December 24, 2007 1:44 PM ET
BALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) - Fire has destroyed a landmark restaurant, believed to be the oldest dining establishment in Iowa.
The blaze at Breitbach's Country Dining in Balltown started about 8:30 a.m. and was still smoldering three hours later. All those in the restaurant escaped unharmed.
The Dubuque County restaurant dated to the 1850s, when it was a stagecoach stop. It was known for its panoramic views and rustic atmosphere. I hope they will rebuild but it will never be the same.

 

Welldamn, that sucks! I can honestly see how it could burn so easily though. It's all wood and it's so old and dry it wouldn't take much to start a blaze.

Again, damn![:@]

 

I was shocked to hear about it. I heard it from my girlfriend then started to see it on the news. That was one of the favorite stops of the guys I ride with. But the owner says they will rebuild.

 

What a sad day. This family has lost their livelyhood and we have lost a great place to stop and eat/drink and meet up with friends. As Drum said it will never be the same.

Jeff

 

Bad news, sorry to hear about it.

Hack

 

Really sad to hear the news

I consider myself lucky to have visited Breitbach's for the first time a couple of months ago right before the weather turned cold.

If the reports are accurate,thank God no one was hurt.

Another reminder that we never know what tomorrow might bring...

 

Yup, I came home from Va Beach for the holidays and was planning on going there. I'm that area of iowa. Always went there growing up. Too bad!