Foodie Itinerary - Visit Cedar Rapids

The reinvented local culinary scene is so flavorful that it is worthy of an itinerary of its own. For foodies looking to sample our local cuisine, here is a weekend food-themed itinerary that hits all the hottest spots.

Breakfast & Coffee

Breakfast at Brewhemia for artisan coffee of every variety, pastries, amazing quiche and the best breakfast burrito you’ve ever had. This is one of Cedar Rapids’ most popular breakfast places. Parlor City has a killer bloody mary bar and outdoor seating area across the street. If you need a coffee fix, check out our blog post on ALL the best places around town.

Foodie Finds

Spend the morning exploring the shops, restaurants and museums within the Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District. From vintage records to skateboards, plant shops to clothing boutiques, there is a lot to explore. We recommend a stop at Raygun for some Cedar Rapids (and cereal - we make A LOT of cereal in Cedar Rapids) themed gear. Don't miss Cedar Rapids’ best gathering place, NewBo City Market. This small business incubator is filled with some of the most diverse food offerings in the city, along with some great retail shops. Inside the market grab a bubble tea at Pinoy Cafe, coffee at Roasters NewBo and artisan sausage at The Sausage Foundry. Stretch your legs and explore the entire neighborhood.

Lunch

Work up an appetite – then try one of the 2021 Iowa’s Best Burger finalists – The Map Room in downtown AND Saucy Focaccia, with two area locations. If pork tenderloins are more your speed, check out The Blind Pig, a finalist in Iowa’s 2020 Best Breaded Tenderloin contest. A few other casual lunch options include Local Pour Streetfood, The Bohemian, Nara Thai and Vivian's Soul Food.

Break for Downtown Arts & Culture

Head to downtown Cedar Rapids and check out the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, housing the largest Grant Wood (think American Gothic) collection in the world! Love public art? Check out our new blog on where to find a few photogenic spots.

Dinner

Cobble Hill, an upscale, fine dining restaurant and bar with an urban feel, is brought to you by James Beard nominated chef Andy Schumacher. The menu is built around local ingredients are in season and thus changes often. At Bari Italian, you'll enjoy a seasonal menu with a contemporary Italian flare complemented by wonderful drinks and exceptional wine list. Rodina, the Czech word for family, serves high end Midwest comfort food - think roasted chicken, steamed mussels, and local mushrooms. Black Sheep Social Club is an excellent choice if you're seeking a steak, pork or rack of lamb. Consider the Crunch Town Fish Nuggets, made with locally produced Capn' Crunch.

Nightcaps

Local Breweries - Just a few blocks from each other, you’ll find the three-time Great American Beer Festival gold medal winning brewery, Lion Bridge Brewing Company AND silver medalist Iowa Brewing Company. Both breweries have fantastic beer gardens and Lion Bridge has great food including their famous pork nachos. Did you know, the area has EIGHT breweries?! Learn more and see a map here.

Nightlife - Pull up a chair at one of our local establishments and enjoy everything from a craft beer to cocktails created from one of the area’s award-winning mixologists. Find inspiration here.

Sundays are Made for Brunch

Is it even a weekend without a brunch outing? In the Cedar Rapids area we have a few stellar recommendations for this beloved meal! Bistro 3 Nineteen, in Uptown Marion, serves up a delicious made from scratch brunch each Saturday. Don't sleep on this one! Sunday brunch at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery offers a delicious buffet, craft cocktails and amazing views.