The Ideal Theater & Bar

We were there for two days. We loved the place. The employees are very friendly.

Excellent performance venue. Came out on an Open Mic Night and was really enjoying the whole friendly vibe at the Ideal Theater. Definitely a reason to visit Cedar Rapids!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Charcuterie

An amazing find. The Cider walk brought me here, and the craft deliciousness had me take a seat. I usually stick with an Old Fashion if I’m going to have a hard beverage, though an Apple Cider Daiquiri, special to the walk, will earn a second drink. I am by no means a drink connoisseur though if you’re also just happy to try something delicious, this is a place to do it. I probably won’t be back often, though The Ideal is a place I will remember and suggest. Cheers mate!

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Excellent place to go for music and drinks! A variety of entertainment top notch coupled with Excellent customer service! I highly recommend this venue!

Amazing music venue with genuine staff!

The Ideal provided excellent drinks accompanied by a warm, melody driven environment.

Dropped in, by chance, to discover Molly Nova & The Hawks were playing. WOW, was I lucky….

The night inspired me to return for Open Mic (Sunday)…. Thank you, Kenyon, for providing the music and environment to bring regulars and newcomers together.

I am now signing myself up to ne apart of ‘The Ideal Family’!

See you soon!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Charcuterie

OMG. The best food, folks and fun and music and atmosphere and Midwest gem! Stancia and Kenyon are the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

did not order food! drinks only!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

What a fun hidden gem in Cedar Rapids!! This bar and music venue is so unique, full of history and fun. The drinks are amazing! We tried 4 on the menu and all were great. The old fashioned, their most popular was great. We didn’t try the food, but I like the idea that it’s themed towards a theater with options like popcorn and pretzels. Definitely try to make this a must try while in the area. Glad we stumbled into this and decided to stop by. The only reason for the 4/5 was because the person helping us and taking our orders clearly didn’t want us there. She was rude, but ended up getting better as we were there longer. We would still go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 2

This was a massive scam.

I went to the Caribbean “carnival” thinking it was going to be a block party type event or at least large enough to justify the word. Typically when the word “carnival” is used, you think large event, a lot of vendors, etc. I was dead wrong.

They charged $20/person for their bar, 2 food trucks, bad music, and some crappy outdoor area. The music outside was so loud I couldn’t even hear the person next to me talking into my ear. Plus the bar next door also had an outdoor DJ you could hear overtop playing a completely different genre (at least that would’ve been free).

We originally came for the food and stayed a total of 30 minutes before leaving.

I know I wasn’t the only one disappointed. I watched others as they walked outside with the look of “is that it?” and trying to figure out what to do next.

Absolutely not worth $20/person…maybe $5 at best…

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

This place is a really classy environment with a great flavor to it! Laid back and pro social.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Charcuterie

Very stylish atmosphere and decor. There was open mike comedy, which was fun and something different. Not 5 stars for me because after sitting at a table for a while, I finally went to the bar and asked if they only take orders at the bar or if a server is going to come around... he said both and after I made my order, I did indeed see them make some effort to check on tables. Other reason this won't be a frequent stop for me is my bill for 2 drinks was a surprising $20, and when I asked for a water, I was brought a bottle and charged $1 for it. Sorry but i'm going to have to keep my business to places like their neighbor Kickstand, 2 drinks for $10 and water cooler and cups always available.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 3

Went here to hear Gallivant play. Venue was a easy to find. Had a nice bar. Plenty of seating. Service at the bar was great. They had a nice outdoor area. Will keep an eye out for future events to attend here!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great place to party.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Incredible venue!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Great atmosphere and loved the bartender!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5