People really do drive into Marshalltown just for this little burger spot.
That claim sounded slightly ridiculous to me until I saw the wrestling-covered walls and a menu that reads more like a championship card.
Burgers borrow names from wrestling legends, toppings get unapologetically weird, and even the sides seem determined to get noticed.
This is not the kind of place where you order without reading the menu twice.
I came in curious and left understanding the detour. Here is why this tucked-away Iowa spot keeps pulling people in from well beyond town.
A Small Corner Spot With A Big Reputation
Some places announce themselves with neon and billboards, but this one lets the crowd do the talking.
The Flying Elbow sits at 229 N 13th St in Marshalltown, Iowa 50158, and the line of happy visitors tells you everything.
The building is compact, and I like that. Folks remember it as the old 13th St Inn, and the owner has since modernized the space and added outdoor seating for sunny days.
Seating is first come, first served, so a short wait on a busy Saturday is normal. I took that as a good sign, because nobody lines up for a mediocre meal.
The restaurant holds a great rating, which is no small feat for a place this size. Travelers from Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls have all made the trip.
The address is easy to plug into your phone, and the spot is just across from the Iowa Veterans Home. Park nearby, take a breath, and get ready for a menu that has plenty to say.
Wrestling Decor That Steals The Show
Fans of the squared circle will feel right at home here. Wrestling memorabilia covers the walls, and vintage matches play on the TV while you wait for your food.
I spotted posters, collectibles, and plenty of nostalgic touches that took me straight back to Saturday morning cartoons and big arena shows.
Even if you have never watched a single match, the decor adds a playful spark. It turns a simple lunch into a little adventure, and the room feels clean, cheerful, and well cared for.
Guests call it a dream for anyone who grew up on Hulk Hogan and the golden era of the sport. Some staff members lean into the theme with real enthusiasm, which adds to the fun.
Booths line the room, and the cozy size means you are never far from the action. I found myself reading the walls between bites, and each glance revealed something new.
Bring a friend who loves wrestling and another who does not. Both will leave with something to talk about on the drive home.
Burgers Named After Legends
Order here and you will be reading a wrestling roster. The Jabroni stacks cheddar, pineapple sweet corn relish, cheddar Ruffles, sweet corn mayo, The People’s BBQ sauce, and green onion.
Plenty of guests rave about how well the bun holds up under all that action. The patty is well seasoned, and the flavors play nicely together.
Other names on the board include The Vinnie, Real American, Cowboy Bob, George The Animal, and the Brisco, which was voted a customer favorite in 2024.
The Tombstone takes things in a bolder direction with Havarti, guacamole, bacon, sour cream, hot sauce, tomato, and shredded lettuce. It is a smart pick when you want one of the more loaded combinations.
The kitchen uses a never-frozen blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, mixed with a house seasoning before it hits the grill and gets smashed.
The Patterson comes on jalapeno cheddar cornbread, while the Brisco rides on brioche Texas toast. Check the menu carefully so you get the one that sounds best.
The burgers are thin, so a double patty may be your best move.
Hot Dogs Worth The Detour
Burgers get the headlines, but the hot dogs deserve a spot in the main event.
Several combinations on the Attitude Menu can be ordered with different proteins and formats, including a hot dog or burger.
The Nature Boy comes loaded with Asian peanut sauce, pickled red cabbage, sweet chili Doritos, and banana peppers. One visiting food traveler ranked it among the best hot dogs ever.
The Punk is a nod to the Chicago style, with neon green relish, a pickle spear, sport peppers, red onion, diced roma tomato, mustard, and celery salt.
It looks busy, but every topping has a job to do. The crunch, the tang, and the heat all show up in the right order.
Hot dog fans mention this part of the menu often, which says plenty about how many people come for more than the award-winning burgers.
If you are torn, split the order. Get one burger and one dog, then trade halves and compare notes.
Sides That Refuse To Sit Quietly
Sides here are not an afterthought. They arrive loud, colorful, and ready to steal a bite or two from your main dish.
Mr. Mac’Man piles mac and cheese and flaming hot Cheetos on top of fries. One guest called the mac and cheese the best he had ever tasted.
Vader Tots are another favorite, and some visitors insist you must try them. A few others say the plain fries edge them out, so there is room for friendly debate.
