The Purple Door

Discover The Purple Door Restaurant in Harlan, IA, offering delicious dishes like beef medallions, fettuccine alfredo, fresh mahi mahi, and more. Enjoy quality food and a welcoming atmosphere at 622 Market St. Call +1 712-235-3667 today!

Welcome to The Purple Door

Experience the finest dining

The Purple Door
The Purple Door
The Purple Door
The Purple Door

The Purple Door Restaurant sits at the heart of Harlan, Iowa, welcoming visitors with an inviting atmosphere. Known for its diverse menu and strong local presence, this eatery serves up a variety of dishes that appeal to all tastes. From savory beef medallions to delicious seafood like grilled salmon and shrimp, every bite reflects a commitment to quality and flavor. The combination of delightful meals and a warm ambiance makes it a perfect spot for family dinners, casual outings, or special celebrations. Whether it’s your first visit or a regular spot, The Purple Door seeks to create a memorable dining experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The Purple Door boasts a rich menu featuring over 55 dishes, ranging from shareable starters to hearty entrees. Guests love the seared Brussels sprouts and fettuccine alfredo, both of which hit the mark for flavor and creativity. With a comfortable capacity, patrons often find a welcoming atmosphere without feeling cramped. The service shines during peak hours, especially on Fridays when the restaurant reaches full capacity, showing their dedication to customer satisfaction.

Seasonal offerings and a kids' menu ensure that both adults and children leave happy. Plus, the outdoor vibe adds a charming touch, making it a popular choice for enjoying meals al fresco when the weather cooperates.

Location & Contact

The Setting

Address

622 Market St, Harlan, IA 51537, United States

Phone

+1 712-235-3667

Social Media

About

The Journey Behind the Flavor

The Purple Door
The Purple Door
The Purple Door
The Purple Door

Located conveniently on Market St in Harlan, The Purple Door presents a unique fusion of classic American cuisine and local flair. This restaurant truly embodies the spirit of the Harlan community, sourcing ingredients whenever possible from local farms and providers, reflecting Iowa’s robust agricultural heritage. The interior combines rustic charm with modern touches, featuring wooden decor and ample seating.

With a commitment to satisfying its guests, the restaurant excels in both flavors and presentation, making every dish a delight for the eyes and palate alike. Signature dishes include the bone-in Iowa pork chop and the seafood soup, praised by locals for their freshness. I appreciate that the restaurant offers a range of prices, catering to various budgets while providing high-quality ingredients across all menu categories.

The average meal here costs around $15.83, which is reasonable considering the generous portions and attention to detail in each creation. Families, friends, and couples frequently fill the tables, especially during prime time on weekends. The buzz of conversation complements the savory aromas wafting from the kitchen, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Harlan residents often recommend stopping by during the quieter lunch hours when crowds are minimal and the food remains deliciously fresh.

The attention to customer service sets The Purple Door apart; staff make every effort to ensure visitors feel welcome and satisfied.

There's a strong community connection here that adds to the experience. Frequent events and seasonal menus help keep the offerings exciting, ensuring that both regulars and newcomers have something appealing to enjoy every season.

The Purple Door

The exterior of The Purple Door welcomes guests with a charming façade, painted in vibrant hues that reflect the restaurant's name. The patio outside features cozy seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh air during warmer months. Locals often gather here, making it a social hub to catch up over a meal. The atmosphere exudes a laid-back vibe, inviting you to relax and enjoy good food in good company. Whether dining indoors or al fresco, the setting enhances the overall dining experience.

Work Hours

Reservations & Service Hours

  • SundayClosed
  • Monday11 AM-2 PM 5-8:30 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM-2 PM 5-8:30 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM-2 PM 5-8:30 PM
  • Thursday11 AM-2 PM 5-8:30 PM
  • Friday11 AM-2 PM 5-9 PM
  • Saturday5-9 PM

Guestbook & Reviews

Customer Reviews

Nestled in a small town was the most amazing dining experience we have had in a long time. The appetizers (steak kabobs, fried green tomatoes and the Brussel sprouts) were amazingly tasty. Everyone couldn't get enough. When ordering our meals they said they were out of the Iowa bone in pork chop, however shortly after the owner stopped by our table and as we were picking and joking she said they have some as she just brought them. She quickly went and changed the order ensuring everyone had what they wanted. My husband ordered the salmon with mashed potatoes and carrots, I don't like fish and I throughly enjoyed the bite of his salmon. He said the carrots were amazingly tasty as well. I had the pasta primavera which I LOVED, my husband enjoyed a few bites as well. Our child had a cheese burger, house salad and some accidental fries. He traded his fries for the house salad and still had fries but he said both were amazing and if he had to choose again he's not sure which he would choose. The burger was massive, he usually eats quite a bit and could not finish his burger. Overall if I could give the restaurant more than 5 stars I would! If you like tea be sure to try out the raspberry sweet tea!

C
Christine B.

Nice little hidden gem with great food and great service. Classy place with unique atmosphere and art on the walls (Picasso). Good music in the background for ambience. We were just driving through Harlan on our way to St. Joseph & Atchison and stopped for supper on Friday night. The food was great. I would highly recommend the tomato basil soup. Fantastic. We both had fish tacos which were very good. Carrot cake for dessert. Reasonable portions (especially the soup and dessert) and fair prices. Highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent service as well.

W
William T.

Outstanding restaurant in small town Iowa. Food was perfectly prepared and seasoned well. Atmosphere was quiet and personal. I was a little under dressed, but felt welcome. Music playing in the background was relaxing. Service was great, very attentive. Best food I've had in a long time. Great date night restaurant. Will definitely be back.

M
Mike Y.

Ten of us had a fabulous meal on Saturday night. We ate a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Pork chops, filet, salmon, shrimp, polenta, French dip, tilapia and mahi mahi. All were excellent! Calamari, brussel sprouts and bread for appetizers and finished with key lime pie, chocolate cake and carrot cake. Highly recommend. We will return!!

J
Julie J.

We had a wonderful dinner experience here. The atmosphere was nice and quiet without a wait. The hostess and waitress provided excellent service as we continued to get our glasses filled with water.

J
John A.

I highly recommend this cute little romantic place. I would also highly recommend placing a reservation, we got lucky and had one table left. Food was amazing and full of flavor. Service was super friendly. Plenty of parking.

C
Charles D.