In the just more than a year since the Floods of 2008 wiped out every bar and restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids, at least 41 bars and restaurants have opened in the downtown area.
Some are old favorites. Others are new to the scene.
Residents have the chance to sample the best of both this weekend through Aug. 15 at the Taste of Downtown, organized for the first time this year by the Downtown District.
The Taste kicks off Saturday with a sampling event from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Skogman parking lot on First Avenue in downtown Cedar Rapids. A $20 cover pays for unlimited food and beverages from participating downtown vendors. There will be live music. Patrons must be 21.
For the rest of the week, participating restaurants and bars will offer various two-for-20 specials.
Not sure where to go? Keep reading.
Benz Beverage Depot
Benz offers a selection of high-quality foods, spirits, beer and wine from around the world. They carry more than 1,200 wines and the Corridor’s largest selection of spirits and beer. Check out their Web site for regular beer and wine tasting events.
• Special: Not available
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 501 Seventh Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; (319) 365-2556; www.benzbeveragedepot.com
Bigg Daddy’s Dogs
A recent addition to downtown, Bigg Daddy’s serves hot dogs, brats and cheesesteaks on the corner of Third Avenue and Second Street SE. Try the cheesesteak, made with beef brisket and onions and peppers fried on the spot.
• Special: Monday and Tuesday, two brats, two sodas and two chips for $10; Wednesday, two cheesesteaks and two sodas for $10; Aug. 13, two barbecue brisket sandwiches, two sodas and two chips for $10; Aug. 14, two chili cheese dogs, two sodas, two chips and two cookies for $10.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: Corner of Third Ave. and Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
blend
blend’s menu changes monthly and features globally inspired American cuisine served with an artful presentation. blend features an open dining room with both indoor and outdoor dining and a lounge with daily happy hour specials, perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a schedule-friendly business lunch.
• Special: Lunch, two lunches and two desserts for $20; dinner, choose two courses from a selective menu for $20.
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 221 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; lunch, 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, dinner, 5 p.m. to close Monday to Saturday; (319) 366-3364; www.blendcr.com
The Blue Strawberry Coffee Company
The Blue Strawberry offers gourmet coffee and a cozy ambience. In addition to coffee, teas and other beverages, the Blue Strawberry has bistro-style entrees, including hot panini sandwiches made to order, fresh salads and soups.
• Special: Two entrees, two beverages and two desserts for $20
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 118 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; (319) 247-2583; www.blue-strawberry.com
Bricks
In addition to daily drink specials for the after-work and late night crowds, Bricks has a menu to compliment the beer munchies. The menu has all the expected deep-fried goodies, plus wraps, sandwiches, pizza and daily specials.
• Special: Sirloin or ribs and two pints of beer for $20 or two entrees and four pints of beer for $20.
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 302 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday to Saturday; (319) 366-0950
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery
Using grapes from their own vineyards south of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Ridge produces a variety of wines and fruit-based spirits. The Cedar Ridge Distillery was the first licensed still in the state since prohibition and their wines and spirits can be found at Hy-Vee and other wine shops and retails stores throughout Iowa.
• Special: None
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 501 Seventh Ave. SE, Suite B (entrance through Benz Beverage Depot); 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 362-2778; www.crwine.com
City Meat Market
Whether you’re looking for good ol’ Iowa 1 1/2-inch thick porkchops or a quick hot-off-the-grill lunch, the City Meat Market is your place to go. They also offer a wide variety of cheeses and meat products, including smoked meats, ribs, summer sausage and more.
• Special: Aug. 14 two rib dinners for $20
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 615 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids; market 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; deli 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday; grill 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 363-3937
The Coffee Emporium & Cafe
Serving coffee drinks in Eastern Iowa for more than 45 years, the Coffee Emporium offers quality whole bean specialty coffees, traditional espresso and iced blended coffee drinks. Their selection of teas are brewed loose leaf and on-demand and their menu includes breakfast sandwiches, bakery items, wraps, pitas, salads and paninis.
• Special: two pounds of coffee for $20
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 220 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 362-3384; www.thecoffeeemporiumcr.com
Daniel Arthur’s
Located in an 1800s-era mansion, Daniel Arthur’s artfully presented dishes in an unique atmosphere. Dining areas are tucked in rooms of the mansion, including The Underground Lounge in lowest level and outdoor patio.
• Special: Monday, half-price burgers in the lounge 5 p.m. to close; Tuesday, select appetizers half-off with entree purchase 5 p.m. to close; Wednesday, buy one domestic beer, get one half-off in the lounge 5 p.m. to close; Aug. 13 wine dinner, reservations required, limited space available; Aug. 14 two-for-one beef, chicken or shrimp satays in the lounge 5 p.m. to close; Aug. 15 purchase any appetizer and two entrees, get tableside Caesar salad or bananas foster free 5 p.m. to close.
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 821 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, dinner 5 p.m. to close Monday to Saturday; (319) 362-9340; www.danielarthurs.net
DC’s Riverwalk Pub & Eatery
Like Third Base Brewery’s menu? Check out the new DC’s Riverwalk. Under the same ownership, DC’s menu offers the same hearty bar fare, like a platter-sized pork tenderloin, burgers, wraps and salads. Looking for something special? Try the signature entrees. Thirsty? A fishbowl will quench it.
• Special: Two chicken or shrimp carbonara for $20
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 401 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Sunday; (319) 362-0310
Deb’s Ice Cream & Deli
Deb’s Ice Cream & Deli is exactly what you think a deli should look like. Sandwiches like a BLT and egg salad are made to order at one counter while delicious ice cream is scooped at another.
