Heaven may not have any beer, but the brews flow freely in Iowa City on University of Iowa Hawkeye football game days. And, well, that’s why we drink it here.

The town is renowned throughout the Big 10 for its tailgating and bar scenes. Whether you’re a veteran Kinnick attendee or a first generation Hawkeye, combing the two scenes can make for an unforgettable experience. Here’s a list of the best places to go before, during, and after the game.

Pre-game

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bar in the downtown area that’s not opening early for home games. Most places will open their doors around 8 a.m. to serve downtown tailgaters two of the most important B-words in town: Breakfast and beer.

Here’s our pick:

The Airliner, 22 S. Clinton St.

The Airliner has been a favorite of game goers for more than six decades – and for good reason. The kitchen staff makes some of the best pizza in town. Having undergone a renovation a few years ago, the downtown staple now features 17 flat screen televisions, two bars, plenty of seating, and atmosphere that will please fans young and old.

To wet your whistle, the restaurant will be providing a 25-ingredient, make-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to The Airliner without ordering a pizza. This year the kitchen will be churning out breakfast pizza and, as a bonus, made-to-order doughnuts.

To watch the game

Two bars stand out most, depending on how you spent the early morning. Our picks:

Pints, 118 S. Clinton St.

If you’ve been tailgating and have already eaten, the clear choice is Pints. The place has a ton of seating, 12 42” flat screens, 20 specialty beers on tap, a full liquor bar, and a BYOF (bring your own food) policy.

DC’s, 124 S. Dubuque St, in the Ped Mall

If you’re hungry and thirsty, head to DC’s. Once inside, you’ll find two floors of seating filled with TVs, seating, room for standing, and great drink specials.

But one of the best parts about DC’s can be experienced without ever going inside. If you’re lucky enough to nab one the patio tables, you and your friends can enjoy the outdoors while watching the game on one of several flat screen facing the outdoor seating area – perfect for those who didn’t get enough sun during the morning’s flippy-cup game.

Postgame celebrations

Win or lose, there’s still a party to be had after the game. Here’s two places where you’re sure to find a good time.

Brothers, 125 S. Dubuque St, in the Ped Mall

As evidenced by the long line outside the bar on most weekend nights, Brothers is a popular destination for downtown party seekers. The only thing that changes on the evenings of game days is an increase of black and gold clothing and an elevated number of non-students.

Whether the Hawks win or lose, the bar will be lined with fans, the dance floor will be packed, and there will be enough people to make the fire marshal uneasy. In short: It’s one hell of a party.

The Vine, 330 E. Prentiss St.

The Vine has two locations — one in Iowa City and one in Coralville — but the location on Gilbert and Prentiss is definitely where you’ll want to be after games if you want to be surrounded by Hawkeye fans who are slightly less rowdy than those downtown.

This place is famous for the Vine Stein, an inexpensive monstrosity of a beer stein, and $1 Apple Pie Shots. There’s also plenty of seating and televisions for watching postgame highlights.

— PRESTON

Other notable Iowa City destinations for game days

Vito’s, 118 E. College St.: $3 Bloody Marys, $3 22 oz Bud Light drafts, $3 Vegas Bombs

Donnelly’s Pub, 110 E. College St.: Open at 8 a.m. for breakfast. Breakfast sandwiches, specials on Bloody Marys

Bo-James, 118 E. Washington St.: Open at 9 a.m. $4 “Big Beers,” $5.99 burger baskets

Micky’s Irish Pub, 11 S. Dubuque St.: Open at 8 a.m., bloody marys

Sports Column, 12 S. Dubuque St.: Three rooms, bar seating, booths, high top and low top tables

The Summit, 10 S. Clinton St.: Open an hour before kickoff. bloody marys, mimosas

Quinton’s, 215 E. Washington St.: Open at 8 a.m., $3 domestics, $3.50 premium and imports

Joe’s Place, 115 Iowa Ave.: Open at 8 a.m. for morning games, tons of seating, bar games

Tickets are on sale today for The Waken Baken Tour featuring Wiz Khalifa and special guest Yelawolf  in Iowa City on Oct. 4.

