The Gunderburger is worth the trip!
If you are of little appatite, or not really a fan of good food thats a good value, go eat your sushi somewhere else. But if you're hungry, and want a story to talk about for YEARS later, make the L O N G drive to the Shanti in Gunder, Iowa! I was visiting my In-Laws in south-eastern Minnesota, when we decided to go out for a hamburger. after a 1 1/2 hour drive, we pull up to this little bar (there are so many of them in that part of the country..) at a wide spot in the road.

The Decor is typical midwestern bar, with a small dance floor, a jukebox, the TV over the bar showing the local news, and a small kitchen.

How they EVER get that big of a burger out of that small of a kitchen is one of the Mysteries of the Universe!

The Gunderburger must be at least a pound of the best Iowa corn-fed beef around. I wouldn't be surprised if the owner knows the farmer and butcher personally!

Done exactly right, this monster of a meal is not served alone, but with a HUGE 'mess' of fried potatoes (not french fried, more like hash browns..)

I'm known to be able to put away a good-sized meal, but after eating this one..they almost had to carry me out with a forklift.

Paying is very simple..cash only. no plastic, no checks.

Overall a wonderful meal, a good story, and a cold beer!    [29 Jan 2002 07:13:15]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: only one: Gunderburger

     ­Tom   

GunderBurger is worth the drive
I drive once a year from Des Moines to Gunder just to have a Gunderburger. I just can't find anything else like it. Completely and totally worth the drive.    [08 Oct 2002 17:48:59]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Everything

     ­Anonymous   

A Meal for Two
The Shanti in tiny Gunder, Iowa, is truly a remarkable tavern. It looks like a typical Iowa tavern but the food ranks right up there with big city eateries. It is not fancy food but downright delicious.

The Gunderburger is the most famous and is a Meal for Two for one price. The Gunderburger is one full pound of Iowa ground beef with some wonderful seasonings. The fried potatoes are almost worth a trip to Gunder, too. Put the two together on one plate and add a couple of cold beers and the total cost is less than $10.

They also have daily specials for dinner that are all you can eat for about $5.    [27 Sep 2004 13:37:48]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Gunderburger, fried potatoes, roast chicken

     ­Wildcat   tbugs at yahoo dot com

The Shanti
Our Car Club has a fall cruise through NE Iowa every fall and when it goes within 50 miles of Gunder we just HAVE TO STOP!

The food is always great and the friendly service makes it even more fun to eat there!!!!

I have only one suggestion: If you want to try the GunderBurger, make sure you are hungry when you walk in the front door!!!

Michael Albee
Super Coupe Club of IOWA
www.sccoia.org

   [26 Sep 2005 13:34:33]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Anything is good, The GunderBurger is Amazing

     ­Anonymous   

Gunderburger
Tell them you want the works. Ride your motorcycle if you can.    [21 Aug 2006 23:30:04]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Gunderburger and American fries

     ­Speed Demon   

THE BEST FOOD IN IOWA
THe Irish Shanti Has the best food in Iowa my fav is the Chesse Burger with Potato Salad    [01 Jan 2007 21:28:11]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Joanne Balk   jojomagic_10 at hotmail dot com