Great White Buffalo delivers big flavor in Adel

11/4/2026

Some dining venues attempt to cater to everyone and often get lost in an overloaded menu based on quantity rather than quality.

Yet, one new spot with “just right” menu offerings in Adel knocks it out of the park. 

Great White Buffalo Public House opened in February 2025 across from the Dallas County Courthouse in Adel in a centuries-old brick building. 

The vintage décor offers a step back in time. Women in heels clack noisily across creaky wood floors, then open a squeaky wooden bathroom door. A warm polished-wood bar is an ideal holding spot for dozens of cocktail shakers, strainers, mixers and fresh garnishes. Exposed brick walls and repurposed china hutches house dining essentials. Seating includes an upstairs and main level, or choose an alcove spot, overlooking the courthouse. 

A musical playlist’s volume is low enough to hum along with the tunes and converse with dining mates. Televisions are omitted, and that is a welcome change so diners can focus more on the experience and less on the latest touchdown. 

The menu offers less than 20 items, yet each dish is packed with flavor. Happy hour is all night on Tuesdays, or Wednesday through Friday, from 4-6 p.m. Choose two apps for $22 with the choice of cheese curds, et tu broccoli, colossal coconut shrimp, spiral fries or fajita egg rolls. Most apps normally cost around $14. The shrimp is colossal for a reason, as it’s not just a one- or two-bite shrimp. I cut off at least five decent-sized bites from one shrimp. The hot and fresh cheese curds oozed off onto a huge pile of cheesy goodness. Those same curds appear on the entrée Poutine Americana with signature fries, angus beef gravy and bier cheese spätzle for $21. 

The drinks are a highlight — a splurge-worthy concoction made with fresh ingredients. 

Leaning into my espresso drink phrase, I tried three chocolatey-coffee laced drinks. The White Buffalo Expresso ($15) is made with Revelton Vodka, dark chocolate, cream, espresso and a hint of sweetness. From Russia With Love is a take on a white Russian, but with cream, chocolate and dried strawberries ($14). The Sweet Beans ($16) consists of Revelton Whiskey Cream Liqueur, spice, cream and coffee. The caffeine kept me wired, but I failed to declare a favorite.

The special of the day was Rosa Campanelle ($28) made with pasta, red pepper tomato cream sauce and Graziano’s sausage. Other entrees include Focaccia Club with Webster City Meat bacon, ham, turkey breast and cheese on homemade focaccia bread, served with a side for $25. 

Great White Buffalo serves its namesake — bison burgers. The Native includes a mix of bison and chuck, seasoned and served on a brioche roll, with cheese, toppings and a side for $18.

The cookie butter banana cheesecake ($10) is simply heavenly and a must-try alongside all those coffee drinks.

The place is for ages 21 and older, so put this on your list of kid-free dining zones.

As I sat at the bar, several regulars arrived, hugging and chatting with the wait staff. The same locals recommended entrees and generously offered me samples of their dishes.

If you’re longing to get out of the city, take a short trip to Adel to discover excellence in dining and craft cocktails. ♦

Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She has covered many ordinary people living extraordinary lives.