 Wiz Khalifa, a Pittsburgh native, will take the stage at  The Union for an all ages concert. Pre-sale tickets on the Wiz Khalifa fan-club are sold out July 29. General attendance tickets are on sale for $20 on July 30 online at www.tickets.livewknd.com

The concert is presented by Live Weekend, a start-up run by a group of young Iowa City entrepreneurs, including University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College students and alumni.  The same group brought Mike Posner to  2010’s Dance Marathon. Posner is now enjoying ubiquitous radio-play with his Top 10 single “Cooler than Me” (for which part of the video was filmed at that sold-out Iowa City concert). At the time leading to the concert however, Posner was only a whisper in the ears of a growing fan base.

Wiz Khalifa, an independent artist, seems to be in the same position. Poised on the cusp of his career. He was named MTV News “Breakthrough MC of the year,” against finalists that included J.Cole (Jay-Z protégé), Nicki Minaj (Lil Wayne protégé and a  popular superstar in the making), and Diggy Simmons (son of Hip Hop Pioneer Reverend Run – of Run DMC).

With his song “This Plane” receiving non-stop requests on radio stations, and an online success including Myspace plays just short of 2 million, and Youtube views past 3 million, Wiz is closer than ever to enameled stardom. The road there will pass through Iowa City on Oct. 4, the weekend of the Penn State and University of Iowa football game.

For more information,  go to  www.livewknd.com or www.facebook.com/livewknd  or follow Live Weekend on Twitter at www.twitter.com/livewknd

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, one must enter the harsh world of celebrating fully prepared. You can try and sustain yourself on margaritas and tequila shots alone when celebrating Cinco de Mayo, but it might make for a very short night. Never fear! We’re here to give you the ultimate guacamole guide.

Guacamole is no second-rate condiment. It’s hearty and lively and when you hit the right one, the avocado-based treat can make for a meal in and of itself. Hoopla fans suggested their faves and we tried them out.

I’ve scoured the area and eaten literally thousands of chips to present you with a comprehensive guide to the top five picks in the Corridor. Many thanks to die-hard Hoopla fans for sharing their faves.

The ratings of the selections are based on three highly unscientific criteria: flavor, freshness and texture.

— Andrea

Hacienda Las Glorias

Hacienda has been a local favorite for seemingly centuries, judging by the worn, curious Aspen lodge-like interior of the Center Point location.

Unfortunately, this was my least favorite guac. Overall, it was way too spicy, too smooth, and despite the overwhelming heat, there just wasn’t much flavor. I was looking for any sign of life other than avocado and there wasn’t a single chopped tomato in sight. Good chips, and the salsa was yummy, but just not a guacamole winner for me.

• Flavor: 2.5
• Freshness: 3
• Texture: 2
• 2.5 out of 5 chips
• Details: 4317 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, (319) 294-0082

El Super Burrito

This had been my first venture into this little burrito oasis tucked inconspicuously back on the corner of Johnson Avenue and Edgewood Road. Everything about the low ceilings, caged Mexican pastries and no-nonsense décor tell you you’re in here for the food, not the ambiance.

And I’m happy to say, the guacamole is a true winner. In fact, it rated the highest on my chart and comes out as my hands-down favorite. The texture was chunky with cilantro, tomato and onion.

The flavor was bright and clean with enough lime for a kick, and you could tell it was made fresh that day by someone who knows what they’re doing. As I tenderly scooped the last bit onto my nachos, I vowed to come back for more.

• Flavor: 4
• Freshness: 4
• Texture: 4
• 4 out of 5 chips
• Details: 3300 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, (319) 366-1181

La Reyna

Rated the 2010 Best Ethnic Food restaurant in Iowa by The Iowa Source magazine, I was super pumped to try out La Reyna.

La Reyna is authentic Mexican in every sense of the word and is carefully watched and tended by Carmen and Carlos Legaspi.

While I can say my lunch was probably the best authentic Mexican meal I’ve had in Iowa, the guac didn’t blow me away. There were plenty of fresh chunks of tomato and cilantro, but the avocado was a bit overly mashed creating for a slightly pasty consistency and there just wasn’t much brightness to the flavor.

