I'm pretty new to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, and whenever I relocate I love trying out new restaurants. I'm a big foodie (not the snobby, pretentious kind...I just like to cook and watch a lot of Food Network) and I enjoy eating where locals eat. I've already gotten some good suggestions, but I'm asking you for your help, too!

1. Basal Pizza - 225 W. 4th St., Waterloo

I've already had multiple people in our office rave about Basal. They specialize in Neapolitan-style pizza--a soft, chewy crust lightly dressed with sauce and toppings--charred in their 900-degree oven, but their whole menu looks amazing! I definitely have to try it out.

Basal Pizza via Facebook
Basal Pizza via Facebook
loading...

2. Newton's Paradise Cafe - 128 E. 4th St., Waterloo

This is one of the first local restaurants I visited after coming to Waterloo--and it's literally across the street from the radio station! The staff was super friendly, my food came out very quickly, and I love the vintage feel of the diner. In their own words, Newton's provides "familiar food with an unfamiliar twist." They also feature several daily specials, including Wine Wednesday (1/2-price glasses between 3 and 7 p.m.), Free-Fry-Friday (a complimentary order of fries with the purchase of any wrap or sandwich), and Mary Monday (1/2-off Bloody Mary from 3-7 p.m. [pictured below]).

Newton's Paradise Cafe via Facebook
Newton's Paradise Cafe via Facebook
loading...

3. Noble Oak - 314 Main St., Cedar Falls

I love barbecue and beer, so Noble Oak seems very appealing to me. Almost their entire menu features some kind of smoked meat--tureky, salmon, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, shortrib, etc.--and the price-point is very reasonable for the items they serve. The decor is warm and inviting, and the "noble oak" tree is centerpiece of this new restaurant. I definitely need to give this place a try! Website: NobleOakCF.com

Noble Oak Restaurant via Facebook
Noble Oak Restaurant via Facebook
loading...

4. Pump Haus - 311 Main St., Cedar Falls

I like fancy restaurants just fine, but I usually prefer a place where I can watch a game and eat "real" food. Pump Haus fits that description. The menu is loaded with hearty burgers, sandwiches, wraps and a wide selection of options for sides and starters. Pump Haus also has lots of recurring specials, including happy hour every Monday thru Friday from 2:00- 6:00 p.m. for half-off all drinks and appetizers and $1.00 Dogs and Draws during Iowa, UNI and Iowa State football games.

Pump Haus via Facebook
Pump Haus via Facebook
loading...

5. Galleria de Paco - 622 Commercial St., Waterloo

I've heard nothing but great things about Galleria de Paco. The eye-popping decor (a spray-painted recreation of the Sistine Chapel, for starters) combined with unique and flavorful food provides "a feast for the eyes and the stomach." The food, the art, and the great reviews give me a lot to look forward to.

Galleria de Paco via Facebook
Galleria de Paco via Facebook
loading...

I can't wait to try out these places for myself! Got any suggestions? Comment below!

Follow Slater on Twitter and Instagram, and listen live @ Q923.net or on the RadioPup app!

More From Q98.5