To everyone that thinks Iowa City is just a college town filled with nothing but corn and rednecks, it’s time for you to reconsider. Actually, Iowa City and its downtown district are filled with so many unique dining gems. Although we are probably used to walking past these places on the way to classes in Van Allen or Seashore Hall and don’t notice them, we at Spoon Iowa are here to point out some of the best eats and drinks that Iowa City has to offer.
Here’s your guide to the ins and outs of Iowa City’s best hidden (and not so hidden) gems:
When you have the munchies at 2 am: Gumby’s Pizza
Photo courtesy of @orderup_ic on Instagram
With the emergence of the OrderUp app in Iowa City, you now can get Gumby’s pizza delivered to your dorm, apartment, or house within minutes. Make sure to check out the deals because nothing beats $2.99 pokey stix at 2 am.
#SpoonTip: Sign up for OrderUp here and get a $5 credit to apply towards your first purchase.
What to order: Pokey stix
Location: 702 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you need to grab lunch between classes: Nodo Downtown
Photo courtesy of @allisoninhungerland on Instagram
From sandwiches to wraps to salads to baked goods, Nodo Downtown has it all. Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, it makes a great place to stop in for a quick bite to eat between classes.
What to order: Grilled cheese
Location: 5 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re cramming for exams and the library is full: Java House
Photo courtesy of @erinclaire19 on Instagram
The Java House might just be the coziest place to grab a coffee or meet friends to study. Between the fireplace and insta-worthy lattes, the Java House has definitely made its name as a hot spot in Iowa City.
What to order: Cappuccino
Location: 211½ E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re going on a date: Pullman
Photo courtesy of @friendswhofeast_ on Instagram
Foodies, this is your place. Take your date to Pullman if you want to impress them with the upscale diner vibe and amazing food. Their unique twists on common foods like fried chicken and a BLT are sure to never disappoint.
#SpoonTip: If the weather is nice, sit on their patio and enjoy a drink.
What to order: Fried chicken
Location: 17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re craving Mediterranean food: Oasis Falafel
Photo courtesy of @spoon_iowa on Instagram
You don’t need a thousand-dollar flight to get some authentic Mediterranean food. Oasis Falafel has been serving up classic Mediterranean foods like falafel, baklava, and hummus in Iowa City for over ten years.
#SpoonTip: They also sell their homemade hummus at Bread Garden Market, just a few blocks away.
What to order: Falafel pita
Location: 206 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245
When you’re craving Indian food: Masala
Photo courtesy of @nostalgicwasteland on Instagram
Chances are you’ve seen the red awning once or twice while walking downtown, but have you ever stopped in to try some authentic Indian food? Their vegetables come from the farmer’s market and they boast an extensive menu that offers a wide selection of dishes ranging from traditional to modern recipes, appealing to all tastes.
#SpoonTip: Vegan or vegetarian? No problem. Just request for your order to be prepared the way you’d like.
What to order: Lunch buffet
Location: 9 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re craving Mexican food: El Bandito’s
Photo courtesy of @yelpiowacity on Instagram
El Bandito’s menu offers a wide range of authentic Mexican foods, from enchiladas to street tacos. If you’re lucky, you can even catch them at the Iowa City Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
What to order: Mexican street tacos
Location: 327 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
When you’re craving barbecue: Pop’s Barbecue
Photo courtesy of @orderup_ic on Instagram
Don’t let the rough exterior steer you away. Pop’s Barbecue serves great barbecue, from ribs to their “burnt ends”. They make all their sauces by scratch and you’re more than welcome to sample them as you please.
What to order: Pulled pork sandwich
Location: 130 N Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52245
When you’re craving Asian food: Food Republic
Photo courtesy of @tang_meng_ on Instagram
As a result of our rapidly growing Chinese-American student population, Food Republic opened its doors in 2014 to offer authentic Szechuan food to the Iowa City community. At Food Republic, guest are encouraged to try new and exciting dishes and push the limits of their comfort zone.
What to order: Hot oil wontons
Location: 116 E Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re trying to be healthy: Bread Garden Market
Photo courtesy of @breadgardenmarket on Instagram
Also a great place for a quick lunch, Bread Garden Market has many healthy options at their salad and hot food bar. Most of the produce is fresh and organic and they offer many vegetarian options as well.
#SpoonTip: Check out the taco bar on Wednesdays for the amazing fish tacos pictured above.
What to order: Salad & lunch bar
Location: 225 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA 5224 (in the ped mall)
When you’re sick of Starbucks: High Ground
Photo courtesy of @monicasapozhnikov on Instagram
Although Iowa City is filled with so many cute little coffee shops, High Ground is one of the best places to go if you’re looking to switch up your usual Starbucks routine.
