The Black Rose, the West Branch bookstore and cocktail lounge that opened earlier this year, has closed its brick-and-mortar location, owner Ashley Kofoed announced on Sunday on social media. “This […]
Food & Drink
An Iowa State grad co-invented the Rice Krispie Treat (then never made them again)
Marshmallows, Rice Krispies, a little butter and your mom’s best 9”-by-13” Pyrex baking dish — the only ingredients needed for that ubiquitous, always-welcome fixture of the Midwestern potluck, the Rice […]
SpareMe, beloved bowling and pinball destination in downtown Iowa City, is shutting down
SpareMe Bowl & Arcade is closing. The downtown Iowa City bowling alley will shut its door for the last time on Wednesday night, SpareMe announced Friday on social media. It […]
With ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,’ chef Samin Nosrat boiled cooking down to its elements. At Hancher — and with her new book — she reflects on why we set a table in the first place
If there’s anything we all could use at the end of 2025, it’s comforting food with good company. Helping patrons get into the holiday feasting mindset, Hancher Auditorium hosted a […]
Iowa beer picks to match your Halloween costume
Don’t know what to be for Halloween? These costumes pair perfectly with a beer from one of Iowa’s devilishly talented craft breweries. Illustrations by Emma McClatchey; beer can images courtesy […]
LV Recommends: Kindred Coffee’s Northside space offers rotating drinks and lots of room for activities
On the corner of Linn and Bloomington in downtown Iowa City’s Northside, Kindred Coffee fills its sunny, plant-lined space with lattes, cappuccinos and the occasional troupe of dancers. (In May, […]
LV Recommends: Daisy Chain Coffee in the East Village boasts delicious drinks and curious decor
I don’t normally write reviews at the place I’m reviewing, but I’m glad I decided to write in Daisy Chain Coffee today. Owner Daniel Bosman greets customers as they pop […]
Beth M. Howard’s ‘Pieowa’ is the taste-good, feel-good film of the year
It is the first weekend of the Iowa State Fair, and Beth M. Howard is still thinking about pie. “I’ve tried to get away from pie a couple of times,” […]
Take the cannolis — and the crab ceviche, po’ boys and more from these Q.C. eateries
For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewers Lacey Skorepa and Liv Carrow visited and reviewed eight restaurants in the Quad Cities. You can find more […]
Refuel at these restaurants within walking distance of Iowa museums
Don’t let hunger cut your museum visit short. These local eateries are mere blocks away from some of Iowa’s coolest culture centers. Listed hours are may vary. IOWA CITY Stanley […]
Big burgers, bookish beverages and other place(s) to dine around Cedar Falls and Waterloo
For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewer Abby McClatchey reviewed five Cedar Falls and Waterloo eateries. You can find more local restaurant coverage here. Big Head Burger 324 W […]
Slow-cooked meat served quick, lab-grown coffee flights and other welcome delights in Dubuque
For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewer Sunil Malapati visited and reviewed six Dubuque eateries. You can find more local restaurant coverage here. Adobos Mexican Grill 756 Main St, […]

