Nearly 100 years after the CRANDIC train route first started running between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Little Village presents the fifth annual reader-selected Best of the CRANDIC awards, celebrating the best of the region.
Little Village readers cast their votes in 100 categories from Aug. 1–Sept. 30. They were also given the opportunity to explain why their choice is best; some of those answers are included throughout, including some bonus shout-outs at the end.
Now let’s reveal the winners!
Food & Drink
Best Wine Selection 🏆
Brix Cheese Shop and Wine Bar
209 N Linn St, Iowa City
brixcheeseshop.com
Runner-up: John’s Grocery
Best Beer Selection 🏆
Big Grove Brewery
101 W Main St, Solon
1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
biggrove.com
They don’t just do IPAs. They have a good brown and other darker ales. —Michelle K.
Summer Jam is my new jam. —Brian D.
Runner-up: John’s Grocery
Best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Cuisine or Market 🏆
Oasis Falafel
206 N Linn St, Iowa City
319-358-7342
oasisfalafel.com
That hummus and its undeniable tastiness… #homersimpsondrooling —Andrea T.
Runner-up: Cortado
Best South Asian Cuisine or Market (India, Pakistan, etc.) 🏆
Masala Indian Cuisine
9 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-338-6199
masalaindiancuisine.site
Runner-up: Exotic India
Best Atmosphere 🏆
Goosetown
203 N Linn St, Iowa City
319-351-1924
goosetownic.com
Runner-up: Rodina
Most Innovative Menu 🏆
Rodina
1507 C St SW, Cedar Rapids
319-200-2515
rodinaiowa.com
Everything that can possibly be sourced within 25 miles of the restaurant…is. —Seth R.
Love taking my parents there because dad always whines about the food naming and my bonus mom loves how fresh things are. It’s also a nice place to treat my mom to as it’s still pretty affordable for the quality of food provided. —Kayla M.
Runner-up: The Webster
Best Restaurant for a First Date 🏆
Rodina
Runner-up: Pullman Bar & Diner
Best Barbecue 🏆
Mosley’s Barbecue and Provisions
525 S Gilbert St, Iowa City (location closing)
125 E Zeller St, North Liberty
Runner-up: Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack
Best Sushi 🏆
Oyama Sushi & Steakhouse
5350 Council St NE F, Cedar Rapids, 319-832-1800
oyamasushi.com
Runner-up: Soseki
Best East/Southeast Asian Cuisine or Market (China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) 🏆
Thai Flavors
340 E Burlington St, Iowa City
319-339-8900
thaiflavors.net
Wide range of spice levels, great service, and consistent dishes! —Nolan P.
Fast, consistent, amazing and *leftovers*. —Alice V.
Runner-up: Thai Spice
Best Produce 🏆
New Pioneer Co-op
1101 2nd St, Coralville
319-358-5513
newpi.coop
22 S Van Buren St, Iowa City
319-338-9441
3338 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
319-365-2632
Super clean with a great selection of curated products. Shopping here is always quick and easy. —Kelly S.
Runner-up: Buffalo Ridge Orchard
Best Late-Night Food 🏆
Burgers from George’s Buffet
17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-351-9614
Runner-up: Marco’s Grilled Cheese
Best Restaurant to Cure Your Hangover 🏆
Bluebird Cafe
650 W Cherry St #9, North Liberty
319-626-2603
bluebird.cafe
112 E Main St, Solon
319-624-2031
Bluebird Diner
330 E Market St, Iowa City
319-351-1470
Runner-up: Hamburg Inn
Best Breakfast/Brunch 🏆
Dandy Lion
111 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-358-6400
thedandylionic.com
Most consistently crispy hashbrowns in the area. —Adam Z.
The Lodger Special! The cakes! —Andrea T.
Runner-up: Bluebird Cafe
Best Pub Food 🏆
Micky’s Irish Pub
11 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-338-6860
mickysirishpub.com
720 Pacha Pkwy #8, North Liberty (New location!)
319-626-2201
Those pretzel bites tho. —Madde H.
