The Blue Mill Tavern Loosemeat Sandwich

I've chosen to submit this recipe because the recipes found on this website for loosemeats, and on other websites, are not the original recipe. The loosemeat was created in 1924 at Ye Old Tavern-now Gus' Family Restaurant on 14th and Jackson St. in Sioux City, Iowa. Nowadays you will find the original sandwich served at Bob's Drive Inn on Hwy 75, LeMars, Iowa just a mile or so out of Sioux City, at The Tastee Inn and Out, on Gordon Drive and at Miles Inn on Leech Ave. among others. If you see a recipe for loosemeats that contains tomato juice-run! A loosemeat is a sloppy joe without the slop-so stay away from anything tomato-ey please! These little sandwiches are great for football parties, slumber parties, with a cold beer on a sunny summer day, or just anytime you want a real taste of Americana cooking that takes just a few minutes with very little cleanup. These are typical Iowa tavern fare. I loved these sandwiches so much when I was a kid and one day I ran into my Grandma's tavern and asked for my usual "tavern". They always came served with a thin sheet of restaurant paper under them. I was so eager I ate my sandwich half way gone before I realized I was eating the paper too:-) After cooking these in the kitchen they were transferred to a portable steamer. This is the original recipe for the little dudes that were served in the Midwest. I cannot account for changes or differences in flavor for other regions of the country, east or west. I learned to make my Grandma's version when I came to spend summers with her in Sioux City between 1958-65. She's the reason I've become a diehard foodie, a "from scratch" cook. My Grandma was a fearless woman who wasn't afraid to tread in unfamiliar waters. In so many ways food brings people together. I had no idea these little sandwiches would be so loved and bring such happiness to people. I've been so touched by the messages I've received from folks who've tried this recipe and then shared their memories w/me! Thanks!! And thank you Recipezaar for creating a place for us to come together and share with each other!

You Might Also Like

Panquecas assadas com queijo

Panquecas assadas com queijo

Deliciosas panquecas assadas com queijo no forno, servidas com molho doce de iogurte e pequenas frutas. Uma ótima maneira de servir suas panquecas favoritas e um lanche da tarde doce e recheado que todos irão gostar. Panquecas recheadas com queijo podem ser preparadas com algumas horas de Read more >

Tartar Sauce

Tartar Sauce

I haven't purchased tartar sauce in many years. We do not like any hint of sweetness, preferring the combination of dill pickle, lemon, onion and Worcestershire to flavor the sauce. This will keep a long time in the refrigerator. Note to World Tour participants - this recipe is included in the Brit Read more >

Veronica's Easy Spanish Rice

Veronica's Easy Spanish Rice

DH wanted spanish rice one night so I made the following recipe that I got from Betty Crocker. OMG, it was just like eating my mom's. I forgot how good her spanish rice was!!! Try it, you won't be disappointed!!! Serve as a meal in its self or as a side dish. Read more >

Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

This is a great meal that we eat here often in the winter time. With some dark bread and maybe a salad it is a really hearty meal, though we have been known to eat just this for dinner. The recipe is adapted from Amy Dacyczyn's "The Complete Tightwad Gazette" Read more >

Bev's Macaroni and Cheese

Bev's Macaroni and Cheese

This is the recipe I have been using for Macaroni and Cheese since the beginning of time! Truly a classic and a staple on our family table. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. A great side dish to be served with my Meatloaf Barbecue Style! Read more >

Amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup!

Amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup!

This recipe has been a huge hit with everyone who has ever tried it. We make it almost weekly, and the leftovers are eaten immediately. It is also very healthy! It is a little spicy, so if you don't have too much of a tolerance for spicy foods, you may choose to leave out the seeds of the jalapeño. Read more >

Big Grandma's Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Big Grandma's Best Peanut Butter Cookies

This is my husband's grandmother's recipe that is cherished by the family. They are the best cookie that melts in your mouth. They don't have the normal peanut butter fork crossing...but more of a crackled sugar type cookie... My husband comes from a huge family - and these are one of the cherished Read more >