If you crave cozy farm vibes and portions that make you grin, Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale delivers in the best possible way. Think cinnamon rolls so big you instinctively reach for a steering wheel grip, plus homestyle breakfasts that taste like a morning at the farm. With a 4.5 star reputation and a friendly crew in overalls, it feels welcoming from the moment you step through the gift shop. Come hungry, because leftovers are practically guaranteed.
The Legendary Steering Wheel Cinnamon Roll
Meet the star that grabs all the attention the second it hits the table. This cinnamon roll is soft, satisfyingly sticky, and spiraled with a buttery cinnamon swirl that perfumes the whole room. When the warm icing glazes over the top, you know you are in for pure breakfast joy.
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Order one to share or conquer it yourself if you are ambitious. The portion is shockingly generous, yet the texture stays tender from center to edge. Pair it with hot coffee and let the sweetness set the tone for your day.
It is perfect as a starter before eggs and hash or as a solo treat when you want dessert for breakfast. Bring a friend and a camera. You will talk about it on the drive home.
Farmhouse Breakfast Classics
The breakfast menu leans into everything comforting and familiar. Fluffy eggs, crisp bacon, and well seasoned sausage share space with hash browns cooked to a golden crunch. Add toast or a biscuit and you have a plate that tastes like a weekend morning at the farm.
Portions are generous, so you get real value for the price. You can customize sides to match your cravings, whether you want fruit, pancakes, or that famous cinnamon roll. The kitchen nails consistency, so every bite tastes freshly cooked.
Sit with a hot mug of coffee and soak up the relaxed pace. It is easygoing and friendly, which makes lingering feel natural. Breakfast here sets you up for a very good day.
Chicken Fried Steak With Country Gravy
Crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth inside, the chicken fried steak is a crowd pleaser. The crust crackles when your fork cuts through, then the peppered country gravy ties it together. It is nostalgic, satisfying, and exactly what you want on a cool Iowa morning.
Mashed potatoes show up fluffy and buttery, with gravy in a generous ladle. Green beans or seasonal veggies add a fresh note to balance all that comfort. Each element feels thought through, like a family recipe perfected over time.
Order this when you are hungry and looking for something steady and filling. It pairs beautifully with a cinnamon roll appetizer. By the time you are done, you will plan your next visit.
Hot Turkey Sandwich Comfort
When you want Thanksgiving energy any day of the week, the hot turkey sandwich hits the spot. Thick carved turkey rests on soft bread, then everything gets blanketed in savory gravy. The mashed potatoes are creamy and make perfect bites with every forkful.
This dish shows off the kitchen’s homestyle strengths. The turkey is tender, the seasoning is balanced, and the nostalgia is immediate. It is the kind of plate that makes you slow down and savor.
Order it for lunch or dinner when you need simple comfort. Friendly service keeps your drink filled while you work through hearty portions. Leftovers travel well, so bring a box just in case.
All You Can Eat Fried Chicken Nights
The fried chicken nights are a local favorite for good reason. The breading is crunchy and well seasoned, and the meat stays juicy piece after piece. It tastes like a backyard picnic, only you do not need to cook or clean.
All you can eat means you can settle in and enjoy at your own pace. Add sides like slaw, cottage cheese, and warm rolls for the full experience. It is casual, lively, and perfect for families or groups.
Plan ahead on weekends, because word travels fast. The staff keeps plates moving with a smile, and the vibe stays welcoming. Come hungry and leave thrilled you made the trip.
Pork Perfection Sampler
If pork is your love language, the sampler delivers a master class. You get variety in textures and flavors, from a crusted chop to tender bacon wrapped medallions. Each bite shines on its own, yet the plate feels balanced and complete.
Mashed potatoes with pork gravy bring everything together. Add cottage cheese, vegetables, and slaw to round out the farm feast. It is a generous portion that easily becomes tomorrow’s lunch.
This is the kind of dish that earns repeat visits. Pair it with a cold drink and friendly conversation. You will leave saying that was worth every mile.
Parmesan Butter Pork Chop
The parmesan butter pork chop is a standout that wins over skeptics. The chop arrives juicy with a golden sear, then the butter melts into every groove. Rich, savory, and lightly garlicky, it tastes indulgent without being heavy.
Mashed potatoes make a natural sidekick and catch all the buttery drips. Seasonal vegetables add color and a crisp bite. You will be tempted to finish it even when you are comfortably full.
Ask your server for pairing suggestions if you want something from the bar. The team knows the menu and loves to help. This dish is an easy recommendation when you want something memorable.
