Bars and grills

The Hay Market

4.2 198 reviews Closed 201 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101, United States

Discover this place

The Hay Market, located at 201 Washington St in Decorah, IA, is a charming bar and grill that feels like a home away from home. This vibrant venue showcases a warm atmosphere, where patrons rave about the friendly staff, particularly Becca, who adds a personal touch to every visit. Reviews highlight the excellent Bloody Marys and the delectable breakfast offerings, with many customers praising the swift service from staff like Amber.

While some dishes, like the chicken strips, may come off as bland, the overall experience is bolstered by the well-executed sides, such as fries, and the popular chorizo burritos. Guests also appreciate the refreshing adult beverages, including a comforting hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps during winter months. The Hay Market has a dive bar vibe that invites relaxation and good conversation, making it an ideal spot for connecting over a cold drink.

The warm praise from repeat visitors emphasizes the friendly service and delightful menu, assuring that The Hay Market is a must-visit destination whether you're seeking a casual meal or just a great place to unwind after a long day.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for

Breakfast
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Table service

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

College students
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with The Hay Market before visiting.

Reviews for The Hay Market

4.2

198 reviews

100%

40%

17%

10%

Review highlights

Based on 198 reviews

The Hay Market is widely regarded as a welcoming dive bar with a warm, friendly atmosphere and attentive staff. Customers frequently praise the reasonable prices and diverse drink selection, highlighting standout cocktails like Bloody Marys. The establishment also receives positive remarks for its breakfast offerings, noted for being both delicious and served promptly. While some food items receive mixed feedback, overall dining experiences are enjoyable. Patrons appreciate the personable bartenders and the casual, inviting environment, which fosters social interaction. Temporary closures for interior renovations indicate an ongoing commitment to improving the space. The Hay Market is well-loved for its blend of great drinks, solid food options, and a community-focused vibe that resonates with regulars and newcomers alike.

Jim Hughes

Jul 05, 2025

Lovely folks. Becca with the dreads is nice. Don't worry about the service here. This is a wonderful bar. Prices are reasonable, the staff is nothing but attentive, and the selection is wider than your typical hole-in-the-wall. It's great! Go here.

Paul Hilderbrand

Jul 02, 2025

Great Bloody Mary! Chicken strips were bland. Good fries. Warm environment.

Bill Murphy

May 02, 2025

Excellent breakfast! Fast, friendly service from Amber. Delicious breakfast. And my first Bloody Mary. Highly recommend The Hay Market for breakfast.

Charlene Corson Selbee

Apr 30, 2025

Look up the definition of a dive bar and you will see a picture of The Hay Market. I go here for the chorizo burritos and the adult beverages. Today I had a hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps. Our waitress was exceptional as they have always been.

Maggie’s Kid

Apr 27, 2025

Great place for a good cold drink and a great chat with Becca behind the bar. Food service will be back about mid July, after an interior rehab is finished. Great dive bar. Would love to have this bar closer to home!!

Racquel Benegas

Apr 24, 2025

I'm making another review since we had breakfast here for the first time. Once again, great dive bar with really friendly service! Breakfast was great with big portions. You shouldn't walk out hungry after having breakfast. The Hay Market will definitely be our go to the next time we're in Decorah.

R C

Apr 06, 2025

Great dive bar atmosphere! Great employees that are very attentive and work well together. We showed up for the first time in Nordic Fest Sunday. We were warned by Davia, the bartender, that it would be at least 45 minutes. It took a bit longer but we were warned! Excellent Bloody Mary's. We sat at the bar because the whole place was packed. We ended up taking our breakfast to go because of time constraints. We shared the chorizo burrito and Philly omelet. It was delicious. I do need to learn to ask places if they grill their burritos at all. I like the texture of a browned tortilla so I'll all fire that if I go back. The Philly omelet was out favorite I will say the American fries are actually cottage fries but they were cooked perfectly for me. They happily packed out for to go and made sure forks, napkins and extra sauces were in the bag. Great stop that was recommended by a friend. We will be back on a day we don't have prior agreements.