2024 Roadfood review
How to eat your way across America
Take your taste buds on a road trip. Here’s a look at some of the best meals I ate while traveling in 2024.
Whether you’re devouring doughnuts, savoring sandwiches or biting barbecue, I’m going to introduce you to some great meals.
This list includes both Iowa and out-of-state entries.
The magnificent corned beef sandwich from Slyman’s in Cleveland. (Photo by John Naughton.)
SANDWICHES
I visited Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction show in October. Naturally, I had to stop at Slyman’s Deli. This place usually has a waiting line out the door — a sure sign something good’s inside.
This classic deli corned beef is heaped with a mountain of shaved meat. It’s delicious and messy, but oh so worth it.
Among the other great sandwiches I ate in 2024 were the “Gym Shoe,” a Chicago creation that includes gyro meat, corned beef and Italian beef. I ate one at The House of Corned Beef in Chicago.
Three meat servings from the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, in Owensboro, Kentucky. From left, chopped brisket, beef brisket and chopped pork. (Photo by John Naughton.)
BARBECUE
One of my favorite things to eat on the road is barbecue. There are regional styles and meats. So when you’re in Owensboro, Kentucky, stop at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. The magnificent buffet includes a variety of meats and seafood and a tremendous range of desserts.
The Moonlite also features barbecued mutton and burgoo — two items you won’t find just anywhere. The mutton has a rich, savory flavor. (It is sheep, not lamb.) The burgoo is a delightful soup somewhat like chili.
The classic hamburger at Schoop’s in Michigan City, Indiana, sided with chili fries. (Photo by John Naughton.)
BURGERS
There are 13 locations for Schoop’s Hamburgers in Indiana and Illinois. The Michigan City, Indiana, location serves up hearty burgers that are perfectly cooked.
The restaurant interior serves up 1950s and ‘60s nostalgia with its wall art. It’s a fun stop for people of any age.
The six-scoop ice cream sampler from Sherman’s Dairy Bar in South Haven, Michigan. (Photo by John Naughton.)
ICE CREAM
It’s with some bitterness that I make this entry. Sherman’s Dairy Bar in South Haven, Michigan, closed after 66 years this fall. I was lucky to go twice in my lifetime.
The delightful six-scoop sampler gave you a chance to try a variety of different ice creams…. all exceptional.
(While we’re issuing memorials, let’s pause to consider Tavern on Grand, the St. Paul bar and eatery that specialized in walleye.)
The delicious, divine loose meat sandwich at Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown. (Photo by John Naughton.)
IOWA FOOD FINDS
There are a couple of Iowa eating places to mention.
When it comes to loose meats, Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown and The Canteen Lunch in the Alley in Ottumwa are spots I visited in 2024. Both provided savory ground beef sandwiches.
One of my favorite bakeries is Stan’s, located in Keokuk. If you haven’t tried a cream horn or fluffy glazed doughnut there, it should be a stop on your 2025 travels.
The delicious doughnuts at Stan’s, in Keokuk. (Photo by John Naughton.)