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Hill Side - Historic Venue in Fort Madison Serving Phenomenal Smoked Meats & Craft Beers

Hill Side in Fort Madison, Iowa, is a charming historic venue where rich heritage meets exceptional dining. The atmosphere blends old-time charm with modern live music, including open mic nights and weekend bands, creating a vibrant community hub. Hill Side’s smoked meats, especially the brisket, are widely praised for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and deep, smoky flavors. Standout dishes like pulled chicken and creamy mac and cheese highlight their culinary expertise. Complemented by a diverse craft beer and wine selection, plus expertly crafted cocktails, Hill Side offers a memorable experience that satisfies both food lovers and culture seekers alike.

Hill Side at a glance

  • Address 1135 Avenue E, Fort Madison, IA 52627, United States
  • Phone +1 319-246-1030
  • Restaurant type Bar & grill , Bar , Cocktail bar , Wine bar .

Photos & Gallery

Hill Side: Reviews & Ratings

Amy Hull
5

The building is so beautiful and historic. The food is amazing, service is always wonderful. Something for everyone - history, modern TV and bands, great atmosphere. Stop in you'll be glad you did!

Adam Kurtz
5

Very nice clean friendly atmosphere and great music. They bring in live music on the weekends a lot of times and there is open mic on Wednesday that attracts some really talented musicians from the area. No draft beer, but they easily make up for it with the wide selection of bottled craft beers and variety of wines.

Krys Plate
5

The food is phenomenal! We enjoyed pulled chicken and turkey breast, which melted in our mouths. The mac'n'cheese was exceptional. Highly recommend!

Betty Botanical
5

Truly beautiful place! Food was delicious and cocktails were absolutely amazing. We will for sure be back

Gretchen Haage
5

With the old time atmosphere from the moment you walk in to the fast service and kindness of all the employees. Their Smoked Meats are hands down the best Smoked Meats in Lee County Iowa. "Highly recommend" the owner Matt was more than willing to take time to share the history of the building which was very interesting. A big shout out to the staff running the smokers and preparing the food they did an outstanding job. The brisket is to die for, now I just need to find out if they take special orders for holidays. Great job we will definitely be going back.

Veronica Daily
5

Great place for craft cocktails and delicious BBQ. Super chill vibes.

Emerald Froster
5

Great small size portions for people who eat small. Food was amazing. We got almost everything especially for the chicken, brisket, and banana pudding. Because of that the chef gave us on the house the rest. The lady was amazing serving us. It was kinda dark for the side table lightning we had.

Anthony Franklin
4

The Hillside Inn is a great place to have a glass of wine or beer to relax and enjoy yourself. They have live music (it's a small venue), and an open mic night, and very laid-back feel. The music is never so loud, the people are friendly, and the service is top notch. Very small parking area, but lots of street parking. This is a quiet neighborhood bar you will find that also has a ghost!

Location

  • Hill Side
    Hill Side
    1135 Avenue E, Fort Madison, IA 52627, United States Hotline: +1 319-246-1030

Nestled in the heart of Fort Madison, Hill Side is more than just a bar and grill—it’s a vibrant blend of history, flavor, and community. From the moment you step inside this beautifully preserved historic building, you’re welcomed by an atmosphere that feels both timeless and inviting. The charm of the old-time setting is enhanced by lively modern touches, including live weekend music and open mic nights, making it a hub for local talent and good times.

What truly sets Hill Side apart is its remarkable food. The smoked meats here have earned a reputation as the finest in Lee County, with brisket that simply melts on the tongue and pulled chicken and turkey breast that burst with rich, tender flavors. The mac’n’cheese is nothing short of exceptional, striking a perfect balance of creamy and savory that complements the smoked dishes beautifully. Each plate tells a story of careful preparation and respect for classic grilling techniques.

The drink selection deserves its own praise. Though there’s no draft beer, Hill Side boasts a broad array of bottled craft beers and wines that pair wonderfully with the menu, alongside cocktails that leave a lasting impression. Service is consistently warm and attentive, with staff who take pride in sharing the history of the establishment and ensuring every guest feels at home.

Hill Side is a destination that delivers on every level—ambiance, music, service, and above all, unforgettable food. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this spot invites you to savor the best of Fort Madison’s culinary and cultural scene. Stop by, and you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Assistive hearing loop
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards