Benola's Pub & Patio — Baxter, Iowa

Benola's Pub & Patio — Trailside Pub, Patio & Pizza in Baxter, Iowa

Right on the Chichaqua Valley Trail in the heart of Baxter, Iowa. A small-town pub, patio, and pizza joint — craft beer, cocktails, scratch food, and live music. Ride in, stop in, stay a while.

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Open Tue–Sun · Kitchen 'til close  |  Find Us 108 N Main St, Baxter, IA  |  Call (641) 227-2080
Our Place

Small town, big fun.

Benola's sits right on the Chichaqua Valley Trail in the heart of Baxter — a community-driven pub built for locals and riders alike. Somewhere to land after work, after a ride, or after a long week. Homemade food, an honest pour, and a patio made for sticking around.

We're a pub, patio, and pizza joint all in one: scratch-made plates and build-your-own pizzas, regional craft taps including Iowa's own Exile Brewing, plus live music, pool, and darts. A warm welcome that doesn't change whether you're a regular or rolling through for the first time.

Benola's shaded patio with picnic tables under the big trees
Benola, the owner's grandmother and the pub's namesake, photographed in the 1940s
Benola — fancy, fun, and just a little bit trouble.
The Woman Behind the Name

Meet Benola.

Benola's is named for the owner's grandmother — the original Benola. She was athletic and elegant in equal measure, a woman who believed good manners never went out of style and that a proper evening called for a proper cocktail. Usually a grasshopper.

She loved a supper club, a full dance floor, and a dinner party that ran late. Fancy but never fussy, mischievous but always gracious — she made everyone feel like a regular the moment they walked in. A little vintage glamour, a lot of small-town heart.

That's the spirit we built this place around. "Let's misbehave" is her wink — an invitation to loosen the tie, order something with a little flair, and stay a while. The welcome that doesn't change whether you're a neighbor or a first-timer? That's pure Benola.

Her granddaughter — who carries Benola's own nickname, Bunny — keeps the name going today.

Cyclists, bikes, and the Exile brewing bus packed onto Benola's patio on the Chichaqua Valley Trail
For Riders

The best patio on the trail.

Benola's sits right on the Chichaqua Valley Trail in Baxter — your turnaround, your refuel, or your finish line. Riders tell us it's the best trailside patio they've found anywhere: tons of seating, plenty of shade, and something cold waiting. Pull in, rack up, and stay a while.

Planning a club ride or just looking to roll with others? Join the Chichaqua Valley Trail group on Facebook, and don't miss our Hillbilly Bike Ride event. Groups welcome — message us ahead and we'll have the patio and kitchen ready for your crew.

  • Right on the Chichaqua Valley Trail
  • Bike racks at the patio entrance
  • Shaded patio with room to spread out
  • Big-group seating for club & tour rides
  • Fast, hearty food to get you rolling again
  • Club rides & weekend warriors always welcome
The tree-canopy tunnel of the Chichaqua Valley Trail in spring, just outside Benola's in Baxter
The Chichaqua Valley Trail, right outside our door.
Events & Catering

Always something going on.

From live music to trivia to our weekly Wednesday Bike Nights, there's a reason to swing by all week. Follow along on Facebook for the latest lineup.

Live Music

Local bands and good tunes on the patio all season long. Cold beer, warm nights.

Bike Nights

Every Wednesday on the trailside patio — food, drinks, and the cycling crew. Live music every other week.

Trivia & More

Nerd Herd Trivia, Steak Thursdays, pool, and darts. There's always a reason to stick around.

Let us host — or bring Benola's to you.

Birthday, team night, ride finish, or office spread — tell us what you're planning and we'll get back to you with options. Catering is built around real food that travels well.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us at (641) 227-2080 or reach out on social.

Kind Words

What folks are saying.

★★★★★
Great little place to stop while riding the Chichaqua Valley Trail… large patio and a great menu with good food.
Brian H. · Google
★★★★★
Best little bar and restaurant in central Iowa, hands down.
Jim G. · Google
★★★★★
Staff is really nice and welcoming. Food was very good.
Ivan G. · Google
Good Company

Proudly pouring & plating alongside.

Exile Brewing Company
Graziano Bros.
Find Us

Stop in.

108 N Main Street, Baxter, Iowa. Easy to find, easier to stay.

Address

108 N Main St
Baxter, IA 50028

Hours

Tue–Thu 11–10
Fri–Sat 11–Midnight
Sun 11–7 (spring–fall)
Mon Closed

Contact

(641) 227-2080
general@benolas.net

Happy Hour  Tue–Fri 3–6  ·  all day Sunday.  Winter hours: closed Sundays.

Big group or special occasion?  Call ahead at (641) 227-2080 and we'll have a table waiting. Reservations recommended for large parties.

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