Cedar Ridge Distillery - Swisher, Iowa

Kossi A.

Hard to beat for Sunday breakfast or brunch—whatever you want to call it.

This was my first time at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, and I’m already planning to go back. The setting is beautiful with great views, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better.

Now let’s talk food. The Sunday breakfast buffet was nothing short of outstanding. From fluffy scrambled eggs and seasoned potatoes to crispy bacon, savory sausage, biscuits and gravy, and even steamed vegetables—there was something for everyone. And the apple cobbler? It was warm. Like actually warm. I scooped into it and saw steam rising. If nothing else had impressed me, I’d still come back just for that.

If you don’t eat out often, you might not realize how rare it is to find a place that nails the food, service, and atmosphere all at once. Cedar Ridge pulls it off. Highly recommend.

Perry S.

Nice facility and inexpensive, if you enjoy Kentucky Bourbon you will find this is more corn and colored moonshine. If the age it more and play with different yeast it would be better. There is more to Bourbon then corn, even Iowa corn. But they are trying and learning. The restaurant was wonderful.

They need to train the tour person more as the things they do which they think is unique really isn't, they should send the tour people to Kentucky to see huge Reik houses and how they paint the black to generate the heat. Also a lot of Kentucky distillery use local Kentucky corn, I suspect some import corn from Iowa but not all.

Scott B.

We stopped here for a beer, some bourbon and some food. we had a sandwich with some type of blue cheese on it and maybe brisket? Whatever was on the d**n thing, it was delicious. We also had a small flight of bourbon to taste, which was fun to do and very reasonably priced. Two items to note it was pretty slow when we were in there and all the surfaces are wood so anybody in there will sound very loud and the men’s room was not very clean at opening time. I’m not sure it had been cleaned from the night before.

Tymbrie S.

Had a wonderful date night at Cedar Ridge tonight! We got the caramelized onion dip, hot cauliflower, smoked gouda and ribeye pizza, and a sweet wine flight. The food was hot, fresh, and delicious! Our waitress, Jennica, was extremely personable, prompt, and accommodating! The wait time was short and the venue was comfortable, with a nice ambiance. Prices were very reasonable- two apps, a wine flight, and a pizza for $40.
We will be visiting again soon!

Rhonda S.

For a small distillery in Iowa, it was okay. I didn't care for the wine or bourbon, but that's probably because I have been to distilleries with much more history, learning to perfect their alcohol, aging in barrels, etc. The tour guide wasn't super knowledgeable and got some things totally wrong, especially facts about the rick houses and the fact that they aren’t climate-controlled anywhere. We ate from the restaurant, which was probably the best thing about it. The tour was only $5 plus you got a $5 token to use on merchandise there.

Elisa V.

What an amazing find! Great music, absolutely delicious food and fabulous service! Disclaimer, this is from July don’t think it’s still this green in Iowa.

Matt L.

Great whiskey, fantastic food and constant updates and specials. Great for a day drink, a group, a birthday or just laid back fun. Always tasty!!

Martha B.

We recently had our wedding at Cedar Ridge Distillery and everything was perfection. From our first visit, tasting, rehearsal, to the main event, Emily and the staff anticipated everything and were so kind and helpful. And the food? Our guests can't stop talking about it. Can't wait to visit in the future as the years pass!