Guidebook for Iowa City
Food Scene
Local brewery with street-style food and good vegetarian options. Warehouse-style interior with outdoor seating next to a park bordering the Iowa River--beautiful sunsets! Lots of games (ping pong, shuffle board, foosball, bags) and dog and kid friendly. They regularly host music shows and trivia nights. Not too pricey.
10
Einheimische empfehlenBig Grove Brewery & Taproom
1225 S Gilbert St10
Einheimische empfehlenLocal brewery with street-style food and good vegetarian options. Warehouse-style interior with outdoor seating next to a park bordering the Iowa River--beautiful sunsets! Lots of games (ping pong, shuffle board, foosball, bags) and dog and kid friendly. They regularly host music shows and trivia nights. Not too pricey.
Deluxe Cakes & Pastries
812 South Summit StreetGood coffee and pastries and now with a modest (but quality) breakfast menu.
Closest quality breakfast without the crowds you find downtown at Blue Bird Diner.
Billy's High Hat Diner
630 Iowa AveClosest quality breakfast without the crowds you find downtown at Blue Bird Diner.
High quality food with a great atmosphere. You'll probably need a reservation to dine on the main floor (if you want more light), but the downstairs is nice too and has bumper pool!
Similarly stylish, high-quality takes on lowbrow food: Mosleys (BBQ), Pullman Bar & Diner, Short's (Burger deal on Monday after 6), El Bandito's (half-priced taco Tuesday).
Saint Burch Tavern
127 Iowa AveHigh quality food with a great atmosphere. You'll probably need a reservation to dine on the main floor (if you want more light), but the downstairs is nice too and has bumper pool!
Similarly stylish, high-quality takes on lowbrow food: Mosleys (BBQ), Pullman Bar & Diner, Short's (Burger deal on Monday after 6), El Bandito's (half-priced taco Tuesday).
Happy Hour from 4-6: Half-off drinks, all but top shelf liquor. Very nice interior.
Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
121 Iowa AveHappy Hour from 4-6: Half-off drinks, all but top shelf liquor. Very nice interior.
Oasis Falafel
206 N Linn St8
Einheimische empfehlenBest local Mediterranean.
Thai Spice
1210 S Gilbert StBest local Thai.
La Regia Taqueria
436 Iowa 16
Einheimische empfehlenBest local Mexican.
Masala Indian Cuisine
9 S Dubuque StBest local Indian.
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
310 E Prentiss StBest local vegan.
Drinks & Nightlife
Happy Hour from 4-6 pm: Half-off wine and beer and discount menu for appetizers and cocktails. Free pool and darts--first come, first serve.
12
Einheimische empfehlenClinton Street Social Club
18 1/2 South Clinton Street12
Einheimische empfehlenHappy Hour from 4-6 pm: Half-off wine and beer and discount menu for appetizers and cocktails. Free pool and darts--first come, first serve.
Best beer selection in town and quieter than most other options (when there's not a music show).
7
Einheimische empfehlenSanctuary
405 South Gilbert Street7
Einheimische empfehlenBest beer selection in town and quieter than most other options (when there's not a music show).
Parks & Nature
Hickory Hill Park
800 Conklin6
Einheimische empfehlenSome forested trails, restored prairie, and wildlife.
Shopping
Named from City Lights in San Francisco, this private bookstore has close ties with the local literary scene and often hosts readings on the second floor. The coffee shop upstairs is one of my favorites.
10
Einheimische empfehlenPrairie Lights Books & Cafe
15 South Dubuque Street10
Einheimische empfehlenNamed from City Lights in San Francisco, this private bookstore has close ties with the local literary scene and often hosts readings on the second floor. The coffee shop upstairs is one of my favorites.
Haunted Bookshop
219 N Gilbert StUsed books!
Essentials
New Pioneer Food Co-op
22 South Van Buren Street12
Einheimische empfehlenNormally on the pricey side but good discounts.
Hy-Vee
812 South 1st AvenueThis is a grocery store, but it also just happens to have the cheapest quality lunch you can hope for.
6
Einheimische empfehlenBread Garden Market
225 South Linn Street6
Einheimische empfehlenThis is a grocery store, but it also just happens to have the cheapest quality lunch you can hope for.
Arts & Culture
Iowa City was the capitol of Iowa until 1857. Interested in learning more? Here's the place. Next door is MacBride Hall, which houses the Natural History Museum.
Old Capitol Museum
21 North Clinton StreetIowa City was the capitol of Iowa until 1857. Interested in learning more? Here's the place. Next door is MacBride Hall, which houses the Natural History Museum.
Surprisingly awesome selection. A lot of locals don't even realize...
THIS IS NOT THE CORRECT ADDRESS, however: Iowa Memorial Union, third floor. 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52242. 319-335-1742.
University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art
150 N Riverside DrSurprisingly awesome selection. A lot of locals don't even realize...
THIS IS NOT THE CORRECT ADDRESS, however: Iowa Memorial Union, third floor. 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52242. 319-335-1742.
Entertainment & Activities
Compact theater for first-runs, classic movies, film series & workshops, with a cafe & roof patio
7
Einheimische empfehlenFilmScene on The Ped Mall
118 East College Street7
Einheimische empfehlenCompact theater for first-runs, classic movies, film series & workshops, with a cafe & roof patio
Big(ish)-name performances of all kinds. Sometimes you can snag last-minute tickets, unlike for Hancher Auditorium and Voxman Recital Hall.
10
Einheimische empfehlenEnglert Civic Theatre
221 East Washington Street10
Einheimische empfehlenBig(ish)-name performances of all kinds. Sometimes you can snag last-minute tickets, unlike for Hancher Auditorium and Voxman Recital Hall.