By Jill Armstrong Team
Iowa City is well known for its lively downtown, and its bar scene is a big part of what makes the area so much fun. From historic dive bars full of stories to polished cocktail lounges and local breweries, there is truly something for every mood. When it comes to the best bars in Iowa City, the choices are wonderfully varied. Here is our local guide to where to grab a drink, whatever the occasion happens to be.
Key Takeaways
- The best bars in Iowa City include historic dives, cocktail lounges, and breweries
- Deadwood Tavern and The Airliner are longtime downtown favorites
- Claude offers a refined, cocktail-focused night out
- Big Grove Brewery & Taproom leads the local craft beer scene
Deadwood Tavern
If you ask locals to name the best bar in town, Deadwood Tavern comes up again and again. It is the quintessential Iowa City dive in all the best ways, with a laid-back atmosphere where you can actually hear yourself talk and settle in for a while. The leather booths, easygoing energy, and charismatic bartenders keep regulars coming back year after year.
Part of the appeal is how unpretentious it all feels. Well-priced drinks, a solid craft beer selection, and free games like pool and pinball make it the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon or evening. Do not leave without trying their well-loved Bloody Mary, a local favorite for good reason.
What to Know About Deadwood Tavern
- A laid-back local dive where you can actually hear a conversation
- Well-priced craft beers and a well-loved Bloody Mary
- Pool, pinball, and other games to pass the time
- Friendly bartenders and a welcoming mix of regulars
The Airliner
For a true taste of Iowa City history, few places compare to The Airliner. A downtown fixture since 1944, it is one of the oldest and most storied bars in town, filled with the kind of character that only decades of good times can create. Generations of students, locals, and visitors have gathered here over the years.
Beyond the history, The Airliner is a great all-around spot. Spread across multiple levels, it is known for its pizza and pub fare as much as its drinks, and it comes alive with energy on Hawkeye game days. It is a place that feels quintessentially Iowa City, and a must-visit for anyone new to the area.
What to Know About The Airliner
- A downtown fixture serving Iowa City since 1944
- Known for its pizza and classic pub fare
- A lively spot to watch the Hawkeyes play
- A multi-level bar full of local character
Claude
When the occasion calls for something more refined, Claude delivers one of the best cocktail experiences in town. This intimate lounge has quickly become a standout on the local scene, thanks to a striking interior and a creative, expertly crafted cocktail menu. Every detail feels considered, making it a memorable choice for a special evening.
The talented bartenders are a big part of the draw, mixing thoughtful drinks that feel like a little celebration. A small, tapas-style plates menu rounds out the experience, so it is an ideal spot for a date night or a relaxed catch-up with friends over something beautifully made.
What to Know About Claude
- Creative, expertly crafted cocktails
- An intimate lounge with a striking, stylish interior
- A small, tapas-style plates menu
- Best for a special occasion or a refined night out
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
No tour of the local scene is complete without Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, which leads the way for craft beer lovers in the area. Known for its rotating lineup of house-made brews, it pairs great beer with a spacious outdoor patio that is ideal for sunny afternoons and easygoing evenings alike.
The experience goes beyond the beer itself. Locally sourced food makes it easy to settle in for a full meal, and the welcoming, open atmosphere has turned it into a true community gathering place. It is a favorite for groups and anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back day out with great beer in hand.
What to Know About Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
- A rotating lineup of house-made craft brews
- A spacious outdoor space for sunny afternoons
- Locally sourced dishes to pair with your pour
- A welcoming community gathering place
FAQs
What is the most iconic bar in Iowa City?
The Airliner is hard to beat for history, having served downtown since 1944. Deadwood Tavern is another perennial favorite that many locals will name as the best bar in town.
Where should I go for a craft cocktail in Iowa City?
Claude is a standout for beautifully made cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting. It is a wonderful choice for a special night out or a memorable date.
Are there good breweries in the Iowa City area?
Yes. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom is a local favorite for house-made beer, a spacious patio, and locally sourced food, making it a great gathering spot year-round.
Contact the Jill Armstrong Team Today
At the Jill Armstrong Team, we love sharing what makes Iowa City such a wonderful place to call home, from its lively downtown to its welcoming neighborhoods. A great local bar scene is just one of the many perks of life in this special community.
If exploring the best bars in Iowa City has you thinking about living closer to it all, we would love to help. Reach out to us, the Jill Armstrong Team, to start the conversation.
