The Tangled Wood is now open in Bettendorf, Iowa, at 3636 Tangle Wood Road. The restaurant is the rebranded former Governor’s Pub and Grill, a 43-year old establishment that was beloved to many in the area.
The building is brand-new and houses 7400-square feet of indoor space with a bar, restaurant, and private event space as well as 8000-square feet for an outdoor area that will have a bar, patio area, fire pits, and an amphitheater. It is a beautiful place featuring darker wood textures and lots of natural lighting.
We sat in the bar area, which features 40 beers on draft! There were also a lot of televisions for those of your sports fans looking for a new place to watch the game.
I have been excited for this place to open up mainly for the food. Chef Doug Lear is the man behind the menu; he used to be the Executive Chef at Bass Street Chop House in Downtown Moline, Illinois. He is one of my favorite local chefs and he did not disappoint on this trip.

We ordered the Louisiana Hot Chicken Sandwich with French fries and the Lamb Philly Cheesesteak and the Irish French Onion Soup. Both dishes were incredible.

Their menu had a lot of things that I can’t wait to go back and try. There were appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, entrees and pizza with a few dessert items. The most expensive item was a steak at $31 that I heard great things about from an employee there. It is reasonably priced and you are well fed while there; well-taken care of too, we had great service.
The Tangled Wood will feature a Mug Club for those craft beer fans out there. You pay a $65 membership fee, get your own mug to drink out of when you visit, and a $1 your draft beers every time you go. Their beer list had a nice variety of craft brews as well as the reliable premium domestic light beers. On our visit we had a Bloody Mary because they put bacon vodka as well as gin in their concoction, it was tasty!
I look forward to seeing the evolution of The Tangled Wood. I’m certain the patio area will be one of the best in the area with a unique outdoor experience that can be fun and casual or romantic and intimate. I highly recommend planning a visit; I know I will be back soon!