• Special: Two lunches for $20 (choose from selection of signature sandwiches)
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 215 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 365-1010
Dublin City Pub
Reopened in the former Muddy Water’s, Dublin has made the space all its own. Dine downstairs. Drink upstairs. With an extensive bottle and on-tap beer list, Dublin lives up to it’s Irish name.#</aic:cclr>
• Special: Two sandwich baskets and two draft beers for $20
• At kickoff: no
• Details: 415 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids; (319) 247-7180
Gringo’s
Gringo’s interior is Old World, with its intricate woodwork and vintage tables. The menu offers a full range of Mexican flavors from piled-high nachos to sizzling fajitas.
• Special: Fajitas for two plus fried ice cream for $20; two tacos with beans and rice, two beverages and fried ice cream for $20; two pick-twos and two house margaritas for $20.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 207 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; (319) 363-1000; www.gringoscr.com
Little King Deli
Little King Deli is a quick stop for breakfast or lunch. The morning menu includes breakfast pizza and bagels and fresh baked cinnamon rolls. At lunch try sandwiches, soups and salads to eat there or a boxed lunch on the go.
• Special: Three regular sandwich combos for $20
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 201 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 363-9695; www.littlekingcr.com
LoDo’s Pizzeria
With a name derived from its lower downtown location, LoDo’s features pizza by the slice or whole pizzas on either New York style thin or Chicago style thick crust. Their menu also includes salads with homemade dressing, pastas and subs.
• Special: Two pastas or subs, two side salads and two drinks for $20.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 112 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday; (319) 247-LODO (5636); www.lodospizzeria.com
Maid-Rite West
One of the oldest restaurants in Cedar Rapids, the red and white striped exterior of Maid-Rite West has been a downtown staple since 1935. Their menu continues to offer traditional favorites, including breaded pork loins and it’s namesake loose-meat sandwich.
• Special: Two hot dogs, grilled cheese or fish sandwiches for $2.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 621 First Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; (319) 364-4415
The Piano Lounge
Named Cedar Rapids “Best Cocktail” and “Trendiest Bar” two years in a row, the Piano Lounge provides live music and an entertainment lounge with pool tables, dart boards, widescreen TVs and a Wii arena.
• Special: Saturday, half-price wine and martinis and $1 off beer; Aug. 14 and 15 two covers and two martinis for $20.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 208 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday; (319) 363-0606; www.thepianolounge.com
Pita’z
Pita’z offers authentic Lebanese-style Mediterranean cuisine. Try the Tawook Pita — if you’re feeling adventurous, ask them to make it spicy. Pita’z is located in the Armstrong Centre food court Downtown.
• Specials: Shish Tawook — marinated boneless chicken, rice, hummus, pita bread and drink for $8.50; Chicken Shawarma with rice, hummus, pita bread and drink for $8.50.
• At kickoff: No
• Details: 210 Third Ave. SE, Ste. A, Cedar Rapids; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 366-7482
Prairie Soup Company
The Prairie Soup Company has gourmet soups made using all natural ingredients and served with fresh baked bread. The menu also includes a selection of fresh salads and sandwiches. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries are served hot and fresh starting at 6:30 a.m. daily.
• Special: $2 off any combination of two menu items
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 425 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; (319) 362-0972; www.prairiesoup.com
Sixteen at the Crowne
Take in the view from the top as you relax with a drink or enjoy an item from the newly revamped menu at Sixteen at the Crowne. Previously Top of the Five, the restaurant at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers a lounge area and a new menu to match.
• Special: Lunch, two luncheon entrees and two beverages for $20 (serves 2); dinner, one dinner entree and one appetizer for $20 per person
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 350 First Ave. NE, 16th floor, Cedar Rapids; breakfast, 6:30 to 11 a.m., lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday; (319) 363-8161
Teeghan’s Ice Bar
At Teeghan’s Ice Bar, you can chill out both literally and figuratively, as you enjoy drinks served up from one-of-a-kind ice displays behind the bar.
• Special: $2 domestics; Saturday, no cover with Taste of Downtown sampling wristband
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 315 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday-Friday, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday: (319) 364-4112
Volume
Volume is a nightclub that is all about the music. Chill while you listen to a regular lineup of live bands on one side or dance the night away as a DJ spins tunes on the other.
• Special: Saturday, no cover with Taste of Downtwon sampling wristband
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 329 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; (319) 366-1501
Zins
Zins small-plate menu is about experiencing a variety of tastes in one meal. Each dish is meant to be eaten in six bites. Order one for yourself or several to share. The wine storage system allows for the nearly 70-bottle wine list to be purchased by the glass or flights.
• Special: Saturday and Tuesday through Aug. 15, two price-fix menus with two tastes of wine for $20 (serves one); Saturday, two glasses of Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for $20; Sunday, two brunches for $20; Monday, two tastes of Duckhorn Napa merlot for $20; Tuesday, $2 Grainbelts for first 20 customers; Wednesday, $2 Fat Tires for first 20 customers; Aug. 14, two tastes of Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon for $20; Aug. 15, $2 Sam Adams for first 20 customers
• At kickoff: Yes
• Details: 227 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; (319) 363-ZINS (9467); www.zinsrestaurant.com
I recently celebrated my birthday and my good friend, Mandy, was so kind as to meet me in downtown Cedar Rapids for dinner. They say age is just a number and when you’ve reached 32, they’re pretty much right. Talk about the most boring age ever. You’ve moved beyond the dread and excitement of turning 30 and have a long ways to go before achieving cougar-status at 40.
