The Tiger Den logo

The Tiger Den

Restaurant · Lenox, IA · reviewed since 2014

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%49+31.1Reliability 28%41+11.6Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Momentum penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 51Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.51SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#13 of 14 coffee shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 8%
4.5 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews · 24 photos
71%five-star reviews
4.50★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
15%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
86%reviews answered by the owner
Apr 2026latest review

The Tiger Den at a glance

Google reviewers rate The Tiger Den 4.5 out of 5 based on 147 reviews, noting the owner responds to 86% of feedback. Customers frequently praise the friendly atmosphere, homemade food quality, and reasonable pricing, often highlighting the strong sense of local community. However, recurring criticisms in lower-rated reviews describe significant wait times, incorrect orders, and instances of unprofessional staff behavior or food safety concerns.

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 147 reviews (71% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 147 Google reviews (82 with written comments, 8 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 86% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: April 13, 2026.
  • Service: Coffee Shop serving Lenox, Iowa.

Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.

Score profile vs other coffee shops

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and momentum; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction49Reliability41Craft & service–Value–Momentum97Replies to reviews100Satisfaction: 49 (median 85)Reliability: 41 (median 84)Momentum: 97 (median 99)Replies to reviews: 100 (median 45)
The Tiger DenCoffee Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Tiger Den: 49/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.C
49
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Tiger Den: 41/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.C
41
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Tiger Den: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
97
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Tiger Den: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.A
100

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

147 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars10571%
  • 4 stars2819%
  • 3 stars53%
  • 2 stars53%
  • 1 star43%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 82 written reviews

  • Praise4393%
  • Complaints37%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude2248%
  • Price & value1124%
  • Speed & response817%
  • Quality & results37%
  • Would recommend24%

What customers talk about

We read 82 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “That kind of care is rare—it’s not just service, it’s heart.”
  • “Great burger and best curly fries ever and all at a great price!”
  • “Small but cozy, thankfully i got there on time because shortly after i arrived it got packed with all the regulars great people they seemed.”
  • “10/14 Great service thank you & great burger for a good price.”
  • “I would recommend this to anyone.”

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

Sara3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

If you’re looking for a true hometown experience, this is it. We celebrated my Grandpa’s 98th birthday here, and they made the whole moment feel incredibly special. That kind of care is rare—it’s not just service, it’s heart. This place is Lenox in a nutshell: good people, strong community, and a whole lot of…

laureneLocal Guide · 96 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 7 months ago★★★★★

Young kids. running the ice cream didn't make our malts according to what we ordered. Small short-person boy? Girl? Busing tables eating food off plates while carrying it to the back. Think 🤔 I will get my ice-cream from now on. The wait was horrendous 😫.

Rey7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★

We came in yesterday for the first time. We heard good things we ordered food we got some onion rings they were ok we also got some jalapenos popper things had no jalapeno and didn't taste anything like jalapeno I ordered some curly fries and let me tell ya mi kids kids meal had a bigger serving of fries than my…

Lilyth14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★

We got some ice cream from there and their swirl options are insane variety and impressive so good would come again.

Angie9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Absolutely delicious food! The grilled chicken salad is amazing! They grill the chicken per order, not pre-made and microwaved, large portion, dressing (honey mustard) tasted homemade 😋. I've had their handmade fresh hamburger patties, wraps and appetizers. Everything has been excellent along with great customer…

Customer photo from Angie's reviewCustomer photo from Angie's review
Ashley6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★

My experience at The Tiger Den was unfortunately very disappointing. The food quality was unacceptable — our egg rolls were severely undercooked and still frozen in the center, raising serious food safety concerns. Additionally, the staff’s behavior was highly unprofessional. They spent most of the time laughing…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.5 ★★★★★ 147 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Sara Dukes3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

If you’re looking for a true hometown experience, this is it. We celebrated my Grandpa’s 98th birthday here, and they made the whole moment feel incredibly special. That kind of care is rare—it’s not just service, it’s heart. This place is Lenox in a nutshell: good people, strong community, and a whole lot of personality. Melanie and the girls can really dish it out—great food and just the right amount of sass to keep you smiling. The Tiger Burger, cheeseballs, and especially the ice cream were all spot on. It wasn’t just a meal—it felt like being surrounded by community. Places like this are why small towns are so special.

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Thanks for that great review. We feel like we've got the best customers in the world and clients like you make this work fun and meaningful for us.

laurene fischerLocal Guide · 96 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews laurene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Young kids. running the ice cream didn't make our malts according to what we ordered. Small short-person boy? Girl? Busing tables eating food off plates while carrying it to the back. Think 🤔 I will get my ice-cream from now on. The wait was horrendous 😫.

Response from the owner · Edited 7 months ago

We really apologize that you did not have our typical customer experience.

Brenda GLocal Guide · 25 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brenda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My husband and I love eating here!

  • Order type: Dine in
Response from the owner · 7 months ago

Hearing positive responses like yours is always encouraging. Thanks!

Richard IskeLocal Guide · 79 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Richard has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great Food and Great service.

  • Reservation: Reservations not required
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
  • Group size: 5-8 people
  • Wait time: No wait
Response from the owner · 9 months ago

We really appreciate that feedback.

Rey Garcia7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We came in yesterday for the first time. We heard good things we ordered food we got some onion rings they were ok we also got some jalapenos popper things had no jalapeno and didn't taste anything like jalapeno I ordered some curly fries and let me tell ya mi kids kids meal had a bigger serving of fries than my grown as self and the fries were like the last of the bag cuz I got one full curly frie and the rest just pieces of small pieces ut other than that the burgers are ok

Response from the owner · 9 months ago

We are very sorry to hear about your negative experience. Please contact us directly and we will see if we can help.

Lilyth Palen14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lilyth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We got some ice cream from there and their swirl options are insane variety and impressive so good would come again.

  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Group size: 2 people
  • Wait time: No wait
Response from the owner · 10 months ago

We really appreciate that feedback.

Angie Martinez9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Angie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Absolutely delicious food! The grilled chicken salad is amazing! They grill the chicken per order, not pre-made and microwaved, large portion, dressing (honey mustard) tasted homemade 😋. I've had their handmade fresh hamburger patties, wraps and appetizers. Everything has been excellent along with great customer service and the cute sticker I got on my to-go box. Thanks Melanie and ladies for making my day!!

  • Price per person: $1–10
Response from the owner · a year ago

We really appreciate that feedback.

Ashley Dean6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ashley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My experience at The Tiger Den was unfortunately very disappointing. The food quality was unacceptable — our egg rolls were severely undercooked and still frozen in the center, raising serious food safety concerns. Additionally, the staff’s behavior was highly unprofessional. They spent most of the time laughing loudly among themselves and appeared visibly annoyed about having to cook or perform their duties. There was little to no attention given to guests during our visit. Based on this experience, I would not recommend this restaurant to others.

  • Order type: Dine in
  • Meal type: Dinner
Response from the owner · a year ago

We take your comments seriously and will review our processes so this does not happen again.

Sara Zywiec3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

One of the best places of IA.

Response from the owner · a year ago

We really appreciate that feedback.

Diane Bland15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Diane has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love their vanilla ice cream, bacon cheeseburger, & homemade fries!

  • Price per person: $10–20
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
  • Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
  • Wait time: No wait
  • Parking space: Plenty of parking
  • Parking options: Free parking lot
Response from the owner · a year ago

We really appreciate that feedback.

The Tiger Den on Google Maps →

Business details