4 Best Wine Bars in Dubuque

“I've never been a barfly. Nothing against those who are, but it's not my style. I like a place where I can sip or swill good drink and have a good conversation and a few laughs with good company, whether friends or strangers, without having to scream myself hoarse to be heard. EJ's is like an evening coffee shop that way: good beer, wine, and cocktail offerings, and a few small snacks, all well-curated. Quiet, friendly vibe, like you'd find in any European outdoor bar or cafe. The one time I ever heard of a troglodyte trying to start something, the owner handled him with decisive authority and ejected him, protecting his customers and the vibe. A German friend was in town recently, and was blown away by seeing on the shelf a Munich beer from his neighborhood that had just started production maybe a year prior. This is the Goldilocks of wine/beer/cocktail bars: no snootiness, no boorishness. Just good folks serving good drinks like they know what they're doing. Dubuque's Millwork District is lucky to have them.“

“Chill place without the college crowd. If you can grab a couch, the beer tastes even better!“

“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!“

“This is a great restaurant in a bad location. The food and service was wonderful. We had Steak/Lobster and Beef Stroganoff with salad and bread. Because it's location is attached to a casino, the smell was terrible. There was a strong air freshener that just made the smoke smell even worse. We couldn't get over the smell and doubt we will return.“