Iowa City blends Midwestern warmth, cosmopolitan curiosity, and academic verve—home to writers, scholars, students, and foodies, all hungry for more.
Pullman Bar & Diner
Classic diner, reinvented: sweet potato pancakes, steak and eggs, glazed donut French toast for brunch; fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and lively cocktails for dinner.
The bar is lively, the room stylish retro, and it’s always full of grad students, families, and artists.
Soseki Sushi
Superb, artful sushi, nigiri, and Japanese small plates draw diners for omakase “chef’s choice” nights, inventive signature rolls, and the freshest sashimi in town.
Rice is always at the perfect temperature and house sake is the drink of choice.
Bluebird Diner
Beloved for hearty breakfasts, stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy, and local pork sausage.
Lunch stars include Reubens and massive salads. Counter service, chalkboard specials, and Midwestern chatter make every meal feel like family.
Oasis Falafel
A Middle Eastern staple since the 2000s, Oasis serves velvety hummus, hot-from-the-fryer falafel, pita wraps, tahini salads, and a killer baklava.
The vegan and gluten-free options are some of the best in the city.
Joseph’s Steakhouse
Steaks done right: bone-in ribeyes, thick filet mignon, gorgonzola-topped New York strip.
Warm wood, classic cocktails, tuxedoed servers, and decadent chocolate desserts make it Iowa City’s date-night mecca.
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