Restaurants in Iowa City
Best Restaurants
“Went there for a Valentines dinner date. It didn't disappoint! Our waiter suggested the oatmeal pie for dessert, highly recommend for anyone wanting to try something different.”
“Was taken out to dinner to celebrate graduating graduate school, so I don't know how much the bill was, but I absolutely loved the Rib Eye steak. They did it rare just the way I like it on the first try. Bison meatball app was killer, totally a vibe. Also, both their Manhattan and Old Fashioned were well made drinks that paired well with the rustic food. I chose Mac and cheese for my side and liked it, but ended up taking most of it home in a box. Other guest with me ordered salmon and said it was perfectly cooked so I included pictures as well.Definitely recommend for a date or a celebration of some kind, even if you're going alone I imagine the vibe could work well.”
“Great breakfast spot. Small wait but worth it. We enjoyed our food so much that we forgot to take a photo. The pancakes were yummy, the sandwich bacon was tasty and the simple breakfast didn’t disappoint. Definitely recommend and would go back.”
“This restaurant is actually well priced for its quality.I loved the Vegan Rueben sandwich I had. It was made with a home made bread that really made the difference.Vegetarian options: Menu is all Vegan”
“This is slowly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Service is always excellent and the staff is friendly. Food is superb and the menue is intriguing with wholesome and delicious food made of high quality ingredients. I took my daughter for her 12th birthday and she enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and appreciated the service. So, if my 12 year old kid likes, I’m all for it.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“We had heard about this place via an Iowa Hawkeye womans basketball player. We came here and it didn't disappoint. They have very flavorful drinks here. Better than the competitors! The pear slushie is so good!”
“Small very popular place. Has lots of different coffee, tea, and alcoholic drink options which was nice. The chicken was very delicious, juicy and flavorful. Definitely recommend!”
“I freaking love their burgers. Best in town as far as I'm concerned. Classic bar food fair. The fries are basically crinkle cut Ore Ida which is fine. Good beer.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“The food was amazing. If an Italiann restaurant says spicy meatball or sausage, it should be. Well at Basta it is and it was great.Our service was top notch. Our waitress was attentive without being overly so. She was efficient at removing dishes from our small table.As the restaurant has a small foot print space is a premium. It is cozy without feeling cramp in the right areas. We were sat on the raised section, which for a 250lb 6'2 guy was a little cramp. That is the only reason for the 4 star on atmosphere. If I could give four and a half I would.”
“Went there for a Valentines dinner date. It didn't disappoint! Our waiter suggested the oatmeal pie for dessert, highly recommend for anyone wanting to try something different.”
“I had a great time at Roxxys. I was very impressed by the service from Blake Heuer. He was attentive, hard working, and very nice! Thanks to Blake and the awesome staff I can’t say a bad thing about Roxxys.”
“I work downtown and stopped into Mammitas for a coffee. The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting. The staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable about their products. Upon their recommendation, I ordered a Horchata and it was the best drink I've ever had! I didn't get food this trip, but I've had it before and it is excellent. I highly recommend this amazing local spot!”
“The food was literally finger licking delicious!!! And the service was excellent!!! They helped me figure out the menuuuu. It was my first time eating fufu 11/10 ? If you like flavor eat ”
“An unforgettable dining experience at Mesa 503! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality from the staff. The cheese pupusa was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of cheese oozing out with each bite. The grilled chicken was tender and bursting with savory goodness. The staff went above and beyond to ensure my meal was enjoyable, offering helpful recommendations and making sure I had everything I needed. The cozy ambiance added to the overall charm of the restaurant. I highly recommend Mesa 503 for anyone craving authentic Salvadoran cuisine served with a side of warmth and hospitality. Five stars without a doubt!An unforgettable dining experience at Mesa 503! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality from the staff. The cheese pupusa was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of cheese coming out with each bite. The grilled chicken was tender and delicious. The staff went out of their way to ensure my meal was delicious, offering helpful recommendations and making sure I had everything I needed. The cozy atmosphere added charm to the overall restaurant. I recommend Mesa 503 for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Salvadoran cuisine served with a touch of warmth and hospitality. Five stars without a doubt!”
“Was taken out to dinner to celebrate graduating graduate school, so I don't know how much the bill was, but I absolutely loved the Rib Eye steak. They did it rare just the way I like it on the first try. Bison meatball app was killer, totally a vibe. Also, both their Manhattan and Old Fashioned were well made drinks that paired well with the rustic food. I chose Mac and cheese for my side and liked it, but ended up taking most of it home in a box. Other guest with me ordered salmon and said it was perfectly cooked so I included pictures as well.Definitely recommend for a date or a celebration of some kind, even if you're going alone I imagine the vibe could work well.”
“This small place was absolutely delicious! We got take-out Friday night and came back for Sunday at lunch. The owner was extremely helpful and he took great care to ensure we had a good experience. The gyro meat was very tender and not at all gamey. Jeff's special, a spicy naan sandwich with chicken and a kind of sweet sauce, is a must try! (though it's not yet on the online menu). The chickpea salad was also amazing, with a kind of sweet sauce, some mango flavors, and a spicy kick with jalapeños.You'll need a fork to eat the gryo or sandwiches because they are so loaded up, but it's worth the mess. We will be going back again and again.”
