Woman-owned and -operated The Green House is a plant-themed cocktail lounge, located in Downtown Iowa City. Opened in early September 2022, The Green House focuses on crafting delicious plant-inspired cocktails, as well as offering an inviting and calm atmosphere. The staff is welcoming and committed to creating a comfortable space for all–not just those who are obsessed with plants.
“The Green House was born out of a desire to be surrounded by lush greenery all year round, which can be difficult to do in Iowa,” says Emily Salmonson, owner of The Green House in Iowa City. The cocktail lounge features an ever-growing plant collection and a private event area, just off the main room, which is perfect for hosting both small and large groups. There are many cozy, homey nooks throughout the space, and it’s an ideal locale for meetings, a casual night with friends, a date night or to work for the day (hello, bottomless coffee!) There are also two outdoor patios for open-air sipping, lovely for patio lovers in the warmer months. Even on dreary or cold days, The Green House will instantly lift your spirits and transport you to a tropical place.
In true Green House fashion, the majority of the cocktails on the menu are made with some sort of floral infusion or ingredients. There are many delightful cocktails to choose from on the menu, but two popular choices are the Smoked Spice Pear Shrub and The O’Keeffe. The Smoked Spice Pear Shrub is made with Cedar Ridge whiskey, shrub and soda, offering the right amount of sweetness and a pleasant aroma from the shrub twig. The O’Keeffe includes Espolòn blanco tequila, rhubarb bitters, rose simple syrup and lime juice. This drink is best described as a garden margarita – floral components with your typical margarita flavors. You can also find draft and can beer, wine, Bloody Mary, mimosa and hot toddy on the menu. Not a big drinker? There are several non-alcoholic options for you to enjoy.
The Green House hosts weekly “planty hours” each Monday from 6 to 7 p.m., where locals can gather, bring their own cuttings from home and exchange them with other plant enthusiasts. The regular happy hour is Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m., which includes $2 off all alcoholic beverages and kombucha. The Green House is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information on The Green House in Iowa City, visit www.facebook.com/thegreenhouseic.