Welcome to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a hidden gem for food lovers. The city’s streets are lined with unique eateries that promise an adventure for your taste buds. From cozy spots with Midwest charm to quirky cafes where your coffee comes with a side of history, Cedar Rapids has it all.
It’s not just about the food—it’s about the stories these places tell. Sink your teeth into a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a local favorite, or enjoy fresh kolaches in the Czech Village. Don’t miss a slice of taco pizza, an Iowa specialty, or warm bowls of chili on a chilly evening. Pair it all with craft beer from one of the city’s top breweries for the full Cedar Rapids experience.
Cedar Rapids invites you to explore, savor, and discover something extraordinary!
👉 Pro Tip: Use the Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest to uncover the city’s hidden gems, including dining spots! Solve fun challenges, explore local landmarks, and discover great places to eat along the way. From hearty Midwestern classics to cozy cafes, Cedar Rapids’ dining scene is the perfect way to cap off your adventure.
Unique Restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: 16 Incredible Cedar Rapids Iowa Eateries
From hidden gems to culinary wonders, we’re guiding you through the city’s most distinctive dining spots. Get ready to explore flavors and experiences that set Cedar Rapids apart.
1. Parlor City Pub and Eatery
- 📍 Location: New Bohemia District
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Pub Fare / Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: Large historic building with a spacious patio, extensive beer list, burgers and wings.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Casual group hangouts, craft beer lovers, classic pub grub seekers, and NewBo explorers.
Head over to Parlor City Pub and Eatery in the NewBo District for a classic American pub experience in a spacious, historic setting. This spot is a local favorite, known for its lively atmosphere, great patio, and a solid menu of satisfying pub fare alongside an extensive beer selection.
You can’t go wrong with their juicy Parlor City Burger, cooked to order with your favorite toppings. Their crispy chicken wings, available in a variety of sauces, or the loaded pub nachos are also excellent choices for sharing. It’s a reliable spot for good food and good times.
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2. LP – Street Food
If you’ve ever wanted to take your tastebuds on a global adventure without leaving Iowa, LP – Street Food is your ticket. This place reimagines classic street eats from around the world, so one night it’s Korean fried chicken, and the next it’s Elote-inspired corn. The standout? Definitely their Bulgogi Tacos, a spicy-sweet mashup that always looks Instagram-ready. The vibe is kitschy and fun, with graffiti murals, a busy open kitchen, and a playlist that leans heavy into retro hip hop. Seating is an eclectic mix: high-tops, banquettes, and some cool window bar spots perfect for people-watching. Pro tip: Ask about their ever-changing “secret menu” (seriously, it exists). LP is just a few blocks from NewBo City Market, and I always stop there for dessert after. The playful menu and lively energy never disappoint.
3. The Map Room
- 📍 Location: Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Drinks/Small Plates)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktail Bar / Global Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Themed decor, craft cocktails, small plates, sophisticated vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail lovers, date nights, themed bar fans, and downtown explorers.
Chart a course for incredible cocktails at The Map Room! This intimate downtown spot offers a sophisticated escape with its cool travel theme, vintage maps, and expertly crafted drinks that take your taste buds on a global journey.
Sip on inventive concoctions. An “Atlas Old Fashioned” or a refreshing “Cartographer’s Collins” are great choices. Pair your drink with globally inspired small plates like truffle popcorn or artisanal cheese boards. The Map Room is a hidden gem.
4. The Breakfast House
The Breakfast House is proof that brunch doesn’t have to be basic. Inside, you’ll find quirky vintage decor, tons of natural light, and a menu that leans into comfort with a twist. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are pillowy and super photogenic, while the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito is hearty with just the right kick. On weekends, be prepared for a wait – totally worth it for their bottomless diner coffee and the vibes. The space fizzles with nostalgia thanks to the retro counter seating and 70s light fixtures. If you’re an early bird, grab a seat by the window for ace people-watching. It’s super close to Greene Square Park, so grab a cinnamon roll to go and stroll outside afterward. I’m obsessed with their house-made hot sauces – ask for all of them!
5. Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary
- 📍 Location: Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Farm-to-Table / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef-driven seasonal menus, local ingredients, craft cocktails, thoughtful wine list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fine dining enthusiasts, special occasions, and farm-to-table foodies.