“I stopped at the 811 S 1st Ave, Iowa City location. The ice cream was excellent and the young lady that served me was very courteous & friendly. This lady needs a pat on the back (and bonus) from the boss. She was busy cleaning the windows, tending to the machines. sweeping the floors (3/1/24), when not helping customers. She got a tip from me.Kid-friendliness: Excellent”
“Friend have been telling me about this place and finally stopped in for a fried spicy chicken sandwich. Well-seasoned, and the spicy sauce was just right for heat. Fried to perfection. I will definitely be back and spreading the word!”
“I'm a sucker for a cozy couch and an eclectic decor with plants, gnomes, and artwork from local artists. Plus, the Aphrodite Smoothie was, in a word, tasty.”
“Great breakfast spot. Small wait but worth it. We enjoyed our food so much that we forgot to take a photo. The pancakes were yummy, the sandwich bacon was tasty and the simple breakfast didn’t disappoint. Definitely recommend and would go back.”
“This restaurant is actually well priced for its quality.I loved the Vegan Rueben sandwich I had. It was made with a home made bread that really made the difference.Vegetarian options: Menu is all Vegan”
“I would give Elida’s Bakery six stars if I could. I cannot recommend them enough! We ordered cupcakes and a cake through Elida for our wedding. There were so many flavor combinations and the process went so smoothly. Not only were they visually appealing, but they tasted INCREDIBLE. We received so many compliments! The service was outstanding. I later learned they had three other weddings the same day, and despite it being such a busy day, they arrived right on time and set up a beautiful display.I have spoken with Elida and a few of her family members on multiple occasions and they are some of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. I highly recommend this business for so many reasons! They are the BEST!!”
“This is slowly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Service is always excellent and the staff is friendly. Food is superb and the menue is intriguing with wholesome and delicious food made of high quality ingredients. I took my daughter for her 12th birthday and she enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and appreciated the service. So, if my 12 year old kid likes, I’m all for it.”
“Great food, but staff could use some more personality like the expertise of the Wendy's Drive Thru Guy exemplifies. That Man could make this delicious food even better!”
11
the Webster
“My husband and I had a wonderful experience at the webster last night. I would highly recommend if you want a more fine dining elevated type of night out for food and/or drinks. Since it was last minute we ended up eating at the bar but it was a good experience as well. Great bar to come in for a drink and a small plate to share before venturing out in the city.We had beer and wine as our drink choices. Small plates we ordered were oysters and wagyu tartar. The large plates ordered were trout and scallops. A side of potato salad was shared as well. And for dessert the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream.Oysters were good with the apple kimchi sauce. I do prefer more of the strong lemon citrus flavors. They did state the Island creek variety oysters aren’t served around the area that they have seen. Wagyu tartar (locally sourced from Jiyu American Wagyu Farms) was great and the seasoning was nice with the cumin flavor coming out. The warm in house pita chips/bread it was served with were very tasty as well.The trout was very good and the sauce it was served with was delightful. I was craving scallops since it had been a minute so I ordered the scallops. They were cooked perfectly! The items it was served with weren’t my favorite- quinoa and escarole and were too cold for my liking. The potato salad side dish was sooo good as well. Highly recommend this one.I wanted to try the hyped up lemon curd but opted for more our style of dessert the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and it was sooo good if you are craving the more moist and gooey style of dessert. We were sooo full but had to have the dessert.Next time perhaps we will splurge on the dry aged beef and I want to try the famous duck noodles. And the tuna or hamachi crudo.”
“Burrata:Great. Mild. Textured. Good breads. Pepper was interesting (that’s a good thing). ??Pear Salad:Great. Contrast. Balanced. Complementary ingredients.Marsala:Great. Savory. Rich, but not heavy. Chicken cooked perfectly. Pasta had great texture - cooked just right, not clumped together, not wet. Good cheese.Lasagne:Great. Balanced. Pasta spot on. Veg spot on. Cheeses spot on. Whole thing held its integrity. Pesto complimented mornay, didn’t overpower it. I actually liked this almost as much as Marsala.Butter cake:So decadent. Loved the coulis to cut through the heaviness. Good ice cream.Cheesecake:The real deal. Cheesecake is either good, or I want nothing to do with it. This is legit.”
Online Reservation Available
“My husband and I had a wonderful experience at the webster last night. I would highly recommend if you want a more fine dining elevated type of night out for food and/or drinks. Since it was last minute we ended up eating at the bar but it was a good experience as well. Great bar to come in for a drink and a small plate to share before venturing out in the city.We had beer and wine as our drink choices. Small plates we ordered were oysters and wagyu tartar. The large plates ordered were trout and scallops. A side of potato salad was shared as well. And for dessert the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream.Oysters were good with the apple kimchi sauce. I do prefer more of the strong lemon citrus flavors. They did state the Island creek variety oysters aren’t served around the area that they have seen. Wagyu tartar (locally sourced from Jiyu American Wagyu Farms) was great and the seasoning was nice with the cumin flavor coming out. The warm in house pita chips/bread it was served with were very tasty as well.The trout was very good and the sauce it was served with was delightful. I was craving scallops since it had been a minute so I ordered the scallops. They were cooked perfectly! The items it was served with weren’t my favorite- quinoa and escarole and were too cold for my liking. The potato salad side dish was sooo good as well. Highly recommend this one.I wanted to try the hyped up lemon curd but opted for more our style of dessert the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and it was sooo good if you are craving the more moist and gooey style of dessert. We were sooo full but had to have the dessert.Next time perhaps we will splurge on the dry aged beef and I want to try the famous duck noodles. And the tuna or hamachi crudo.”