Runner-up: Shakespeare’s
Best Grocery Store 🏆
New Pioneer Co-op
Runner-up: John’s Grocery
Best CSA (community-supported agriculture)
Rainbow Roots Farm
3167 Rapid Creek Trail NE, Iowa City
rainbowrootsfarm.com
Serving both Iowa City & Cedar Rapids, Corbin [Scholz] and her crew utilize sustainable farming practices to grow a great variety of produce every week—including the tastiest tomatoes and melons I’ve ever had. They also partner with Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids to provide produce to local food pantries. —Bridget W.
Their produce is always excellent and the workers are easy to work with. Whenever we have a question it is answered with knowledge and patience. They are the best! —Maureen W.
Rainbow Roots is growing food with sustainable farming methods and is women-owned! —Darrow C.
I can’t say no to this big veg energy. —Clarity G.
Real organic and beautiful generous CSA shares! —Beth B.
Sustainable practices, wonderful produce, women owned and women make up the crew. —Lynn G.
Runner-up: Echollective
Best Place for a Business Lunch 🏆
Pullman Bar and Diner
17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-338-1808
pullmandiner.com
I really feel like Pullman’s was the one that started the big Iowa City restaurant revival. —Melanie M.
This is always my first choice for brunch due to the great vibes, hospitality, and the mimosas!! —Vanessa C.
Pot stickers. Enough said. —Dylan P.
Pot stickers are to die for. —Riley O.
Runner-up: Goosetown
Best Seafood 🏆
St. Burch Tavern
127 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
319-341-7700
saintburchtavern.com
Runner-up: Rodina
Best Farmers Market Vendor 🏆
Over the Moon Farm and Flowers
Delaware County
overthemoonfarmandflowers.com
Shae and Anna run a fabulous farm. They provide top-class products that are locally grown for their community. They really care for their livestock and make sure the farm-to-table can remain a local option. —Christine S.
They go the extra extra mile to deliver their incredible products from beautiful flowers to their beef, pork and poultry. They are quite Over the Moon!! —Roger H.
The meat is fantastic and the flowers are beautiful and fresh! The owners are amazing women! —Denise H.
This local couple brings gorgeous flowers, produce and happy animals to the local scene. —Phoebe C.
Runner-up: Feedwell Kitchen and Bakery
Best Cold Treats 🏆
Heyn’s Ice Cream
25 E Cherry St, North Liberty
319-665-2249
heynsicecream.com
811 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
319-354-1981
Runner-up: Yotopia
Best Liquor Store 🏆
John’s Grocery
401 E Market St, Iowa City
319-337-2183
johnsgrocery.com
The best selection I’ve ever seen, and I just moved here from Phoenix. —Brian D.
Everyone is helpful and not creepy or pretentious. —Alice V.
Runner-up: Benz Beverage Depot
Best Restaurant Staff 🏆
Pullman Bar and Diner
Simple. I can personally vouch that everyone there has a passion for what they do. Supporting each other and ensuring the best possible service and establishing a new standard in the restaurant industry for service and a knowledgeable staff. —Riley O.
Never a bad experience, friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, passionate about their job. —Tami K.
Runner-up: The Webster
Best Latin/South American Cuisine or Market 🏆
La Regia Taqueria
436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City
319-341-8226
laregiaia.com
Fish tacos with your choice of hot sauces. Si si! —Dan D.
Runner-up: Mesa 503
Best Restaurant for Delivery/Takeout 🏆
Thai Flavors
Runner-up: Blue Elephant
Best Craft Brewery 🏆
Big Grove Brewery
Runner-up: Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Best Vegan Options 🏆
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
310 E Prentiss St, Iowa City
319-248-0077
trumpetblossom.com
Trumpet Blossom never fails to deliver amazing vegan foods to a city which needs more of them. Nearly everyone I bring there (vegan or not) demands to go back a few weeks later. The combination of flavorful, unique dishes with stellar cocktails is truly a game-changer. —Kyle B.
