Fall Saturdays in Iowa City are more than just raucous football games and large tailgates. Though a long history of game day traditions attracts nearly 70,000 to Kinnick Stadium, the city as a whole is a thriving hub for foodies dedicated to creating unique dining experiences.
The 2023 football season begins Saturday, Sept. 2 when the Iowa Hawkeyes host Utah State.
Here are a few establishments the Iowa City Press-Citizen recommends when in town for a football game, whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a celebratory dinner.
A short trek from Kinnick
Stella 1006 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246
Steps away from Kinnick Stadium, Stella is a contemporary spot that converges American classics with Cajun fare. It is also one of Iowa City’s most vegetarian-friendly establishments, serving up game day spirit in a reinvented atmosphere with a wide variety of black bean burgers to enjoy
Worth the wait
Micky’s 11 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Located in the heart of downtown, Micky’s is a gameday tradition that has served Iowa City for more than 30 years. Opening up at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays, the local pub is the perfect spot to swing by for breakfast before the game, though it is also open until 2 a.m. for a late-night bite. Lines can be long, but the food and energy are worth the wait.
A quick gameday bite
Tru Coffee 287 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Tru Coffee, located on the northside, is the place to go if you're looking for something quick and easy. The woman-owned business celebrates specialty brews, from espresso tonics to classic lattes. Tru Coffee also has a small but mighty breakfast menu, perfect for eating on the way to the game.
Hawkeye watch parties
2 Dog’s Pub1705 S 1st Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
For folks unable to make it to Kinnick Stadium or those who just want to avoid the crush of fans on Saturdays can venture downtown for a variety of options. 2 Dog’s Pub is one of the top spots to catch every Hawkeye touchdown. You’ll surely not miss a single play with TVs on every wall, whether home or away. With more than 20 beers on draft and an expansive menu filled with elevated bar eats, 2 Dog’s Pub has something for everyone.
Big Grove Brewery 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240
With plenty of seating inside and out, Big Grove Brewery's Iowa City taproom is one of the best places to watch Saturday's game. Known for it's Easy Eddy hazy IPA, Big Grove offers dozens of TVs and even a projection screen for viewing pleasure, anchored by rotating list of Big Grove's well-regarded beer. The food menu is rather expansive as well. The brewery's regular watch parties often include DJs during commercial breaks.
Classic eats for the early birds
Bluebird Diner 330 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Want to get to Kinnick as early as you can? Bluebird Diner is perfect for fans looking for a high-quality breakfast. Open at 7 a.m. daily, it is the ideal place to fuel up before kick-off, serving classic diner breakfast and lunch from open to close.
Bonus offering
30 Hop 900 E 2nd Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
30 Hop is an absolute gem located in Coralville's Iowa River Landing. The rooftop brewpub and restaurant offers an immaculate array of craft beers in addition to a full bar and food menu. The atmosphere is top-notch, with dozens of TVs inside and out. The trek is well worth it, with additional locations now in Cedar Rapids and Ankeny.
Beer and football are a perfect match
The Iowa City metro's growing brewery scene can either aid celebrations of a spirited Hawkeye victory or wash away the sinking feeling of disappointment after a hard-fought loss. There's nothing quite like a cold, craft beer from the tap while taking in a full Saturday of football.
Here are a few of the area's top breweries:
Big Grove Brewery (Iowa City)
Reunion Brewery (Two locations - a taproom in downtown Iowa City and a full-service brewery in Coralville)
Backpocket Brewing (Coralville)
Field Day Brewing (North Liberty)
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected].