Everything fabulous in Iowa: restaurants, spas, things to do, resorts and more!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Dash Coffee Roasters, in Kingston Village in Cedar Rapids, is a hip coffee shop and café that will be celebrating its three-year anniversary in November. Dash has set out to cultivate a community that gathers around a cup of meticulously crafted coffee.
Family-owned Brewhemia is located in the heart of Newbo district in Cedar Rapids. A play on “New Bohemia,” beverage-centric Brewhemia is one of the coolest breakfast and lunch spots in town.