I dream of those sweet potato fries with their maple cayenne aioli…. —Bridget W.
First place we ate the day we arrived. Always excellent. —Brian D.
That patio with the sound of the creek and the beautiful mural by Thomas Argan. **Chefs kiss** Reuben me. —Jessica S.
Rainbow Bowl — Zak Neumann/Little Village
Runner-up: Oasis Falafel
Best Soul Food 🏆
Vivian’s Soul Food
2925 Williams Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids
319-396-2229
vivianssoulfoodcr.com
Runner-up: Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry
Best Chicken Wings 🏆
Pullman Bar and Diner
Runner-up: The Vine
Best Pizza 🏆
A & A Pagliai’s Pizza
302 E Bloomington St, Iowa City
319-351-5073
pagliaisic.com
Consistently wonderful food and service. —Lori M.
Runner-up: Wig and Pen
Best Burger 🏆
Short’s Burgers
521 Westbury Dr, Iowa City
319-338-7743
eastside.shortsburger.com
Runner-up: Pullman Bar and Diner
Best Doughnuts 🏆
Donutland
1681 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
319-338-1429
4307 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-393-0735
Classic donuts that don’t need a million toppings to hit the spot. —Kelly S.
Runner-up: Hurts Donuts
Best Appetizers/Small Plates 🏆
Goosetown
Runner-up: Rodina
Best European Cuisine or Market 🏆
Baroncini Ristorante Italiano
104 S Linn St, Iowa City
319-337-2048
baroncinirestaurant.com
Runner-up: Basta
Best Gluten-Free-Friendly Options 🏆
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
Runner-up: Monica’s
Best Bartender 🏆
Nancy Persoon
Runners-up: Roxie Mess, Carlos at Deadwood
Best Local Farm 🏆
Wilson’s Orchard and Farm
4823 Dingleberry Rd NE #1, Iowa City, 319-354-5651
wilsonsorchard.com
This place is gorgeous, has great food and cider! —Autymn O.
Runner-up: Rainbow Roots Farm
Best Cocktail Menu 🏆
Pullman Bar and Diner
Very caring, passionate, crew and customers are #1. Very knowledgeable in the drinks being served. —Tami K.
Runner-up: Rodina
Best Patio/Outdoor Dining 🏆
Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City
Runner-up: Northside Iowa City
Best Bakery 🏆
Deluxe Cakes and Pastries
812 S Summit St, Iowa City
319-338-5000
deluxeiowa.com
Best cakes, amazing croissants and sandwiches! —Anne G.
Their baguettes and croissants are outstanding! Very authentic. —Melanie M.
Runner-up: Local Crumb Bakery
Best African Cuisine or Market 🏆
I Love Fufu
230 E Benton St, Iowa City
319-499-8189
ilovefufuiowacity.com
Runner-up: Tee’s Liberian Dish (closed)
Best Tacos 🏆
La Regia Taqueria
436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City
319-341-8226
laregiaia.com
Runner-up: Perez Family Tacos
Best Restaurant to Take Your Parents To 🏆
Pullman Bar and Diner
Runner-up: Rodina
Best Catering 🏆
Oasis Falafel
Runner-up: Feedwell Kitchen and Bakery
Best Use of Local Ingredients 🏆
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
Runner-up: Rodina
Best Fries 🏆
Oasis Falafel
Runners-up: Nodo, Big Grove Brewery
Best Chef 🏆
Sam Charles at Rodina
Runner-up: Matthew Prince
Best Food-Scene Game-Changer 🏆
The Webster
202 N Linn St, Iowa City
319-800-0720
thewebsteric.com
The best fine dining and feel in Iowa City. Amazing local sourcing and awesome food! Rian has the most incredible knowledge and collection of wine! —Ryan W.