“Jay and Ashley represented Graze Catering at an event held at the Palmer House Stable weddings & events in Solon. The presentation for a line buffet was classy and kept full but the true delight was the food! Absolutely the best we have had in the Stable. They are now on our "Preferred Vendors, Friends & Favorites" list where you have to earn that recommendation from us to offer your services to our clients.Job well done!”
“Wow, this food seriously exceeded my expectations. I had the Szechuan shrimp entree and the Takoyaki appetizer. The Szechuan is a cut above any other Chinese restaurants in town, owing to the higher-grade ingredients and perfect execution. First time trying takoyaki and I was really impressed - really a delicacy. If you haven't tried this place, disregard the dated, mixed reviews, and stop by!”
“The vegan options are very tasty. We shared the salad and the vegan bowl . It was very loud that day due to a local game on and all the hard surfaces reverberating the noise of patrons yelling . Service was pleasant but not very timely. Will be back to try the outdoor areas.”
“Just to be clear, they have beer and drinks more than food. Hatchet Jack's is an incredibly fun place to go blow off some steam, and learn a new skill. They have throwing stars now too (fun!)”
“We originally bought tickets for the dueling pianos on a Friday night. We decided to make reservations and have dinner there. We started with the shrimp cakes and duck wontons. We also got a bourbon flight to try 4 different bourbons. We got the bone in Iowa chop with brussels and mash. We finished with the creme brulee and drinks. The shrimp cakes were good with a sweet chili sauce. The duck wontons were fantastic and awesome. I would order these any time, every time. The bourbon flight was not for me, not a bourbon person apparently. The main course was excellent. The Brussels were crispy and tasty. The mash was smooth and flavorful. It was a great compliment to the thick and juicy Iowa chop. The creme brulee was good and the drinks were decent. The shrimp cakes were good however I would rather order the duck wontons. The main course was fantastic and I would definitely order this again. The creme brulee was good, pretty standard brulee. The drinks were ok. I probably wouldn't order drinks, other than wine or beer, here as they are small and pretty pricey. The waiter was good though he did drop off towards the end and my drink order got list whether he forgot or the bar didn't do it but he did blame it on the bar. Overall, the food was excellent and worth the trip. I would say give it a try for good m, not so much the drinks.”
“We went for valentine's day unfortunately we waited for an hour after being seated for service. The owner was very apologetic and comped are dinner. The food was amazing and worth the wait. I will definitely give them another try.”
“I love there food always hot n delicious...the people at the front counter a very sweet they know just want isn't I find myself eating there often.....I just love everything about ”
“Just let me say….WOW. The den here is absolutely beautiful. Very chill mellow vibe. Almost like I’m part of the mafia and this is my home. lol. Okay maybe not the monster part but definitely an experience while sitting in the den area.The CHEESE CURDS hands down best I’ve ever had in my life. The batter wasn’t thick but just perfect crunch to go with every bite. And the dipping sauce was absolutely divine.The chicken and waffle was a new experience for me and I absolutely loved the bites I shared with my wife. I had the Burch burger and I high recommend you try it. Savory flavors just melt in your mouth. 10/10 would definitely come here again.Kid-friendliness: The portions for the kids cheeseburger was as big as an adults. Plenty to take home for another meal.”
“The fresh dough makes a much better pizza. The crew does their best to keep up with the high volume of orders. You may experience a longer wait time for deliveries, but that's because everyone is ordering from here late at night. The drivers are making runs for customers non-stop. Make sure to get your order in earlier for the best delivery experience. Those that have tried Gumby's always recommend it to family and friends.”
“We've been here twice and pleased both time. We do get our sushi with cooked not raw foods so I can't speak to the freshness of sushi fish. Tempura chicken was light and crispy and sushi was tasty. Soup could use a little more onion and mushrooms as it was mostly broth. Waitress on our second visit was attentive and very polite. We changed up how we wanted sauces and she did great.These pics are from the 2 visits. Sexy Girl roll, peanut roll (minus peanut sauce, tempura chicken, crab rangoons and onion soup.”
“We visited Flight for the first time on New Year's Eve. The service was wonderful and the meal was great - probably one of the best steaks we've had in Iowa so far.”
“2nd time eating here. This place is very clean and has good customer service. The first time I order fish and fries. Now the fish was the biggest pieces of catfish I’ve seen. The fish had no season and it was really greasy. The fries were full of salt. I could not eat my food I called back and complained about the food and the guy who works up front was very understanding and was ready to refund me. I told him to not refund me just give me a credit and I’ll just try the wings the next time. I tried the wings finally with fried rice this time. The wings are nice size but it had little to no season on there. It just tasted like meat so I didn’t like them that much but oh boy the Fried Rice here is very delicious just plain vegetable fried rice and it’s amazing so I will definitely be ordering the fried rice more often I don’t know about the other menu items.”
