Featured Restaurants and Bars:

Pullman Bar & Diner – Elevated comfort classics, popular for brunch and dinner.
https://pullmandiner.com/

The Dandy Lion – Breakfast, sandwiches & salads served in a casual luncheonette featuring exposed-brick walls. Also serves cocktails.
https://www.thedandylionic.com/

Orchard Green – Upscale seafood and American cuisine, perfect for a refined evening.
https://orchardgreenrestaurant.com/

Basta Pizzeria Ristorante – Modern Italian with wood-fired pizzas and pastas (vegetarian-friendly options available).
https://www.bastaiowacity.com/

St. Burch Tavern – Cozy tavern with locally rooted comfort food.
https://www.saintburchtavern.com/

Bluebird Diner – Beloved breakfast and café-style dining.
https://bluebird.cafe/locations/bluebird-iowa-city/

Reunion Brewery - Counter-serve spot in the Iowa City Ped Mall featuring craft beers, cocktails, and live entertainment, plus casual eats.
https://reunionbrewery.com/

Black Angel Restaurant – Contemporary spot inspired by Iowa City's iconic Black Angel, serving creative American dishes.
https://the-black-angel.square.site/

Paper Crane – Local favorite for sushi and Japanese cuisine, fresh and casual.
https://www.papercraneic.com/

The Webster – Fine dining with chef-driven seasonal menus, upscale and innovative.
https://www.thewebsteric.com/

Hamburg Inn No. 2 – Quirky local diner, great for breakfast and desserts.
https://www.hamburginn2.com/

Pagliai’s Pizza – Old school, family-owned joint serving thin crust pizza made from family recipes
http://www.pagliaisic.com/

Bars and Nightlife:

The Green House – Stylish restaurant/bar with lush greenery and craft cocktails (vegetarian and vegan-friendly).
https://www.thegreenhouseic.com/

Vue Rooftop – Skyline views, cocktails, and live music.
https://www.vuerooftop-ic.com/

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom – Craft beers and casual American fare.
https://biggrove.com/

Deadwood Tavern – Laid-back bar with a strong local following.

Sports Column (“The SC”) – Classic sports bar, energetic on game days.
https://www.sportscolumnbar.com/

Joe’s Place – Iowa City institution, rooftop seating, and casual vibes.
https://www.joesplace-ic.com/

Sanctuary Pub – Mellow mainstay with refined bar bites & a large list of draft & bottled beers in wood-paneled digs.

Dublin Underground – A basement pub with strong drinks, low lighting, and a lively late-night crowd

Things to Do:
https://thinkiowacity.com/events/

Pedestrian Mall (Ped Mall) – Vibrant plaza with shops, cafés, and public art.

Old Capitol Museum & Pentacrest – Iconic historic and cultural sites.

Englert Theatre – Restored historic theater with live performances.

Stanley Museum of Art – High-quality art gallery downtown.

Hickory Hill Park – Scenic trails and natural escape near downtown.