7 places to eat in downtown Iowa City if you're headed to the NCAA women's basketball games
Paris Barraza
If Iowa City feels busier this weekend, it's likely due to the sold-out NCAA women’s basketball games at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena taking place Friday and Sunday.
Capacity for the games is at 14,382, according to a University of Iowa news release.
Iowa City Downtown District has a dining guide for downtown Iowa City, complete with addresses, type of cuisine and contact information to make eating out easy.
To make it even simpler, here are seven restaurants to try in downtown Iowa City before or after the game that serve everything from burgers to beef skewers.
Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
The Italian restaurant satisfies pasta and pizza cravings with all the menu items you expect — chicken Parmesan, four cheese penne — and all the menu items you don’t, like lobster pizza topped with corn and fire-roasted leeks.
Location: 121 Iowa Ave., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 319-337-2010, bastaiowacity.com
Micky’s Irish Pub & Grill
Step inside Micky's Irish Pub & Grill, the local bar that has been in Iowa City for four decades. Micky's offers a variety of burgers with tasty toppings — onion rings, a fried egg, ham and more. Go for the Bruce Hornsby, named after the singer-songwriter because he called it his favorite burger when he visited in the 1980s, according to Micky's Irish Pub & Grill. The pub also serves sandwiches, breakfast fare and plenty of appetizers to share, including fried pickles and pretzel bites. Micky’s Irish Pub has a location in North Liberty at 720 Pacha Pkwy., Suite 8, as well.
Location: 11 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Contact: 319-338-6860, mickysirishpub.com
JiangHu Asian Street Food
Order beef skewers seasoned with ginger and onion, shrimp fried rice, Singapore noodles and so much more at this popular Iowa City restaurant.
Location: 223 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Contact: 319-569-1733, spiciertaste.com
Pullman Bar & Diner
Pullman Bar & Diner offers a chef-driven menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings from a patty melt to a hot chili chicken sandwich to breakfast tacos. Don’t be afraid to order the kitchen fries to share, topped with cheddar cheese, Thousand Island dressing, bacon, jam and scallions.
Location: 17 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Contact: 319-338-1808, pullmandiner.com
Vine Tavern & Eatery
Vine Tavern & Eatery is known for its wings and an array of sauces from mango habanero to Sriracha garlic. There's also a location in Coralville at 39 Second Ave.
Location: 330 E. Prentiss St., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Contact: 319-354-8767, iowa-city.vinetavern.com
Burger Haul
Expect chicken tenders, pork tenderloin sandwiches and, unsurprisingly, plenty of burgers on the menu at this Pedestrian Mall restaurant. Burger Haul also has a fun cocktail menu with breakfast-themed shooters and more.
Location: 112 E. College St., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday
Contact: 319-354-3837, burgerhaulic.com
Bluebird Diner
There's something for everyone on Bluebird Diner's menu, including cheesy omelets, cinnamon rolls, macaroni and cheese, BLTs and much more.
Location: 330 E. Market St., Iowa City
Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
Contact: 319-351-1470, bluebird.cafe
Does the Carver-Hawkeye Arena sell alcohol?
Yes, the arena sells beer and wine.
Does the Carver-Hawkeye Arena sell food?
Yes, there will be food available via concession stands.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.