Iowa

The ultimate Iowa City game-day guide of places to eat, drink and root for the Hawkeyes

Published

2 years ago

August 20, 2024

The ultimate Iowa City game-day guide of places to eat, drink and root for the Hawkeyes

Fall Saturdays in Iowa City are more than just raucous football games and large tailgates. A long history of game-day traditions attracts nearly 70,000 to Kinnick Stadium, and the downtown corridor and beyond is a thriving hub for foodies, locals, and tourists alike.

The 2024 football season begins Saturday, Aug. 31, when the Iowa Hawkeyes host the Illinois State Redbirds.

Here are a few establishments the Iowa City Press-Citizen recommends when in town for a football game, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a celebratory dinner, or the perfect place to bask in game-day ambiance.

Restaurants that are a short trek from Kinnick Stadium

Details: Stella, 1006 Melrose Ave., Iowa City

Steps away from Kinnick Stadium, Stella is a contemporary spot that combines American classics with Cajun fare. It is also one of Iowa City’s most vegetarian-friendly establishments, serving game-day spirit in a reinvented atmosphere and offering a variety of black bean burgers.

Details: Sidekick Coffee & Books, 310 1/2 Melrose Ave., Iowa City

Less than a 15-minute walk from Kinnick Stadium, Sidekick Coffee & Books is a vibrant hub in the University Heights neighborhood. The café boasts a robust menu, perfect for all occasions from lattes and smoothies to quiche and scones and yogurt parfaits, whether browsing the bookstore or before game day.

More: Where to find five of the best places to drink in Iowa City

Where to cater your Hawkeyes tailgate in Iowa City

Details: Graze Gourmet To-Go, 345 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City

Whether you are hosting a tailgate at Kinnick or watching the game at home, consider ordering in. The restaurant often collaborates with University of Iowa teams to provide game-day nutrition for athletes, but the restaurant also takes care of the community. The food at Graze Gourmet is designed to be taken to-go, as hinted in its name, by creating a menu of classic takeout items with a surprising array of options. Pizza, chicken lips, tacos, Mexican fried rice, and dim sum green beans are a few of the standouts, perfect for a game-day celebration.

More: Downtown Iowa City Dubuque Street construction is on track to be finished by September

Restaurants that are worth the wait before the Hawkeyes play in Iowa City

Details: Micky’s, 11 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City

Located in the heart of downtown, Micky’s has been a game-day tradition serving Iowa City for more than 30 years. Opening at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays, the local pub is the perfect spot to swing by for breakfast before the game, though it is also open until 2 a.m. for a late-night bite. Lines can be long, but the food and energy are worth the wait.

Details: Donnelly’s Pub,110 E. College St., Iowa City

The downtown corridor is packed on game day, but Donnelly’s Pub is well worth the wait. Donnelly’s Pub has a wide selection of beer and whiskey but also boasts a robust traditional pub menu from burgers to Irish stew and one of the best Reuben sandwiches in town. Donnelly’s is a good stop before the game or even as a place to hunker down and watch.

More: From falafel to pupusas: Iowa City’s top rated restaurants according to Yelp

Where to find a quick game-day bite in Iowa City

Details: Kindred Coffee, 287 N. Linn St., Iowa City

Kindred Coffee, located on the north side, is the place to go if you want something quick and easy. The coffee shop is best known for its specialty brews, from espresso tonics to classic lattes. Kindred Coffee also has a small but mighty breakfast menu, perfect for eating on the way to the game.

Details: The Encounter Café, 76 S. Clinton St., Iowa City

The Encounter Café first opened its doors in August 2017 and has become a premiere brunch spot in the seven years since. There are plenty of brunch options, from homemade pastries to breakfast burritos and skillets, whether you are keener on sweet or savory. Diners can either sit and eat or take their food to go while walking to Kinnick.

Where to watch the Hawkeyes game in Iowa City

Details: 2 Dog’s Pub, 1705 S. First Ave., Iowa City

For folks unable to make it to Kinnick Stadium or those who just want to avoid the crush of fans on Saturdays can venture outside of the downtown corridor for a variety of options, including 2 Dog’s Pub, one of the top spots to catch every Hawkeye touchdown. You’ll surely not miss a single play with TVs showing the game on every wall, whether home or away. With more than 20 beers on draft and an expansive menu filled with elevated bar eats such as wings and burgers, 2 Dog’s Pub has something for everyone.

More: The Press-Citizen has compiled a list of best patios in the area, here’s what made the cut

Details: Big Grove Brewery 1225 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City

With plenty of seating inside and out, Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City taproom is one of the best places to watch Saturday’s game. Known for its Easy Eddy hazy IPA, Big Grove offers dozens of TVs and even a projection screen for viewing pleasure, and a bar anchored by a rotating list of Big Grove’s well-regarded beers. The food menu is rather expansive as well. The brewery’s regular watch parties often include DJs on the ones and twos during commercial breaks.

