PSU fan here. I come in peace. Making trip for game in October with my son. He and I have been to numerous Big Ten venues. Will arrive late Thursday head home Sunday. We are driving. What should we make a point to see/do? Any good restaurant suggestions for Friday evening. Thank you in advance.
Iowa v PSU 10/18
- Thread starter KFM74
- Start date
Head down to the Ped Mall by the main campus & you’ll find lots of great options.
There’s OG classics like Airliner(pizza) & Micky’s(sandos) plus newer options like Pullman’s, St Burch, & Iowa Chop House. Will be busy, so get a reso or arrive early. Have fun!
Having lived in Iowa City, I get the nostalgia—but I’ve also learned to accept that time marches on. Why do people insist on giving advice straight out of their college scrapbook? If you want a great meal, go to The Webster, Baroncini, or Orchard Green. The Ped Mall? That’s still for the bar scene. And let’s be real—there are plenty of breakfast spots that leave Hamburg in the dust, like Bluebird Diner, Pullman Bar & Diner, or Goosetown Café. It’s 2025—visiting fans are looking for good food, not a museum of local lore.
No they are open. They have good food. But its no better than any diner food in any dinky town in small America. It reminds me of a certain smokehouse in Ames that is a "must go to" place. Except their BBQ is 1980s quality and quite unappealing. Like wall drug.
The Hamburg Inn, IMHO, is the most overrated place in Iowa City. Had the worst tenderloin of my life there last summer . . . but at least I only had to wait 31 minutes for it. It was borderline inedible. Just my experience. Your mileage may vary.
The Webster, in my opinion, is by far the best restaurant in Iowa City. I believe it was once the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the state. The owner previously ran Momofuku in Toronto and New York City, earning the title of Best Restaurant in Toronto during his time there. The Webster isn’t cheap, but it’s well worth it if you enjoy elevated cuisine.
On the other end of the dining spectrum, I’m a big fan of La Regia Taqueria. It’s not a fancy place and it’s not in the most scenic location, but they serve up some truly delicious tacos and other authentic Mexican dishes at cheap prices.
Wrong. They're looking for places that are nostalgic and meaningful to me.
Send them to the Purple Cow and Tucks then.
The food is crappy but is memorable to many including myself. I grew up in IC and loved going there as a kid.
I was there last month. The place is absolutely top notch. There isnt a place in Iowa that comes close. Our dinner of 4 was $400. But we ordered way too many cocktails. The food was off the hook good. We hit the Pullman for lunch every time we are in town. They never miss, always great food.
The one time I ate at the Webster (I don't live in Iowa), an old buddy and I racked up a $600 bill one night. He had a $220 aged steak (gigantic) and we also had a bunch of appetizers and drinks. A CR surgeon we met at the bar from bought us a hundred dollar bottle of wine which capped off a great evening.
Big Grove on Gilbert is the biggest restaurant in IC with a huge open field with fire pits/lamps, bags, and other games.
IMO the best spot in town
biggrove.com
IMO the best spot in town
Iowa City Taproom
Iowa City Taproom 1225 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City, IA 52240. Big Grove Brewery and Taproom is a 28,000 sq-ft brewery, restaurant and entertainment venue. Stop in for one of our award-winning beers on tap and enjoy casual dining from a menu of street-food inspired small plates and sandwiches.
biggrove.com
The OP said "Good Restaurant" the big grove tap room is a fun place but the menu isnt exactly "Good Restaurant" fare. Its basically bowls and pub food.Big Grove on Gilbert is the biggest restaurant in IC with a huge open field with fire pits/lamps, bags, and other games.
IMO the best spot in town
Iowa City Taproom
Iowa City Taproom 1225 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City, IA 52240. Big Grove Brewery and Taproom is a 28,000 sq-ft brewery, restaurant and entertainment venue. Stop in for one of our award-winning beers on tap and enjoy casual dining from a menu of street-food inspired small plates and sandwiches.
Outside of Chez Grace, The Chop House, and The Webster, pub food is pretty much the fare in IC/Coralville.
OP, if you’re looking upscale, fine dining, those are your best 3 options. If that’s the case I’d make a reservation asap as those places are very small and likely soon-to-be booked for a home game Friday night.
I cant disagree with this. 30 hop used to be good. Wasn't as happy l ast few trips.
I really like the IRL area, and the rooftop at 30hop is great, but the food is just ok.
Have not tried Tribute; the pizza is decent but small and overpriced at The Iowa Athletic Club…good atmosphere tho. I’ve heard the restaurant at the Hyatt is really good.
Kaeding is raking in the cash with all of his restaurants in the area. Field Day and Tin Roost in North Liberty are good spots as well.
Thank you all. Have hotel within walking distance of stadium. My 14 year old loves a steak so thinking the chop house. Will research all these recommendations and make reservations within the week. Thanks again.
Orchard green and baronchini.
If you are at the hotel in walking distance then you are literally across the street from the stadium. Folks. Is Stella still open.
No doubt Nate is a strong advocate of seven home games a year, as he should be.