One long-standing café in Iowa City’s Goosetown neighborhood known for its tight quarters has added a new address to its repertoire.

Nodo, which has operated a single location at 600 N. Dodge St., officially added downtown Iowa City as its second home Aug. 30.

The new venture is housed in the former Pizza on Dubuque space, 5 S. Dubuque St., under the name Nodo Downtown.

Owner Bryan Asklof said that while the Aug. 30 soft opening introduced the new restaurant to the growing downtown dining scene, several noticeable necessities are still needed.

“We don’t even have a sign on the building yet, so it’s still a work in progress,” he said, noting that the second floor space — set for additional seating and a preparation kitchen — remains largely unfinished.

The various unknowns have caused the owners to still remain uncertain about the final investment cost of the downtown space.

The predominantly sandwich-focused shop’s new space includes space on two floors, and aside from a few new items, the menu resembles that of the North Dodge space.

In a July 30 interview with The Daily Iowan, Asklof said the intent was to open before the start of the University of Iowa’s fall semester on Aug. 26.

The original opening had been set for sometime in the month of July.

In contrast to the North Dodge Street location’s 15-person capacity, the downtown venture will eventually be able to seat more than 50.

Asklof said the goal for the new location to have a varied customer base, like that of its original café, from students to young professionals and families.

With the second location also comes expanded hours.

Monday through Thursday, the store is open from 8:30 to 9 or 10 p.m., depending on demand, while on Friday and Saturday will be open from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. As of now, the downtown location is closed on Sunday.

— by Quentin Misiag