From crispy pork belly to apple-cider braised pork, this Midwest favorite is serving up something special for National Pork Month.
By Rachel Fishback | Pork Industry News
Some restaurants serve a great meal. Others make you feel right at home. For me, The Machine Shed Restaurant has always done both.
With its rustic farm atmosphere, hearty Midwestern cooking, and appreciation for American agriculture, The Machine Shed is one of my favorite places to enjoy a good pork dinner. And this October, they’re giving pork lovers four more reasons to visit!
In celebration of National Pork Month, also known as Porktober, The Machine Shed is featuring a special pork-inspired menu October 1–31, 2026, showcasing delicious flavors while honoring the farmers who raise America’s pigs.
A Restaurant Rooted in Agriculture
The Machine Shed opened in Davenport, Iowa, in 1978 with just 100 seats and a simple mission: honor the American farmer.
Nearly five decades later, the restaurant has grown to five locations across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, maintaining its commitment to scratch-made meals, Midwestern hospitality, and the hardworking families behind our food.
The restaurant sums up its philosophy perfectly: “We are not farm-themed. We are farm-rooted. There is a difference and you will taste it.” As someone who grew up farming, I love seeing a restaurant that makes agriculture part of its identity.
What’s on the Porktober Menu?
This year’s limited-time menu combines seasonal ingredients with flavorful cuts of pork.
- Belly Up ($13.99): Crispy pork belly bites with a maple-bourbon glaze, fried onions, and whole-grain mustard aioli.
- Orchard Braised Pork ($19.99): Apple-cider braised pork shoulder with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned greens, and rich braising jus.
- Harvest Ribeye ($21.99): An 8-ounce pan-seared pork ribeye with creamy Parmesan polenta, sweet corn chimichurri, and pickled peppers.
- Sweet Heat Chopwich ($16.99): A grilled pork chop on toasted brioche with sambal butter, cilantro, and your choice of side.
From sweet and savory to bold and spicy, the menu highlights the versatility of pork while bringing a little extra excitement to the dinner table.
Good Food, Great Memories, and a Reason to Celebrate
Even though it’s been a year since visiting The Machine Shed, I enjoyed a delicious stuffed pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes and ALL the sides. It’s the kind of comforting meal that reminds you of Sunday dinners with family. And the reason for my stop last October? They made it a point to tell their followers on social media they were supporting pork producers.
What I appreciate most is the restaurant’s continued recognition of the people behind the plate. Every pork meal represents a story that begins long before it reaches the kitchen, with pork producers, grain farmers, livestock truckers, and countless others working throughout American agriculture.
This Porktober, it’s wonderful to see restaurants like The Machine Shed giving pork producers a little extra recognition while encouraging consumers to discover new ways to enjoy pork.
With locations in Davenport and Urbandale, Iowa; Rockford, Illinois; and Appleton and Pewaukee, Wisconsin, there’s plenty of opportunity to pull up a chair and celebrate.
Explore locations and menus at MachineShed.com.
And to The Machine Shed, thank you for continuing to honor the American farmer, one delicious meal at a time. Not a farmer but want to support pork producers? Go enjoy a pork dish or sandwich at your favorite restaurant. When you are at the grocery store, pick up an extra pound or two of ground pork, bacon, sausage, ham or a pork roast for your table.
Happy Porktober!
