Lounges near Dubuque, IA

“Hosted children’s birthday party at Fischer Lanes. Definitely recommend and our host Alex was great.“

“Great Bartenders, Cold Drinks, but Where's the Riverboat?

After a full day of exploring Galena and enjoying our anniversary getaway, we checked into Hotel Julien in Dubuque and decided to keep things simple. Why venture out looking for a bar when there's one right downstairs?

So we made our way to the Riverboat Lounge, and I'm glad we did!

First off, the atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful. There were two weddings taking place at the hotel that evening, so I honestly expected a much busier, louder environment. Instead, we found a nice, quiet spot to relax, enjoy a few drinks, and unwind after a long day.

The decor was decent, although I have to admit, with a name like Riverboat Lounge, I was expecting a little more character! Dubuque has such a rich Mississippi River history, and the name practically begs for some old-school riverboat charm. Unfortunately, the decor didn't really deliver on that theme. Not bad by any means, just a missed opportunity to make the space something special.

But where this place really shines is behind the bar!

Our bartenders were absolutely fantastic. Extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the drinks they were serving. The beer was cold, the service was excellent, and they made us feel right at home.

Sometimes it's easy to overlook how much a good bartender can add to an evening. They don't need to put on a show or serve some elaborate cocktail. Just being personable, knowing their craft, and making guests feel welcome can turn an ordinary stop into a great experience.

And that's exactly what happened here.

We weren't looking for a wild night out. We wanted a comfortable place to sit, have a drink, enjoy each other's company, and finish off an already wonderful day. The Riverboat Lounge delivered exactly that.

The Verdict: A comfortable, quiet hotel lounge with decent decor that could use a little more personality to live up to its name. But the bartenders? They're the real reason to visit. Excellent hospitality, cold drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere made this a great way to end our evening.

Worth the Detour? Worth a Stop! Especially if you're staying at Hotel Julien or looking for a relaxed drink in downtown Dubuque. The riverboat theme might be missing, but the hospitality certainly isn't!“

“5 stars – The PERFECT event space! I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick. The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests. It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it unforgettable!“

“Small bar located inside of a power sports store. They have really good lunch specials & breakfast every Sunday. They are PACKED for breakfast, so get there early to get faster service! The portion sizes are very big and you always get to take home left overs! The prices also cannot be beat, but make sure to bring cash. They do not accept any cards.“