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Welcome to Jerry's Main Lunch

Welcome to Jerry's Main Lunch, a beloved diner nestled in Burlington, Iowa, at 501 S Main St. This charming eatery, often referred to as an “iconic old-school greasy spoon,” offers an array of comforting classics, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying burgers. Locals rave about the warm atmosphere and friendly staff who create a genuine sense of community. Highlights include the local cinnamon rolls, the mess featuring corned beef hash, and the nostalgic counter-side seating that lets you watch your meal being prepared fresh. With reasonable prices and excellent service, Jerry's is a must-visit that keeps diners coming back for more!

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Jerry's Main Lunch, a beloved dining gem nestled at 501 S Main St, Burlington, IA. This charming diner captures the essence of American comfort food, becoming a staple for both locals and visitors. With its cozy atmosphere and counter-side seating, Jerry’s invites you to experience a delightful blend of nostalgia and community.

As you step inside, you're greeted by the warm smiles of the friendly staff, whose genuine hospitality sets the tone for your meal. Many patrons have sung praises about the remarkable service, where laughter and kindness are as abundant as the delicious dishes served. With a mere twelve stools available, expect an intimate dining experience where you might even make new friends in an inviting, communal setting.

The menu is a true celebration of classic diner fare, offering everything from hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering sandwiches. Customer favorites include the famously large locally made cinnamon rolls and the iconic "mess," a dish packed with flavor reminiscent of cherished childhood meals. The corned beef hash accompanied by sauerkraut has garnered rave reviews, proving that this spot is not just about portion size but also flavor and quality.

The food is prepared hot and fresh right before your eyes, showcasing the cooks' passion for their craft. Whether it's a comforting bowl of chili or a perfectly cooked breakfast, each bite reflects the diner’s commitment to freshness and flavor. Regulars rave about the mushroom and Swiss burger, with perfectly crispy fries—a must-try for any burger enthusiast.

Interestingly, Jerry's Main Lunch gives off a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of the classic greasy spoon diners of yesteryears. The enticing aroma wafting from the grill combined with the clinking of coffee cups creates a charming symphony that draws you in. There’s something uniquely satisfying about sitting at the counter, watching your meal come together while engaging in friendly banter with the staff.

However, it's worth noting that while Jerry’s is a cherished local haunt, it does have limitations regarding seating, so visiting during off-peak hours might enhance your experience. Don’t forget your cash—there’s an elegant throwback to simpler times, as card payments are accompanied by a small fee.

In every way, Jerry's Main Lunch embodies the heart and soul of community dining, a place where you are bound to feel right at home. Stop by for a meal, and you'll likely leave with a full stomach, a smile on your face, and a promise to return. Remember, the best meals come with stories — make some of your own at Jerry's!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Jerry's Main Lunch
Tim King
Tim King

For a small diner this place stays full!! Food was amazing, getting to sit and watch them make the food hot and fresh is a testament to how proud and sincere they are on making everything fresh. The cook and waitress were amazing funny and so sweet!! Will definitely be back. Definitely won my heart over!! Keep up the amazing work!!

Megan Ratliff-Rader
Megan Ratliff-Rader

Decided to spend a getaway weekend in town and this place was absolutely amazing. Friendly and funny staff, locals were so awesome and kind. Very small but we got lucky there were two open seats. We will be back!!

Jason S
Jason S

Cozy local perch serving all manner of comfort foods. Extensive options with everything available for any meal. Excellent prices and down-home charm make for nice garnish to their tasty food. Not to be missed. Very limited seating but super easy parking.

Patrick Fee
Patrick Fee

Incredible breakfast! Worth it... They make a "mess" like no other. Try it with corned beef hash and sauerkraut. Amazing!

B Allen Fields
B Allen Fields

Jerry’s Main Lunch. What can I say? ...iconic old-school greasy spoon diner. The best! The staff are friendly. The food is amazing! And the prices are extremely reasonable. The locally made cinnamon rolls are huge! I’ve paid 5-times the price for places that aren’t even close to being as good as this. This will always be my go-to when I’m in Burlington Iowa.

D B
D B

It was a pleasurable trip into the past. The counter service and hot grill fired up making many tasty dishes was nostalgic. Service is friendly and ready to refill your cup with hot coffee. Cash is king and an extra fee is charged when paying with cards.

mary clark
mary clark

People were friendly. Not only staff but regular customers. Zane had biscuits and gravy with two over easy eggs. He said it was the best he ever had. I had a toasted english muffin scrambled eggs and bacon. The bacon was cooked perfectly. This diner had only 12 stools at a counter. People moved so we could sit together. Coffee was great also. We were told to go there by our host. This was when we stayed at an Elk farm.

Dan Moorehouse
Dan Moorehouse

A wonderful old time diner. We were greeted by two kind ladys that were patient while we ordered.. As all of the seating is counter side on stools you get a front row seat to the diner experience. The food was wonderful with a tasty mushroom and swiss burger, fresh hot fries, and hot chilli. With reasonable prices I will need to make another trip.