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Don’t let the crowds deter you from these popular area spots. Your tested patience and hanger-management skills will be handsomely rewarded when you take that first bite.
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Hamburg Inn #2
214 N. Linn St., Iowa City
Heaven help you if it’s a Sunday. This #2 diner is both the #1 purveyor of pie shakes and the anchor of Market Street’s brunch corridor for good reason. The eggs are fluffy, cheese goes on everything and you will wait, on average, 30 to 40 minutes to be seated with the other three of your “party of four.” Why? Because: The food is scrumptious. Because: The seating is limited. Because: Brunch is the time for talk. You’ve got to dish some friendly gossip to earn your breakfasty lunch dish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text el_class=”bb-image”]
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Seoul Grill
Old Capitol Mall, 201 S. Clinton St., Iowa City
Here’s proof that this lunch-only Korean comfort food spot deserves its reputation for excellence: There will always be a line. At 11:10 a.m. on any given weekday, 20 minutes before the kitchen opens, a string of hungry bodies creeps to the restaurant’s second window from the door. By 11:30 a.m., the line stretches to 30, sometimes 40 yards long—merely one or two long strides from the Old Capitol Mall’s west exit. The Korean students waiting in line for a sort-of home cooked meal are a fashion show unto themselves. Students from Hong Kong and Shanghai practice the pronunciation of “kimchi” so they can order Kimchi Rice with their Spicy Pork. White kids ask for the Bibimbap, which never disappoints. The homesick (or just plain sick) order Rice Cake Soup for the healing beef broth, vitamin-rich seaweed, and savory rice medallions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Sushiya
745 Community Dr. Suite A, North Liberty
That you might be made to hover around the bar is not the point, but the privilege. Sushiya is a small but mighty sushi powerhouse with extremely limited seating, a respectable sake menu, and chefs who make art from sashimi. Watch their knives flit and flash like the iridescent tips of a tuna’s fin. See how they slice through a salmon’s dewey fat just so. Before you taste some of the freshest fish around (the restaurant flies their supply in regularly), you’ll be presented with the most Instagrammable meal in eastern Iowa. Even better, you’ll know exactly what to order before you sit down.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Sag Wagon
827 Shaver Rd. N.E., Cedar Rapids
In the warmer months, come early or send a location scout. You’ll likely need to elbow out a few cyclists and locals to score a spot at this small and cozy bar; capacity indoors tops out at 49! With cycling themed details echoed throughout, it’s an ideal end point for a trail ride around Cedar Lake with friends. If you can’t jam yourself inside around the bar, thankfully, a spacious outdoor patio exists and is equipped with lawn games—life-sized Jenga, cornhole and sand volleyball are all at your disposal.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Lost Cuban
209 3rd St. S.E., Cedar Rapids
The small dining area of this busy spot in downtown Cedar Rapids is frequently full and, due to its popularity, many daily specials and menu items will remain out of your reach. Rest easy, though. Waiting in line to place your order gives you enough time to review the menu, and whatever you choose, you’ll be pleased. The Cuban Sandwich is obviously a solid choice, but it’s hard to go wrong with the Ropa Vieja or Empanadas. Take your food to go if you need, or enjoy a refreshing Mojito while you wait. By the time your food arrives, you’ll be a happy camper.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Return to Bread & Butter” style=”flat” shape=”rounded” color=”chino” size=”sm” align=”left” i_align=”left” i_type=”fontawesome” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-reply” i_icon_openiconic=”vc-oi vc-oi-dial” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-adjust-brightness” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note” i_icon_linecons=”vc_li vc_li-heart” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlevillagemag.com%2Fdining||” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” i_icon_pixelicons=”vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-alert” el_class=”.bb-return-button”][vc_btn title=”View Bread & Butter PDF Edition” style=”flat” shape=”rounded” color=”chino” size=”sm” align=”left” i_align=”left” i_type=”fontawesome” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-reply” i_icon_openiconic=”vc-oi vc-oi-dial” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-adjust-brightness” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note” i_icon_linecons=”vc_li vc_li-heart” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Flittlevillage%2Fdocs%2Fbread-and-butter-2016||target:%20_blank” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” i_icon_pixelicons=”vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-alert” el_class=”.bb-return-button”][vc_btn title=”View A-Z Restaurant Index” style=”flat” shape=”rounded” color=”chino” size=”sm” align=”left” i_align=”left” i_type=”fontawesome” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-reply” i_icon_openiconic=”vc-oi vc-oi-dial” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-adjust-brightness” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note” i_icon_linecons=”vc_li vc_li-heart” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlevillagemag.com%2Frestaurants||” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” i_icon_pixelicons=”vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-alert” el_class=”.bb-return-button”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
