Overview

The Old Library, nestled in the heart of DeWitt, Iowa, is a remarkable American restaurant that combines culinary excellence with a rich sense of place. Situated at 822 6th Ave, this dining spot stands out not only for its memorable menu but also for its inventive use of a historic building, offering guests a glimpse into the town’s past while delivering a modern, inviting atmosphere.

At the core of The Old Library’s appeal is its food, where simplicity meets mastery. The prime rib served on Fridays is consistently praised as one of the best in the region—tender, perfectly cooked, and richly flavorful. For those who prefer variety, the menu also features expertly prepared ribeye steaks, Iowa pork chops, and hearty half-pound burgers. Each entree is thoughtfully paired with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potato, with the roasted potatoes receiving special mention for their exceptional taste. The winter months introduce a robust chili that rounds out the offerings nicely.

The service complements the cuisine seamlessly. Patrons consistently note the friendly, efficient staff who keep the energy flowing even on busy weekend nights. The friendly and attentive team enhances the overall experience, making guests feel welcomed whether dining solo or with a larger group.

The restaurant’s space is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. The Old Library breathes new life into an old, historical building, preserving its architectural charm while adapting it for a casual yet stylish dining experience. The simple, thoughtful decor and appropriate lighting create a warm ambiance that invites conversation and comfort. Although the stairs are steep, as some have mentioned, the effort leads to a space well worth the climb.

The Old Library appeals primarily to locals and travelers seeking authentic American fare in a setting grounded in community heritage. It also serves as a culinary anchor for DeWitt’s evolving dining scene, attracting those who appreciate both food and history. Whether you’re a long-time resident or passing through eastern Iowa, The Old Library promises a dining experience that balances tradition with culinary skill, making it a standout destination.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Spirits
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Larry Walther
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Immaculate restaurant with the world's best prime rib (Fridays) and service by clean, efficient, (pretty) staff. I'll go back as often as possible - loved it! The stairs are steep, but worth the effort.
Jeffrey River Niles
Dec 11,2025
5/5
What a gem to find in DeWitt. This is a fantastic addition to the restaurant scene not only for the town, but also for eastern Iowa. Let's begin with the food. Chef knows what he's doing and has created a menu that capitalizes on making a few dishes well. The prime rib was cooked to perfection. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the others. Service was great. The staff was friendly and attentive. The restaurant is appropriately casual for main street DeWitt. I sat down when only a couple tables were occupied, but the restaurant was full on a Saturday evening by the time I finished my meal. The servers were busy, but kept up with the volume. And the atmosphere of The Old Library was very creative. What a great way to take an old, historical building and repurpose it into something new but familiar. The lighting was appropriate, the building feels like its from another time but modern. The decor and tables have been kept simple but seems to accommodate an audience that is growing to love the place. Don't miss out on this great addition to the DeWitt dining scene.
Jamie Behn
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Great food and a great atmosphere! This great restaurant is not only a great place to eat but it also preserves the history of Dewitt, Iowa which is considered the crossroads of America! A great restaurant in a great town. Nothing but great people here for sure!
Joseph Huseman
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Awesome dining experience in DeWitt. They have delicious entries on the regular menu like ribeye steak, Iowa pork chops and 1/2 pound burgers. Decent salad bar. The entries come with seasonal vegetables and a potato. Try the roasted potatoes, they are amazing! They just added an awesome chili for the winter menu but my absolute favorite is the Friday night prime rib special. It is honestly the very best prime rib I have ever had and I travel a lot for work and had prime rib all over the country, The Old Library's prime rib beats them all!!!
Kevin Z
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Wonderful experience. Had a group of 8 and everything was fantastic.
Larry Hice
Dec 11,2025
5/5
This beautiful up and coming bar has more personality than I would have ever imagined. Great service friendly staff with a no nonsense attitude. This is by far one of the best bars that I have ever been to. They made me a regular.
Greg Niemi
Dec 11,2025
5/5
5 stars and 2 thumbs up. Everything was excellent from the moment we passed through the doors. The environment, the food, the service, the owner, EVERYTHING !!! Thank you.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Friday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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