Dubuque has developed quite a food scene over the past decade, embracing restaurants of all genres, creating a robust number of choices for diners to expand their culinary palate and venture beyond the traditional midwestern cuisine often found at local supper clubs and other traditional restaurants. While these nostalgic places will always be revered and kept on the dining out rotation of all good Dubuquers, a new experience has recently opened, introducing a new culinary experience high in the sky.
Lock 11 is the new rooftop restaurant located on top of the Key Hotel Dubuque at the Q Casino. With its breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of the majestic Mississippi River, diners are surrounded by the beauty of the bluffs, buildings, and bridges that make Dubuque a beautiful city. This restaurant was just one part of the one hundred fifteen-million-dollar investment the casino made to create an even more significant experience for guests looking for topnotch amenities.
The owners of Q Casino and Resort sought to open this luxurious experience to bring a more elevated dining experience both literally and figuratively. Also, part of the Q Casino is Island Social Kitchen and Bar, serving as a Sport’s Bar, and Houlihan’s, a more fast-casual dining establishment. With Lock 11, dining is rounded out, serving as a higher end eating establishment. Although a more elevated experience, this restaurant is for everyone, from the casual casino player, friend group, couple on a date night, those celebrating any occasion, business groups, and hotel guests alike. Anyone who wants to enjoy delicious food and a great view is welcome.
The dining room was designed in a way that would enhance the ability to enjoy the incredible view, but also appear light and cheerful, making diners feel comfortable and complement the sensible Midwestern cuisine offered within the expansive menu. A large dining room and outdoor terrace are available to patrons, as well as a private dining room for up to twelve and the Overlook Room, which can accommodate up to seventy guests.
The cuisine at Lock 11 was carefully crafted by chefs, bringing their experience and passion to the restaurant. Executive Chef Agnes Pituscanu leads the kitchen. Her roots are in Eastern European cooking, which have been refined through her years of cooking in various kitchens throughout the world, including Moscow, Chicago, New York, and Italy. Executive Sous Chef Laura Guitierrez was born and raised in Mexico, where she fell in love with food and cooking, only to drive her career across the Midwest in several kitchens. Both chefs desire to share their love of food, fresh and local ingredients, and the world in their offerings to guests.
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