Elevate your evening at Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary, a cornerstone of Cedar Rapids fine dining. This spot delivers sophisticated New American cuisine with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation. Get ready for culinary artistry!
Indulge in meticulously crafted dishes. Perfectly seared scallops with seasonal accompaniments are a highlight. High-quality grilled meats, like a local pork chop, or inventive vegetarian entrees also showcase their skill. The elegant atmosphere makes it a top choice.
6. Sacred Cow Tavern
Sacred Cow Tavern isn’t your average neighborhood bar. This spot goes heavy on vintage pub charm, down to the checkerboard flooring and antique bar stools. Their burgers are legendary, especially the Farmhouse Burger stacked with a fried egg and tangy house aioli. For something quirky, try the Deep-Fried Pickle Spears – perfect with one of their rotating IPAs on tap. The lighting is low and there’s always a classic rock playlist in the background, giving it a cozy, lived-in feel. If you snag a booth by the big bay windows, it’s ideal for catching up with friends or people-watching. There’s a speakeasy vibe, but the staff is super friendly and laid-back. Pro tip: Trivia nights here are a blast. I was honestly wowed by how elevated yet unpretentious the menu is.
7. The Hip Stir
- 📍 Location: Marion
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Primarily Drinks/Small Bites)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Cocktail Lounge / Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Modern lounge, creative cocktails, gourmet bites.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail lovers, date night drinks, and pre/post-dinner libations.
Get stirred by chic vibes at The Hip Stir! This stylish lounge focuses on the art of the cocktail, serving inventive mixes and classic drinks in a modern, sophisticated setting. It’s where CR goes to sip in style.
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Explore a menu of unique signature cocktails. A “Smoked Rosemary Maple Old Fashioned” or a vibrant “Lavender Haze” gin concoction are great choices. Pair your drink with some of their small gourmet bites like truffle fries or artisanal cheese.
8. O’s Grill
O’s Grill is my pick when I’m craving loaded Mediterranean plates with a side of friendly small-town energy. This no-frills spot is all about big flavors and hearty servings. The Gyro Platter stacks thick slices of shaved lamb and beef over pillowy rice, but the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are where they really shine – chargrilled, juicy, and paired with a fresh cucumber salad. The space is simple, but always bustling with regulars, and the owner is usually chatting up tables and giving personal recommendations. Don’t leave without grabbing their house-made hummus with extra-puffy pita bread. O’s is near Cedar Rapids Public Library, making it convenient for a lunch break before heading back out to explore downtown. I love that so much of the menu is made fresh, and portions are always more than generous.
9. Black Sheep Social Club
- 📍 Location: Czech Village/New Bohemia District
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American Gastropub / Eclectic Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic Czech Village/NewBo, industrial-chic decor, creative comfort food twists, extensive craft beer/cocktail list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Gastropub fans, craft beer lovers, comfort food, social seekers, and Czech Village/NewBo visitors.
Dare to dine differently at Black Sheep Social Club! Situated in the vibrant Czech Village/NewBo district, this spot offers a modern gastropub experience with creative takes on comfort food and a lively, social atmosphere. It’s deliciously unconventional!
Graze on inventive shared plates. Their unique black sheep burger with lamb and goat cheese is a must-try. Elevated mac and cheese with pulled pork, or crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon jam, are also fantastic. Explore their extensive craft beer list.
10. Tomaso’s Pizza
Tomaso’s Pizza is a legit Cedar Rapids institution if you ask the locals. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up craveworthy pizzas since the 1980s with a side of old-school charm. Their signature pie is the Double Crust Pizza – it’s like a stuffed pizza, but with a butter-brushed top layer that takes it to another level. I always add their spicy sausage, but the Deluxe Supreme is a solid choice for first-timers. The checkered tablecloths, exposed brick, and neon beer signs ooze cozy nostalgia. Booths fill up fast on weekends, so get there early or call ahead. If you love arcade games, there’s a classic mini arcade tucked in back. It’s walking distance to the Czech Museum, making for a perfect pizza-and-culture combo. Tomaso’s is comfort food at its best and always reminds me why classic spots are classics for a reason.
11. Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
- 📍 Location: Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Food/Drinks/Games)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pub Grub / Pizza / Craft Brewery
- 🔥 Standout Features: Barcade with tons of classic/pinball machines, house-brewed craft beers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Beer drinkers, pinball wizards, casual hangouts, and fans of pizza and pints.
