Sanctuary Pub announces plans to reopen in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — Sanctuary Pub is coming back to life less than six months after it closed in December 2024.

Owner Yara Elamir, an Amana Colonies resident, has purchased the bar and grill with plans to reopen around the first week of June.

Under new ownership, the space at 405 S. Gilbert St. will be serving up a few new changes.

While its popular pizza offerings will remain, most of its menu will be changing, Elamir told The Gazette. The new menu will focus on “more high-end” offerings including prime rib, steak and salmon served for lunch and dinner. Sanctuary Pub also will serve brunch on Sundays.

Its nostalgic interior also will see a few changes, updating the space after some wear and tear throughout its 52-year history under previous owners.

The worn, checkered floor has been replaced. Exposed lighting has been reverted to the space’s older green hue from years past, and the “Red Room” has been redecorated in a more neutral palette.

TVs have been pared back to just two above the bar area, which remains the same.

“When we came in, it was kind of destroyed,” Elamir said of the Red Room. “We wanted it to be more family friendly.”

The beloved institution leaves big shoes to fill, but Elamir says she’s up to the task. She hopes to make the space friendly to all types of audiences, from families to college students.

“What drew me to it was the history, the area and the community that it serves,” she said. “I became very interested and wanted to know about it. One thing led to another, and here I am.”

The opening is the owner’s first time running a restaurant and bar. Elamir also owns the kitchen at Rumors Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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