“Went here for lunch with a friend last week and we were so excited to try their bento boxes. We were not disappointed!! Portions were good and food was tasty. Service was good and the atmosphere was cosy too.”
“Had brunch with a group of coworkers. Our waitress was horrible. But, the food was fantastic. I love their menu, there is something for everyone. I had the breakfast skillet off of the brunch menu. Will definitely go back to try some different menu items and hopefully get better service.”
“I love places like this, been around since 1957. Great vibe with a simple menu done really well. I created my own 10 inch pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers, cooked a little extra dark. The crust is thin and crispy, just the way I like it. The flavors were awesome. They had Easy Eddie from Big Grove on tap as well. No Parmesan cheese, which I thought was a little strange but overall an amazing place.”
14
Teamo Tea
“This is an amazing place to get Boba in IC. It's not too pricey, and they have a TON of options for your drink. I especially love the wall of sticky notes you can add to, it gives it a very nice vibe and I love seeing what people have drawn. If you like Boba, you'll like Teamo ”
“Jay and Ashley represented Graze Catering at an event held at the Palmer House Stable weddings & events in Solon. The presentation for a line buffet was classy and kept full but the true delight was the food! Absolutely the best we have had in the Stable. They are now on our "Preferred Vendors, Friends & Favorites" list where you have to earn that recommendation from us to offer your services to our clients.Job well done!”
Takeout Restaurants
“We had heard about this place via an Iowa Hawkeye womans basketball player. We came here and it didn't disappoint. They have very flavorful drinks here. Better than the competitors! The pear slushie is so good!”
“Love this place. Love that its off the beaten path and the food is really good. I have yet to found a place in Cedar Rapids that serves Tonkatsu style ramen, so when I want ramen, I go here. its worth the 40 min drive.”
“Absolutely delicious food. The savory crepe of chicken, pesto, feta, cranberries, and spinach was such a delicious blend. We purchased two dessert crepes. The Nutella and strawberry was smooth and creamy, very mouth-watering. The lemon and blueberry crepe served as a tart pallet-cleanser. It wasn't too sweet but just the right amount of sweet and tangy. We were able to sit in a booth. Keep in mind that seating is limited. There were others ordering carry-out. The staff was very friendly. We loved our experience and plan to return!”
“It's always a pleasure coming to Aspen Leaf. Not only is the Fro Yo and chocolate amazing, the owner treats you like family. Try the candy apples while you're there :)”
“Small very popular place. Has lots of different coffee, tea, and alcoholic drink options which was nice. The chicken was very delicious, juicy and flavorful. Definitely recommend!”
“I got two flavors: Cake batter and Strawberries & cream. I topped it with strawberry slices, strawberry popping pearls, and yogurt chips.There are about 10 yogurt flavors, but maybe 50 different toppings, so it's highly customizable.The store is local and eco conscious, the staff are friendly, and there are options for those with dietary restrictions such as dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan.Price is by weight, so be careful how you fill your dish. The yogurt pumps are self-serve and go fast, so it's easy to accidentally leave little room for toppings or buy more yogurt than you meant to.Dietary restrictions: Dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lowfat, and/or vegan options.”
“I freaking love their burgers. Best in town as far as I'm concerned. Classic bar food fair. The fries are basically crinkle cut Ore Ida which is fine. Good beer.”
“This place has been a staple in the iowa city area as long as I can remember. It's the kind of bar where, if you're local you'll know someone there. Juke box, pool, arcade games. The staff is always friendly and fast. Always a good time!Kid-friendliness: Tables and a kids menu”
“Great food, but staff could use some more personality like the expertise of the Wendy's Drive Thru Guy exemplifies. That Man could make this delicious food even better!”
“Just tried Nodo for the first time and the food is so delicious!!I got the Nodo steak sandwich with beer battered fries. Just amazing flavor!Staff was friendly as well.”
“Shoutout Ava for some awesome service! Everything was so fresh and the customer service was amazing. The staff was so knowledgeable and helpful when I had questions about the menu. I got the Everbowl with peanut butter and it was so delicious! Everything was so clean and organized. Would definitely recommend!!”
“Food is delicious but be prepared for a long wait. This is of no fault of the workers because Nodo is so popular that they can't keep up with the orders. It does make me wonder whether they would benefit from more cooks/cashiers so it doesn't take around half an hour for a sandwich and fries, though. I would still highly recommend! It's worth the wait if you have time.”
“Burrata:Great. Mild. Textured. Good breads. Pepper was interesting (that’s a good thing). ??Pear Salad:Great. Contrast. Balanced. Complementary ingredients.Marsala:Great. Savory. Rich, but not heavy. Chicken cooked perfectly. Pasta had great texture - cooked just right, not clumped together, not wet. Good cheese.Lasagne:Great. Balanced. Pasta spot on. Veg spot on. Cheeses spot on. Whole thing held its integrity. Pesto complimented mornay, didn’t overpower it. I actually liked this almost as much as Marsala.Butter cake:So decadent. Loved the coulis to cut through the heaviness. Good ice cream.Cheesecake:The real deal. Cheesecake is either good, or I want nothing to do with it. This is legit.”
