Author: Carissa Johnson

martini

Restaurant of the Week: The Phoenix

After its building sat empty for a number of years, The Phoenix in Downtown Davenport opened in 2009 because the owners wanted to revive the downtown area. It is an upscale restaurant that features a robust menu of gourmet dishes and is within walking distance of many bars, hotels and live music.

the current iowa

The Current Iowa

The Current Iowa is a Marriott-branded hotel located in the heart of Downtown Davenport. This contemporary AAA Four-Diamond hotel has many meeting and social spaces available to guests and is perfect for visitors traveling from afar or locals who want a staycation.

UP Skybar

Restaurant of the Week: UP Skybar

Located at The Current Iowa hotel in Davenport, UP Skybar is a rooftop bar that serves upscale cocktails, frozen libations, beer, wine and even a few sips that are served as an adult version of a juice pouch. Besides the cocktail selection, UP Skybar also serves shareables that you can enjoy with someone or make it a meal for yourself.

vivians soul food

Restaurant of the Week: Vivian’s Soul Food

Vivian’s Soul Food is located on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids, just minutes from downtown, and specializes in soul food and bringing traditional Southern meals to Eastern Iowa. Its mission is to “bring people of all walks of life and backgrounds together through soul food.”

ac hotel des moines

AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village

Opened in 2017, AC Hotel by Marriott East Village is located in an affluent neighborhood in Des Moines with countless brick façade restaurant, boutiques, bars and more. This cosmopolitan hotel is ideal for the design-conscious traveler and home to one of the area’s coolest cocktail spots, The Republic on Grand.

fongs pizza

Restaurant of the Week: Fong’s Pizza

Fong’s Pizza is a funky pizza place that has taken traditional Chinese dishes and created them into pizza, counting Alton Brown, Jim Gaffigan, Adam Richman and Killswitch Engage as celebrity fans. Fong’s Pizza has four locations throughout Iowa, with the original being in the heart of Downtown Des Moines.