Inventive, but not fringe. Delicious, but not predictable. High end, but not arrogant. [The staff are] Queer, quality, quirky queens — the lot of them. Enjoyed every time I’ve stepped foot in that space. —Nolan P.
Runner-up: Rodina
Best Coffeehouse 🏆
Press Coffee
1120 N Dodge St, Iowa City
319-887-1500
presscoffeeco.com
Always quality drinks and the folks who work there seem to want to be there. 🙂 —Michelle K.
Two patios. . . . TWO PATIOS. —Katie F.
Runner-up: Cortado
Best Dive Bar 🏆
George’s Buffet
The horseradish sting you can’t get anywhere else. —Adam Z.
A true classic. —Phoebe C.
Runner-up: Deadwood
Goods & Services
Best Bookstore 🏆
Prairie Lights Books
15 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-337-2681
prairielights.com
The recommendations. That new book smell. A coffee shop! Infinite little gifts. The portrait postcards! The street view. Prairie Lights is the bookstore of my dreams. —Katrina A.
Runner-up: Haunted Bookshop
Best Locally Made Product 🏆
Oasis Street Food hummus
oasisstreetfood.com
Runner-up: Old Capitol Tofu
Best Vintage or Consignment Store 🏆
Found + Formed
65 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
319-438-2727
foundandformedshop.com
Best selection, coolest folks, big, big love!! —Phoebe C.
Runner-up: Revival
Best Musical Instrument Store 🏆
West Music
1212 5th St, Coralville
319-351-2000
westmusic.com
1398 Twixt Town Rd, Marion
319-377-9100
Does anybody else even sell clarinets? —Jason S.
West Music has the best customer service and best musical accessory selection in Iowa! —Sue O.
Their knowledgeable staff and extensive inventory are suitable for both the novice and experienced performer. —Lori M.
Runner-up: Iowa City Musician’s Pro Shop
Best Store to Splurge on Yourself At 🏆
Revival
117 E College St, Iowa City
319-337-4511
revivaliowacity.com
Runner-up: White Rabbit
Best Antique Store 🏆
Artifacts
331 E Market St, Iowa City
319-358-9617
artifacts-iowacity.com
Hole-in-the-wall gem filled with excellent finds. —Erin N.
A wide variety of antiques at a range of prices. Great selection of art, furniture, decor, clothing, and more! —Autymn O.
Not only is the staff great (love Emma) but the finds are UNREAL! You can find something niche and silly, or you can find functional everyday needs! —Brooke T.
Runner-up: Crowded Closet Thrift Shop
Best Hair Salon 🏆
Hare Parlor
217 N Gilbert St, Iowa City
319-351-4383
hareparlor.com
Runner-up: Honeybee Hair Parlor
Best Store for Gift Shopping 🏆 TIE!
Prairie Kitchen Store
160 N Linn St, Iowa City
319-519-6414
prairiekitchenstore.com
White Rabbit
112 S Linn St, Iowa City
319-358-9557
white-rabbit-shop.myshopify.com
Always has fun items with plenty of local artist goods! —Kailyn C.
Never fail to find something interesting, clever or out-of-the ordinary. —Kelly S.
These folks have been at it awhile now and it just keeps getting better! —Jessica S.
Best Retail Staff 🏆
Crowded Closet Thrift Shop
851 Hwy 6 E, Unit 101, Iowa City
319-337-5924
crowdedcloset.org
Everyone is super nice, and they welcome everyone. —Ivy M.
Fun experience to volunteer! —Connie S.
Great people to work with! It provides a great service/need locally while also helping those in need worldwide. Not many organizations can do that. —Rebecca B.M.
Neatest, cleanest, cheapest and most friendly of all thrift shops. —Norma R.
So clean and beautifully arranged/displayed. Does NOT look like a thrift store. —Vi G.
