A Big Lebowski Themed Restaurant Just Opened In A Small Town In Iowa

I doubt anyone reading this has ever heard of the small town of Robins, Iowa with a population of 3200 people, and I doubt anyone reading it had ever planned on visiting it either, but you might just have a reason now that they’ve opened up a Big Lebowski themed restaurant. It also happens to be the only restaurant in the entire town.

The restaurant was opened because the population was recently surveyed and it turned out their number one demand was a having a non-franchised restaurant and bar in Downtown Robins. Yeah, no shit.

The mayor went to work and decided to hold a competition to decide what kind of restaurant would open up in the area. The winner would receive tax incentives to offset the cost of building the restaurant and ensure that it was a success.

The winner was 47 year old home builder Shawn Bodensteiner with his Big Lebowski concept:

My wife and I live in Robins. It’s a great community, and there was a void by not having a bar and grill or restaurant here.

This town needs this – a local hangout spot for people where they can get good food and beer.

Featured Image VIA

Image VIA

It’s classic pub-style food with a twist and some additions.

A lot of the menu are quirky burgers I’ve made before. Kitchen manager Mike Berzinski made them much better and added his own things as well.

These burgers include ‘The Big Lebowski’ burger – a behemoth creation of beef, four cheeses, bacon, shaved roast beef, barbecue sauce and onion rings – or ‘The Dude’ fries topped with cheese, pulled pork, tomatoes, onions, bacon and barbecue sauce. Neither sound particularly original but I’m sure they’re great.

The real attraction is the theme – the restaurant has the famous rug draped over the entrance way as well as many quotes from various characters from he movie dotted around the walls of the restaurant, as well as some memorabilia. You can also order a White Russian at the bar.

Unfortunately there are no pictures of it yet so we’ll just have to imagine it, but hopefully it can get a visit from the guy who inspired The Big Lebowski one day.