Details: 30 Hop, 900 E. Second Ave., Coralville

Located in the Iowa River Landing, the rooftop brewpub and restaurant offers an immaculate array of craft beers, a full bar, and a food menu. The atmosphere is top-notch, with dozens of TVs on the rooftop, perfect for watching the Hawkeyes win.

Details: Coach’s Corner, 749 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City

Coach’s Corner’s Instagram bio refers to itself as the “The #1 place to catch a game in Iowa City!” Located on the west side of town, Coach’s Corner is a quintessential sports bar serving classic bar food fare from wings to a variety of sandwiches that will make you want to come back time and time again.

More: From shakes to soft serve, here are the 10 best ice cream spots in Johnson County

Classic eats for the early birds before a Hawkeyes game

Details: Bluebird Diner, 330 E. Market St., Iowa City

Want to get to Kinnick as early as you can? Bluebird Diner is perfect for fans looking for a high-quality breakfast. Open at 7 a.m. daily, it is the ideal place to fuel up before kickoff, serving classic diner breakfast and lunch from open to close.

Details: Hamburg Inn No. 2, 214 N. Linn St., Iowa City

The Hamburg Inn No. 2 has been a cornerstone in the Iowa City community for 90 years. Last year, the joint found new life and has remained a favorite under new ownership since it reopened on Homecoming weekend. Enjoy classics from The Hamburg Inn No. 2 like Hamburg Inn pie shakes, fried chicken, celebratory cups of bottomless coffee, or the classic Presidential Breakfast with two eggs your way, hash browns, sausage or bacon, and toast. Since reopening, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 often has long wait times even on non-game days, so come early to secure a spot.

More: Here’s where to find some of the best fried chicken in Iowa, from Balltown to Donnellson

Where to find late-night bites in Iowa City

Details: George’s Buffet, 312 E Market St., Iowa City

If you are looking for a place to kick back after the game, try George’s Buffett. The bar serves late-night bites including cheese sandwiches, hot nuts, chips, and cheeseburgers on its limited-food menu. These are the perfect re-up after any long day.

More: Discover the 6 best burger restaurants in Iowa City, from gourmet to classic delights

Details: Sanctuary Pub, 405 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City

Sanctuary Pub has been an Iowa City mainstay since 1972. Reminiscent of a traditional British pub, the bar emulates its namesake, being a sanctuary for a welcoming place to enjoy the company of others over good food and drinks. The restaurant has a menu rooted in classic bar fare, with elevated options like baked brie and vodka shrimp. The restaurant is open until 11 p.m. on weekends; it is a great option after a long day to refuel.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_.

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Iowa

DCI agent say he was fired for questioning Iowa college gambling probe

Published

10 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

DCI agent say he was fired for questioning Iowa college gambling probe

A former Iowa investigator is suing the state, claiming he was fired for criticizing a high-profile college sports gambling probe.
Mark Ludwick alleges his termination was retaliation for testifying that investigators conducted illegal searches and were told to mislead students.
The gambling investigation, which led to charges against dozens of student-athletes, has faced legal challenges over its methods.

A longtime investigator for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says he was forced out of the agency because he voiced reservations about a high-profile investigation into gambling in college athletics.

Mark Ludwick was hired by Iowa’s top investigative agency in 1997 and was terminated in November 2024, according to a lawsuit filed Feb. 20 in Polk County. According to his complaint, Ludwick was fired after two “frivolous” investigations, one claiming he’d exceeded the speed limit driving to a murder scene, and the other for assistance he provided to a domestic abuse victim.

The real reason, Ludwick alleges, is that officials were embarrassed after Ludwick testified under oath about what he regarded as weaknesses in their sports wagering investigation, which resulted in dozens of Iowa State University and University of Iowa student-athletes facing suspensions, 25 being criminally charged and 19 pleading guilty to underage gambling.

Ludwick testified in early 2024 he believed investigators had conducted illegal searches to identify the online gamblers and that he and other agents had been directed to lie to students about whether they were subjects of the investigation. He also alleged that stress about the case contributed to another agent’s fatal heart attack, although the agent’s relatives disputed the connection.

Now Ludwick is accusing the state of violating Iowa’s whistleblower protection statute. He declined through his attorney to comment. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office also declined to comment, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety, which includes the DCI, did not respond to an inquiry about the case.

Gambling investigation raised constitutional concerns

In the gambling investigation, DCI investigators used software tools provided by GeoComply, a Canadian company that contracts with online sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings, to look for evidence of illegal gambling activity. Using a GeoComply system, the investigators created a so-called “geofence” around college athletic facilities that allowed them to detect student athletes using wagering accounts registered to parents and friends to place bets ― sometimes on their own games.

Although the investigation resulted in numerous arrests and suspensions, it also drew controversy, in particular for agents’ failure to obtain warrants before conducting their location searches. GeoComply, which had encouraged Iowa to use its service, responded by cancelling the state’s access.

A large group of current and former students sued the state, accusing investigators of violating their constitutional rights. In November 2025, a federal judge ruled that the state’s investigation “does not comport with the Fourth Amendment,” which provides protection from illegal searches.

