116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
KIVA IOWA PROFILE: The Green House
Plant bar works hard to create a multi-sensory experience
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Locals looking for spirit-full and spirit-free specialty drinks in a Zen-like conversational space will find them at The Green House, 505 E. Washington St., Iowa City. It was established in 2022 by Emily Salmonson-Peterson, who started the bar with a plant-based theme. She serves cocktails, wine, beer, coffee and tea, with plans for snack foods coming.
Their summer non-alcoholic cocktail is a green elixir macha with lime juice, mint, coconut milk and club soda.
“I wanted to make it cozy and green,” said Peterson. She obtained the space after walking by the vacant building several times during the pandemic as she envisioned customers enjoying each other’s company face to face, which fulfills her vision of creating connections. She wants to keep enhancing the community space.
Salmonson-Peterson was in hospitality for 25 years, including as director of operations for FilmScene and house manager for the Englert Theatre. She also worked at a sushi restaurant in Madison, Wis., and as a server in Tucson, Ariz. Her husband Dan Peterson owns Peterson Drywall. He helps with repairs and runs errands, while her 9-year-old daughter Naomi invites her friends there.
Located across from New Pioneer Food Co-op in one direction and the Farmer’s Market in another, the bar fulfills Peterson’s vision of a place to relax and unwind with friends. Patrons include college students to seniors and many community groups who meet there regularly. Monthly meetings include a dula-sponsored “Death Café” meeting to help participants be introspective on how to live fulfilling lives, and a UFO group.
Open daily until 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, customers can enjoy a multi-sensory experience with flavors like elderflower liqueur, hibiscus simple syrup and blood orange or lavender bitters. With the seasonal menu change for August, they will begin offering charcuterie, large soft pretzels, cheeses and meats.
“I wanted customers to focus on each other and not feel so isolated,” said Peterson. “I wanted to make it cozy and open, with no screen distractions where people actually talk to each other in person. I also wanted it community safe for kids. Some families come to paint and draw with their own supplies.”
The Green House grows an edible garden for their drinks and offer two outdoor patios and cozy nooks. The team of bartenders work together to workshop seasonal drink ideas and to try to perfect each offering.
“They contribute so much kind energy that we have here at The Green House and are really talented mixologists,” Salmonson-Peterson said.
Non-alcoholic lovers will also find local kombucha drinks on tap and in cans, from Wild Culture Kombucha in Iowa City and Hedge Kombucha in Fairfield. Flavors change frequently and customers like the different kombucha flavors.
The Green House received a Community Foundation grant to improve the sound level in a space with high ceiling reverberation. New sound panels will be installed in a few weeks.
“We have had many groups competing for sound where conversations have been hard to hear, so customers requested that we improved the situations,” she said.
Peterson recently applied for a Kiva micro-loan, nearly funded, of $9,000, which will allow the bar to purchase equipment including a flash bake oven range for small food bites, a standup freezer for food supplies, a prep table and kitchen utensils and cookware.
Kiva micro-loans are for up to $15,000 at zero interest and zero cost. Lenders are repaid within three years.
“Seeing customers laughing and smiling and communicating instead of on screens all the time was my dream for this space. I am excited for the next three years of people thanking me and telling me it’s one of their favorite spaces in Iowa City.”
To learn more about Kiva Iowa, visit newbo.co/kiva.
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