Location: Iowa City
Top Restaurants in Iowa City
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Where to eat American food in Iowa City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Find out what American restaurants to try in Iowa City. Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is the home of the University of Iowa and county seat of Johnson County, at the center of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 74,398 in 2016, making it the state's fifth-largest city. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County. The metropolitan area, which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 164,000.
Things to do in Iowa City
10. Blackstone
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Blackstone of Iowa City is locally owned by four longtime Iowa City residents. We strive to "bring more to the table" through our comfortable ambiance, personable service and high quality, great tasting food. The restaurant features four intimate dining r
Reviewed By Marie C
The atmosphere is nice--comfortable booths, and there is a fireplace, which in my opinion is always a plus. I have no complaints about the service.The food was fine. Perfectly edible, but not very exciting. Not very different from your typical American chain (Applebee's, TGI Fridays), except the quality was probably a little better. I got a Thai cobb salad, and my boyfriend got the mushroom melt. We got the alehouse onion strings to share as an appetizer. We got there during happy hour, which means half-priced martinis--that was probably the best part of the meal.
9. Stella
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By ClintTraveler
I had the tomato basil soup and it was delicious. Additionally I had the Cobb salad and my wife had a chicken sandwich. Both were average.The service was outstanding and the atmosphere is outstanding. Good parking near the hospital and Kennick stadium.
8. Bread Garden Market & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By MeryMeCo
Three of us ate lunch here. We meet our daughter here. Sheâs vegetarian so she could easily find what she wanted. Hubby had oriental and I was watching my weight watchers points so I had the beautiful salad bar. I LOVE that they had herring on the salad bar. It was a very satisfying lunch. Probably goBack again.
7. Shorts Burger & Shine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers
I love shorts. It has everything I want. First, it's located right next to campus in the heart of all the action. The tiny store front along Clinton St makes it easy to miss. All you get is a faded burgundy awning with the words Short's Burger & Shine. It's easy to miss. Inside, the place is just as small as the store front indicates. There is a small row of two person tables along the right side and a row of four person booths on the left side. The bar and one single large table can be found in the back. It's tight, cozy and awesome atmosphere.The food was great. We tried several of the burgers. The meat is cooked correctly and has wonderful seasoning. Once you add your style of toppings to make the burger you like, it's soo good. The fries were really well done. Short's also has a reasonable selection of craft beers, which makes me love this place even more.I almost landed on four stars because of the service. In the end, I loved the food and atmosphere too much to ding it for the poor service. It's not a big place, but getting a server is rough going.
6. The Hamburg Inn No. 2
Overall Ratings
4 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By NotAFoodSnobFromNY
Lots of excellent breakfast choices here and we are VERY happy we made the stop here this morning.This place gets and stays busy with lots of turnover on tables. As it was just my husband and myself and we were invited to sit where we'd like, we seated ourselves at the counter stools in the center of the room rather than take up a table for four.Great decor (except for having to look at Joni Ernst while eating...blergh) with lots to look at and read throughout the room.The food was incredible with large portions. I could swear I tasted nutmeg in the little fried potato cakes but whatever it was, they were delicious. All of the dishes were amazing and the servers seemed hurried but were still friendly and attentive.
5. Orchard Green
Overall Ratings
4 based on 213 reviews
A one of a kind venue with out of this world cuisine . It's big city dining in downtown Iowa city!
Reviewed By Indiana7611
We dined at Orchard Green a couple times while our daughter attended University of Iowa. I absolutely love this place!! I've had both the Arctic Char and a Filet Mignon and they were both excellent, as well as the Artisan Cheese Board. My husband had the duck which he thought was very good but he was expecting a duck breast. The service is exceptional and the ambience is one of my favorite things about this place. Even though our daughter graduated this year, we are going to make a trip back to Iowa City to enjoy some of our favorite dining experiences and this will be at the top!!
4. Bluebird Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By CindyKWarrington
I went to Iowa for the first time and breakfast here was wonderful. I had a veggie omelet with potatoes and a biscuit. It was tasted great and the waitress was quick and very nice. Definitely suggest it for a good breakfast---lots of Hawkeye fans there!
3. The Wig & Pen Pizza Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Jake060
A must stop restaurant for people in this area. They offer three types of their tasty crust, various topping, a great sauce, and plenty of cheese. Delicious! Other menu items including pasta, sandwiches, and salads are also good. The staff is friendly and service great.
2. Pullman Bar & Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 265 reviews
We value three things: Service - There is nothing more important to us than delivering a positive and memorable experience. Community - Our team is comprised of proud Iowan's with deep passion and love for historic downtown Iowa City. Quality - Striving f
Reviewed By colefoxxy
Had a Bloody Mary & the steak and eggs. Balltip, tender cut cooked medium-rare perfectly. Cozy atmosphere for a rainy morning. The staff is fun and welcoming. Our waitress, Quenisha, was great. Bubbly & friendly, prompt and professional. Definitely a gem of a restaurant!
1. Her Soup Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By jpm1975
Unique and tasty sandwiches with great soup. Hard to beat! The place is usually quite busy at lunch, but I always seem to get a table right away. Might be difficult to seat more than four together.
