Chew on This: Insomnia Cookies coming to Iowa City, White Star reopens

Insomnia Cookies, a late-night bakery that has long been a staple in Ames for Iowa State University students, is coming to downtown Iowa City.

Signs for the chain’s new franchise were spotted in a storefront at 125 E. Washington St. The bakery, which will be open with delivery service as late as 3 a.m., offers warm cookies, ice cream cookie sandwiches, ice cream and cake.

The Gazette could not immediately confirm the opening date of the Iowa City location.

White Star now open for lunch, dinner

After renovations and under new ownership, White Star Ale House in downtown Cedar Rapids has started serving lunch and dinner again.

The restaurant at 305 Second Ave. SE reopened its kitchen on May 12 for the first time since closing in November 2020.

White Star started serving lunch on June 14. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“It’s been a rough time for all generations, and we are now seeing the light shine through,” the restaurant posted on social media last week. “Please support us. We have some great young staff who want to see White Star become one of the best venues for a night out of food, drink and entertainment in Cedar Rapids.”

A hospitality manager for the restaurant told The Gazette that they are slowly introducing and testing new menu items daily as renovation of the party rooms continues.

Bluebird Diner reopens dining room

Bluebird Diner in Iowa City reopened its dining room at 330 E. Market St. on June 14. The restaurant’s dining room was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic, offering delivery and carryout only.

“Join us inside or on the patio,” the restaurant posted to social media earlier this month. “We can’t wait to serve you … on real plates!”

The diner is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

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