“I love places like this, been around since 1957. Great vibe with a simple menu done really well. I created my own 10 inch pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers, cooked a little extra dark. The crust is thin and crispy, just the way I like it. The flavors were awesome. They had Easy Eddie from Big Grove on tap as well. No Parmesan cheese, which I thought was a little strange but overall an amazing place.”
“I love coffee, but not a connoisseur. I usually get Starbucks as a treat when I'm traveling. I grabbed an oat milk latte here when staying at the hotel and wow!! The coffee is incredible! My cup made Starbucks taste like water. And honestly the price was less than anything I've ordered at Starbucks. I'm craving my next cup!Dietary restrictions: Oat milk for dairy freeKid-friendliness: Cute little kids table and chairsWheelchair accessibility: Elevator to the second floor. Although not sure you can use it if not staying at the hotel, because it has a room key lock.”
“We had excellent curry pork made by the very friendly owners. Most all the ingredients are local with a goal of fully local soon. Can’t wait to come back and try other dishes!”
17
Soseki Café
“Took myself to Soseki on a date and I was throughly pleased! I got Crab Rangoons and the Spicy Tuna Roll as an appetizer and they were both delicious! For my entrée I got the Mongolian Shrimp and added Beef. It was absolutely amazing. The flavor was on point and thanks to my waiter Seb I got more bang for my buck! Definitely recommending and definitely will be returning! Total experience was a 10/10!”
“Wow, this food seriously exceeded my expectations. I had the Szechuan shrimp entree and the Takoyaki appetizer. The Szechuan is a cut above any other Chinese restaurants in town, owing to the higher-grade ingredients and perfect execution. First time trying takoyaki and I was really impressed - really a delicacy. If you haven't tried this place, disregard the dated, mixed reviews, and stop by!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I'm not a coffee drinker but went to get one for my wife and the staff was very accommodating to my lack of knowledge in coffee linguistics. My wife loves this place and this is a mandatory stop every time she's in the neighborhood. They also have gluten free treats which are also a must have. This last time I got 3 cherry and pecan energy balls. Would recommend this place and will be going back for sure.”
“Cute coffee shop in the heart of Iowa city. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty busy. My white mocha was delicious, the menu seems like there is something for everybody. It is family friendly and looks like it’s a pretty popular spot for the college kids. Will definitely be back!”
“We have always had amazing service and pizza from this location. Super loaded with toppings and always ready when they say it will be! Love the veggie and the pep/”
“Baristas were super nice and friendly. Greeted upon entering with a smile. Good vibes, away from the college environment. Played games with the family and caught up”
“We had Potato Kale Vegetable Soup, Ultraviolet Power Plant Energy drink no super cream and Glow Worm Power Plant Energy drink. Reasonably priced. Excellent service and suggestions as I am lactose intolerant. Clean, attractive place to eat.”
“If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has 1000 fans, I’m one of them. If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has 1 fan, it’s me. If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has no fans, I’m dead. This menu item makes my toes curl with 100% certainty ever single time.”
“Went in after leaving my debit card an hour away at home. I asked if they would accept a bank acc./ routing #. Unfortunately they could not, however the manager graciously offered to cover my meal for me. This is a man who truly cares about his customers. He had an amazing energy and a very warm smile and kind spirit. From now on I will be visiting whenever I’m in the area. Five stars is not a good enough rating for these fine people”
“This place is always a top notch Jimmy Johns. Fresh bread always, good meat, and great ranch. Ranch tends to be on the spicier side (I love it). Staff is super friendly and fast, go here!”
“Good location and cool atmosphere for a fast food joint. We go here often for the ice cream. I would not recommend the food. Have some patience because high school kids run the shop, and they may fat finger an order on the register or something. However, we all start somewhere and they do a good job with all things considered. Make sure to tip 'em.”
“We are long time customers. They always take great care of us. Perfect for family outings and cheaper date nights. Nice atmosphere.Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free bun available”
“My go to for a sandwich and cool delivery drivers. I cook and work in kitchens so after a day of crazy and never ending repetitiveness,I drink a beer order some Jimmy John's and have never been disappointed by this store or its delivery drivers. Keep up the good work and thanks for the simple joy of nostalgia in a sandwich appreciate the food and how you guys operate.”
“My daughter and I we're in the area and found Panda Express. We got some lunch here. We missed Panda Express and don't have one out in Burlington. Where we used to live, there are a few. Seeing Panda Express was cool because it reminded us of home.”
“Sandwiches were great, but that’s not the important part. We have a family member in ICU at UIH. After the Hawkeye game, while traffic was a total disaster, an amazing superhero from this store delivered our subs by bike. Oh, did i mention in under an hour! Thank you!”
