Mount Vernon has a little-known gem of a restaurant, tucked just down the hill from Main Street: Big’s BBQ (124 2nd Ave NW). From the street, this stately manor would pass for a Cornell professor’s home. But inside waits a tidy little restaurant and brewery serving big flavor. Big’s delivers a surprising variety of delicious […]
You may not have learned in school, but the U.S. was founded on booze. Celebrate your civic duty by raising a glass to freedom at these Iowa City and Cedar Rapids drinkeries. […]
When the beloved Kalona Cheese factory, which closed in 2014, reopened as the Kalona Creamery in 2017, my excitement was focused on the return of cheese curds. The curds are set to be brought back later this year, thank the dairy gods, but the creamery has more to offer. On April 21, Kalona Creamery debuted their line of eight hard ice cream flavors. […]
When you order at JiangHu, approach the counter, grab an empty bowl and tongs and select from a variety of noodles, meats, seafoods, tofus, fungi, seaweed and vegetables. […]
Five supreme snacks to save you when hunger strikes. George’s Buffet 312 E Market St, Iowa City Contrary to its name and to the dismay of those Google searching “buffet Iowa City,” George’s Buffet is not actually a buffet. It is so much better. A landmark in Iowa City since 1938, this cozy townie bar […]
Looking for pizza? These consistently delicious and straightforward pies are worth a sample. Bread Garden Market 225 S Linn St, Iowa City Bread Garden’s 2016 kitchen remodel brought an expanded menu of made-to-order meals to the downtown grocery hub. Order from an electronic kiosk––everything on the menu is delicious, made fresh and super affordable. With […]
In recent years, poke, a Hawaiian raw fish salad, has become increasingly popular in mainland United States. Traditional poke (pronounced “poh-kay” which means “to cut” in Hawaiian) is ubiquitous in Hawaii and is available everywhere from roadside stands, to Costco stores and gas stations. With roots in fishing culture––fishermen cubed up the less-desirable parts of […]
Four area restaurants that beg you to leave room for dessert Big Grove Brewery 101 Main St, Solon Big Grove Brewery has made itself indispensable as the only brew pub in Solon and Iowa City and one of the most popular local breweries to carry on tap across the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor. While many […]
Where to eat if you’re vegan or gluten-free. The Full Bowl 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids Inspired by a favorite restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, owner Wes Shirley has brought the concept of a creative rice and beans restaurant to NewBo City Market, sporting the apt and cutesy slogan, “Exploring the globe, one bowl at […]
The matchas at these local cafes are the perfect swap for coffee. Cortado 26 S Clinton St, Iowa City This modern streamlined coffee shop across from the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City has plenty of seating as well as a sidewalk patio in warmer months. Beyond just a winning atmosphere, Cortado succeeds with delightful drinks […]
When you’re feeling fancy, these four local eateries are the place to indulge yourself. Sushiya 745 Community Dr, Ste A, North Liberty Sushiya has been serving up delicious sushi in its intimate corner of North Liberty since 2014. The delicious hand rolls and excellent service have made it a local favorite, but a new addition […]
Five tried and true restaurants with a history and reputation as impressive as their offerings. Pagliai’s Pizza 302 E Bloomington St, Iowa City This Northside Iowa City landmark has a hefty fanbase of regular diners. The restaurant’s front windows display the kitchen at work and on the inside, the big booths provide a prime seat […]