12 Best Cocktail Bars near Iowa City

“Big expectations. Some met, others not so much. We gladly paid the corkage on a ten year old special Napa Cab we brought with us. We did get it decanted properly. A+ to the waitstaff. Started with Sourdough and shrimp cocktail. $15 Sourdough was dry and sent to the bin. Shrimp was fresh and crisp and poached well to that special cool crispness. Pea soup was amazing with great presentation. Duck egg pasta house made was also a highlight. Needed some peas and bacon in the pasta, but then that's a pasta carbonara right? Hint to the chef. Scallops were done to perfection and vegetables were fresh. We wanted red meat to go with the wine, but the only offering was a 52oz aged Waygu for $365. Not very couple friendly. We would have loved to order a sharable filet or smaller bone in ribeye. None were offered. Would have liked to see a whole fish option or at least something like Seabass or black cod offered. You won't find white tablecloths here, nor black or white table linen offered even though you would expect that at this price level. We lingered and did not feel rushed. Crowd was typical college town vibe. Parking is on the street, be prepared to walk.“

“Can’t wait to go back next time I’m in town“

“Brekley is amaze-balls. Thank yewww“

“Highly recommend for a relaxing night in Iowa City. Amazing cocktails and atmosphere!“

“This place is lit! Super cool vibe and the best bartenders and staff! Keep it going 👍🔥“

“In-Fashioned is the best cocktail in town!“

“Tried this restaurant for the first time, Nate was our server & he was the best! He answered our questions on menu items & was very attentive. The mushroom squash pizza was amazing & the side salad that comes with it was a nice added freshness! We will definitely be back again to try more menu items!“

“great food and great service the atmosphere was very inviting and the servers were on top of it“

“Wow!!! My new favorite place, been here 2 days in a row 🙌 Worth coming to the IRL for the fresh food, house made corn tortillas (🤤)BEST guacamole in town and pretty great drinks!“

“Fun place and friendly staff. Good for kids and family. Food and cooks were off during our lunch visit. Salad was good but more than some lettuce was brown; sandwich had old rubbery Swiss cheese and slab of chicken or turkey, and Margherita pizza had little flavor, a few tiny pieces of old basil, and doughy crust. A waste of a wood-fired oven. Go for fun, not food.“

“The NEW Foundry in North liberty is AMAZING!! Always great food, Always a friendly smile, the food & service is what ppl go to restaurants for and GREAT food & GREAT service is definitely what you will receive here! The managers make sure the atmosphere is welcoming along with all the staff. Great place for all sizes of parties whether its 1 ppl to a latge group, they are always willing to accommodate and make it happen. This new restaurant has been booming & Im sure its ranked at #1 in the area so far! Soo happy my daughter has found her calling to serve as she continues her nursing studies! I definitely recommend everyone to check them out!!“

“Brought my wife for her birthday and it was incredible. The service alone was a 10/10 from the second you walk in the door. The food was also amazing and well worth the money.“