“Went at about 10 at night, and no one answered at the drive thru, so i decided to pull around, and there was 1 employee working hard to make all the many orders and his customer service was over the top. My man John needs a raise and / or promotion even tho there was a wait, John made it worth the ”
“What a busy location...people were waiting inside for their food and the drive thru was backed up outside. Placed our order and was told to give them about 10 minutes. Our food was given to us in less than 10 and it was very hot. It tasted very good and I enjoyed it completely.”
“Went here for dinner before a show a Hancher recently - really fantastic experience!All tables were taken with reservations (get some well in advance of the weekend), so we sat at the bar. The bar was great - Adam was tending. He was excellent - friendly, A+ recommendations, and made us feel at home. The atmosphere was great and the other couple at the bar was very friendly.I have heard the food is good and we were really impressed. Mozzarella burrata, bucatini boscaiola, and tagliolini. Cheesecake for dessert. Would also recommend Adam’s Mint martini (created by Adam the bartender). All of the food was excellent - bucatini was my favorite.I didn’t do a great job w photos - but here are a couple!”
“The adult beverages are great! Food was very good. Staff was good as well. We enjoyed some mother/ daughter time there and it was a good experience. I would go again and recommend. We ate street tacos and border fajitas. There was plenty to eat and some to spare for another day.Vegetarian options: There are some options that say vegetarian, but most items you can customize to fit a vegetarian diet like my daughter.Kid-friendliness: There were kids there, one had a birthday and they sang to them. Plenty of room for families.”
“The vegan options are very tasty. We shared the salad and the vegan bowl . It was very loud that day due to a local game on and all the hard surfaces reverberating the noise of patrons yelling . Service was pleasant but not very timely. Will be back to try the outdoor areas.”
Cheap Eats
“Great atmosphere, music and comfortable seating. If you are looking to eat good and affordable Korean food, this is the place to go. It is owned by two lovely old couple. Besides not being able takeout, you can easily order the meal with the QR code they provide and enjoy as much time as you need in the restaurant. The best part is that they adjusted to my spice level!”
“This place is giving quaint, cozy library and the music mix was definitely a chill indie vibe.This building has been many different bars/eateries in the past and I’m glad to see a restaurant like The Black Angel on this corner now.The menu is a good size, on the smaller side which typically means (to me) better quality food. Many sandwich and po boy variations. I enjoyed the Des Moines po boy which had Italian sausage patties and a huge portion of thick cut ham. It was phenomenal and loved having a Caesar salad as a side option.Our table also split the chips and queso. Queso was more Tex Mex vs the queso blanco flavor you’d expect at a Mexican restaurant. We really enjoyed it though. Chips were pretty good. I prefer thinner crispier chips where these were thicker.Ended it all with the bread pudding dessert which I inhaled. So delicious. Only thing I wished was that it was served warmer and with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.Will definitely be returning to try other sandwiches and maybe their breakfast as well!Also worth nothing the pricing is very fair. I feel like eating out has gotten so expensive but we got two entrees and a dessert for $42. Haven’t spent that little on dinner in Iowa City in a long time.”
“I remember when this place opened!!! As a BBQ fan, I was very happy to see someone doing BBQ right in the heart of Iowa City!! Next time I'm back I'll have to pop in!!”
“The BEST hummus you'll ever eat........the falafel and gyros are hands-down phenomenal! If you're in Iowa City....you have to stop at Oasis (and don't forget to grab a extra tub of hummus for your home)!”
“This was a cool place. The bartender (owner) was really friendly and gave a good overview of the place. You can get flights of four. The kombucha was refreshing and delicious.”
“The burrito I got was amazing and very quickly made with very fresh ingredients that I was blessed to pick out myself. My girlfriend got chicken tacos that I also tried and they were just as good. It's authentic! This is not like a chain restaurant.Parking: Very limited parking on the street near there. We got very lucky that day though.”
“I walked around this entire area and this spot really stood out from the rest. I'm not from around here so just going to a normal restaurant chain doesn't really appeal to me when visiting somewhere new. When half of the people around Hoja aren't speaking English, and the menu is in two different languages...you know you stumbled upon a gem. The beef was so tender and had excellent seasonings. Little bit of spice with the jalapenos and the nice accent with the kimchi. Everything about this dish was perfect and I would easily go there again.”
“This is the closest I’ve come to finding similar BunBo Hue to the lady I used to work for in Colorado Springs. Definitely going back to this place. The best cure for sickness is a bowl of Bun Bo.”
“There was enough parking, plenty of seating & it didn't take long to get our meal.Kid-friendliness: There were families there. Did not appear that there were any problems in those situations.”
“Greeted at the door as soon as we walked in. We were seated right away, server was very efficient. Chips and salsa came right away along with the drinks. 5 minutes after we ordered our food was at the table. I had the spicy chicken burrito, friend had the spicy steak. The food was very Fresh, hot and very tasty. Restaurant was clean, it was great. We just moved to the are and live close to this restaurant. We will definitely be back. It was well worth the money and visit. Prices are very good as well!!! Thank you”
“Always a good experience. but today I had my QR up for my blended Carmelious and she DIdn'T scan my QR code that was on the counter and was told they can't after they take the money. So I'm frustrated with that.”
“Great cupcakes & cakes! We have used Molly's for custom cakes for several years now, and they consistently make amazing and moist cakes every single time. The ordering process for the cakes is so easy, and we have never had a problem with any of our orders. And all the staff is always friendly!”
