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Crouse Cafe

"Dine in with us today!"

About Us

Crouse Cafe in Indianola, IA has been a family tradition since 1946, when Bob and Cleo Crouse first opened their doors serving customers in Leon, Knoxville, and Indianola. In 1963, their son Richard and his wife Bonnie continued the business, and in 1970 the cafe moved across the street to its current home thanks to the advice of R.M. Hale. The legacy grew in 1987 when their children John, Bob, and Cindy stepped in, with John and Rhonda guiding the cafe for many years alongside family in the kitchen and dining room. Today, after John and Rhonda’s retirement, the next generation—Josh and Kristin Crouse—proudly run the cafe, keeping the same welcoming spirit, homemade meals, and sense of community that have made Crouse Cafe a beloved gathering place for nearly 80 years.

Our Story

Crouse Cafe has been a cherished gathering place in Indianola, Iowa, since 1946—serving homestyle meals, fresh-baked pies, and warm hospitality for nearly eight decades. What began with founders Bob and Cleo Crouse, who operated restaurants in Leon, Knoxville, and Indianola, has grown into one of the community’s most beloved family-owned establishments. Their dedication to quality, consistency, and community laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to thrive today.

In 1963, the cafe was passed down to their son Richard and his wife Bonnie, who proudly continued the family’s tradition of serving hearty, made-from-scratch meals to loyal customers. Under their leadership, the cafe became a daily stop for locals, travelers, and families who valued great food and genuine service. In 1970, the restaurant made its move across the street to the location it still occupies today—a decision shaped by the advice of R.M. Hale and one that allowed the restaurant to expand its space and deepen its community presence.

By 1987, the next generation—John, Bob, and Cindy—took over ownership and carried the Crouse tradition forward. Today, the restaurant remains proudly family owned and operated, led by John and Rhonda alongside John’s brother Bob, with the next generation continuing the legacy. Their son Josh brings passion and consistency to the kitchen, while daughter Kristin, along with nieces Heidi and Abbie, help maintain the welcoming environment guests have loved for decades. This multigenerational commitment is at the heart of what makes Crouse Cafe special.

Crouse Cafe’s menu features timeless favorites made the old-fashioned way. Breakfast is served all day, offering everything from classic eggs and bacon to locally celebrated comfort dishes. Daily specials keep the menu fresh and exciting, showcasing homestyle meals like hot beef sandwiches made with real mashed potatoes and scratch-made gravy, skillet-fried chicken, and hand-breaded tenderloins that customers rave about. Even the onion rings—thinly sliced and breaded in-house—reflect the cafe’s dedication to handmade quality.

Of all the favorites on the menu, nothing is more iconic than the Cherry Pie. This local treasure has earned major recognition: listed by the Des Moines Register as one of the “100 Things in Iowa to Eat Before You Die,” winner of a Travel Iowa contest, and named Best Pie in Iowa by People Magazine in October 2019. This pie, made with the same recipe passed down through generations, embodies everything Crouse Cafe stands for—tradition, quality, and care.

Through the years, Crouse Cafe has remained a symbol of small-town warmth, family pride, and home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re a long-time regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll be welcomed like family and served a meal that tastes like home.

Visit us at 115 E Salem Ave, Indianola, IA 50125, or call 515-961-3362. Please note our menu is being updated and prices may change.

Areas Served

Indianola, IA

Our Professional Associations

Indianola Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Family Owned and Operated
Daily Specials
Breakfast Served All Day
Known for our Cherry Pie - Listed in Dsm Register as 100 things in Iowa to Eat Before You Die, Won Travel Iowa Contest, and People Magazine as Best Pie in Iowa in Oct. 2019
Hot Beef with Real Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Made from Scratch
Onion Rings are Thin Sliced and Breaded In-House
Fried Chicken is Fried in an Iron Skillet
Tenderloins are Hand-Breaded

Our Services include:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Daily Specials
Dine-In
Takeout

Our Products include:

Hot Beef with Real Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Onion Rings
Fried Chicken
Hand-Breaded Tenderloins
Milkshakes
Pies
Gift Certificates Available!

Testimonials

On 12/2/2025 Rhonda Ayers had this to say:
Great service and good home-cooked food. Noisy but very upbeat atmosphere! The servers were happy and maintained a sweet spirit, even though they were extremely busy. Real treasure to Indianola, Iowa!

On 11/29/2025 Keith Dennis had this to say:
The staff is wonderful!

On 11/26/2025 Jeff Hummel (Gadget) had this to say:
Old school café in Indianola. Good Hot Beef. After chill motorcycle ride hot coffee was perfect!

On 11/23/2025 David Boege had this to say:
Great place! Very hospitable for our large group of basketball players. Staff was super friendly and the food was great.

On 11/15/2025 Tara Lyons had this to say:
Grouse Cafe is located in Indianola across from the police department. Now I live in DesMoines, but I promise you, it’s worth the drive. I believe it’s been around since the 40’s and they continue to serve people with hospitality, & their food. They also serve a buffet on certain days at certain times, & it is fabulous. You won’t find instant mashed potatoes here. Every thing is delicious, with a home cooked flare. I believe it’s better than the Machine Shed. They have a white gravy that tastes just like my Mothers. The onion rights are to die for & their fried chicken is something special. The portions are big, and they treat you like family. There is some times a wait, but they shuffle a lot of people through there relatively fast. Definitely worth the wait. You will be glad you went there.

Contact Us

Crouse Cafe
115 E Salem Ave Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: (515) 961-3362
Email: crousecafe@icloud.com

Around the Corner from Paramount 7 Theater,
Half block from the Town Square

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Debit Cards

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Info

December Specials
Menu

FAQ

What is the history of Crouse Cafe?

Crouse Cafe has been part of the Indianola community since 1946. It was founded by Bob and Cleo Crouse, later managed by their son Richard and his wife Bonnie, and is now operated by their grandchildren.

Where is Crouse Cafe located?

We are located in Indianola, IA, at our current location since 1970, just across the street from our original spot.

Are there any changes to the menu at Crouse Cafe?

Yes, our menu is being updated, and prices may change. We encourage customers to visit us for the latest offerings.

What makes Crouse Cafe special?

With a rich history and family-oriented management, Crouse Cafe offers a warm, traditional dining experience in Indianola.