Darrell's Place

4010 1st St., Hamlin, IA - (712) 563-3922

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Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on 4/11/2009 10:42:00 PM

Audubon County in western Iowa is serious Breaded Pork Tenderloin country, and that may be due in part to Darrell’s Place. This small diner in Hamlin won the 2004 Iowa Pork Producers Association Award for the Best BPT sandwich, and this spotlight most likely raised the stakes for area eateries. Darrell’s loin is thick-cut, not pounded to a height of a few millimeters like other competitors. The simple breading is light enough to lock in the pork’s natural juices, and the bun almost fits the substantial slab.

Locals who already know the fame of Darrell’s BPT are more likely to order other items, like a generous steak sandwich or hand-formed cheeseburgers. The popcorn chicken is undoubtedly a misnomer, for these gigantic knuckles of white meat resemble chicken nuggets on steroids. Serviceable French fries are available, but the onion straws have a crinkle-cut appearance that may appeal to newcomers. Don’t forget to order a frosty mug of 1919 Draft Root Beer, on tap at Darrell’s and many other locations throughout the Upper Midwest. Standing near the intersection of Highways 44 and 71 in Hamlin, Darrell’s Place is another sparkling jewel in the BPT crown of Audubon County.

Scorecard

Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip

Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich	1919 Draft Root Beer
Popcorn Chicken	Steak Sandwich
Cheeseburger	Onion Straws

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"Darrell’s award-winning sandwich is one of Audubon County’s finest BPTs."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"This handsome steak sandwich is served on a sturdy sub roll."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Another BPT shot. Photo by Jim Ellison."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"Darrell’s calls this popcorn chicken, as if these deliciously tender slabs derive from Brobdignian kernels."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Fresh cheeseburgers and crunchy onion straws round out the red-meat menu."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"If you can find this sign, you are close. "
Jim Ellison