Level up your eats and entertainment at Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery! This downtown spot combines a brewery churning out craft beers with a massive collection of classic arcade and pinball machines. It’s pixels, pints, and pure fun!
Challenge friends to Donkey Kong while sipping house-brewed beers. Refuel with creative pub grub. Tasty loaded tots are a hit. One of their signature pizzas, like the “Queso Fundido Pizza,” or classic pepperoni, are also great choices.
12. Lucky’s on 16th
Lucky’s on 16th is the perfect neighborhood joint for anyone who wants classic American eats with zero pretension. The vibe is lively but never rowdy – all distressed wood, Edison bulbs, and sports on the TVs. Their Chicken and Waffles are legendary (the honey sriracha drizzle makes it), and if you’re brunching, the Massive Bloody Mary comes stacked with everything from bacon to a little cheeseburger slider. There’s an airy patio out back that’s pet-friendly and shaded for lazy weekend sessions. Lucky’s sits in a historic part of town, so after you eat, take a quick walk over to the iconic 16th Avenue Bridge to check out the river views. What really sticks with me here is the friendly staff – they always make you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.
13. Pedaler’s Fork
- 📍 Location: New Bohemia District – near trails
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Sandwiches / Salads / Coffee
- 🔥 Standout Features: Bicycle-themed cafe, located near bike trails, fresh and healthy options, quality coffee.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cyclists needing refuel stops, healthy lunch/breakfast seekers, coffee lovers, casual meetups, and bike-friendly spots.
Fuel your ride at Pedaler’s Fork! This charming, bicycle-themed cafe in the NewBo district is perfectly situated for trail users and anyone seeking fresh, delicious fare in a friendly atmosphere. Get ready to shift your hunger into high gear!
Grab an expertly crafted espresso drink and a fresh pastry. For a healthy lunch, a vibrant quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is a good choice. A hearty turkey avocado sandwich on whole grain bread is also popular.
14. Brewhemia
- 📍 Location: New Bohemia District
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffeehouse & Bar / Cafe Fare
- 🔥 Standout Features: Bohemian-inspired decor, combo coffeehouse/bar, quality coffee, craft beer/cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Coffee aficionados AND beer/cocktail fans, artsy vibe seekers, casual work/study spots, relaxed meetups, and NewBo explorers.
Embrace the bohemian brew-haha at Brewhemia! This NewBo staple seamlessly blends a top-notch coffeehouse with a cool craft beer and cocktail bar, all wrapped up in a cozy, artsy atmosphere. It’s the best of both caffeinated and spirited worlds!
Start your day with a perfect latte and a fresh scone. Grab a light lunch like a caprese panini. Unwind in the evening with a local craft beer or a creative cocktail such as their “Bohemian Raspberry.” The eclectic decor and relaxed vibe make it welcoming.
15. The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
- 📍 Location: Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Arcade Bar / Brewery / Pizza & Pub Fare
- 🔥 Standout Features: Classic arcade games, pinball, craft beer brewed on-site, nerdy theme.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Gamers, casual nights out, and craft beer fans.
This is not a restaurant; it’s a time machine with a taproom. Walking into The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery is a blast of pure nostalgia. The air is filled with the electric sounds of classic 80s and 90s arcade games—the bleeps, bloops, and joystick clicks are the soundtrack. It’s a dim, fun, and totally unpretentious spot for a fun night out.
The food is way better than you’d expect from an arcade. They make some killer pizzas. You can’t go wrong with the meaty T-Rex pizza or the Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom for a fun, themed choice. Of course, you have to pair it with one of their awesome house-brewed craft beers. It’s the perfect fuel for setting a new high score.
16. Tornado’s Grub & Pub
- 📍 Location: NE side
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Pub Grub / Sports Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Sports bar vibe, burgers/wings.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Pub food fans, sports watchers, burger/wing lovers, and grabbing drinks/grub with friends.
Get swept up in good times at Tornado’s Grub & Pub! This friendly neighborhood sports bar is a go-to spot for classic pub fare, cold drinks, and catching the game. It’s a whirlwind of casual comfort! Chow down on satisfying pub classics.