“The best bar in iowa city. I’m actually a bit reluctant to review it with such high praise because I don’t want it getting too crowded. A must-visit in the month of October.”
“Excellent tasting food. lol five of us had something different. Waitress was kind, attentive and good follow-up.Parking: Plenty of handicap parking as we had need for 2 handicap peopleKid-friendliness: Families were there with kids. Interactivity with colors and words availableWheelchair accessibility: No steps and easy access with tables set for everyone”
“Place looks a little sketchy on the outside but it's a very small, 4 table restaurant/mini market, but don't let that scare you from trying this hole in the wall. Food was good, the torta was filled w meat/veggies to balance out the warm bread. Taco was good and the tripe was crispy and not too oily. Definitely authentic Mexican food and the hot sauces had a nice amount of heat. Service was quick & our waitress was friendly. We would be back to try other items on their menu.”
“I thought I had posted this review , so it’s long overdue. We had my daughters baby shower in the private room upstairs in April of 2022. The staff was friendly and extremely accommodating with us. The fee for the space was very reasonable and only required a minimum food & beverage purchase. They allowed us to arrive early to decorate and to bring in our own dessert. We had a lovely spread of salads and sandwiches and the staff was attentive but never in the way. This a terrific venue for a small gathering, we had 25 people.”
“I've never had a bad dish at the Bluebird. The Racheal Sandwich is particularly good.Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu with huge portions. The Mac and cheese ? is delicious”
“Website says Dine-In but it's actually Pick -Up only. We ordered and then waited in our car 25-30 minutes. Pizza was fresh and hot. We liked the toppings however the thin crust was very hard and chewy. Will definitely go back and try a different crust.”
25
Vue Rooftop
“We originally bought tickets for the dueling pianos on a Friday night. We decided to make reservations and have dinner there. We started with the shrimp cakes and duck wontons. We also got a bourbon flight to try 4 different bourbons. We got the bone in Iowa chop with brussels and mash. We finished with the creme brulee and drinks. The shrimp cakes were good with a sweet chili sauce. The duck wontons were fantastic and awesome. I would order these any time, every time. The bourbon flight was not for me, not a bourbon person apparently. The main course was excellent. The Brussels were crispy and tasty. The mash was smooth and flavorful. It was a great compliment to the thick and juicy Iowa chop. The creme brulee was good and the drinks were decent. The shrimp cakes were good however I would rather order the duck wontons. The main course was fantastic and I would definitely order this again. The creme brulee was good, pretty standard brulee. The drinks were ok. I probably wouldn't order drinks, other than wine or beer, here as they are small and pretty pricey. The waiter was good though he did drop off towards the end and my drink order got list whether he forgot or the bar didn't do it but he did blame it on the bar. Overall, the food was excellent and worth the trip. I would say give it a try for good m, not so much the drinks.”
“I'm a regular there. The food & service bring me back every week. The Tinga nachos rule. Staff are super friendly. Many extras don't cost extra. Also no cc coveince fee is nice.”
“the juice here is actually addicting i love it! the morning dew is by far my favorite. i’ve had some of the food options and they’re equally great! the açaí bowl is my favorite. it’s a bit pricey but a nice treat:)”
“We went for valentine's day unfortunately we waited for an hour after being seated for service. The owner was very apologetic and comped are dinner. The food was amazing and worth the wait. I will definitely give them another try.”
“Just went with family from out of town! The service was phenomenal. The food was fresh and tasty and the servings were generous! I got the Crab Rangoon Pizza! Will definitely be back!”
“Got to go out for dinner at Shakes and had a great time! Good food, lots of laughs, and great service. Kelsey made us feel like her favorite regulars even tho we don’t get there as often and we’d like. Will make it a point to come back more often!”
Latest Reviews
“I've never had a bad dish at the Bluebird. The Racheal Sandwich is particularly good.Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu with huge portions. The Mac and cheese ? is delicious”
“The food was fabulous! The presentation was lovely! If it was a nice warm spring day, sitting out on the patio could have been very inviting. However, the indoor atmosphere was very comfortable and cozy. Our server was very genuinely sweet and offered some places to see around the area and kept our water filled and checked in on us several times if we needed anything! She was great! Menu had excellent selection! I will return again!”
“The adult beverages are great! Food was very good. Staff was good as well. We enjoyed some mother/ daughter time there and it was a good experience. I would go again and recommend. We ate street tacos and border fajitas. There was plenty to eat and some to spare for another day.Vegetarian options: There are some options that say vegetarian, but most items you can customize to fit a vegetarian diet like my daughter.Kid-friendliness: There were kids there, one had a birthday and they sang to them. Plenty of room for families.”
“Very good! We ordered for delivery and it was at our door in a little under 25 minutes. Crab rangoons were great. Very good sesame chicken and sweet and sour chicken as well. All the essentials (soy sauce, chopsticks, forks) were in the bag as well!”
“Great food, but staff could use some more personality like the expertise of the Wendy's Drive Thru Guy exemplifies. That Man could make this delicious food even better!”
