Named as the third UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ in 2008, Iowa City has a lively arts and cultural scene that spills over into the many bistros, pubs and wine bars. These are the best places to eat in town.
Having outgrown its origins at Old Man River Brewing Company in McGregor, Iowa, Backpocket Brewing found a new home in Coralville. Coralville is an Iowa City suburb still on the banks of the evocative Iowa River. The main attraction here is, of course, the beer on tap, hand-crafted within the state and inspired by German lagers. Brewmaster Jake has a background in microbiology and a passion for experimenting. He creates new brews in the onsite laboratory to offer as part of the promotional ‘Lab Series’. For beer enthusiasts, the beer-and-cheese paired sample tray is a must-try. All visitors can enjoy the brick oven pizzas and signature pies. In the summertime, be sure to grab a table on the Riverside Landing patio and soak up the peaceful view. This perfectly complements your refreshing brew, savored over the course of a long, warm evening just outside of the city.
Backpocket Brewery, 903 Quarry Rd, Coralville, USA, +1 319-466-4444
With 25 years under their belt, Linn Street Café still manages to impress customers on each and every occasion, primarily for the wide range of dishes on their fine dining menu, cooked to perfection and presented beautifully, but also for the attentive and thoughtful waiting service. The restaurant, tucked away in the historic Northside neighbourhood, may be quaint and the atmosphere intimate, but the food is of a very contemporary world cuisine, with an emphasis on Midwest ingredients, always sourced to support the local community and economy. The award-winning wine list is often promoted through ‘Wine Dinners’ run by Duckhorn Vineyard’s regional manager, during which guests can experience a variety of wines with each course of fine preparations.
Linn Street Café, 121 N Linn St, Iowa City, USA, +1 319-337-7370
At the top of a mysterious staircase, in an attic above Short’s Burger and Shine, The Clinton Street Social Club has captured and time-locked the feeling of an indulgent speakeasy. It comes complete with more 30 different delicious cocktail ‘libations’, ranging from the classic to the extravagant concoctions. Gastronomical treats and live jazz and blues music are all served with unadulterated enthusiasm well into the late night. You’ll find both the liquor and food offerings plentiful and the selection of whiskeys and beers never fails to impress. Meanwhile, the cheese fondue, oyster sandwich and ‘bucket of bacon’ remain firm favorites with customers who return regularly to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The emphasis here is on the social, and visitors are often pulled into a game of pool or darts, or even a spot of dancing.
The Clinton Street Social Club, 18 1/2 S Clinton St, Iowa City, USA, +1 319-351-1690
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