Many Iowa Citians have had a fried chicken-shaped hole in their lives since John’s Grocery closed its kitchen in early 2022. But this month, they’ll have a chance to fill that void with a two-piece (or two), if they act quickly. The fried chicken that was a staple for University of Iowa students and other […]
John’s Grocery
Posted inCommunity/News
Farewell, fried chicken: John’s Grocery is closing its kitchen
John’s Grocery began serving customers freshly prepared food in the 1950s, a few years after the family-owned store opened in 1948. John Alberhasky’s wife Erma “couldn’t stand seeing all of the junior high kids eating penny candy for lunch, so [she] started making nickel ham-salad sandwiches and [her] famous potato salad,” according to the store’s […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of the CRANDIC Spotlight: John’s Grocery
John’s Grocery isn’t just Iowa City’s oldest grocery store, but, according to the 2020 Best of the CRANDIC survey, locals’ favorite place to shop for beer, wine and liquor. With dozens (if not hundreds) of options to choose from in each section, John’s manager Doug Alberhasky took the time to make a few recommendations. Beer […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
A virtual tour and drive-through book signing explore Iowa City’s brewing heritage
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and John’s Grocery have teamed up for a two-day celebration of beer and Iowa City’s Northside District that includes a virtual beer tour and socially distant book signing. Iowa native and University of Iowa alumnus S.C. Sherman will sign copies of his newest book, Beer Money: A […]
Posted inCommunity/News
John’s Grocery hosting 70th anniversary party
John’s Grocery is celebrating 70 years as a staple of Iowa City’s northside by focusing on what they do best: beer. John’s is hosting an anniversary party in their parking lot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, offering beer and wine samples from visiting breweries and wineries, as well as chances to win prizes.
Posted inCommunity/News
Your Village: What’s the oldest business in Iowa City?
Have a question about what’s going on in your community? Ask Little Village. Submit your questions through the Your Village feature on our homepage, or email us at editor@littlevillagemag.com
Posted inCommunity/News, Food & Drink
John’s Grocery will carry Colorado’s Ska Brewing beers
UPDATE: Stores across Iowa, including John’s Grocery, will soon stock their shelves with beer from Colorado craft beer company Ska Brewing. Based in the southwest Colorado city of Durango, Ska is best known for its delectable India Pale Ales and eye-catching packaging. Ska beers are not readily available in Iowa, and when the shipment arrives in October, it will be the first time in more than eight years John’s Grocery will sell the craft label.
Posted inFood & Drink
Photos: Northside Oktoberfest rings in the first weekend of fall
Prost! Decked out in their best lederhosen and dirndls, people came from all over the Corridor for the 21st annual Northside Oktoberfest. Brewfest featured craft brews from more than 50 breweries and beer games like Hammer Schlagen and Beer Slide, as well as food from local vendors and an array of live music. Sodafest had […]
Posted inUncategorized
Brewfest 2016 set to showcase over 500 craft beers
Over 500+ craft beers to sample at Northside Oktoberfest on Saturday September 24. Remaining tickets are moving quickly! The 6th Annual Northside Oktoberfest will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 from 12-3 p.m. at Northside Oktoberfest, showcasing the Bohemian nature of Iowa City’s Northside Neighborhood through craft beer and local food. General admission ticket holders can […]
Posted inCommunity/News
John’s Grocery is back: Grand reopening on Thursday, Jan. 21!
For more than two weeks, fans of John’s Grocery (401 E. Market St.), known as much for its vast beer selection and late night snacks as for its deli sandwiches and selection of convenient drugstore supplies, suffered while the store underwent renovations. But the Iowa City institution is now fully back in action, and will […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Free State Brewing Company kicks off Iowa distribution with series of beer tastings
Free State Brewing Company, based in Lawrence, Kansas, will begin distributing its beers in Iowa this week. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, brewery …
Posted inFood & Drink
National Czech and Slovak Museum to host BrewNost! beer tasting and fundraiser
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library invites visitors to party like they’re in Prague at the 11th annual BrewNost! beer tasting …
