Where to eat on Hawkeye football gameday
Travel east on Interstate 80 about two hours to get to Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. This season, the Hawkeyes face Miami of Ohio, Iowa State, North Dakota State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska at home. Hungry before or after the game? Try one of these restaurants in Iowa City.
Hamburg Inn No. 2
You may have to wait to get into Hamburg Inn No. 2 (214 N. Linn St., Iowa City; 319-337-5512), but it’s worth it to sit in the packed dining room with a counter running down the center. Put your name in with the hostess and wait for those omelets, pancakes and French toast. Order the Hawkeye Hog omelet ($9.99) with sausage, gravy and delightful mini pancakes that are in no way mini on the side and then read the clippings on the walls while you wait. The cinnamon roll French toast ($4.29) can get your blood sugar up, but for the best thing you’ll eat all day, save room for the cherry pie shake ($7.99), so thick a straw can stand up in it and filled with chunks of cherry pie (or whatever flavor you want), giving pie a la mode a new meaning. Hamburg Inn No. 2 has been kicking around since 1948 and makes for a popular stop on the political campaign trail. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
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Stella
This neighborhood restaurant sits in the shadow of Kinnick Stadium. Stella (1006 Melrose Ave., Iowa City; 319-887-5564) serves up a menu of burgers named for small towns in Iowa and chicken sandwiches with names from Iowa counties, along with pizzas and Cajun fare. Those black bean burgers will satisfy the vegetarian in your group. Score a table on the wrap-around patio and try the Defiance burger ($11.49) with bacon, sautéed mushrooms and a blue cheese spread with some hand-cut French fries on the side. Beers come in five-, 11- and 16-ounce sizes for up to $7.50 filled with Iowa brews such as Lion Bridge IPA, Firetrucker Brigade and Van Houzen The Professor English-style double IPA. Note that Stella is the sister restaurant to Short’s Burger & Shine and Short’s Burger Eastside in Iowa City. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Pullman Bar & Diner
Former Hawkeye and San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding returned to his hometown to open Pullman Bar & Diner (17 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City; 319-338-1808) with its menu of Iowa classics from chef Sepehr Sadrzadeh. Sit at the counter to watch the cooks at work or request a booth in this railcar reminiscent restaurant. Try one of the dishes meant to share such as the roasted asparagus ($9) with a poached egg on top, or go for the fried chicken ($14) with two pieces served with a biscuit. Note that the Pullman serves breakfast all day (breakfast tacos or corned beef hash, anyone?). Open from 8 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays.
Other places to try in Iowa City:
If waiting at the Hamburg Inn No. 2 isn’t your style, try walking around the corner to The Bluebird Diner (330 E. Market St., Iowa City; 319-351-1470) with its retro vibe and diner-style fare.
Downtown Iowa City has its fill of retro-cool spots, including the Clinton Street Social Club (18½ Clinton St., Iowa City; 319-351-1690). Try some of the pub classics such as the Milton cheddar mac or vintage cheddar burger. The cocktail list here is not to be missed.
Want to catch the game without buying a ticket? Head to Hawkeye-centric spots such as The Airliner(22 S. Clinton St., Iowa City; 319-351-9259) with its menu of pizzas, Joe’s Place (115 Iowa Ave., Iowa City; 319-338-6717) with its three rooms to watch the game, or the Sports Column (12 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City; 319-356-6902) with its bar fare.