I recommend La Reyna a thousand times over for their enchiladas and tacos, but the guac alone isn’t enough to keep me coming back.

• Flavor: 3
• Freshness: 4
• Texture: 3.5
• 3.5 out of 5 chips
• Details: 1937 Keokuk St., Iowa City, (319) 358-8182

Mondo’s Saloon

Mondo’s Saloon won as my second favorite guacamole. Because the restaurant is a little more upscale restaurant (to say the least), the guacamole boundaries are pushed a little farther and takes a few more risks. While I love El Super for their success at the no-nonsense approach, I really liked Mondo’s Saloon for going the extra mile with their guac.

If you love avocado, then the huge pieces of it in the guac will blow your mind. There’s also another level of flavor with the addition of what I could discern as is either fire-roasted tomatoes or salsa. The guac had a reddish tinge to it and had many levels of flavor. Mondo’s Saloon also wins in the kick-back-and-party category for their prime downtown Iowa City location and fun atmosphere.

• Flavor: 4
• Freshness: 4
• Texture: 4
• 4 out of 5 chips
• Details: 112 East College St., Iowa City, (319) 354-3837

Panchero’s Mexican Grill

As I rule, I avoid reviewing large chain restaurants. They’ve clearly made successes of themselves and don’t need me to toot their horns for them.

For this article though, I’ve made an exception. The burritos and quesadillas are damned good, and the very first Panchero’s opened in Iowa City. Every time I go I get a side of guacamole.

There’s plenty of flavor with enough lime, but after having some really amazing guac I have to say that Panchero’s is good, but not amazing. It’s a little on the overly smooshed side. But with Panchero’s you can’t miss and the guacamole won’t steer you wrong.

• Flavor: 4
• Freshness: 3
• Texture: 3
• 3 out of 5 chips
• Details: Multiple Locations, www.pancheros.com

Girl Talk and Wale

SCOPE Productions is bringing a little bit of hip hop — OK, a lot of hip hop — to the University of Iowa Memorial Union on Tuesday night. Chart topping artists Girl Talk (otherwise known as Gregg Gillis) and Wale (pronounced Wall-A) roll into town bringing their East Coast sounds for one exciting night of music. Girl Talk is notorious for putting on a live show with a true party vibe. And Wale is, of course, the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Rap for the Capital.” With a combination like that, this is one show you don’t want to miss.

8 p.m. Tuesday (05/04), Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge, Iowa City, $26.50 to $31.50, www.scopeproductions.org

Chalk the Walk

Artists in Mount Vernon will put your childhood sidewalk sketches to shame during the annual Chalk the Walk festival. Two hundred artists will turn First Avenue into an amazing masterpiece with the help of nearly a ton of chalk. There will be an Italian Renaissance reproduction, a scene from the Wizard of Oz (that you can help create) and much more during Iowa’s largest Madonnari Festival.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday (05/01) and Sunday (05/02), First Avenue, Mount Vernon, Free, (319) 895-9513, www.visitmvl.com

Maifest

Help usher in spring this weekend at the Amana Colonies’ Maifest. A whole host of activities take place all weekend, like the Middle Mountain Madness off-road 5K (for bikers and runners), the Taste of Amana Colonies European food fair and the Spring Dance in the Festhalle Barn featuring ‘50s and ‘60s music by Coupe DeVille. There also will be maypole dancing.

All day, Friday to Sunday (4/30 to 5/01), Amana Colonies, Free although some activities require admission, www.festivalsinamana.com

Three Other Things:

Taste of Jazz Under the Stars
5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday (4/30)
Class Act @ Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, $45, (319) 398-5446, www.kcck.org

The Sky’s The Limit: Marvin Cone’s Clouds
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (5/1)
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, $5, (319) 366-7503, www.crma.org

Strings Attached
7 p.m. Saturday (5/1)
Orchestra Iowa Chamber Players @ Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1285 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, $15, (319) 366-8203, www.orchestraiowa.org

MTV’s series “The Real World” is looking for its newest roommates in Iowa City. Casting Directors from Bunim/Murray Productions, creators of the perennial hit MTV show “The Real World” will be holding an open casting call on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Union, 121 E. College St., Iowa City.

