Five Businesses, Attractions That Would Make Dubuque Even Better

Having been in the Tri-States for eight months, I've had a lot of time to explore the area and the businesses within it. I love so many food and entertainment options out here, but I do long for a few businesses and attractions that I enjoyed back home near Chicago.

Dubuque is already blessed with a gaggle of amazing businesses, both national and locally owned. There's a reason that it is the hot-spot for tourism for people in Iowa, Illinois, and beyond.

However, it is missing a few specific establishments/attractions that would continue to catapult it into the upper-echelon of down-home entertainment districts. Below are 10 options that would make our already beautiful city even better!

A minor league team:

Cedar Rapids has the Kernels baseball team. Des Moines has the Wolves (the NBA G-League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves). Dubuque is missing a sporting attraction that doesn't require a two-to-four hour drive. Sports teams, both major and minor, are known to be a driving force behind a town's economy.

Now, it would take more logistical planning than these other options. However, the possibilities are bountiful. A community as tight as ours would embrace a team, be it baseball, basketball, or hockey (or, hey, if the USFL succeeds and actually wants to expand)!

Indian restaurant:

A glaring void in Dubuque is the lack of options for Indian cuisine. There's nothing wrong with a tried-and-true pub-style burger and fries, but an Indian restaurant would promote culinary diversity — and be another destination point for folks vacationing or simply passing through!

Escape room:

Escape rooms have exponentially risen in popularity over the last several years. You could also consider them the optimal team-building setting for a group of coworkers or new-hires that would facilitate a better working environment!

Red Lobster:

I know I'm not the only one salivating over the very thought of those Cheddar Bay biscuits! Red Lobster is one of the best chain-sit-down restaurants out there. Between their combination of land and sea(food) platters, crafty cocktails, and reasonable prices (and did I mention the biscuits), they'd be a lovely addition to Dubuque!

Portillo's:

I'm letting my Chicago roots show with this one. Portillo's is a mainstay in the Land of Lincoln, but over the last decade, the company has expanded into several other states, including Wisconsin and Florida. There's even one in Davenport! To someone not from Illinois, Portillo's might appear to be another fast-casual hot-dog-and-fry place.

However, it's the time-tested balance of delectable food, uniquely curated interiors, unbeatable Italian beef, and emphasis on customer service that makes them the beloved restaurant they are.

You can also check out the gallery below, for I've listed a few other bonus entries in there as well!