🪑 Kathy’s Porch Picks

Locally owned spots I think every Linn County neighbor should know.

Kathy's front porch decorated for fall with white columns, green shutters, a rocking chair, flowers, scarecrows and pumpkins

Pull up a rocking chair! These are a few of my favorite local businesses, the kind of places run by neighbors who work hard and make our corner of Iowa better. I don’t take a dime for any of this. I just like sharing good things.

– Kathy

Lucky’s on 16th

Czech Village · Breakfast all day, every day

Lucky's on Sixteenth logo

🥚 Fluffy scrambled eggs🧀 Silky mac and cheese👋 Feels like family

Tucked into the heart of Czech Village, Lucky’s is a locally owned, family-friendly spot where breakfast is served all day. Owner Heather Armstrong is expanding the restaurant, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

Try this: the eggs Benedict, or a heaping bowl of mac and cheese. Yes, you can have either at breakfast time.
📍 Where
86 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
🕕 Hours
Open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM (check with them for holiday hours)
📞 Call
(319) 200-4590

Visit their websiteSee the menu

B & K Appliance Services

Marion · Fixes it fast, and keeps it fun

B & K Appliance Services logo

🏆 Platinum, 2026 CommunityVotes⚡ Often same-day😄 Free laughs

Appliance on the fritz? B & K fixes refrigerators, ovens and most other home appliances, often the same day, and a good laugh comes at no extra charge. Neighbors voted them Platinum for appliance repair in the 2026 CommunityVotes Cedar Rapids awards.

Good to know: save their number before the day your fridge goes warm. You’ll thank me.
📍 Where
1065 Lyons Lane, Suite C, Marion
🕗 Hours
8 AM to 5 PM (check with them for current hours)
📞 Call
(319) 210-9546

Visit their websiteSee the award list

The Salsa Guy Cafe

Cedar Rapids · From the farmers market to his own cafe

🫙 Salsa by the container🌯 Breakfast burritos🥪 Old-time Alfalfa’s memories

Tim Palmer, better known as “The Salsa Guy,” spent about 20 years selling small-batch salsas, sauces and breakfast burritos at Corridor farmers markets, where folks lined up for a sample and a jar to take home. Now he has a cafe on Blairs Ferry Road with burritos, burgers, sandwiches and, of course, salsa.

Try this: the “Alfalfa’s Experience,” a sandwich that’s a tasty throwback to the old Alfalfa’s Deli that many Cedar Rapidians remember.
📍 Where
3925 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
🕗 Hours
Monday through Saturday, about 7:30 AM to 8 PM, closed Sunday (check with them for current hours)

Visit his websiteRead his story on KCRG

Got a favorite local spot?

Tell me about a locally owned diner, bakery, shop or service that makes your day better, and it might land on the porch next. [email protected]