Never know what you might find; it’s a treasure! —Marv R.
Runner-up: Revival
Most Unique Shop 🏆
Critical Hit Games
115 S Linn St, Iowa City
319-333-1260
criticalhitgames.net
We have a very welcoming community! I started playing MtG again to make friends and find a community, and I’m glad I found Critical Hit Games! —Caio B.
This shop is so many things for so many different people. It’s easily one of the best additions to Iowa City. It’s a place for people to hang out, play games, buy goods. They even have snacks and drinks for sale. There are a plethora of things to purchase as well. From trading cards to video games and board games, they have so much. They even have an arcade for patrons to use. Chance, the owner of the store is awesome. He’s funny, nice and he makes you want to spend all the time in the world there. It’s always been a safe place for me to go and hangout, and it really shaped my childhood. They deserve this recognition! —Elianno B.
Runner-up: Crowded Closet Thrift Shop
Best New Business Opened in the Last Year 🏆
Joystick Comedy Arcade
13 S Linn St, Iowa City
playatjoystick.com
Runners-up: Indigo River & Co, The Green House
Arts & Entertainment
Best Place for a Cheap Date 🏆
Joystick Comedy Arcade
Runner-up: George’s Buffet
Best Local Podcast 🏆
Rock Hard Caucus
Runners-up: Best Show Ever, Aloe Mean’s Green Room
Best Free Fun 🏆
Joystick Comedy Arcade’s Open Mic Monday
Runner-up: Friday Night Concert Series
Best Local Artist 🏆
Orlando Hammond
DJ at EDEN Lounge
Always welcoming to make the party get started! —Sebastian A.
He brings a lot of energy during his sets, keeps me dancin’, and has a good mix of songs in his arsenal. —Austin S.
Runner-up: Kevin Burt
Best Local Band 🏆
The Dandelion Stompers
Runner-up: The Awful Purdies
Best Local Author 🏆
Rachel Yoder
Her novel Nightbitch is a dark comedy with smart commentary on the struggles and expectations of motherhood. Slated to become a movie featuring Amy Adams, I feel pride that such a sharp, original story came from Iowa. —Emily M.
Tracing the transition from artist to mother to canis with all the tendrils of love, blood, fear, tenderness, and viscera attached. —Christopher W.
Runner-up: Chuy Renteria
Best Poet/Spoken Word Artist 🏆
Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey
Runner-up: Margaret Yapp
Best Local Theater Company 🏆
Riverside Theatre
119 E College St, Iowa City
319-259-7099
riversidetheatre.org
Runner-up: Willow Creek Theatre Company
Best Local Stand-Up Comedian 🏆
Travis Coltrain
Always loose and prepared to be witty on the fly, even improv. —Orlando H.
Goes crazy at comedy. —Heath V.
He’s hilarious, he’s all over Iowa City and a real supporter of the arts. He’s also a poet, a writer, a playwright, actor and a graduate of UI. Represents the best of IC. —Joanne R.
Runner-up: Megan Gogerty
Best Movie Theater 🏆
FilmScene at The Chauncey
404 E College St #100, Iowa City
319-358-2555
icfilmscene.org
FilmScene on the Ped Mall
118 E College St, Iowa City
Not just in Iowa City, but in the country, probably the world. —Chris W.
As a recent graduate, I’m always telling my partner that if we move away from IC, I will miss FilmScene the most! It is truly an IC gem! We love going for date nights and every movie I’ve seen has exceeded my expectations. We love feeling the energy and friendliness of the workers too. —Vanessa C.
State-of-the-art and independent, but not afraid to show Top Gun. —Shuck C.
Runner-up: Collins Road Theater
Best Radio Station 🏆
KRUI 89.7 FM
Based in Iowa City
krui.fm
Hey, the students know how to choose music. —Melanie M.
