Exploring the Best Places to Eat in Iowa City

Iowa City is a bustling college town nestled in the heart of the Midwest. With its vibrant culture, eclectic nightlife, and diverse population of students and locals alike, Iowa City is a great place to spend the weekend. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite to eat, a romantic evening out, or a fun night on the town, Iowa City has something for everyone. But with all the options available, it can be difficult to know where to go. Here’s a guide to the best places to eat in Iowa City.

1. Pullman Bar & Diner

Pullman Bar & Diner is a cozy diner located in the heart of downtown Iowa City. With its vintage decor and friendly staff, Pullman is the perfect spot for a casual bite to eat. The menu features classic diner fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as more sophisticated dishes like steak and lobster. The diner is also known for its signature cocktails and craft beers, making it a great spot for a night out with friends. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or spending the night, Pullman is sure to please.

2. The Bluebird Diner

The Bluebird Diner is a family-friendly restaurant located in the East Side of Iowa City. The restaurant serves classic American comfort food, from pancakes and waffles to burgers and fries. The restaurant also has a full bar, making it a great spot for a night out. The Bluebird Diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a daily happy hour. With its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere, the Bluebird Diner is the perfect place to grab a bite with family and friends.

3. Motley Cow Cafe

Motley Cow Cafe is a casual eatery located in the Northside of Iowa City. The cafe serves up a variety of dishes from local farms, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The cafe also has an extensive beer and wine list, making it a great spot for a night out. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great spot for an intimate dinner or a casual lunch. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a night out, Motley Cow Cafe is sure to please.

4. Formosa

Formosa is an upscale Chinese restaurant located in the East Side of Iowa City. The restaurant serves up traditional Chinese dishes, as well as more modern fusion dishes. The menu features a variety of dishes, from dim sum and dumplings to stir-fries and noodles. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner. With its sophisticated atmosphere and delicious dishes, Formosa is sure to please.

5. Devotay

Devotay is an upscale tapas restaurant located in the Northside of Iowa City. The restaurant serves up a variety of small plates, from cured meats and cheeses to paella and seafood dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a romantic evening out. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes, Devotay is sure to please.

6. Hamburg Inn No. 2

Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an iconic diner located in the East Side of Iowa City. The diner has been serving up classic American diner fare since the 1940s. The menu features classic diner dishes such as burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as more modern dishes like quinoa bowls and vegan options. The diner also has an extensive breakfast menu, making it a great spot for a morning meal. With its vintage decor and friendly staff, Hamburg Inn No. 2 is sure to please.

7. Trumpet Blossom Cafe

Trumpet Blossom Cafe is a vegan restaurant located in the Northside of Iowa City. The cafe serves up a variety of vegan dishes, from salads and wraps to pizzas and burgers. The cafe also features an extensive list of craft beers, making it a great spot for a night out. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes, Trumpet Blossom Cafe is sure to please.

8. The Airliner

The Airliner is a hip bar and restaurant located in the East Side of Iowa City. The bar serves up a variety of craft beers, as well as an extensive list of classic cocktails. The bar also has a full menu, featuring dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads. With its lively atmosphere and friendly staff, The Airliner is a great spot for a night out with friends.

9. Oasis Falafel

Oasis Falafel is a Middle Eastern restaurant located in the Northside of Iowa City. The restaurant serves up a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, from falafel and hummus to shawarma and kabobs. The restaurant also has an extensive list of craft beers, making it a great spot for a night out. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes, Oasis Falafel is sure to please.

10. Brioso Fresh Pasta

Brioso Fresh Pasta is an Italian restaurant located in the East Side of Iowa City. The restaurant serves up a variety of Italian dishes, from classic pasta dishes to more modern entrees. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes, Brioso Fresh Pasta is sure to please.

11. Takanami

Takanami is an upscale sushi restaurant located in the Northside of Iowa City. The restaurant serves up a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes, as well as more modern fusion dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive sake list, making it a great spot for a romantic evening out. With its sophisticated atmosphere and delicious dishes, Takanami is sure to please.

12. Bread Garden Market

Bread Garden Market is a gourmet market located in the East Side of Iowa City. The market serves up a variety of fresh breads, pastries, and sandwiches, as well as more substantial dishes like salads and soups. The market also has an extensive selection of craft beers, making it a great spot for a night out. With its friendly staff and delicious dishes, Bread Garden Market is sure to please.

Whether you’re looking for a casual bite to eat, a romantic evening out, or a fun night on the town, Iowa City has something for everyone. From classic diners and upscale restaurants to vegan cafes and gourmet markets, Iowa City has it all. So don’t miss out – explore the best places to eat in Iowa City today!