A local take on the classic American diner arrives in downtown Iowa City today as Pullman Bar and Diner opens at 17 S. Dubuque St.
Located in the space formerly occupied by Orange Leaf, the interior has been completely transformed in recent months. The long, narrow space and curved ceiling subtly reference a railcar. Vintage lighting, exposed brick, red vinyl booths and a long, white marble countertop give Pullman an old-time atmosphere.
“We wanted to hearken back to the roots of the diner, paying homage and celebrating craftsmanship and industriousness in America,” said co-owner Nate Kaeding, just before seating customers on the second night of Pullman’s soft opening last week.
Kaeding is one of six owners who include restauranteurs Faye and Matt Swift; Big Grove Brewery co-owner Doug Goettsch; Reds Alehouse manager Cory Kent; and Ben Smart, executive chef at Big Grove Brewery.
Adding to Pullman’s ambience is its music, curated by Mission Creek Festival organizer Andre Perry, as well as paintings by local artist Jamie Boling. And in a welcome absence, there are no television screens at Pullman. Instead, diners are encouraged to watch Smart and his team work in the open kitchen that abuts the bar.
“You’re never going to find a more open kitchen,” Swift said. “The action is what we want you to watch — our people crafting the food. It’s an interactive experience.”
Smart has worked to develop Pullman’s menus. Brunch includes inspired breakfast classics like granola crusted brioche french toast, as well as the Pullman burger and other sandwiches. The dinner menu offers a selection of the brunch items, as well as small plates and entrees like steak frites and buttermilk fried chicken.
“We’re keeping the menu simple while making great entrees affordable,” Kaeding said.
Pullman also has a full bar offering their take on classic cocktails and a variety of craft beers.
Over the weekend, the restaurant was buzzing as staff hosted soft openings in preperation for today. Swift has been a part of several other establishments and said the hardest part in any project is taking a leap of faith. He said success is not just getting to opening night, it’s conducting business right and staying consistently on track.
“There’s a lot of moving parts in this industry,” Swift said.
“I enjoy being a part of creating something,” Kaeding said. Less than five years after the 21-over ordinance was passed by the City Council, Kaeding is working to diversify the eating and drinking culture in Iowa City.
“There’s more people living and working downtown,” he said. “We’re helping the downtown grow up.”
Pullman opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 8 a.m. on the weekends.
This article has been updated to provide additional context based on reader feedback.
Buttermilk fried chicken ? Sounds familiar.We need some investors to bring Augusta ti owa city..
Intriguing, probably tasty, but the “we’re helping the downtown grow up” comment made me hate Kaeding like I hate everyone.
The comment about helping Iowa City grow up offending you means you’re probably still wishing you were in school and will never be an actual relevant part of the ongoing long term adult world in Iowa City. I’m sorry but it’s not just 18-25 year olds that spend a short time here with mom and dad’s money. Us old 30 something’s love that Iowa City can be a place for young people to come start a life and have fun but some of us have made a life here so I’m sorry we expect that this place leaves a small corner that will still actually grow up with the actual people of this town. But enjoy your keg stands bro!
Downtown Iowa city needs to grow up ? What kind of statement is that towards to customer base you wish to have support you ?
Relax. I think he means they will attract older clients as opposed to being a student bar.
I’d like to clarify that the “helping downtown grow up” comment was made in the context of a broader discussion with the reporter re. all of the positive changes to our downtown in the past several years following the 21 only legislation. We at Pullman are excited for the opportunity to play a part (albeit small) in continuing to offer both locals, as well as visitors to the area, a deeper well of quality dining and entertainment options.
Admittedly, a better choice of words would have been: “helping the growth of downtown”. My sincere apologies to any patrons or downtown business owners who interpreted the comment as a slight towards downtown as it currently exists. I, for one, am a huge believer in, and advocate for, our beloved downtown. If I felt otherwise I certainly wouldn’t be choosing to do business here. Thanks to Little Village for all that you do for the area. Cheers.
Pullman looks like another great addition to downtown Iowa City. The drinking and dining culture is changing for the better in IC.
Nate Kaeding is a huge contributor to the Iowa City/ Cooridor , and to think that he is not investing his time and money ( he played for a decade in the NFL, he is not a trust fund baby) to anything other than enriching his homeland and to make the environment from where he came better, would be a folly and unfounded accusation. Learn your facts about people before you tear them down. Kaeding has done more than most people in Eastern Iowa to make life better and more enriching for its inhabitants.
We knew what you meant Nate! And we ate in Pullman last Friday night for dinner – the food, the service, and the cocktails were exceptional. Not many bartenders know how to make a sidecar properly – the whole experience was fabulous, we will be back!