Runner-up: KCCK 88.3 FM
Best Arts Presenter (organization, venue or individual)
The Englert Theatre
221 E Washington St, Iowa City
319-688-2653
englert.org
A wide variety of arts, entertainment and community education-based programming. —Chris R.
Wide range of entertainment provided in a venue that allows you to feel connected to the performers. —Peggy D.
Consistency, baby. —Alyssa B.
Runner-up: Public Space One
Best Cultural Event 🏆
Iowa Arts Festival
Iowa City, June 3-5
summerofthearts.org
Art is the heartbeat of Iowa City, and this festival always takes place on a beautiful June weekend. —Sharon F.
Showcases the best downtown Iowa City has to offer. —Ken D.
Runner-up: Mission Creek Festival
Best Overall Musician 🏆
Kevin Burt
kevinburtmusic.com
In addition to his incredible talent, Kevin Burt is a true member of the community. He displays a firm commitment that ensures both his music and his message are accessible to all people. —Lori M.
I remember the days when Kevin Burt would play on the corner of Dubuque and Washington every Friday afternoon. Now we have to plan a bit more to hear his amazing music! —Hannah S.
Runner-up: Blake Shaw
Best Community (i.e. non-professional) Music or Theater Group 🏆
Theatre Cedar Rapids
102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids
319-366-8591
theatrecr.org
They have excellent play selections and the actors are always very good. —Karen P.
Runner-up: Willow Creek Theatre Company
Best Place to See Local Music 🏆
Gabe’s
330 E Washington St, Iowa City
319-351-9175
icgabes.com
Runner-up: Trumpet Blossom Cafe
Health & Recreation
Best Mental Health Services Provider 🏆
CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank
1121 S Gilbert Ct, Iowa City
319-351-2726
builtbycommunity.org
Always rewarding to interact with clients, and the staff and volunteers are all awesome!!! —Jane K.
Easy to volunteer, and an obvious immediate impact to our community. —Sharon F.
Runner-up: University of Iowa Health Care
Best Dog Park 🏆
Thornberry Off-leash Dog Park
1867 Foster Rd, Iowa City
Runner-up: Red Fern Dog Park
Best Bike Shop 🏆
World of Bikes
723 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
319-351-8337
worldofbikes.com
Runners-up: Goldfinch Cyclery, Iowa City Bike Library
Best Chiropractor 🏆
Black and Gold Chiropractic and Wellness
401 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
319-337-6000
blackandgoldchiropractic.com
Amazing chiropractic practice. Both Dr. Jess and Dr. Jake are the best! —Sharon L.
Very friendly doctors that put in the effort to make sure that you walk out feeling better than you did coming in. Very thoughtful and thorough with explaining to their patients and work well with their time to make sure they get back to full optimal health! —Ezuego N.
Runner-up: McDonald Chiropractic
Best Picnic Spot 🏆
Hickory Hill Park
1439 E Bloomington St, Iowa City
Runner-up: Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Best Yoga Studio 🏆
Hot House Yoga
224 S Clinton St, Iowa City
319-351-9642
hothouseyoga.com
Very knowledgeable instruction, great workshops. —Lauren V.
Runner-up: Muddy Feet Yoga
Best Sexual Health Clinic 🏆
Emma Goldman Clinic
227 N Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-337-2111
emmagoldman.com
Runner-up: Planned Parenthood
Best Place to Experience Nature 🏆
Hickory Hill Park
Iowa City
Runner-up: Bur Oak Land Trust
Community
Best Place to Volunteer 🏆
CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank
1121 S Gilbert Ct, Iowa City
319-351-2726
builtbycommunity.org
Runner-up: Crowded Closet Thrift Shop
Best Advocate for Social Justice 🏆
Angie Jordan
Executive director, South District SSMID
President and founder, South District Neighborhood Association
Runner-up: Amel Ali
Best Elected Official
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague
He attends a lot of community events and cares about the city. —Clarity G.
