From A to Z, Iowa City’s best spots have it all — drinks, dives, and delicious eats.
Everywhere you look around town, letters are hiding in plain sight. From decades-old signs to iconic artwork and more, this list rounds up a full alphabet of spots around Iowa City. Can you spot them?
A is for Airliner
The $1 slices of pizza on Sundays, iconic Hammer cocktail, and walls covered in photos and TVs are just some of The Airliner’s most iconic features. The Airliner, open since 1944, is a must-go-to for students looking for an affordable meal, somewhere to watch a football game, or just a place to have a good time.
B is for Bo-James
“Serious about our BURGERS. Crazy about our BIG BEERS.” That’s the message on the Bo-James Facebook page, and for 35 years, it’s been a downtown Iowa City staple.
C is for city
Located in the alley between Linn Street and the Pedestrian Mall on the side of the Iowa City Public Library, the “Greetings from Iowa City” mural depicts people and places in each letter, with the “C” including a portrait of Mr. Iowa City himself, Irving Weber, a longtime historian of the area.
Iowa City was the third city in the world designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO City of Literature, in 2008. The mural was dedicated to this achievement.
D is for Deadwood
Located on Dubuque Street, the Deadwood Tavern has been open for 34 years and has since cemented itself as an Iowa City staple. This cash-only bar is known for its pool tables, pinball machines, dark booths, and, during the holidays, upside-down Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling.
Ben Mummey, Deadwood’s owner, bought the bar in 2017. He said Deadwood is a great spot downtown if you’re looking for a chill bar vibe.
“We are a straight-up jukebox, dive bar,” Mummey said.
E is for Englert
Opened in 1912, the Englert’s marquee has brightened the streets of Iowa City for over 100 years. From vaudeville shows to a full-time movie theater to its current incarnation as an entertainment spot hosting a variety of events, from drag shows to live music to stand up comedians, the Englert remains an iconic attraction in downtown Iowa City.
F is for FilmScene
No plans this Friday night? See a movie at FilmScene. Every Friday of the school year, FilmScene partners with the Bijou Film Board to provide $4 tickets for University of Iowa students to see any new release film at either location.
G is for Gabe’s
With its neon red sign lighting up Washington Street, Gabe’s is known for its music history. A bevy of famous artists, from Nirvana to Chance the Rapper, have played the venue.
General Manager Pete McCarthy said Gabe’s welcomes all UI students who are looking to see quality music performances.
“We are the best live music venue downtown,” he said. “If college kids are seeking out live music, and that’s what they’re looking to do, they end up coming to Gabe’s.”
H is for Hamburg Inn No. 2
Presidential visits. A greasy brunch. Pie shakes. The coffee bean caucus. Need we say more?
I is for Iowa
Duh.
J is for Java House
The Java House was one of the first local coffee shops to bring European-style coffee culture to the Iowa City area back in 1994, and remains one of the most popular places to grab a drink downtown today. It started as a shop inside Prairie Lights Bookstore before expanding to Washington Street and multiple locations.
K is for Kinnick
Standing at 20 feet tall, the Nile Kinnick statue outside Duke Slater Field welcomes any student, alumnus, or local walking into the stadium to watch a football game. Players and coaches have made it a tradition to touch the statue on their way into the stadium for good luck.
L is for love
A large heart with the words “practice love” is painted on the side of Hothouse Yoga on Clinton Street in 2019.
M is for Mickey’s
A classic Irish pub and restaurant for more than 30 years, Mickey’s is a long-time Iowa City favorite. Grab a basket of free popcorn, order up a conglomeration, a pint of Guinness, and settle in for a fun-filled night.
N is for Nodo
Nodo is the ultimate study spot during lunch. Grab a sandwich, wrap, or salad and use the restaurant’s free wifi for the most productive lunch break you’ll ever have.
O is for “Oh no, you touched the Brain Rock”
The iconic Ridge and Furrow statue, better known as the “Brain Rock,” was recently moved from its spot on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway by the Pomerantz Center to the sidewalk between the Eckstein Medical Research Building and the Medical Education Research Facility. Some say touch it for good luck – others know better.
P is for Pagliai’s
Voted the best pizza place in Iowa City on Barstool Iowa’s Instagram, some might say Iowa City is known for Pagliai’s. Since 1957, it’s been serving up pies and burning the roofs of mouths of many who can’t wait a few minutes for their Palace Special to cool down before digging in.
Q is for Quinton’s
A little too much fun Saturday night? On Sunday, head to this spot on Washington Street. Order up a basket of “Lay Off Me I’m Starving” fries — covered in chili, queso, shredded cheese, and sour cream — and take advantage of the all-day happy hour to cure what ails you.
R is for ReUnion
ReUnion Brewery stands on the Ped Mall as a popular bar for both students and locals.
According to Bryan Cordova of the ReUnion management team, the combination of a brewery on the main floor and a dance floor upstairs is what truly makes the establishment unique.
“Every bar kind of has its own little vibe, whether it be a sports bar or a dive, but ours is really one of its own,” he said. “That’s one thing we really appreciate, we’ve been able to cement our own spot in downtown Iowa City.”
S is for Scout’s Honor
A camping-themed pizza bar in Iowa City with a dance floor and a S’ookie (s’mores skillet cookie) has become a favorite spot downtown since it opened in 2023.
T is for The Black Angel
An 8.5-foot-tall bronze memorial in Oakland Cemetery, turned black over time due to oxidation, has become the center of local legends and myths. Popular theories suggest a curse because the woman depicted in the statue was unfaithful and that touching it will bring death or bad luck. Creepy? A bit. Cool? Totally.
U is for Uncle Sun
Located on E Washington Street, delicious Chinese cuisine can be found right across from Iowa City’s Ped Mall. With affordable prices and high-quality meals, a trip to Uncle Sun’s serves up entrees for the community.
V is for the Vue
On the 12th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, the Vue Rooftop restaurant and event space features live music, events, and entertainment with a stunning view of the Iowa City skyline. Dueling pianists showcase their skills throughout the year, and catching a performance is a must.
W is for Wilder
Named for famous Hawkeye alum Gene Wilder and located below the Graduate hotel, Wilder prides itself on being a “wild way to dine” in Iowa City. The establishment serves everything from starters and light bites to home-style cooking. It’s also the perfect place to get the party started during its lively, happier hour.
X is for X-Grain
Need a custom shirt or Hawkeye sports gear? X-Grain has you covered. Located on Clinton Street, X-Grain claims to be “seasoned pros when it comes to the sports apparel industry.”
Y is for Yotopia
Frozen yogurt is a popular dessert to grab downtown, and Yotopia seems to have perfected the art of offering a sweet treat in a welcoming environment. Flavors and toppings galore keep it busy year-round.
Z is for Zolly’s
Opening just last year in the Old Capitol Mall, Zolly’s offers a wide menu, from burgers to cheesesteaks to gyros.