Bring a recent picture (which will not be returned) and a photo ID. You must be between 18 and 24 when you apply. Applications will be accepted via email as well. For details, visit www.bunim-murray.com

Starting June 1, people younger than the legal drinking age of 21 will be shut out of Iowa City bars at night.

Starting Wednesday, an attempt to seek a public vote to overturn that can officially begin.

As was expected, the City Council tonight voted 6-1 to pass and adopt an ordinance banning people younger than 21 from being in bars after 10 p.m. Regenia Bailey cast the dissenting vote.

Currently, people 19 and older are allowed in bars at night. But some city and University of Iowa officials have said setting the minimum bar entry age at 21 would help combat what they say is a culture of binge drinking, particularly by college students.

“Too many of our students drink too much and in ways that are way, way, way too risky,” UI President Sally Mason said.

Tom Rocklin, the university’s interim vice president for student services, said the student code may be expanded to cover incidents anywhere in Johnson County.

On the other side, Blake Whitten, who said he was a professor at the UI, accused the council of “harassing” the UI community and said many people don’t want the downtown culture changed.

“Speaking metaphorically, you are wearing no clothes,” he said.

The measure applies to establishments whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol. Council member Susan Mims said she’d like the city to explore whether certain cultural venues, like those that have live music, can be exempt.

Opponents have promised to petition for a referendum to send the matter to voters in the Nov. 2 general election, with a goal of reversing the council’s action.

That effort can begin Wednesday, and organizers would have 60 days to collect at least 2,500 signatures from eligible voters.

“That won’t be too hard,” Dan Tallon, a UI student, said before the meeting.

He helped organize a petition drive last month to set the minimum bar entry age at 18. That was done to try to keep the council from voting on the 21-and-older law, which it obviously did not.

Tallon said he believed that petition would not be turned in, thus avoiding the possibility of two measures related to the bar age appearing on the November ballot.

– GREG HENNIGAN

From Acid Mothers Temple to Dave Zollo, the Mission Creek Festival has it all.

Booker T of the MGs, Meat Puppets, Greg Brown, Pieta Brown, Xiu Xiu, Bomb Squad, The Daredevil Christopher Wright and on and on.

More than 100 musicians and writers will raise their voices next week in various downtown Iowa City venues.

The action begins with a pre-festival party for ages 19 and older featuring Pocahaunted and others at 9:30 p.m. Monday at Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St. Concerts continue through April 3 at The Mill, the Englert, Prairie Lights, Old Brick, the Yacht Club and more.

You can pay as you go, or purchase festival passes. Fifty bucks gets you into everything except Booker T and Greg Brown’s gigs. An $80 Platinum Pass gets you into everything.

For the full schedule and all the details, go to http://festival.missionfreak.com

Although he plays numerous instruments, Booker T. Jones is best known for his organ keyboard wizardry with his band, the MGs. The R&B, rock, soul and bluesman has had plenty of songwriting and producing credits to his name, too.

All that talent earned him a spot in the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 2007. His latest effort, “Potato Hole,” was named best pop instrumental album at this year’s Grammys.

He’ll bring his signature sound to the Englert Theatre at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $26 in advance and $29 at the door.

Other Mission Creek acts coming to the Englert include Les Dames Burlesque with Cirque Stupendo at 9:30 p.m. April 1; Dave Zollo at

8 p.m. April 2 and Greg Brown with daughter Pieta Brown at 9 p.m. April 3. For tickets and more, go to www.englert.org

— Diana Nollen

IOWA CITY — The City Council in Iowa City may be ready to serve up a 21-only ordinance to its popular bar scene.

At the end of a work session Monday night, Mayor Matt Hayek said he wanted the council to consider a so-called 21-only ordinance, which would only allow people 21 and older in bars at night. Currently, those 19 and older can be in Iowa City bars.

“It’s time to do this,” he said.

In a brief discussion, six council members expressed interest in it — Hayek, Susan Mims, Terry Dickens, Ross Wilburn, Mike Wright and Connie Champion.

