Hazard Tavern

Hazard Tavern is a historic institution located at 104 Eagle Street in Meriden, Iowa, United States. The tavern has a fascinating backstory, with roots dating back to the establishment of the town of Hazard in 1869. Originally a "wet grocery" catering to railroad workers, the tavern has evolved over the years to become a beloved small-town destination.

In 1949, the present brick structure was built by Kenny Gordon, who operated the tavern as Kenny's Korner for over four decades. After his retirement, Roberta Ruden took over the business and ran it as the Whistle Stop for 25 years. In 2020, three local residents stepped in to save the building from disrepair and reimagined it as Hazard Tavern, a place where locals and visitors can enjoy good food, stories, and company.

The tavern offers a variety of handcrafted pizzas, including the popular tavern-style pizzas with a thin, crispy crust and generous toppings. Specialties include the Hazard Pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage, banana peppers, and cream cheese, as well as the BBQ Chicken Pizza with bacon and a cheese blend. The menu also features the iconic tavern samich, a Northwest Iowa invention perfected by Hazard Tavern with savory seasoned beef on a soft bun.

Guests can also enjoy loaded nachos with tavern meat, white queso, pickles, and special Hazard Sauce, or opt for pulled pork nachos with crunchy coleslaw and tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or just looking to relax with a drink, Hazard Tavern welcomes you to experience a taste of Iowa history in a warm and inviting setting.