Des Moines:
Django: 210 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309. A French-influenced restaurant known for its craft cocktails and modern twist on classic dishes. Menu items include steak frites, mussels, and cheese plates.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309. A fun, kitschy burger joint with a horror theme. Menu items include unique burgers such as the Undead Elvis and Dawn of the Dead, as well as a variety of milkshakes and alcoholic drinks.
Fong’s Pizza: 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309. A local favorite for its unique pizza combinations, such as Crab Rangoon and Thai Chicken. The restaurant also has a tiki bar upstairs.
Cedar Rapids:
Cobble Hill: 219 2nd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. A farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu. Menu items include artisanal cheeses, house-made charcuterie, and entrees like pork belly and scallops.
The Lost Cuban: 209 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. A Cuban restaurant is known for its authentic dishes such as ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches. They also have a wide variety of rum cocktails.
Need Pizza: 207 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. A casual pizza joint with creative toppings such as Korean BBQ, garlic cream sauce, and balsamic glaze. They also offer salads and sandwiches.
Davenport:
Front Street Brewery: 208 E River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801. A brewery and restaurant with a rotating selection of craft beers and pub food such as burgers and fish and chips. They also have a patio overlooking the Mississippi River.
Me & Billy: 200 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801. A gastropub with a modern twist on classic comfort food. Menu items include pork belly mac and cheese, lobster rolls, and fried chicken. They also have a rooftop bar.
Cafe d’Marie: 1101 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761. A cozy brunch spot with sweet and savory crepes, benedicts, and omelets. They also offer lunch and dinner options.
Iowa City:
Pullman Bar & Diner: 17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240. A restaurant and bar with an eclectic menu including dishes like Korean fried chicken, Nashville hot shrimp, and meatloaf. They also have a wide selection of craft cocktails.
Oasis Falafel: 206 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245. A Middle Eastern restaurant is known for its falafel sandwiches, bowls, and salads. They also have vegetarian and vegan options.
Hamburg Inn No. 2: 214 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245. A diner-style restaurant is famous for its pie shakes (milkshakes with a slice of pie blended in) and presidential pancakes (named after past presidential candidates). They also offer traditional breakfast and lunch options.