Location: Iowa City
Top Restaurants in Iowa City
Most Popular Bar food in Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Find out what Bar restaurants to try in Iowa City. Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is the home of the University of Iowa and county seat of Johnson County, at the center of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 74,398 in 2016, making it the state's fifth-largest city. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County. The metropolitan area, which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 164,000.
Things to do in Iowa City
10. Mosley's Barbecue and Provisions
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Sean Kellerâs quote about his barbecue captures not only the elemental basics of the process â fire, meat, smoke, and time â but the love thatâs put into each and every cook. Starting over a decade-and-a-half ago, Keller began his pursuit of cooking the b
Reviewed By Bucky1836
Nice interior. Friendly service and good local beer selection. Chicken platter a disappointment-skimpy and lacking in flavor. Side of mac and cheese served cold. No need for me to return. I can see that groups might like it-community tables are available.
9. Vue Rooftop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Vue Rooftop features a distinctly modern escape filled with a unique outdoor design. Enjoy a memorable experience with food, music, and fantastic views of the Iowa City skyline.
Reviewed By Michael J
Typical hotel restaurant. So, so food and poor service. The only redeeming quality of this place is to see Iowa City from the penthouse. Nothing would make me want to go back now that I've seen the view. The portions are small and overpriced. One of the other men that was in our group looked at me and we had the same question. "Where's the rest of the meal." I really wished that I could say something nice about the restaurant but there isn't anything nice to say.Michael-I apologies that your experience was not what you were hoping. Could you share with us as to what items you felt were portioned small and the key issues you had with your service. We are always striving to improve and your feedback is valued.
8. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Big Grove Brewery and Taproom is a 26,000 sq-ft brewery, restaurant and entertainment venue. Stop in for one of our award winning beers on tap, enjoy casual dining from a menu of street-food inspired small plates and sandwiches, play a game of ping pong,
Reviewed By eboh13
Came here to enjoy some sun and drinks with friends and hung out for a few hours. Wide selection to make everyone happy, even non-beer drinkers like me! Variety of tasty food options available in large enough portions to share! Will visit the next time I'm in town.
7. Clinton Street Social Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By gijoel
My wife and I were struggling to find a good restaurant in downtown Iowa City that would be the combo of funky, laidback without being too casual, great menu options, and fair price that we were hoping for. We've eaten at many places in Iowa City including very fancy and very casual and we were hoping for something in between. We ran into some friends who told us immediately that we had to try the Clinton Street Social Club and are we ever glad for their recommendation! The place occupies a couple of floors with dark woodwork, nice bars, and a side-room with a pool table. The effect is one of laid-back conviviality; a true "social club". The cocktails were varied and interesting and reasonably priced. We started our dining with some excellent oysters on the half shell, the stuffed squash, and their "green eggs and ham" for appetizers, great beginnings for our dinner. We skipped salads due to the hearty appetizers then my wife had their delicious blackened salmon presented on a bed of spaghetti squash...excellent. I went a bit lower-key with their fish and chips. The fish was perfectly crunchy served with a grilled lemon to squeeze on top and a side of their hand-cut fries. We each had a glass of their rose which was light and effortless. The evening was just what we had hoped for. A very nice but casual atmosphere, excellent food and drink, and a reasonable price. We will definitely return in the future!
6. Iowa Chop House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Locally owned and operated in the heart of downtown Iowa City. Iowa Chop House features over 20 beer taps, many feature some of Iowa's newest & best local beers. Try our self-pouring "Beer Barn,"one of the state of Iowa's only self-pouring beer systems.
Reviewed By 3PreciousGirls
We happened upon Iowa Chop House on a trip to Iowa City on Father's Day. We thought it would be the full menu, but they were only offering brunch for $16 a person. We decided to give it a try, only to find the hot foods cold and mushy as if they'd been sitting there for hours. The variety was nothing more than a basic continental hotel breakfast with some strange choices such as chicken marsala, fried shrimp, and french fries interpersed. The muffins were hard as rocks and the cold shrimp tasted like rubber. The bloody mary bar mix tasted like water. I was super embarassed to take my husband there for his special day. I doubt we will give it a try for it's regular menu after the awful experience we had.
5. Blackstone
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Blackstone of Iowa City is locally owned by four longtime Iowa City residents. We strive to "bring more to the table" through our comfortable ambiance, personable service and high quality, great tasting food. The restaurant features four intimate dining r
Reviewed By Marie C
The atmosphere is nice--comfortable booths, and there is a fireplace, which in my opinion is always a plus. I have no complaints about the service.The food was fine. Perfectly edible, but not very exciting. Not very different from your typical American chain (Applebee's, TGI Fridays), except the quality was probably a little better. I got a Thai cobb salad, and my boyfriend got the mushroom melt. We got the alehouse onion strings to share as an appetizer. We got there during happy hour, which means half-priced martinis--that was probably the best part of the meal.
4. Stella
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By ClintTraveler
I had the tomato basil soup and it was delicious. Additionally I had the Cobb salad and my wife had a chicken sandwich. Both were average.The service was outstanding and the atmosphere is outstanding. Good parking near the hospital and Kennick stadium.
3. Shorts Burger & Shine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers
I love shorts. It has everything I want. First, it's located right next to campus in the heart of all the action. The tiny store front along Clinton St makes it easy to miss. All you get is a faded burgundy awning with the words Short's Burger & Shine. It's easy to miss. Inside, the place is just as small as the store front indicates. There is a small row of two person tables along the right side and a row of four person booths on the left side. The bar and one single large table can be found in the back. It's tight, cozy and awesome atmosphere.The food was great. We tried several of the burgers. The meat is cooked correctly and has wonderful seasoning. Once you add your style of toppings to make the burger you like, it's soo good. The fries were really well done. Short's also has a reasonable selection of craft beers, which makes me love this place even more.I almost landed on four stars because of the service. In the end, I loved the food and atmosphere too much to ding it for the poor service. It's not a big place, but getting a server is rough going.
Where to eat American food in Iowa City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. The Wig & Pen Pizza Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Jake060
A must stop restaurant for people in this area. They offer three types of their tasty crust, various topping, a great sauce, and plenty of cheese. Delicious! Other menu items including pasta, sandwiches, and salads are also good. The staff is friendly and service great.
Iowa, United States Food Guide: 5 Cafe food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Iowa City
1. Pullman Bar & Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 265 reviews
We value three things: Service - There is nothing more important to us than delivering a positive and memorable experience. Community - Our team is comprised of proud Iowan's with deep passion and love for historic downtown Iowa City. Quality - Striving f
Reviewed By colefoxxy
Had a Bloody Mary & the steak and eggs. Balltip, tender cut cooked medium-rare perfectly. Cozy atmosphere for a rainy morning. The staff is fun and welcoming. Our waitress, Quenisha, was great. Bubbly & friendly, prompt and professional. Definitely a gem of a restaurant!