The onion rings come out crunchy, not soggy, which is rare. Cheese curds and a cold street corn salad round out the lineup.
Note that the street corn is served cold, and the owner is adding more menu descriptions so guests know what to expect.
Mac and cheese earned dozens of mentions in the reviews, and cheese curds got nearly as many. A Cheetos dusted version appeared as a special on one visit.
Order a few to share. Your table will look like a snack buffet, and nobody will complain.
Barbecue Choices
Not everyone shows up craving a smash burger, and the menu knows it. The classic pulled pork has its own following and was named Iowa’s Best Pulled Pork Sandwich in 2023.
It comes with barbecue sauce and pickles and can currently be ordered on a bun, Texas toast, jalapeno cornbread, or even as a loaded fry.
Vegetarians have options too. The ordering menu includes an Impossible burger protein option, while the 3:16 Chili can be ordered vegan.
I appreciate a kitchen that thinks about the whole table. Everyone in a mixed group has a better chance of finding something worth eating.
The menu allows plenty of customization, especially within the Attitude Menu and build-your-own options. Skipping an ingredient or changing a topping is easy enough when you order.
Menu items and specials can change, so check the board before you commit.
If you have dietary needs, speak with the staff when you order. They know the menu well and can steer you toward the right pick.
Service With A Champion Attitude
Kind service shows up in nearly every glowing review. Guests describe staff who are patient, welcoming, and quick with a recommendation.
Even when the room fills up, the team takes time to explain the menu. That matters, because the menu is long and creative, and first timers can feel a little lost.
One diner said menus were offered while they waited in a booth, which is a thoughtful touch. Orders arrived without a long wait, and the pace felt quick.
Not every visit is perfect, and a few guests felt the menu was overwhelming at first glance. The owner responded by planning a cleaner menu with more descriptions.
I like a business that listens and adjusts. The owner answers feedback directly and offers to make things right.
The restaurant also supports local events, which gives the place a strong community feel.
My advice is simple. Ask questions, trust the suggestions, and enjoy the friendly energy that fills this little room.
Prices, Portions, And Honest Opinions
Let’s talk money. Portions here are generous, and many guests say they left stuffed.
Prices run higher than a fast food drive-thru. One group paid about fifty dollars for two burgers, drinks, and small curds, while another spent around forty-five for burgers, sides, and sodas.
Opinions vary. Some call it great value for the size and quality, while others wished for more flavor or a lower tab.
The owner explains that the kitchen uses higher quality ingredients and makes many items from scratch. That helps explain the price.
A few visitors found the thin patties best with fewer toppings, and one suggested ordering a plain burger to taste the beef. A double patty can help if you want more bite.
I think the best way to enjoy it is to treat it as a special meal. Share sides, pick a signature item, and order with your appetite in mind.
Know that a burger piled high with toppings can get messy, so grab extra napkins.
Awards And Road Trip Bragging Rights
This tiny spot has earned some big titles. Guests say it won the best burger in Iowa competition in 2022, and several mention that award as a reason to make the drive.
It also picked up a 2024 recognition that one longtime local remembers fondly. Awards like that bring in visitors who might never otherwise stop in Marshalltown.
I met the same story again and again in the reviews. People who usually pull into a chain on the highway chose this spot instead and were glad they did.
A couple who travel the country and the world for food named it one of their favorites. That is high praise from seasoned road trippers.
Others come back several times a year, and one fan returned just two nights after the first visit.
Expect high hopes if you go because of the awards. The experience matches best when you come hungry, curious, and open to creative flavors.
It is the kind of place that makes a quick detour feel like the highlight of the trip.
Hours, Contact Info, And Smart Visiting Tips
A little planning goes a long way here. The restaurant opens at 11 AM and closes at 8 PM Monday through Thursday, then stays open until 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is closed, so mark your calendar. You can visit flyingelbowfood.com to check the latest menu and specials.
The dining room is small, and seating is first come, first served. Arrive a little early on weekends, or aim for off-peak times to avoid a wait.
If the weather is nice, the outdoor seating makes a fine alternative.
Look over the menu before you step up to order. Names like Jabroni, Brisco, and Nature Boy may sound like a puzzle until you read the toppings.
One guest felt the military discount was missing, so ask the staff about current offers.
Come hungry, bring friends, and leave room for sides. Marshalltown has a champion on its hands, and Iowa is lucky to have it.