#SpoonTip: Read about Iowa City’s best coffee shops here.
What to order: Chai tea latte
Location: 301 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
When you’re trying to be fancy: Iowa Chop House
Photo courtesy of @iowachophouse on Instagram
If you’re feeling fancy and want a steak, Iowa Chop House is your place. If you’re feeling fancy and want a burger, Iowa Chop House is your place. Their menu is diverse and is sure to please any and all the fancy guests you decide to bring along with you.
What to order: Chicken coop sandwich
Location: 223 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When your parents are visiting and they’re footing the bill: Atlas
Photo courtesy of @chrissyringe on Instagram
Consistently mentioned on the Best of Iowa City lists, Atlas is sure to impress even the pickiest of parents. Although the menu items are a bit pricey for the average college student, they’re well worth the money. And plus, your parents are footing the bill, so it’s not that big of a deal, right?
What to order: Buffalo chicken salad
Location:127 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re “doing it for the Insta”: Hurts Donuts
Photo courtesy of @clairebusler on Instagram
With its display cases filled with fruity pebbles-topped donuts and other sweet concoctions, Hurts Donuts is constantly popping up on everyone’s Insta feeds. Although it’s a drive from main campus, Hurts Donuts will certainly not disappoint. Plus, they’re open 24-hours, so if you need a treat after that all-nighter you just pulled, head over to Hurts.
#SpoonTip: Check out our Spoon Iowa Instagram page for more insta-worthy foods around Iowa City.
What to order: Fruity Pebbles donut
Location: 1301 5th St #105, Coralville, IA 52241
When you’re craving something sweet: Molly’s Cupcakes
Photo courtesy of @sarahhwright on Instagram
Whether you’re a Scratch person or Molly’s person, you can’t help but admit that Molly’s location is half of the reason they’re so great. Located right across from the pentacrest, Molly’s offers a wide variety of gourmet cupcakes that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
What to order: Peach cobbler cupcake
Location: 14 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you turn 21: SpoCo
Photo courtesy of @sports.column on Instagram
20 pitchers of beer for $30 any day of your birthday week. Enough said.
#SpoonTip: Find other Iowa City drink specials here.
What to order: Pitchers. Duh.
Location: 12 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you or your friends don’t eat meat: Trumpet Blossom Cafe
Photo courtesy of @trumpetblossom on Instagram
A few blocks from downtown, Trumpet Blossom Cafe offers creative, organic, made-to-order vegan and vegetarian dishes. Vegans and meat eaters alike come to Trumpet Blossom for live music and great food.
What to order: Breaded mushrooms
Location: 310 E Prentiss St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re craving a slice: Mesa
Photo courtesy of @that_flowerchild on Instagram
On any given Friday or Saturday night, you will see the line at Mesa snaking around the entire restaurant– sometimes even out the door. That’s because Mesa has something for everyone. Can’t decide between mac-n-cheese or pizza? Now you can have both.
#SpoonTip: It’s a little known fact that Mesa pizza actually delivers. Get some for your next party or to just eat all by yourself. No shame.
What to order: Mac-n-cheese pizza
Location: 114 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re trying to watch the game: Airliner
Photo courtesy of @theairlinerbar on Instagram
Not only is the Airliner famous for their pizza and wings, but they have 20 high definition TVs so you can watch any game your heart desires. They boast an unlimited sports cable package so you can watch any of your favorite teams play while enjoying their food with friends.
#SpoonTip: The Airliner also offers various drink specials, just check their website for more details.
What to order: Buffalo or BBQ wings
Location: 22 S Clinton St. Iowa City, IA 52240
When you’re hungover: Hamburg Inn No. 2
Photo courtesy of @yourcravings365 on Instagramwant to check out live music: The Mill
Hamburg Inn No. 2 is the ultimate place to go if you’re in need of a hearty breakfast. Their wait is usually pretty long on weekends, but the food is 100% worth it.
What to order: Iowa breakfast & pie shake
Location: 214 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245
When you want to check out live music: The Mill
Photo courtesy of @themilliowacity on Instagram
The Mill has been Iowa City’s ultimate venue for live music since 1962. Although there are many other live music venues downtown Iowa City, The Mill has the best combination of good food, drink specials, and excellent performers.
#SpoonTip: Looking for more live music in Iowa City? Check out this article for other places.
What to order: Mill spaghetti
Location:120 E Burlington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
And there you have it. The small, college town that we all know and love is actually a foodie’s paradise. We hope you got a little bit of inspiration for your next foodie adventure. Be sure to document it and share with our Spoon Iowa Instagram account!