Let’s Get Wild in Walford, Iowa!
Posted on August 22, 2022 at 10:12 AM by The Biker Lawyers
A Different Venue with a Different Vibe
In my years of living in Eastern Iowa, I have tried to get to every venue that I can in the area. Different venues have different vibes and sizes. Most places are pretty easy to find located around the big cities. Sometimes there’s that special place a bit further out, that not only serves delicious food but also serves delicious rock and roll.
In the hills of Walford, IA tucked away on Commercial Drive is a biker bar that doesn’t just have one stage, but two of them, inside and out! I’m talking about Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford, IA.
A Massive Menu
The first time I was introduced to this place was years ago when doing a station promotion where I took folks out for lunch. I discovered their huge selection of delicious eats and oddly enough, discovered my love for tomatoes. From pork loins, burgers, and roasted chicken, to pizza, wraps, and a soup that changes every day, their giant menu is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
It’s because of their Eatery and Saloon that I have a newfound relationship with tomatoes. I know that sounds weird, but I have hated tomatoes on things for my whole life. All that changed when I bit into one of their mouthwatering burgers. I had forgotten to ask that my tomato be removed and since then, my taste buds have never been the same.
Great Local Music
Wild Hogs happens to be one of the first venues I visited in Iowa when I moved here years ago. Do they book the super heavy metal bands? No, but you are going to get a nice blend of rock and roll and country.
Wild Hogs leans a bit more toward country acts than rock. The few times I’ve been out to the venue I was able to see Human, St. October, and my friends in Wayland who travel from Nashville every year to perform in Walford.
Now that I think about it, most of the times I’ve made it out there was to see Wayland. They’ve had a few hits on Rock 108 like ‘Ghost.’ Wayland was a band that other stations kinda wrote off, but Rock 108 kept on ‘Ghost’ and it became this huge hit for Eastern Iowa. Listening to them live is even better.
Designed for Bikers
When you get to the venue, the first thing you’ll notice is the AMAZING amount of parking.
This place not only holds your local rock shows but also plenty of bike rallies. This place is MEANT for the bikers and you can tell by the logo right on the front of the building.
There have been plenty of times I have walked into the parking lot and been struck by a sea of bikes as far as the eye can see. Walking into the place itself, you are greeted by a large open space, fully stocked bars, TVs, and a big stage ready for the bands!
The Ideal Outdoor Stage
The outdoor area is nearly perfect. If you catch a show early enough, you’ll get this amazing view of the Iowa sunset as the bands are performing. I have made it to shows there early enough so that I can see the view of the sunset and hear some of my favorite tunes. It’s a great area to see a show!
Great stage, sound, you’re outdoors, what more could you ask for? Now you’re not going to see Metallica live at this place or heck even a Shinedown, but you will see some great local acts, and bands that are on the up and looking to cut their teeth.
Worth the Ride
There’s a reason I keep coming back. It’s a great venue to enjoy a big burger, grab a beer, and watch some great local music. If you’re looking for a motorcycle-friendly place to watch the sunset on a new up-and-coming band with a beer in hand, this is the place.
Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery is the spot in Walford, Iowa that’s worth the trip.
About The Biker’s Ambassador of Rock
If you live in the Cedar Valley in Iowa, you probably know Ned. If not, you surely know his voice! Ned, the Music Director at Rock 108, is known for his energetic personality, wild spirit, and love for all things Live rock. In an epic collaboration with Rock 108, Ned will be presenting excellent inside experiences to our motorcycle riding community exclusively here so subscribe to the blog and check back every week to see what Ned’s up to next!