Tom Thumb Drive In

4.2 ( 946 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
1412 A St W, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, United States
+1 515-955-4051

Tom Thumb Drive In, located in Fort Dodge, IA, is a beloved establishment renowned for its hearty homemade comfort food. Patrons rave about the mouthwatering fried chicken that has become a signature dish, alongside the irresistible Apple Dumpling that one customer described as "to die for." The nostalgic atmosphere and the familiar faces of the staff contribute to its appeal, making it a go-to spot for families for years.

Reviewers consistently highlight the fast and friendly service paired with a variety of delectable choices. Many find themselves tempted by the dessert display, but the satisfaction derived from the savory offerings often means they leave with sweets in tow, especially the popular pecan rolls. The authenticity of this diner-style experience has led many, like Michelle Clark, to feel a nostalgic connection, recalling fond memories while enjoying their meals.

Overall, Tom Thumb Drive In is more than just a restaurant; it’s a treasure trove of comfort food and warm memories, reinforcing its status as a must-visit destination in Fort Dodge. Whether you’re after a Hot Beef plate or just stopping in for a quick bite, this spot is sure to impress and bring you back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Offers delivery
    • Has drive-through
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Quiet
    • Trending
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Tom Thumb Drive In

Esther Messerschmidt
Jun 13,2025
We try to go here whenever we come through. It's the best homemade food around. The fried chicken is really good ! One thing I especially look for is the Apple Dumpling !! OMG it's to die for !! And of course we always have to take home some pecan rolls.... but they never make it all the way there !
Cheree Derry
May 29,2025
Our family has loved dining here for years! Every visit is met with fast, friendly service, and amazing food. We love looking at all of the desserts in the display case, but the amazing food means we always end up taking them home!
Michelle Clark
May 26,2025
Hadn't been there since I was a kid and itches like coming home. THE BEST comfort food!! Definitely worth the drive and I WILL be going back!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Good food, good service and comfortable atmosphere. Go already!!
Tami Freel
May 13,2025
I love stopping here when I'm in Fort Dodge! It's my go too spot. A clean, reasonably priced, friendly place to eat. I hear they have excellent chicken, I'm stuck on the Hot Beef. It's the best. Just like old school diner comfort food from my youth!!! This place is a treasure! I would strongly recommend it!
Bob Zomermaand
May 3,2025
Since i basically used this as a drive through place, I couldn’t give high marks for service and atmosphere. But the food was really good. We stopped there twice to pick up dinner. It was very tasty, well seasoned, and so forth. I think Tom thumb is worth your giving them a try.
Colette Erck
Apr 21,2025
This of the highway roadside diner with fast friendly service was a highlight of my recent trip to Iowa from Minnesota. The building is kind of nondescript and run down. It looks like an abandoned fast food place. There are lots of booths to sit in and you seat yourself and order at the counter. Our food was brought to our table. It was kitschy and mismatched retro but very clean and nice updated clean restrooms. I had a breakfast sandwich. The ham on the sandwich was so good. I also had a soda and a cinnamon roll. Great place. The lunch menu looked amazing too but we had to get on the road. My travel sidekick enjoyed his meal too he had a breakfast platter and we shared a glazed donut that was the best donut I have ever eaten. The service was prompt and friendly.
Brian
Apr 2,2025
Incredible. Love the retro environment. Great service great food. Really can’t be beat.
Cael
Mar 19,2025
I’ve always thought this place was cool. I wasn’t around in the 70s, but I imagine this atmosphere and food was similar to how it was then. I’m not big on breakfast food, so it’s nice being able to stop by at around 10am or so and grab lunch when no other places have started lunch yet.

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