We are thrilled to celebrate our wedding weekend with friends and family in Caroline’s hometown! Caroline loves Iowa City; she is so excited to give recommendations and hear what everyone gets up to over the weekend. All of the places listed below are in Downtown Iowa City, where the Pedestrian Mall links shops, bars, restaurants and the University of Iowa Campus. They are all walking distance from the wedding hotel block.

Restaurants:

The Webster: if you’re looking for a nicer dinner, look no further. After opening in 2021, it was named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America by the New York Times in 2023. The menu rotates, depending on what produce is in season. We would recommend making a reservation in advance.

Orchard Green: another delicious, fancier restaurant for a nice dinner. Kevin loves the steak! We would recommend making a reservation in advance.

Pullman Bar & Diner: an option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. An elevated diner with food and cocktails.

Short’s Burger and Shine: Don’t go here unless you want a burger. Aside from a few apps, the menu is made up of 23 different burger options (that can all be subbed for black bean burgers!). They have all Iowa Breweries on tap.

Basta Pizzeria Ristorante: yummy pasta and pizza.

Micky’s Irish Pub: for Kevin’s family!

Pagliai’s Pizza: a family friendly spot for thin crust pizza. The only items on the menu are pizza and beverages. It’s been around since 1957, and you can watch them make the pizza in the front window. Pro tip: the G is silent – it’s pronounced Pah-lee-eyes.

Hamburg Inn No 2: known for it’s Coffee Bean Caucus and decorated with pictures of the many presidential candidates who have visited, this is a classic Iowa City spot with diner food. Their specialty is a Pie Shake (a milkshake with a piece of pie in it!).

Bluebird Diner: a diner with less character but better food than Hamburg.

Pancheros: think Chipotle, but better (at least if you ask anyone who grew up in Iowa City). Amazing hand pressed tortillas, and you must get the white queso.

Java House: local coffee shop with yummy baked goods. Where Caroline spent many a high school afternoon doing her calc homework.

Get Fresh Café: casual spot for sandwiches, soups, salads and, most importantly, amazing acai bowls.

Encounter Café: one of Kevin’s favorites for gluten free options. They make soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods from scratch. You must get the cinnamon roll (unfortunately, not GF). They are owned and operated by Mennonites and are not open on Sundays.

Shopping:

Revival: Caroline makes a trip here every time she is home – a mix of new and second-hand clothes with fun accessories and gift items.

Prairie Lights: a cozy, 3.5 story independent bookstore (the top ½ floor housing a coffee shop). A must go in Iowa City (a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the Iowa Writer’s Workshop).

Raygun: T-shirts with funny sayings and plenty of Midwest humor.

Iowa Artisan’s Gallery: featuring items from 200+ artisans

AKAR: a funky shop with random home and gift items

Artifacts: vintage shop

Prairie Kitchen Store: every kitchen item imaginable

Activities:

FilmScene is a small, locally owned movie theater located in The Chauncey (one of the hotel blocks).

SpareMe is a bowling alley and arcade also in The Chauncey that serves food and adult beverages.

Iowa City Farmer’s Market: open Saturday mornings from 7:30 - noon in the Chauncey parking ramp. Along the street there are food trucks with breakfast options (try the Griddle Me This truck).

Friday Night Concert Series: located right outside of hotelVetro on the ped mall, the music and the people watching never disappoints!