Bill Zuber's Restaurant. In Amana, Iowa is Full of History, Legend and Great Food as Well!

Susan Pettrone
Bill Zuber's Restaurant. In Amana, Iowa is Full of History, Legend and Great Food as Well!
Neighborhood: Amana Colonies
Amana, IA 52204
United States of America
BIll Zuber's Restaurant is one of those places that offers much more than a good meal...it offers a piece of history as well. But not the history that one might expect. When I was a young girl, the story of Bill Zuber's restaurant was shared with me...a story that has stuck with me for many years! Even if you have no idea of the history of Bill Zuber and his fantastic talent, you can not help but appreciate the simplicity of this restaurant and it's fare. For not only is there nothing fancy here, but there is a piece of history that is kept alive through the wholesome food and welcoming nature of those who work within.

Normally I don't have a memory of history but this history is different. The history one finds here is of baseball legend Bill Zuber. Young BIll Zuber had a talent, but it was a talent that was not encouraged by the church elders. however, the story goes that word of his baseball prowess made it to the ears of the New York Yankees. Visiting Homestead one day, the scout found Bill harvesting onions in a communal garden. Not having a baseball at hand, the scout bent over and plucked an onion from a pile on the ground, handed it to Bill and asked him to "show me your arm". At this Bill threw the onion over the roof of a nearby barn and a legend was born. Life was never the same after this for Bill Zuber and as natives tell, Amana was never the same either. A simple man from a simple place suddenly became well known far and wide.

Bill Zuber played baseball for 10 years with the Yankees until his career was cut short by an arm injury. Having a love for Iowa and Homestead, Bill returned to Homestead and started this restaurant. Though Bill has been gone now for many years, his family still operates the restaurant and visitors can see baseball memorabilia and have a great meal...all at the same spot! Bill is a hallmark of the Amana colonies and someone that natives and visitors both respect and honor with each passing day. His honest, good nature followed him throughout this life and lives on even after his passing.

This has always been a favorite of mine and I invite any and all to experience this great place for themselves......the food is great....the customer service fantastic and the history couldn't be better! It is exactly the kind of place that makes you want to return time and time again!

Published by Susan Pettrone

I am a writer, photographer, reviewer, educator and mother of two active sons. I believe in integrity, honesty and reliability in all things and strive to represent all in my writing. I am an advocate for th...  View profile

1 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Mac Rice1/24/2010

    I moved away from Iowa 30 years ago, but events brought me back to Iowa City. One of the first things on my "must do" list was Zuber's. It seems Zuber's has been converted to a motel,~(2006?) no longer serving the "family style" meals. I grew up in Iowa, and my family visited Zuber's many times in my youth. It reminded me of the meals we would get when the Church Youth group I was in would help area farmers bring in their crops. They didn't have money to hire someone, but there always was a dinner with mounds of fried chicken, gallons of mashed potatoes, home made rolls, and corn the "Church Ladies" made. Most of the time there was something sweet and home made too. Zuber's service style, and friendly "glad to see you" attitude will be missed. Judging by the prior letter, Zuber's will live on in a few hearts. Hopefully, everyone previously associated with Zuber's is doing well, and God Bless.

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.