|
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CEDAR RAPIDS. This casual Italian restaurant is fun for the whole family. Mom and Dad love the Frank Sinatra tunes and the architectural details that mimic an authentic trattoria, while kids enjoy a special menu designed with their tastes and appetites in mind. Excellent starters include chicken Florentine soup with fresh spinach and garlic, or artichoke, crab and lobster dip with herbed flat bread. Popular entrees include thin crust pizzas, traditional veal parmesan and shrimp grilled with a dose of fresh oregano. Plus, tender filet mignon satisfies the most dedicated carnivores. The wine list includes selections from Italy and the US. Smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
DOWNTOWN. This upscale bistro serves creative, made-to-order American cuisine. Smoked trout pâté and asparagus-and-mushroom turnovers are favorite appetizers, as is roasted beet salad. Entrees, then, include grilled Iowa pork tenderloin topped with fresh peach salsa and drizzled with vanilla bean-champagne cream sauce. Another house fave, seared duck breast, is served with chorizo white corn cakes and roasted pepper relish. The wine list – recognized by Wine Spectator – is similarly sophisticated. Homemade desserts change daily and include indulgences like banana cheesecake on a chocolate truffle crust. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
| Reservations: |
Not Accepted |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
|
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
DOWNTOWN. This coffee house/bistro has such a loyal following that one location couldn't hold everyone; you'll find a second location at 5741 C Street SW. Stop in for your morning joe and a cinnamon roll, scone or breakfast sandwich, or get a fruit smoothie to go. For lunch, locals favor Blue Strawberry's fresh salads and homemade soups. A grilled panini – a favorite is chipotle-smoked turkey with provolone, bacon and roma tomatoes on focaccia – and a beer or glass of wine is popular for a light supper or late-evening snack. Throughout the day, folks drop by for a flavored hot tea, chai, hot cider or coffee drink. Casual attire.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
AMANA. This family-run restaurant serves authentic German and German-American dishes like homemade spaetzle and wiener schnitzel. Large platters and bowls are passed around family-style, and diners help themselves to as much or as little as they wish. Even so, portions are incredibly generous, and the ambience is relaxed and friendly. Dress is casual; reservations are accepted. Take-out is available.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CEDAR RAPIDS. Hardwood floors, soft green walls and plenty of natural lighting give this brew pub/restaurant an upscale feel that draws young, single professionals and families alike. The cuisine is designed to complement the award-winning, craft-brewed beers. Ask your server if Golden Hawk wheat goes with the special hickory smoked ribs or if the rosemary garlic chicken would be better with Red Rocket amber ale or Black Cobra stout. Kids order off their own menu, and they can drink home brews too – Cedar Brewing also makes cream sodas and root beer. Casual to smart-casual attire. No reservations accepted on weekends.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
| Reservations: |
Available |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
|
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
CEDAR RAPIDS. At this popular restaurant, original artwork decorates the walls and authentic Mexican folk music plays softly in the background. While many locals opt for take out, others choose to dine in, taking advantage of the menu's tasty fare. Try the grande taco salad if you're in the mood for something light, or sample large, fresh burritos, fajitas and enchiladas. Reservations accepted. Casual attire.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
DOWNTOWN. This microbrewery not only crafts delicious lagers, ales, stouts and bocks, but they also match the different beverages to their menu items for no-fault ordering. Try a mug of Northern Light Lager with the Granite City walleye dinner or the Duke of Wellington India Pale Ale with sausage rigatoni and sweet peppers. The two-pull specialty brew – Granite City's version of a black and tan – complements everything! Smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CEDAR RAPIDS. Pei's has built a reputation on traditional Mandarin Chinese dishes, but its geographical influence also strays a bit farther out since the restaurant offers hibachi tables and one of Cedar Rapids' only sushi bars too. Pei's loyal clientele appreciate all the great dishes, but a favorite meal begins with crispy crab rangoons and continues with hot braised pork or Mandarin chicken. Reservations accepted. Casual to smart-casual attire.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CEDAR RAPIDS. Who says you can't get authentic ethnic food in the Midwest? The Vernon Inn isn't known as "The Greek Place" for nothing! Locals flock here for Mediterranean-style pizzas and crisp salads topped with the house's creamy feta dressing. Others swear by dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and gyro sandwiches. American dishes like broiled salmon and grilled Angus beef are also served. Casual to smart-casual attire. Takeout available. Reservations suggested.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CZECH VILLAGE. Venture across the river from downtown Cedar Rapids to this charming Czech restaurant adorned with Old World prints, photos and antiques. But bring your appetite since individual portions of cabbage rolls, liver sausage, pork tenderloin, and pierogies in paprika sauce (the house specialty) could serve an entire family. Also, take a tip from locals who keep the spot jumping, and get a slice of dessert strudel to go. Casual to smart-casual attire.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
|
Print this Page
Email this Page
Click here to share it »