Runner-up: Iowa City Councilmember Laura Bergus
Best Library 🏆
Iowa City Public Library
123 S Linn St
319-356-5200
icpl.org
Don’t take for granted our city’s friendly hub for all kinds of free fun and community building. —Nathan K.
Welcoming and rich space with the opportunity to bring the fun home with you! —Valerie D.
I come here at least once a week and it has become my weekly self-care treat. It’s clean, organized, and the staff is always ready to help. —Vanessa C.
Shoutout to Phil for fulfilling my ILL requests! —Andrea T.
Runner-up: LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library
Best Nonprofit Director 🏆
Sarah Nelson
CEO, CommUnity Crisis Services
Best Museum 🏆
UI Stanley Museum of Art
160 W Burlington St, Iowa City
319-335-1727
stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu
When was the last time you saw a line to look at art? Too long the cultural spoils of Iowa’s fine arts legacy remained hidden from the public. The Stanley literally moved earth to bring it back to us. —Chris W.
Runner-up: University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Hardest Fightin’ Union 🏆
COGS UE Local 896
Representing University of Iowa graduate student workers
Runner-up: BCTGM Local 100 (Ingredion)
Best Arts Nonprofit 🏆
Public Space One
538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
319-855-1985
publicspaceone.com
Moshing in a mansion?? C’monnnn. —Brooke T.
PS1 shows a diverse range of art and makes it accessible. They provide tons of opportunities for local artists and bring in interesting artists from all over. —Desiree D.
Runner-up: The Englert Theatre
Best Shopping District 🏆
Downtown Iowa City
Shops, food, entertainment, festivals, programming, FUN! —Jessica S.
Textiles, Glassando, Prairie Lights, Om: some of my personal favorites! —Andrea T.
Runner-up: The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia
Voter Shout-Outs!
Jason Taylor, Bur Oak Land Trust
Jason’s passion for Iowa conservation is contagious and inspiring. His leadership is building a path for volunteers to make an impact on the local environment and for young people to get started in their natural resources careers. —Meredith R.
Jason has brought new life to the Bur Oak Land Trust and has transformed this nonprofit so it is successful and thriving. Bur Oak is attracting many new adventures, and being creative among its services. Jason leads a team with purpose and provides flexibility for future growth. —Kate G.
South Side secondhand stores
For variety and economy you can’t beat used goods. They take pressure off landfills. Think of the resources and energy used in producing and transporting new goods. Crowded Closet, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Stuff, all within a few blocks on the south side of Iowa City provide a vast and ever changing menagerie of bargains. The first three also serve the needy, here and abroad. —Dan D.
Kane Edwards
Kane is always booking and organizing cool events around town! From shows at Gabes and Trumpet Blossom, DJing events at Joystick and Gabes, and even a fashion show, he’s always busy keep the town entertained. —Marissa D.
BCTGM Local 100
The workers in BCTGM Local 100 have been fighting hard as hell against the bosses at Ingredion in Cedar Rapids. —Grant M.
Feed Me Weird Things
Just some of the best music out there, period, not just locally, not nationally, period. Got the chance to see acts that I love from as far away as Australia that I never thought I would ever get to see in my entire life, let alone in a small city like Iowa City. Just a great alternative to the bland middling NPR-core. —Tobin H.
Gary Sanders (nominated for Best Elected Official)
No one elected him, but rain or shine he is at the Iowa City Farmers market keeping dogs away from the produce and holding court in his folding chair. If dog catcher were on the ballot, I’d vote for Gary. —Adam Z.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Rusty the Giant Sloth, Dunky the Dunkleosteus, the Laysan Island Cyclorama, Mammal Hall…love the exhibits, love the programming, love the staff! This place has been free to the public for more than 160 years. Our community owes it a little favoritism. —Jessica S.
Old Capitol Museum restrooms
Where else can you find a massive chaise lounge in an almost 200-year-old building? Very clean, very updated. —Erin N.
This article was originally published in Little Village issue 313.
