While I am all for the resident hall market places and cooking at home, sometimes it can be nice eating out. And because I take my blog posts very seriously and want to give readers the best advice and options, I took it upon myself to try out some different places in downtown Iowa City to find the best places to eat on a college budget. Oh, and I dragged my roommate along with me.

1. Mosley’s: Hidden a little further from the main downtown eateries this authentic BBQ is pretty amazing. With a cute little outdoor patio that’s perfect for the summer nights, good deals on BBQ sandwiches and the best bacon Mac & Cheese you can’t really go wrong.
2. Heirloom: While I am never one to shy away from the calling chocolate its own food group, having a healthy salad filled with greens can be nice every once and a while. This IC staple connected to the downtown Java House location has its house salads as well as a full build your own bar so you can let your creative salad juices flow. If you’re not in the mood for a salad I highly suggest their soup and sandwich combo – especially when it’s cold in winter!
3. Bread Garden and Market: while this place isn’t always the cheapest, they have the most amazing fresh food bars where you can build your own plates and fill them with almost anything you can imagine. They also have a lunch special everyday which is only $5. Maggie and I find this a favorite location during the warmer months when their patio is open and you can people watch on the PedMall.
4. Dumpling Darling: Even though this restaurant only opened a few months ago it has already become a popular eatery for Iowa City locals. Located in the heart of Iowa City, dumpling darling has everything from classic dumplings to brunch specials on Sundays that always hit the spot after a long Saturday cheering on the Hawks. And what makes it even better? You can get dumplings as a flex meal in the Main Library “Food for Thought” café.
5. Airliner: While this location is famously known for the discovery of Ashton Kutcher, I think it is more famously known by college students for its $1 slices of pizza on Sundays. – Need I say more?
6. Bruegger’s: I have to admit that I spend way too much of my time here. With salmon cream cheese, my favorite iced coffee and free WIFI, this location is my go to study spot in the mornings. While this is my favorite spot to hang out before classes I will warn that lines get long, especially at “breakfast” time on the weekend – which is really 11am.
7. Cortado: This new local coffee and sandwich shop right across the street from the Pentacrest has started to become a popular spot for students. With some really good sandwiches and endless coffee/tea options it is a great place to grab a bite. Only downside- there isn’t WIFI so you can’t get much computer work done.

Until Next Time

Happy Eating!