Union Bar and Grill to appeal liquor license renewal, premises update denial

Reopening after six years of shuttered doors, the historic bar will continue operations, following the Iowa City City Council’s decision on April 21.

Shreya Reddy, Managing News & Politics Editor

April 22, 2026

Ava Neumaier

Patrons crowd The Union Bar in downtown Iowa City during its second night open on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. The Union replaced Cactus 3, and is the second incarnation of a bar that closed in 2020. (Ava Neumaier / The Daily Iowan)

Union Bar and Grill will continue operations and appeal a decision made by the Iowa City City Council to deny the renewal of a premises update application and liquor license renewal.

According to an April 21 press release from bar owner Tracy Barkalow, Union will operate under regular business hours, from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

“Union Bar and Grill management expressed disappointment with the city’s determination and stated their commitment to working through the appeals process in a constructive and timely manner,” the press release said.

In the release, Barkalow said he looks forward to presenting Union’s case through the “appropriate channels.”

“We respect the regulatory process but we strongly believe in our position,” Barkalow said.

The Iowa City City Council voted unanimously to deny the renewal of the bar’s liquor license during an April 22 meeting.

When the bar’s liquor license was approved on March 14, 2025, it was certified as an eating establishment, which means it is only permitted to serve alcohol between 11 a.m. and midnight. The bar consistently operates until 2 a.m., qualifying it as a drinking establishment, Iowa City Police Department Lt. Rob Cash said to the city council on April 21.

Union is calling on the community for support, continuing to visit the bar. Union was a staple in City for 27 years before it closed in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After six years, the bar reopened at 118 S. Clinton St. on Feb. 20.

“We are grateful for the support we’ve already received and encourage the community to come down, enjoy a meal or drink, and stand with us as we navigate this process,” the release said.

Tracy Barkalow did not respond to The Daily Iowan’s request for comment at the time of publication.

In a 6-0 vote on April 21, the Iowa City City Council’s denial came after a violation of city code, which articulates the 500 foot rule, in which a new drinking establishment can’t be located within 500 feet of another drinking establishment.

Union is in violation of this code due to its proximity to Giddy Up and Fieldhouse Bar and Grill.

The premise update, requested by Barakalow to alter the premises in which the liquor license operates, was also denied, as the hours the bar operates do not align with The Union being a drinking establishment.