several large rooms to accomodate groups.
This is one of those places that is probably resting on their laurels from decades ago. While the food and service is fine, I have big doubts about the number of things prepared on site.
I order the wienerschnitzel, as I always do when it’s available, and it was topped (upcharge) with cheese and ham. It was perfectly fine, as I said earlier. It came with a couple of sides, mash/gravy, and green beans, both of which were perfectly forgettable. Doubtful on whether the gravy was made in house, ditto on the dinner roll.
The prices are what one would expect at a tourist destination. They also have a variety of pies to go, around $14 per.
Stop for the novelty.
Ox Yoke Inn Review Amana Iowa serving old world and traditional favorites since 1940
Ox Yoke Inn Review Amana Iowa serving old world and traditional favorites since 1940