Cronk's Cafe Restaurant & Lounge

This family owned restaurant is a throw back to restaurants from the 1960s. Its been in Denison since the 1960s or longer too. Its clean. Restrooms are spotless. All the locals you want to see are there when you are. This is because Eric, the owner runs a tight ship. The food is very good. There is something for everyone. Some of the menu is good old-fashioned comfort food. Yum.

You can eat in the cafe, the Angus Room which is the place to go for a romantic dinner with your sweetie. Then there is a bar with TV and plenty of tables. Good place to enjoy the big games. The same bartender is there and he knows your drink before you even order. Community meetings are held in the two party rooms regularly. Large and small groups are accomodated.

There are lots of more contemporary dishes too. Cronk's is the best place to get fresh food, that tastes good and its a sit-down restaurant with service by the nicest wait staff.

Prices are great. Denison has only 2-3 restaurants in town that have cloth napkins, at Cronk's that is their Angus Room. A fresh salad and soup bar. Higher end preparations...seafood...fresh fish, nice steaks too. Plus the comfort foods like fried chicken, baked chicken and much much more.

There aren't many restaurant options in Denison unless you want fast-food. I will recommend Cronk's every time someone wants to know a nice restaurant to go to.

I walked in and had a flashback to the restaurant I worked in 45 years ago when I was a teenager-the decor was decidedly dated but neat and well-kept. We were there for a group event and were ushered back to a partially divided room in the back.

Servers came around to get our drink orders - the wine selection is reasonable for this type of venue, and the prices are very very reasonable. We opted for a beer and a cocktail, and the pricing was again very reasonable and the drink was well made.

We were there on a Saturday night and had the buffet for dinner. There was a salad bar with a number of creamy salads, some veggies, and lettuce with a variety of dressings. The 'main entree' selections were mashed and scalloped potatoes, creamed corn, carrots, fried chicken, and carved ham and beef. The food was very good - exceeding my expectations and reminiscent of an old-fashioned supper club or hometown cafe. There were no desserts on the buffet, but I believe those are available ala carte.

For those in my generation this is like going back to our parents/grandparents for a good Sunday dinner. If that's what you're in the mood for - this will fit the bill and won't set you back much!

When I am in Denison, Iowa I always spend some time at Cronk's. I have had breakfast, lunch and dinner there over the last few years. As well as major stints at the Bar with local friends.
Breakfast first: of course it depends on who is manning the grill but i have always had perfect over easy eggs cooked to runny deliciousness. Since this is Pork country, the bacon is salty and savory and cooked to a terrific crispness.
The biggest plus for me at Cronk's though are the waitresses (note it did not say "servers"). These women have been at this for a long long time and they have stories to tell and they tend to tell them to the whole restaurant. Most of what they have to relate is fascinating and often funny.
Since i usually spend several days in Denison at one time i have gotten to know the Ladies of Cronk pretty well. They give what is called personal, concerned service: an almost dead skill in other restaurants in other towns.
The bar is in the back of the restaurant and i lucked out once because they were catering an event and we were able to eat the food that was being served there.
Big Barons of Beef sliced from rare to well and sides of vegetables and roasted potatoes. I swear one of my fiends said: "just like Mom's."
Catering large parties can be difficult because of the size of the party and the necessary prep that goes with it. Then there is the cooking so that those who want rare beef get it and those that want well also get it.
Cronk's does not have a big crew and i think it was the owner (Eric?) who supervised the preparation of the food. In any event the dinner was great, the drinks strong.

Old school place. Got the house made meatloaf. Tastes like grandma made it. Quick service and nice people.

Food was great, the server was awesome , great place to eat breakfast. Apparently according to the menu their breakfast gravy is home more, I also thought I tasted pretty good. If you hungry and passing through this is a good place, keep in mind I didn't try the steak and eggs woulda been my go-to but I just wanted a old fashioned meal.

Cool spot to check out for the atmosphere and to travel back in time, but the food itself wasn't amazing. Had the Broasted chicken, which they are apparently known for, but it honestly just tasted like oily, less crispy, fried chicken. Fries were good and coffee too. Prices are incredibly reasonable. After telling the person I visited I went there, he kinda laughed and said "you shoulda asked me for recs first."

Summary: Go for the cool old timey experience, not necessarily the food.

Great Sunday Brunch. Service and waitstaff are always super friendly. Go here for a great piece of Americana.

Update 6/14/17: had the ribeye (rare) with American fries and he had the ham steak with American fries. Pretty outstanding. Pat, our server, was exceptional. Upped a star.

Nice small town restaurant. Staff very friendly. The food is prepared homestyle. I dined there several times while doing some work in the area. Every visit was a great one and I would definitely go back. I almost forgot to mention their pies. They remind me of my grandma's homemade pies.

It's like going back in time.
I know that this restaurant has been here for years... probably decades... and although it is very cozy, it could use an update. That being said... just know you're not going to a fancy restaurant.
We were here on a Sunday evening and the crowd was scarce. I'm guessing we missed the rush from an earlier crowd. They have a buffet to order from with many meat options. I believe the options were chicken, ribs, and ham. Sides, soups and salad bar included. You can also order off their vast menu. On this visit, two of us ordered from menu and another opted for the buffet. One thing to note... you cannot beat the prices for the food you receive!
I had the broasted chicken and it was amazing! The chicken was juicy and tender. Along with it, I opted for a baked potato. The salad and soup bar came with it. The soup did not look good... may have been sitting there for awhile as it didn't look like it had been stirred for some time. The salad bar offers the typical options.
My husband had the pork chop. His cut was quite thin and small, but he did say it was very good. He also had the salad bar, but opted for mashed potatoes and gravy... I snuck a bite and couldn't stop.
Our son had the buffet and enjoyed it.
All in all... great visit. Food was great, service was extremely friendly, and the price was unbeatable. Great stop on our way through Denison, IA!!!

Great small town restaurant with great small town service. Came here with my mom to Denison to see her brother. We decided to eat here. The people at the front door greeted us immediately & were very friendly. We were seated right away & a server got us drinks. I enjoyed the local "point root beer". My uncle ordered a breakfast meal. My mom & I ordered cheese sticks & grilled cheese. All were very tasty. We will definitely be back again.