Trying out new restaurants is one of the most simple yet enjoyable pleasures of life. It's a new adventure in itself. It's even more special when you do it with someone and make it an afternoon. So, on a sleepy, slightly brisk Sunday afternoon, my girlfriend and I trekked over to Peosta, IA to check out Darkbird Taphouse.

A credit to the website "We Are Iowa" for pointing us in the direction of Darkbird. The swanky, relatively new taphouse rests on a newly installed frontage road in Peosta, right off of Highway 20. Surrounded by gorgeous farmland and newly erected establishments, Darkbird can be seen as an extension of Dimensional Brewing for the folks of Peosta.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Darkbird gets its name and aesthetic from Edgar Allan Poe, the famous writer/poet whose affinity for the macabre makes him a legend in the spaces. The logo itself recalls Poe's famous work The Raven.

The newness of the building is apparent from the moment you step inside Darkbird. Rustic yet modern paneling and clean surfaces make for an inviting dining experiences.

Different from most restaurants and bars is the lack of a wait-staff. Customers are encouraged to order their libations, appetizers, and entrees at the bar itself. It's an easy process; one that perhaps combats the worker shortage in an intuitive way.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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My girlfriend and I opted for an order of cheese curds as our appetizer. Complemented by a side of spicy mayo, the curds are delicious and hearty. Almost a meal in themselves given the generous portion you're given.

I, admittedly, had yet to try any Dimensional beers before setting foot inside Darkbird. I went for the Peosta Premium blonde ale. My girlfriend sipped on a green apple hard seltzer known as Spritzi. Both were delicious, early afternoon cocktails that paired well with the cheese curds and a Sunday with few plans.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Then came the entrees: I opted for chicken tenders. My girlfriend vouched for the Nashville chicken sandwich, which she devoured fast enough to suggest it was just as delicious! The fries are a must-try, however. They are fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with sea salt.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Darkbird is immensely spacious. There is even a second floor, and an adjacent outdoor patio. It was then when I was upset by the fact that we hadn't paid Darkbird a visit in the fall, under warmer conditions. Either way, that assures we'll be back soon enough!

Darkbird Taphouse is located at 7305 Thunder Valley Drive in Peosta, IA. Visit their website here!

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