A juicy Tornado Burger piled high with toppings like bacon and cheese is a must-try. A basket of crispy chicken wings tossed in your favorite sauce (buffalo or garlic parmesan are popular), or their loaded nachos, are also great. Wash it down with a cold beer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Got questions about eating out in Cedar Rapids? Our Cedar Rapids Iowa restaurant guide FAQ section has all the answers you need.
What food is Cedar Rapids known for?
Cedar Rapids is famous for its hearty Midwestern cuisine. The city loves its corn dishes, given Iowa’s rich farming heritage. You’ll find sweet corn served in various ways, from grilled on the cob to mixed into salads and salsas. Another local favorite is the pork tenderloin sandwich, a must-try for anyone visiting. It’s a breaded and fried pork cutlet, often bigger than the bun it’s served on. For the best food in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, these dishes are a great start.
Where can I find Cedar Rapids Iowa’s best restaurants?
To discover the best restaurants, start in the vibrant New Bohemia District. This area is known for its eclectic dining spots that serve everything from gourmet burgers to artisan coffee. Downtown Cedar Rapids also offers a wide range of dining experiences, from upscale eateries to casual cafes. For a comprehensive list, a Cedar Rapids Iowa restaurant guide would be your best bet, offering insights into the city’s culinary scene and helping you choose based on cuisine, ambiance, and price.
What are some scenic places in Cedar Rapids Iowa to eat?
For dining with a view, Cedar Rapids offers several scenic places to eat. Restaurants along the Cedar River offer beautiful waterfront views, especially during sunset. Another option is dining in the historic Czech Village, where you can enjoy meals with a backdrop of charming European-style architecture. Parks and green spaces in the city also host food trucks and outdoor dining events during warmer months, allowing you to enjoy good food in the midst of nature.
Where can I find cheap eats in Cedar Rapids Iowa?
Cheap eats are easy to find if you know where to look. The New Bohemia District and Czech Village offer a variety of affordable dining options, from food trucks serving up tacos and burgers to cozy cafes with hearty breakfasts and lunches. Many local pubs and diners offer daily specials that are both delicious and budget-friendly. For the best deals, check out local guides or apps that highlight discounts and specials at eateries around the city.
What makes a restaurant a hidden gem in Cedar Rapids Iowa?
A hidden gem restaurant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is one that’s off the beaten path but offers an unforgettable dining experience. These spots might be tucked away in quieter neighborhoods, offering unique dishes that reflect the local culture and ingredients. They’re the places loved by locals for their charm, quality of food, and warm service. Discovering these requires exploring beyond the main tourist areas, asking locals for recommendations, or diving into community-focused social media groups.
What are some unique Cedar Rapids Iowa restaurants?
Unique restaurants offer dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else. This includes eateries with themed decor, such as a retro arcade bar or a restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. There are also places that specialize in fusion cuisine, blending traditional Midwestern flavors with international dishes. For a truly unique meal, look for restaurants that source ingredients from local farms, showcasing the best of Iowa’s produce in their menus.
What tips do you have for first-time visitors to Cedar Rapids restaurants?
For first-time visitors, exploring the culinary scene can be a highlight of your trip. Start with local favorites to get a taste of the region’s cuisine. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for their recommendations; they’ll likely point you towards the best restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Also, consider timing your visit to coincide with local food festivals or dining events, offering a chance to sample a variety of dishes at once. Lastly, explore different neighborhoods for a diverse dining experience, from the historic Czech Village to the trendy New Bohemia District.
What should I look for when choosing a restaurant in Cedar Rapids?
When picking a place to eat in Cedar Rapids, consider what kind of dining experience you’re after, especially if you’re staying in Iowa. Do you want a casual meal or something more upscale? Check out online reviews and menus to get a feel for the food, atmosphere, and price range. It’s also a good idea to see if the restaurant sources ingredients locally or offers any special dishes that reflect the area’s culinary traditions. Lastly, don’t forget to check the location and hours to make sure it fits with your plans.
Final Thoughts On Unique Cedar Rapids, Iowa Restaurants
Wrapping up our Cedar Rapids Iowa restaurant guide, we hope you’ve found inspiration for your next meal out in this vibrant city. Cedar Rapids is a place where every meal can be an adventure, from classic Midwestern dishes to innovative cuisine that blends local flavors with international flair. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a fine dining experience, Cedar Rapids has something to offer.
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