The Lark

Once, The Lark was one of the premier steakhouses in the state of Iowa.  Located outside of Iowa City in the small town of Tiffin, The Lark was owned and run by Bob and Shirley Thompson and was famous for their steaks, pork chops, onion rings and the great salads and homemade dressings that came with them. 

People from all over used to stop at The Lark for special occasions, as well as after Iowa football games.  When he was the basketball coach at Indiana University, Bob Knight would always eat at The Lark the night before the Hoosiers played the Hawkeyes. 

Jim Kharbush bought the Lark from Bob Thompson in 1999 and ran it for a while before fire destroyed the original restaurant in 2000.  The cause of the fire was a burner in the kitchen left on all night, but some people had theorized that was done intentionally. 

Kharbush moved into a new location in what was a Red Lobster along Highway One on the south side of Iowa City.  He redecorated the place and it was much more ornate and open than the original Lark.  But it still wasn't as good.

Last week, Kharbush (who owns five Ground Round franchises including the one in Iowa City) said that he was selling The Lark.  As of now, there are no prospects interested in buying the business. 

The Lark is still open, but will probably close in the near future. 

Actually, when Bob Thompson sold the place to Jim Kharbush in 1998, The Lark - to me - went out of business.  Almost from the start, the place just didn't seem to have that same "pizazz" you used to get when Bob ran the place. 

However, I will also say that once Bob and Shirley got a divorce in the 90's, The Lark also lost some of its luster.  The place started to get rather tired and worn out.  You could tell that the "woman's touch" was gone from the restaurant.

I'll always have great memories of eating at The Lark - the onion rings, the steaks, great salads, great service.  The Lark and their kind are dying breeds... 

Comments

[Al Kern]

I've lived in Tiffin for 28 years, and believe me, it was easy to walk the three blocks from my house to the best steak house in the Midwest (at least, until the late 1990's).

If I can hit the Powerball numbers tomorrow night, I guarantee that I'll bring the Lark back to Tiffin..:)

Nice blog, BTW.

[Dirk Keller]

The Lark had aged steaks, which made all the difference in the world.

Only the finest occassions involved the Lark.

Never had a bad meal there.

I even tried the frog legs one time.

Gone but not forgotten.

BTW, Al Kern is a god, and is somebody who could pull off another Lark.

[Silver Smith]

Hey, the Sanctuary Pub in Iowa City, Iowa was started by Nick Perret and Robert Nicholas. Then, a few years later, Nick sold to Dennis Jones and later, Robert sold to Daryl Woodson. And still later, Jones sold to “Woody".

[Matt Klein]

Eating at the Lark was an event in unto itself.
The steaks were the best, and service impeccable.
It is said that after losing to the Cyclones one year, Dan Gable dropped off his wrestlers in the parking lot to run back to Iowa City.
Very good commentary. All the comments are spot on.

[Paula]

Just found out that Bob passed away August 11, 2014. He will be missed by my family. My mom was his bookkeeper for years.

[Brian]

My grandparents would take the whole family there for special occasions. We always got several orders of onion rings as an appetizer. Then out came the iceberg lettuce salad- inside the hollowed out lettuce head. Thousand island with anchovies on top-awesome. Then the battered shrimp, which was the best shrimp probably in the Midwest. Grandpa would always get a New York Strip. Grandma would get a pink squirrel at the end of the meal.

Nothing but fond memories.

[Sarah Thul]

There is another Lark in Tiffin!! My daughter, Lark! Yes, she is named because of the special people and memories of The Lark. My dad was the head chef and my mom was a waitress. Bob and Shirley were very kind to my family and had the Amish in Kalona make a cradle that I have in my possession to this day. After my parents divorced (and my dad had left The Lark), my mom returned to waitress and met my stepdad, who also worked there. I have so many fond memories of running around the restaurant as a little girl. I wish I would have been able to tell Bob before he passed. Does anyone know how to get a hold of Shirley? I am currently looking for any pictures of the restaurant or other memorabilia for my Lark's bedroom. She is 18 months old. If you can help, please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks! Sarah (Harney) Thul

[Janice schulke]

We lived in Cedar Rapids, but went to the Lark for their wonderful meals several times. There was always a great meal and well served and perfectly cooked. Thanks for the memories. Janice Schulke, Durham North Carolina

[Janet Zimny]

I was at a garage sale in northern Minnesota and found 3 trivets that you could also hang on the wall, one with weights and measures, one calorie chart & one meat & cookery. The back says on our 10th anniversary again we thank you-“the best people on earth-our customers” THE LARK SUPPER CLUB

I had never heard of the Lark before but when I saw these trivets I knew it had to be something special.

[Chuck Roach]

The absolute best restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of frequenting. The steak was to die for, the salad was a head of lettuce with the insides chopped and all the extras added. For the price, nothing could compare. Good memories.
Chuck Roach