For a town like Charles City, nestled in the middle of northeastern Iowa and surrounded by nothing but corn fields and a few open highways, you’d hardly expect to see the name, “Bistro,” pop up and have any sort of significance. After all, this is the land of Ma & Pop cafés and “family restaurants”. Something as esoteric as a bistro would appear to be one of the former places mal-named.
Fortunately for all of us here, Three C Bistro is not an inappropriate moniker.
The outer building is fairly unimpressive, a leftover from the previous owner, but the inside has transformed nicely. Muted browns, soft reds, blues, and greens surround the eating area, framed by wood and stonework and all in the style of Italian renaissance with some modern flairs. The seating is generous booths or tables and chairs, neither of which are particularly unique but they fit within the styling around them. A fountain on one side and muted lighting complete the scene.
I was sat in short order by an eager hostess and attended to by an attentive waiter. It was lunch, so the menu was smaller; I shall have to stop by for an evening meal. Basic, standard sandwiches and burgers abided, but there were also higher-style, higher-ticket items such as a Prime Rib sandwich and a crab salad. Appetizers ran between $4 and $10 and entreés between $7 and $15. The wine and beer selection were copious although being at work I will have to wait to try those.
Service was quick, uncomplicated, and in short order I had my Reuben with a side of fries. I always love to get a Reuben at a new location because how they prepare this simple and yet classic sandwich says a lot about their style and approach. This one was very decent — the swirled rye was fresh and tasty with a slight toast, the corned beef generous and flavorful, the sauerkraut wasn’t nearly as tart as I liked but went fine nonetheless.
The only complaint I derived from it was that the Thousand Island dressing was served on the side and not as a part of the sandwich which, in my eyes, violates the principle of a Reuben. I was annoyed that I had to spend good-quality eating time spreading sauce on a sandwich that just should have had it. That being said, the dressing was very nice and went well with the rest.
The fries were large, with skins and seasoned salt, cooked perfectly. The unsweetened iced tea I had was unremarkable and was probably from a mix, although it was hard to say definitively. A second arrived before I even finished the first, however, so that’s a huge point in my book.
They have wireless Internet! I cannot emphasize enough how much I value that and how much I think businesses would benefit from providing it. A simple network but it worked well; thank you!
The check arrived for a bit over $10, it was quickly processed, and I left. But I shall be back — well done, Three C! I think you may have actually brought a real, excellent bistro to Iowa.
Rating: 4.5 sammiches out of 5
Three C Bistro
510 Hildreth St
Charles City, IA 50616
641-228-3544
Facebook: Three C Bistro
I’m not a big fan of sandwiches but man, I think it was the fries on that picture that got me. I love handcut fries. Or shall we say, hot chips?
.-= Aly´s last blog ..Three from Three =-.
Those fries look delish. So glad this is a more favourable review than your last! For your stomach’s sake, at least. I’ve had such good food lately that I’m becoming a bit of a food snob – and then I realise that, half the time, I’m happier making food at home than risking a new restaurant.
.-= Julia´s last blog ..Green Beans and Saturdays =-.
I enjoyed your review, but I would just like to add that the reason you may not have enjoyed the sauerkraut as much as you normally would is because it is, in fact, fried cabbage.