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Eastern Iowa Food Recommendations
15
items Eat Local in the Corridor. I love grabbing a quick bite, but I really try to keep my money in the community.
Sections
5
Coffee First
Pizza 🍕
Diners
Restaurants
Desserts 🍨
Coffee First
Support local coffee shops! My Favorite Cafes for Work and Weekend Caffeine
Homemade pastries and espresso drinks are so good in this cute bistro.
Bistro at Blooms
This is a great spot in Marion. I stop here for a morning coffee when I have errands to run. But they actually serve dinner too, which is kind of surprising. It’s one of those cozy places that always feels warm. And it’s nice to have a locally owned ...
Uptown Snug
This is another great local coffee place, this one is out in Hiawatha. They have all the usual coffee drinks you want. But you have to try their special pastries. I usually get the thin mint flavor when it's available. It’s perfect for picking up a l...
Stillwater Coffee Company
Pizza 🍕
Collection of my personal go to places that are perfect for celebrating a promotion, crying over a breakup, or just craving the perfect slice
If you want good local pizza, you have to try Bop's. They have a ton of different choices, which is nice when everyone wants something different. But the Reuben Pizza is honestly one of our favorites to order. It sounds weird, but it just works. It's...
Bop's Pizza
Zoey's is a true local legend around here. It's one of those places that people always mention when you ask where to get good pizza. They have consistently high ratings year after year. It's just a solid, dependable place to get dinner. You can count...
Zoey's Pizzeria
This place is a big deal around here. They serve really great food and wine. But you come here for the pizza. It was actually featured in the New York Times as one of the best pizza spots in the country. It's a great choice for a date night or when y...
Lincoln Wine Bar
Diners
Locally owned neighborhood diners
The food is always solid. And you definitely need to follow them on Facebook for their daily specials. That is where you find the best stuff they are cooking up that week.
West End Diner | Marion IA
Restaurants
Restaurants and Bars for Lunch and Dinner. Must Try Salad Spots! Who am I kidding, I go for burgers and comfort food. These are family business places where you get a great meal and know you are supporting real people.
If you love BBQ, this place is seriously worth the drive to Mount Vernon. It’s not too far from Iowa City, but you should definitely detour for it. It’s a fun, easy place to meet up for some good food and a cold drink. It’s a perfect road trip stop o...
Big's BBQ & Brew Pub
Family Favorite for either Cashew Nut, Mango Paradise, or Pad Prik King.
Nara Thai Home
This is one of my favorite stops. It's located right off a great bike trail, so it is an easy place to pop in for a quick bite. They have really good food. And it's perfect when you want a meal that is better than just a snack, but you don't want to ...
Pedalers Fork
This is a really popular place, and for good reason. They have a great big space, and the food is always good. But you really come here for the beer. If you like sours, you have to try the Rainbow Connection. It’s a fun place to meet up with friends ...
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
This is a great place to go if you are downtown Cedar Rapids. The food is amazing. But it is especially perfect if you are going to a show or some other event nearby. You can have a nice dinner before. The service is always really good. It feels like...
Cobble Hill - Cedar Rapids
The Dude. You should definitely check their board or social media for the food specials. They always have something great that isn't on the regular menu. It is a perfect spot for grabbing a casual dinner or just a drink with friends.
Lebowski's Bar & Grill
Desserts 🍨
Sometimes, you just need a treat. Good desserts are a required part of life.
This is the perfect spot for a cheat day. It’s a shop that specializes in having both great french fries and ice cream. It’s such a fun combo. You have to try their Mexican Street Corn Fries. They are honestly so delicious. This is just a fun place t...
FRYDAE
This is another great local favorite place for dessert. But you seriously have to hurry in. They sell out of the best flavors really fast, especially on the weekends. They do have the smaller size portions available too, which is nice when you just w...
Sweet Cheesecake