Nonetheless, the court dismissed the lawsuit, finding the officers involved were entitled to immunity. An appeal is pending.

Ludwick’s reservations emerge in depositions

Ludwick was an experienced investigator for the DCI, working on high-profile cases including the 2015 murder of Shirley Carter, whose son was tried and acquitted, and the 2017 deaths of two girls in a fire started by a relative.

While not the lead agent on the 2023 gambling investigation, Ludwick was tapped to assist by interviewing some of the student athletes. He later testified he grew concerned that the state’s geofence searches amounted to illegal, warrantless searches, and declined to participate in the case any further. He alleges that other DCI agents shared his concerns and also maneuvered to avoid being involved in the case.

Ludwick says he reported his concerns to his superiors. In January 2024, he was deposed by defense attorneys for four of the students, and “testified truthfully during his deposition that he believed an illegal search had been conducted.” Defense attorneys cited Ludwick’s remarks within days in filings covered by numerous media outlets, including the Des Moines Register, which “caused embarrassment and increased scrutiny for the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Commissioner Bayens, and other employees,” Ludwick’s suit states.

According to the complaint, officials launched an investigation into Ludwick for speeding on March 5, weeks after the embarrassing testimony was reported. On Aug. 8, officials initiated a second investigation after, Ludwick says, “he attempted to help a victim of domestic abuse flee her abuser.” He denies his actions violated Iowa law or department policy.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

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Iowa

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Voluntary Suspension of Iowa Membership for 2026-27 Season

Published

22 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

The ECHL announced today that the League’s Board of Governors has approved the request of the Iowa Heartlanders’ Membership for a Voluntary Suspension for the 2026-27 Season.

During the suspension period, the organization will evaluate strategic alternatives aimed at ensuring a sustainable long-term future for professional hockey in the Corridor, including potential investment or ownership partnerships that support the continued success of the Membership.

The ECHL will continue to work with the Heartlanders’ ownership group during the suspension period as the organization evaluates its future. The League remains committed to the continued growth and stability of its member teams and markets.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision that followed months of careful evaluation,” said Heartlanders owner Michael Devlin. “Despite significant efforts to stabilize and strengthen the organization, we concluded that stepping back for a season is the most responsible course while we review long-term solutions. As stewards of the team, we believe this step gives the organization the best opportunity to return on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”

“We worked through every potential path that might have allowed us to continue uninterrupted,” Heartlanders President Matt Getz said. “Ultimately, we believe this pause provides the organization the best opportunity to position the Membership for long-term success.”

The Iowa organization expresses deep gratitude to the fans, partners, players, staff and the City of Coralville who have supported the Heartlanders since the team’s founding.

The ECHL will play with 30 Members during the 2026-27 season.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 30 teams in 23 states and one Canadian province for its 38th season in 2025-26. There have been 778 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 10 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 30 of the 32 NHL teams in 2025-26, marking the 28th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

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Iowa

Explore Effigy Mounds, Iowa’s ancient earthworks above the Mississippi

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Explore Effigy Mounds, Iowa’s ancient earthworks above the Mississippi

High on the bluffs overlooking the Upper Mississippi River, Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 ancient earthen mounds shaped like bears, birds, and spirits of the natural world. Built by Indigenous peoples more than 1,000 years ago, these formations stand as powerful reminders that America’s story stretches far beyond European arrival. At this quiet landscape of forested ridges and sweeping river views, visitors can walk among sacred sites that continue to hold meaning for many Native nations today. Effigy Mounds is both a cultural touchstone and one of the most visually striking archaeological landscapes in the United States.

Location: Harpers Ferry, Iowa

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2WhrGJ8cqh2nsC8L6

Why it matters

Effigy Mounds honors the artistry, engineering, and spiritual traditions of Indigenous communities who shaped these hills centuries before the United States existed. As the nation marks 250 years, this landscape reminds us that America’s story begins long before 1776. The bear, bird and linear mounds — some perfectly aligned with celestial patterns — preserve cultural memory, identity and resilience. They stand as a testament to the first peoples who understood this land as home.

What to see today

Visitors can follow wooded trails to some of the most iconic shapes, including the Great Bear Mound and soaring bird effigies perched above the Mississippi. Interpretive exhibits explain the moundbuilders’ cultures, craftsmanship, and the region’s deep archaeological significance. Listen for wind moving through oak forests and watch eagles ride the river’s currents below. Rangers and tribal partners share stories of ongoing cultural ties, helping visitors understand these earthworks not as relics, but as living heritage.

Ask a local

Stop in nearby McGregor for a bite at Old Man River Restaurant & Brewery, where locals drift in for beers and scenic river views or the Backwoods Bar & Grill, a popular spot for casual American pub food.

Plan your visit

• Best time: Fall colors or late spring• Hours/admission: Visitor center open daily; free entry• Getting there: Parking at the visitor center; trails begin onsite• Learn more: nps.gov/efmo

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

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