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.
Author: Carissa Johnson
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.
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.
Restaurant of the Week: Sugarfire Smoke House
Sugarfire Smoke House, an award-winning casual, chef-driven restaurant, is located on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. Sugar Fire features barbecue favorites, including its top-selling brisket, plus a variety of other tasty dishes including pies and boozy ice cream shakes.
Restaurant of the Week: Falbo Bros Pizzeria
With three Iowa locations, Falbo Bros Pizzeria is a casual and easily accessible dining destination serving more than just delicious pizza. The long-time favorite also tempts taste buds with subs, salads, wings and more.
Restaurant of the Week: Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery
Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery is located on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids, just on the edge of Cedar Rapids and Marion. Opened in September of 2020, Feedwell’s mission is to “feed people well” with its delicious selection of baked goods and breakfast and lunch dishes, as its name suggests.
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.”
Restaurant of the Week: Urban Cellar
Urban Cellar, located in West Des Moines, opened in 2019 after major renovations. This local, family-owned restaurant features modern décor and American cuisine and is home to a small market as part of its unique concept.
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.
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.