The Jitney Wine Bar

Make sure your train makes a stop at the Jitney, a new wine and craft beer bar in Monticello, IA.

After the owners spent some time far and away in LA and NYC, they moved back home to bring their knowledge of food, wine and craft beer to this small, Iowa town.

They offer an impressive draft and bottle beer list as well as a diverse selection of wine and craft cocktails. There are also cheeses priced by the ounce, small bar bites with big flavor and other snacks like gourmet popcorn and hummus with veggies - all perfect for conversation and enjoying the evening. On some weekends the Jitney also offers live music.

The decor was also great and took into account the beauty of the turn-of-the-century building with exposed limestone walls and tin ceiling to the newly installed bar with a locomotive twist; a play on the history behind the bar's name. The staff was also friendly and attentive. Most patrons were already regulars - they know when to spot a good thing when they see it. I will be sure to return on my next stop in town as well.

Other points of interest: There is a cute patio in the works for summer and plenty of street parking too.