116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Things to do, where to eat around downtown Cedar Rapids during the Iowa state baseball tournament
Jul. 22, 2024 5:30 am
Hungry? Need a drink after the game? Looking for something to do during the Iowa high school state baseball tournament from July 22 to 26?
Here’s a guide to some things to eat, drink and do in and around downtown Cedar Rapids.
Where to eat and drink:
Big Grove Brewery, 170 First St. SW
Big Grove staples are served alongside new Czech and German style lagers brewed on site in an open fermentation system at a lively beer hall with modern industrial aesthetics. Menu features international fusions and re-imagined diner favorites.
Black Sheep Social Club, 600 First St. SE
If you want to feel dressed up but don’t want to get dressed to the nines, Black Sheep is a nice option inside a renovated former warehouse. Quality burgers, steaks and salads are served alongside less common options like lamb and duck fat fries at the helm of an award-winning chef.
Housed with Clock House Brewing, you won’t be disappointed in the beer selection, either. Dessert isn’t neglected, either.
Chophouse Downtown, 411 First St. SE
Get steakhouse staples and burgers with bold flares like cotton candy and Tomahawk pork chops at this tried and true classic.
Cliff’s Dive Bar, 227 Second Ave. SE
The decor is tacky, but that’s on purpose. Enjoy Cheeto-covered Spam fries, pinwheel sushi and other fun menu items with a full bar in a kitschy setting that makes a great topic for conversation.
Iowa Brewing Company, 708 Third St. SE
A crazy number of taps offer beers for any taste, with a relaxing, modern lounge.
Lacayo, 1202 Third St. SE, Unit 2
Latin American and Iberian food is served in a cool, rustic setting just steps away from downtown. Open for dinner on weekdays.
LP Street Food, 302 Third Ave. SW
If you’re looking for something quirky or less fussy, try LP Street Food. With a fresh take on street foods, the menu offers a variety of options for everyone from picky eaters to the adults who can appreciate more sophisticated twists.
The Map Room, 416 Third St. SE
Have a burger just about any way you can imagine in this cozy restaurant. If you want to dine-in during peak hours, plan to spend a little time waiting — the dining room is small.
Need Pizza, 207 Second Ave. SE
If you’re looking for a pizza you can only get in Cedar Rapids, Need fits the bill. This full-service pizzeria offers an emphasis on New Haven style pizza with hearty toppings, robust appetizers and a full bar with 30 beers on tap.
NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE
Open Wednesday through Sunday, this New Bohemia District market offers a fun variety of food options from small, local vendors. It’s a one-stop shop for so many food options: Jamaican, Korean, fresh barbecue brisket, an Asian-influenced bakery, Mexican, Mediterranean, pizza, gelato, chocolate, sandwiches, coffee, beer and more.
Phong Lan, 216 Eighth St. SE
This family-run, Vietnamese staple in Cedar Rapids offers quality pho, spring rolls and Vietnamese options at an affordable price in a no-frills environment.
Quarter Barrel, 916 Second Ave. SE
This industrial, brick-walled pub offers arcade games, beer and pizza in one spot.
Taco Gato, 209 Third St. SE
Taco Gato offers a niche cross among Mexican, Tex-Mex and Southern styles with specialty margaritas in a vibrant decor scheme that offers plenty of eye candy.
Pickle Palace, 101 First Ave. SW
With multiple concepts over three floors for dining, drinking, recreation and relaxation, Cedar Rapids’ newest opening is a pretty big dill. Enjoy sit-down dining, drinks on the rooftop overlooking the Cedar River, duckpin bowling or a game of pickleball.
Where to be merry:
Civil Axe Throwing, 375 Third St. SE, Suite 110
Channel your inner lumberjack with a hobby that’s becoming more popular. Located inside Gianna’s Italian Beef.
Raygun, 1028 Third St. SE
A distinctly Iowa brand offers novelty T-shirts and gifts that can get away with saying the things you wish you had thought of first.
Czech Village
Just over the river, minutes from downtown, is a district with a storied Czech and Slovak history and charming array of shops, restaurants and a brewery that make it a destination in itself. Spend an hour or half your day wandering this section of 16th Avenue Southwest to your heart’s delight.
Most of the village’s establishments are open between Wednesday and Sunday.
New Bohemia and NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE
In addition to a variety of food options, explore shops with unique finds and niche goods at NewBo City Market.
Discover more shops across the street and down the block, where you can find everything from antiques and specialty popcorn to niche stationery.
Pickle Palace, 101 First Ave. SW
With multiple concepts over three floors for dining, drinking, recreation and relaxation, Cedar Rapids’ newest opening is a pretty big dill. Enjoy sit-down dining, drinks on the rooftop overlooking the Cedar River, duckpin bowling or a game of pickleball.
Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.
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