The annual Cy-Hawk game might be in Ames this year, but that doesn’t mean Hawkeye fans won’t be eager to take in a possible Iowa win. With an abundance of area bars offering unique experiences, there is something for everyone, from artisanal burgers to classic brunch.
Here are a few establishments the Iowa City Press-Citizen recommends to watch Saturday's iconic Cy-Hawk game, with kick-off set for 2:30 p.m.
Iowa City
The Airliner
22 S Clinton St., Iowa City
The Airliner will celebrate 80 years as an Iowa City classic next year. It is the perfect place for a big group to watch the game. Specializing in pizza, there is something for everyone on the menu; whether you like Chicago-style deep dish or are partial to New York thin crust, the only rivalry on the mind is the game playing on the TV.
Bo-James
118 E Washington St., Iowa City
Located at 118 E. Washington St., Bo-James offers hard-to-beat game-day food options. Bo-James radiates a casual and friendly atmosphere, best known for its wide variety of burgers and big beers, perfect for watching The Hawkeyes take on their biggest rival.
Shakespeare’s Pub and Grill
819 S 1st Ave., Iowa City
On the east side, Shakespeare’s Pub and Grill has an extensive food menu, serving breakfast all day, and even has a late-night appetizer menu—the perfect spot to fuel up for the game or a perfect ending to a long day.
Pints
118 S Clinton St., Iowa City
Pints is BYOF, bring your own food, a classic sports bar serving up inexpensive drinks in downtown Iowa City. Opening early on game days, Pints is always serving up a good time, whether to watch the game during the day or celebrate at night.
Coralville
ReUnion Brewery
516 2nd St., Coralville, or 113 E College St., Iowa City
ReUnion Brewery in Coralville is hard to miss, with colorful psychedelic murals covering the building. The original Coralville location is a full-service brewery with over 15 Iowa beers on tap, and an extensive reinvented classic bar eats menu. The downtown Iowa City location, located in the Ped Mall, offers over 20 beers on tap and all the bestselling food items.
Iowa Athletic Club
200 E 9th St. Suite 205, Coralville
According to the Iowa Athletic Club, guests are guaranteed to have the coldest beer in town. With a vast beer and cocktail menu, from frozen pink Cadillac margaritas to 20 rotating draft beers. The Iowa Athletic Club offers an elevated experience with classic bar fare and plenty of options for vegetarians.
Tribute Eatery & Bar
901 E 2nd Ave. Suite 100, Coralville
Tribute Eatery & Bar is best known for its sandwiches and unique spin on the classics, like sundried tomato spinach and artichoke dip. For people more into wine and specialty cocktails, Tribute Eatery & Bar offers a large selection.
30Hop
900 E 2nd Ave., Coralville
A charming spot in The Iowa River Landing, 30Hop is a brewpub with a spectacular rooftop overlooking Coralville. With a full menu and a wide array of craft beers, it is one the best places to watch the Cy-Hawk game.
North Liberty
Field Day Brewing
925 Liberty Way, North Liberty
A relatively new addition to the North Liberty community is Field Day Brewing. Guests will find everything from hazy IPAs to bold stouts, with a food menu that rivals the brews.
Tin Roost
840 W Penn St., North Liberty
In the heart of North Liberty, Tin Roost approaches game day with plenty of options, with over 30 beers on tap and a sizeable whiskey menu. On Saturday, check out the brunch menu with experiential and classic dishes.
Gameday fun for the whole family
Colony Acres in North Liberty is hosting a community watch party on Saturday. The farm will open at 1:30 p.m. for families of all ages. The free-of-charge event will offer zip line rides, a giant slide, a bouncy pad and duck races. There will also be free face painting while kids can stock up on free noisemakers and pom poms.
The Iowa Brass band will perform leading up to kick off, while the Ambition Baton and Dance group will offer a live twirling performance at halftime.
Several craft and domestic beers will be available for purchase, including offerings from Big Grove Brewery and Backpocket Brewing. Kettle corn, pumpkin bread, pizza, funnel cakes and donuts will also be available for purchase.