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 […]
Bread & Butter
LV Recommends: Trendy poke bowls make the menu at these four local restaurants
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 […]
LV Recommends: These four area spots will satisfy your sweet tooth
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 […]
2018 Grocer guide for the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area
Eight local grocers and markets that are well-worth the trip. Aldi 760 Ruppert Rd, Iowa City 2750 Heartland Dr, Coralville 1860 Edgewood Rd SW, Cedar Rapids 5425 Blairs Forest Blvd NE, Cedar Rapids Aldi is an affordable and environmentally conscious grocery store option. They take their corporate responsibility seriously and strive to support local communities […]
2018 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) guide for the Iowa City area
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, allows community members to purchase shares, or memberships, with area farms. Community contribution early in the season lets farmers properly gauge the community’s needs for the coming season, and community members receive CSA shares of farm-fresh product, without paying the overhead required by retail sales. If you might be interested […]
How local foragers and hunters take advantage of Iowa’s natural resources
By Sophia Finster, Photos by Chris Grebner and Rachel Vanderwerff We often take for granted Iowa’s abundant forests, prairies and backyards, and the variety of nutritious foods they provide. Tapping into these resources through foraging, hunting and fishing helps us understand how valuable they are. “Food is a commonality that everyone needs. As a society, […]
How Cedar Rapids bartender Josh O’Connell turned his passion into a business
Not long ago, Josh O’Connell was flipping bottles behind a bar, taking orders from a menu of his own cocktail recipes. The tattooed and mustachioed mixologist delighted the public at the 2016 Cobble Hill and Pullman Corridor Mashup with his French Oak Old Fashioned, in which a mix of orange blossom water and bourbon was […]
LV Recommends: Three health-conscious restaurants that cater to those on the fringe
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 […]
LV Recommends: Where to go for a magnificent matcha latte in the Iowa City area
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 […]
Pucker up: Local sour beers take brewing to a whole new level
“Infected” is rarely a word you want associated with your food or drink. But for hundreds of years, from Belgium to Iowa City, brewers have been cultivating the perfect cocktail of microbes to infect their beers and serve an ever-growing fan base. Characterized by an acidic or tart flavor, sour beers can taste like everything […]
LV Recommends: The most decadent dishes in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area
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 […]
LV Recommends: Five area restaurants that have stood the test of time
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 […]