“Went here for lunch with a friend last week and we were so excited to try their bento boxes. We were not disappointed!! Portions were good and food was tasty. Service was good and the atmosphere was cosy too.”
“We had great service and great food. I ate there with my brother and husband and we all enjoyed our food. Noah was our bartender and server. He was excellent! Highly recommend!”
“Love this place. Love that its off the beaten path and the food is really good. I have yet to found a place in Cedar Rapids that serves Tonkatsu style ramen, so when I want ramen, I go here. its worth the 40 min drive.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“The food was excellent and the service the excellent. The cheeseburgers was lit. 10 out of 10 would recommend and they have specials everyday. The first time there and I am going again it was so good.”
“Sports bar & grill with normal sports bar decorations and atmosphere. The food was really good, I had the grilled cheese and tots. Service was also exceptional!! Great place for a quick lunch or get together with friends.”
“Stopped here for lunch with my oldest boy (9) today before we headed home. Great service and food. My son is normally a bit picky but he liked everything as did I. Good portion sizes as well.”
“I had a great time at Roxxys. I was very impressed by the service from Blake Heuer. He was attentive, hard working, and very nice! Thanks to Blake and the awesome staff I can’t say a bad thing about Roxxys.”
“Great locally owned family diner. Hot beef sandwich had real pot roast and mashed potatoes. And the half breaded tenderloin was 4 oz of quality pork. Owner was super friendly and food was delivered fast and hot.”
“Been going to this place for close to 20 years. The food is good, ready in a very short time and affordable. Probably Iowa City's oldest Asian Food restaurant.”
“It definitely exceeded my expectations! The food and the coffee were both delicious. We did have to wait a little to order but then our food came quickly. Thank you and definitely will come back.”
“Highly recommend. My favorite is The Nutcracker. Get the cheesy breadsticks- killer. Salads are huge and super delicious. Last, take home some Regina Bread cookies for dessert.I don’t think you can go wrong here. It’s a must whenever we’re back in Iowa City.”
“The apple pie shake was absolutely fabulous. The service was wonderful. My waitress Emily was amazing and attentive. I had a great experience here and will be going back soon.”
“Just tried Nodo for the first time and the food is so delicious!!I got the Nodo steak sandwich with beer battered fries. Just amazing flavor!Staff was friendly as well.”
“Just let me say….WOW. The den here is absolutely beautiful. Very chill mellow vibe. Almost like I’m part of the mafia and this is my home. lol. Okay maybe not the monster part but definitely an experience while sitting in the den area.The CHEESE CURDS hands down best I’ve ever had in my life. The batter wasn’t thick but just perfect crunch to go with every bite. And the dipping sauce was absolutely divine.The chicken and waffle was a new experience for me and I absolutely loved the bites I shared with my wife. I had the Burch burger and I high recommend you try it. Savory flavors just melt in your mouth. 10/10 would definitely come here again.Kid-friendliness: The portions for the kids cheeseburger was as big as an adults. Plenty to take home for another meal.”
“We went here on Christmas Day and had a great time. The atmosphere is terrific. Very relaxed and inviting. Lots of little details put into this place, like the unique stoneware/plating the food is served on, and the Christmas scarf around the boba tea bear. Pricing is high, but reasonable given the quality of the food and atmosphere quality. I also love that they serve Jinro here, which is a kind of rice wine ?”
“Came in today when it was freezing out. the service was pretty good and quick. I ordered spicy vegan soup they had and damn was it good. really didnt expect much but I'm glad I stopped by. defentily recommend the soup id get over panera bread soup anyday”
“Great hidden arcade in downtown Iowa City. Got Mario Kart two player, 4 player PAC Man, Guitar Hero, ski ball, a few pin ball machines, and pong to name a few. Claim they have food but the last few times I’ve been they don’t have their kitchen open. Games are reasonably priced. Young children are only allowed on Sundays on family day.”
“Love it. Waiter was so cool and nice and respectful. Food was delicious and hot. Waiy wasn't long & Margaritas ? so satisfying. Only thing was hostess guy was rude when snatched button from me when table was available ?Wheelchair accessibility: Easy”
New Restaurants
“It was just crab tonight as of this posting. This experience really good service and food my friend got a bottle of champagne on the house it was a great night for him. I recommend for anyone without allergies for seafood to definitely try it out and I haven’t tried the Turkey but I will make a new post once I make it around again.”
“I ate here in February 2024 and the food is amazing! The fried chicken is some the best I have ever had. The flavor is so unique. The corn bread is sweat and fluffy, a must have. For corn on the cobb they serve the little sections so they are easier to hold, and they are also uniquely spiced. I had a side of mac and cheese and loved the flavors of the cheese. Would definitely go back, would definitely recommend!!”
“The food was amazing. If an Italiann restaurant says spicy meatball or sausage, it should be. Well at Basta it is and it was great.Our service was top notch. Our waitress was attentive without being overly so. She was efficient at removing dishes from our small table.As the restaurant has a small foot print space is a premium. It is cozy without feeling cramp in the right areas. We were sat on the raised section, which for a 250lb 6'2 guy was a little cramp. That is the only reason for the 4 star on atmosphere. If I could give four and a half I would.”