Iowa City, Iowa
2025 marks the first time I've been in the state of Iowa. Hopped onto an United Airlines flights to head towards Eastern Iowa Airport and get into Cedar Rapids. Surprisingly, the taxi fare from the airport to Cedar Rapids was near $100. Luckily the Uber fare back to the airport was a third. I hadn't realized that Cedar Rapids is essentially the University of Iowa. The University is the major employer for the area. Since I was here for the week for a work obligation, my experience in the city narrowed down to the eateries in the city. Also, the weather was nearing 0 which didn't entice me to investigate the surrounding areas.
One Twenty Six - for work dinner, the french influenced restaurant offered an eclectic mix of European styled dishes. I had the pork vindaloo and creme brulee. For the price point, I was expecting better quality and should have copied my colleagues in ordering the hangar steak.
Direct flights into Eastern Iowa Airport on United was mostly from Chicago or Denver. I had a long layover at ORD so I opted to stay inside the United Club. I hadn't realized how busy the lounges have gotten and when I went into a lounge, I was informed only one of the three Clubs were taking day passes. At Denver International Airport, all clubs were not taking any passes in Concourse B. I opted to hang out at Mizu near Gate B12 instead. It is a Japanese eatery and the seating was spacious and not alot of folks were inside.
Checked into the Element Iowa City which was a relatively new hotel inside the city. I've not stayed at this particular brand before and I did enjoy the studio kitchenette layout. In many ways, the Element reminds me of the Home2Suites by Hilton. The breakfast provided is your basic continental breakfast options plus a planned hot breakfast entree.
 |
| Element Iowa City King Studio |
 |
| Element Iowa City King Studio |
Dining
The Encounter Cafe - a very lovely cafe with tasty bakery items. It was around the corner from the Element. After walking in, I realized that the Cafe was owned and staffed by Mennonites. So I had a greater faith that the foods would be prepared well and wasn't wrong.
 |
| The Encounter Cafe Cinnamon Roll |
Bep Teahouse - located down the street from the Element at 201 S Clinton St 167 Ste 167 Iowa City, IA 52240, I opted to check out this teahouse eatery. I ordered a milk tea as well as filled mochi waffles. Overall, it was probably considered good for Iowa but I wouldn't return. If you go to their Yelp page, you can access their online ordering website.
 |
| Bep Milk Tea and Mochi Waffle |
St. Burch Tavern - for work lunch, restaurant offered a variety of sandwiches for lunch. I had ordered the chowder and a sandwich. I also ordered biscuits that were tasty as well.
Thai Flavors - located at 340 E Burlington St Iowa City, IA 52240, my colleague is gluten intolerant and from Minnesota (important because his exposure to thai food is more westernized than mine). He hankered for thai food and we opted for the nearest restaurant. I would have agreed to an Uber if it meant I could have more authentic Thai. Apparently, the suburbs has a greater number of ethnic folks and the food is better. Overall, the food was sufficient for a quick dinner.
Saigon's Corner - Down the street from the Element and next to Bep, I walked in for dinner and ordered pho. It was decent and ordered a rice dish plate to go and later regretted it once I had it for breakfast.
Teamo - located at 121 E Washington St Iowa City, IA 52240, I was in search of a snack and tried the bubble tea at this location. Overall, it was fine but nothing to get me to come back.
Molly's Cupcakes - After seeing on the website they hailed from Chicago with locations around the midwest and east coast, I thought it worthwhile to visit and try out the cupcakes. In case I liked them, I could try finding them in the larger cities like Chicago or New York. Overall, they were fine but I wouldn't go out of my way for them.
Chipotle - next to Saigon's Corner, I had ordered a burrito because it was one of the few things still opened late. Due to the closing hour, they seemed low on ingredients. I did notice that the prices were lower than in my local neighborhood locations. It was also a third smaller than I was used to as well. So maybe there is a correlation.
Comments