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November 20, 2014
Susie Q's in Mason City

Susie Q Cafe Valentine Diner Wins Hearts

23 Comments/ 2924/ 2

suzie qEarlier this year Chris and I were on a quest to visit a lot of different places in the Mason City area and beyond that we had not visited previously.  It seemed like we had missed a lot in our town that we needed to become acquainted with.  So we visited this cute little diner called Suzie Q Cafe which is located in downtown Mason City on 2nd Street, NW.  What I forgot to do was write a blog post about it and of course when I looked for the pictures I took I could not find them.  So that meant I needed to make another visit, right?

Jeni, Sara and I found the perfect seats!

Jeni, Sara and I found the perfect seats!

My North Iowa Blogger buddies were my lunch dates on a brisk November day and even though we were a small, intimate group we are mighty and I was thrilled to find 3 stools together when we entered the tiny diner that could accommodate us.  Tiny is right—this place has 10 stools if I counted correctly and we were on the far right end close to the grill action.  In a place like this the conversation is lively and everyone kind of joins in on everybody else’s conversations because–well–you are practically sitting in each other’s laps.  But that is all part of the charm. 1

Have you ever even heard of Valentine Diners?  According to owner Troy Levenhagen his is one of only about 19 left in existence in the US which makes it pretty darn special.  The history of the Valentine diner as reported by Kansapedia, The Kansas Historical Society is very interesting.  They were created during the Great Depression to serve as small 8-10 seat diners where two people could do the cooking and serve up good hearty food for a good price. Because they were so small they could be portable and shipped easily to places that would be good fits—-places where there were not many eateries, locations where there were a plethora of workers needing good food at inexpensive prices and also places where travelers might happen upon them.12

The little “boxes” were not fancy at all and over the years the estimate is that there were 2000 or so built and in use. Arthur Valentine started Valentine Manufacturing Company in 1947 and went to town.  His dream was to own his own business and the success of providing entrepreneurs with their own tiny diner was quite enticing to many.  The diners sometimes came with their own built in wall safes where the owners could place their money and Valentine representatives could come around and take their payments without any fuss.  The incredible thing —if payments were not made they could just tow the diner away.  I would suspect that inspired the owners to make those payments in a timely manner.

The food is prepared right in front of your eyes–full disclosure –nothing hidden.  What you see is what you get and Troy cooks up your order with quickness and flair—even offering a magic trick or two as part of the experience.  Yep–Troy also is a magician and is known around town as Levey the Great.  He did a few tricks for us while we ate and it was pretty fun to see him pull things out of thin air—or so it seemed.

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The diner is adorable.  The food was served piping hot and the serving sizes were ginormous.   Sara and I had the famous Spic and Span Tenderloin and I could not finish it all because it was just so large. The Spic and Span Tenderloin is a throwback item that Levenhagen’s mom used to prepare at the former Spic and Span Restaurant in Mason City. It is battered and deep fried and full of lovely flavor.  Jeni had the Gyro Basket which is what I had on my initial visit and thoroughly enjoyed.

Suzie QThe exterior of the diner has recently been renovated due to a grant made possible through Main Street Iowa.  The diner is well worn on the inside—it is used a lot—there are a lot of people who love to come to Suzie Q’s and rightfully so. This is one of those neighborhood places that has regulars and folks who depend on having a meal there.  On both occasions when I visited here I realized that it was in a place where people who really needed meal options could come and would be welcomed—no matter who they are or what their circumstances are.  That makes me smile.  Everyone is welcome here. Everyone.

The walls of the diner are covered with signatures of customers and those who have visited the diner over the years.  It is fun to take it all in and see what some of the things are that people wanted to leave as a signature.