An ordinance will be ready for the council’s work session March 22 and ready the following night for the first of three readings needed to pass it.

It’s a major, and surprising, development in this college town, which is struggled for years with underage- and binge-drinking problems.

The council declined to vote on a 21-only proposal in 2007 and instead sent the matter to voters. who easily defeated it with the support of college students. Some council members have grown frustrated with what they see as a lack of cooperation from bar owners since then.

That includes Champion, who in the past has been a swing vote against a 21-only law.

“I’ve given those bars 12 years,” she said, a reference to her time on the council.

Council member Regenia Bailey said she has concerns that a 21-only law would encourage more house parties in neighborhoods, which is a common argument of those against changing the current law.

The 2007 vote caused a huge community debate that lasted months. This time, the matter could be settled this spring.

If the council approves an ordinance, a citizen-led referendum could send the matter back to the public for a vote.

– GREGG HENNIGAN, THE GAZETTE

Iowa City made the February 2010 issue Men’s Journal — the one featuring Mel Gibson on the cover — by being named the “Healthiest Town in the United States,” based on a set of criteria established by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent for CNN.

Dr. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon, traveled the world in search of dietary and eating habits, lifestyles, exercise, and personal practices that contribute to a long life for his Mind & Body article, “The Completely Doable Guide to Living to 100.” His article offers information on the healthiest diets on earth, the importance of regular exercise and workouts, and how to “quiet your mind” to increase mental focus, reduce stress, and ultimately, live longer.

But Dr. Gupta also acknowledged the relationship between where a person lives and how that impacts longevity. In a one-column sidebar piece titled, “Move,” he listed six factors people should consider when choosing where to live. His advice on what to look for:

1. LOCAL FARMS.

Live in an area close to farms so that you have access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmers’ market.

2. SHORT COMMUTES.

Choose an area with short commutes. People with long commutes tend to suffer more sleep disorders and other health problems.

3. SIDEWALKS.

Live in a walkable neighborhood. It helps reduce the risk of being obese or overweight.

4. LOW POLLUTION.

People who live in an area with reduced pollution live five months longer than those who don’t, Dr. Gupta reports from a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

5. GREEN SPACES.

Choose to live near green spaces, because those who do experience less depression, anxiety, and other health problems than those who don’t.

6. GOOD WEATHER.

A study in Environmental Health reports that gray days can trigger seasonal affective disorder and slow brain function — so good weather is important to good health.

Good weather? In the dead of winter, even those of us who love it here find it hard to give points for that, but when Dr. Gupta ran his set of criteria through a computer system at Bestplaces.net, he came up with a list of the “Five Healthiest Towns in the U.S.” Coming in first place was Iowa City, followed by Boulder, Colorado; Logan, Utah; Northampton, Massachusetts; and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Maybe putting up with Iowa winters isn’t such a big deal after all.

Jack Craig, 24, Iowa City
Manager/bartender @ Mickey’s Irish Pub

How long have you been a bartender?
2 years.

How did you get into bartending?
I needed a job. I go to The University of Iowa, so it was convenient to work someplace downtown.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Probably the people. Having fun with the people I work with. And getting paid.

What’s the crowd like at Mickey’s?
It’s a lot of groups of friends. People come because of word-of-mouth.

What’s the worst thing about your job?
Probably having to deal with really drunk people. After the last football game there was an former basketball player who’s 7-foot-2-inches, and he got in fight with someone and I had to try to break that up, which wasn’t very easy when I was standing there staring straight up at him.

What’s the best night to work?
Friday. It’s the busiest.

What’s your favorite drink to pour?
Captain Planet. It’s our famous shot here. It’s a sweet drink that has a lot of flavors combined, like Captain Planet, you know, “By your powers combined — I am Captain Planet!”

What’s the best pickup line you’ve overheard while working?
How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice.

Why is Mickey’s a good place to come for New Year’s Eve?
We’ll have some pretty decent specials. We usually do. And this is a bar where you can easily access a drink, but there’s still has a busy, busy crowd. Also, we don’t charge a cover, so that’s pretty good for downtown Iowa City.
— ANNE