Hearty Pot Pie That Tastes Like Home
Crack through the flaky top and a creamy, savory filling greets you. The pot pie has that classic comfort taste you hope for on a chilly day. Tender chicken and vegetables sit in a rich sauce that feels homemade.
The crust stays flaky without getting soggy, which is harder than it looks. Each spoonful delivers warmth and nostalgia. Pair it with a side salad or slaw if you want a fresh contrast.
It is a great pick when you want a one dish meal with zero fuss. Expect generous portions that could easily stretch to leftovers. You will likely plan a return visit just for this.
Ribs That Rival Kansas City
These ribs surprise a lot of people in the best way. The meat pulls away cleanly and stays tender without losing structure. The glaze hits sweet and smoky notes that make you reach for another rib right away.
Order them with cornbread or classic sides for balance. The portion size is generous, so sharing is easy. Sauce lovers will appreciate how it clings without overwhelming the meat.
Servers keep things moving and check in often, which makes the experience easy. If you are a rib fan, this is a must try plate in Urbandale. It is comfort food with real craft behind it.
Warm Bread Basket Tradition
The bread basket is a little celebration before the main event. Soft yeast rolls and sweet slices like apple or banana bread arrive with creamy butter. It sets a cozy tone and brings out smiles around the table.
There is something about passing warm bread that makes the meal feel special. The textures are spot on, from pillowy to tender crumb. Spread on butter and let it melt while you chat with your crew.
Save room if you can, but it is hard to resist. The basket pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or hearty mains. It is a simple touch that keeps people coming back.
Sides That Feel Like Sunday Dinner
The sides at Machine Shed elevate every plate. Coleslaw is crisp and lightly sweet, cottage cheese is cool and creamy, and vegetables arrive fresh and colorful. Mashed potatoes are silky and hold gravy like a dream.
You can mix and match to suit your mood. It feels like a Sunday spread where the table gets filled with shareable bowls. Everyone finds a favorite, and nothing goes untouched.
These sides round out the farm identity perfectly. They are reliable, generous, and built for sharing. Add them to your order and watch the table light up.
Glazed Smoked Wings You Will Crave
Smoked wings come out with glossy glaze and that perfect sticky finish. The smoke is gentle, the skin has bite, and the meat stays juicy. It is the kind of appetizer that disappears as fast as it lands.
Order them to share or as a meaty side with your entrée. The kitchen balances sweetness and heat so you get a clean finish. Napkins are a must, but it is worth every finger lick.
Pair with a cold drink from the bar and relax into the easygoing vibe. These wings make a great bridge from gift shop browsing to main course feasting. You will be back for them.
Cozy Farmhouse Atmosphere
The farm themed decor makes the space feel warm and familiar. You pass through a charming gift shop filled with Iowa made goodies and baked treats. Inside, wood accents and vintage touches create a relaxed, welcoming mood.
Servers in overalls add to the playful spirit without feeling kitschy. Families, road trippers, and locals all blend comfortably. There is a sense that time slows down a bit once you sit.
It is the kind of place that feels right for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you are celebrating or just hungry, the vibe always works. Settle in and enjoy the simple pleasures.
Service With Heart
From the first greeting to the last coffee refill, service shines here. Staff members know the menu and offer honest suggestions with a smile. It is attentive without hovering, which makes meals flow naturally.
Refills come quickly and special requests are handled with care. Whether you are wrangling kids or planning a date night, the team keeps things easy. There is a feeling of genuine hospitality at every step.
That steady kindness is a big reason people return. When you feel looked after, the food tastes even better. Expect to leave appreciated and well fed.
Good Value And Big Portions
Expect hearty plates that respect your budget. Most meals land in a comfortable mid range, and the portion sizes make leftovers normal. It is a great spot for feeding a family or a hungry road crew.
Quality remains consistent, from breakfast classics to ribs and pot pies. When you want a lot of flavor without a high price, this place delivers. The menu is broad enough that everyone finds a favorite.
Plan to box part of your meal if you start with a cinnamon roll. Tomorrow’s lunch will thank you. Value like this keeps the dining room buzzing daily.
Plan Your Visit
You will find Machine Shed at 11151 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA. Hours run early to late most days, with breakfast kicking off at 6:30 AM on weekdays and 7 AM on weekends. It is usually open until 9 PM, with later evenings on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations are not always necessary, but busy times can fill up fast. If you are heading to Living History Farms nearby, this makes an easy stop. Parking is straightforward and the entrance gift shop is fun to explore.
Call +1 515-270-6818 or check the website for the latest info. The cinnamon rolls go fast, so arrive hungry and ready. You are in for classic Iowa comfort done right.
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