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3If you ever find yourself in Mason City you will definitely need to make a stop at Suzie Q Cafe.   I have not been there for breakfast but judging from the menu offerings it would be a good place to grab a hearty breakfast. They are open from 6 am until 3 pm so head there early for a great breakfast or lunch offering.  I guarantee that between the charm of the diner, the antics of the cook (and I mean that only in a good way), the lively conversation around the counter and the tasty food you will leave feeling that you left a diner that definitely will win your heart.  14

 

 

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IA Levey the Great mason city restaurants in Mason City Spic and Span Tenderloin Suzie Q Cafe Troy Levenhagen Valentine Diner
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23 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Dianna
    November 20, 2014 at 06:09 am

    What a COOL place?!! That is great that the three of you found seats together. Maybe Motor Man and I will begin seeking out places we’ve never eaten…. thanks for the idea!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      November 20, 2014 at 06:11 am

      It was a fun little adventure to try places that the locals hang out at that we had not even known about before. Definitely a fun little project!

      Reply
  2. georgettesullins
    November 20, 2014 at 06:38 am

    What fun to see your food prepared before your very eyes. I imagine they get quite good at it and are even inspired to make it better, and better and better. Tacos in Mason City? My kind of place.

    Reply
  3. jenieats
    November 20, 2014 at 07:17 am

    I think you evoke the warmth and hospitality of the diner so well! I want to go back already.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      November 20, 2014 at 07:19 am

      Thanks, Jeni! It is a fun little place!

      Reply
  4. Pix Under the Oaks
    November 20, 2014 at 07:24 am

    It’s a very cool place Beth Ann! That does not look like the tenderloins that we have in Missouri! Very interesting. Love Troy!

    Reply
  5. A Magic Show & Lunch In A Tiny Valentine Diner: Suzie Q Cafe | Jeni Eats
    November 20, 2014 at 07:27 am

    […] are only ten seats at Suzi Q’s and Beth, Sara, and I were lucky enough to nab three in a row. In a space this small, you can’t help […]

    Reply
  6. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    November 20, 2014 at 07:29 am

    Alright, I must eat here. Must. Great story about the kind of place where I love to eat.

    Reply
  7. ozzieohlonemanthinktank
    November 20, 2014 at 07:33 am

    Always great to eat at the local places. They have a great omwich too.

    Reply
  8. Katy Flint
    November 20, 2014 at 07:26 pm

    Tyler and I need to visit here!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      November 20, 2014 at 08:07 pm

      You definitely need to! Fun olace.

      Reply
      1. Beth Ann
        November 20, 2014 at 08:15 pm

        Fun place!!!! Fat fingers tonight!

        Reply
  9. Gibber
    November 21, 2014 at 11:50 am

    That does sound like a fun place to go!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      November 21, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      It has a lot of fun and quirky aspects that make it a winner winner chicken dinner!

      Reply
      1. Gibber
        November 21, 2014 at 01:24 pm

        mmm…chicken!

        Reply
  10. Helen Brown
    November 23, 2014 at 05:29 pm

    It sounds like a good place to visit. I have never heard of a place that small and I am sure it is a nice place.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      November 24, 2014 at 06:31 am

      It is a really cute teeny tiny place!

      Reply
  11. poemsandponderings
    July 16, 2015 at 06:04 pm

    There is a place like that in neighboring Natick Mass.(01760) called Casey’s Diner, ten seats max and they are famous for their hot dogs (take out window and all) and the western omelets. Been around as long as I remember and then some it has been passed down through (?) generations. Love these type of places, oh, and everything you said about the ambiance is right on.

    Reply
  12. Josh Steiner
    July 17, 2015 at 10:10 am

    What a cool little place! We used to live in Worcester, Mass where they manufactured diner cars (not this kind, but the kind ya’ find all over New England). Diner’s are great local places especially when they’re doing good food!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      July 18, 2015 at 09:10 am

      I messed up this post and it reposted but I guess that is okay, right, since a few people had not seen it. These are really cool types of diners and the hubby always loves local diners.

      Reply
  13. Helen Brown
    July 18, 2015 at 02:59 pm

    I think I would enjoy to eat there also.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      July 19, 2015 at 08:45 am

      It’s a fun little diner.

      Reply
  14. Mark
    July 21, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    The “Huge Tacos” lettering on the building would draw me to the place, like a magnet!

    Reply

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