Iowa City is home to so many unique, small businesses that are a must-try on your campus visit to the University of Iowa. I have been exploring the city for almost an entire school year now and have found some of my favorite places. I have picked my favorite place in each of the following categories to tell you about; breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and treats.

First up is breakfast, my favorite breakfast spot in Iowa City would have to be the Bluebird Diner. Bluebird is situated pretty close to campus so it would be convenient to visit on your visit. I like Bluebird because the pancakes are SO good. Aside from the pancakes, there are so many other options, they have any breakfast food you could ever think of.

The lunch category was probably the toughest to only choose one restaurant because there are so many great options. That being said, the place I’m about to tell you about had a lot of competition but is coming out on top in my opinion; Heirloom. Heirloom is right downtown which is basically campus in my opinion. This is a soup, salad, and sandwich joint. It’s so tough to decide what to order off of the menu because everything looks so good. All the ingredients are so fresh which makes everything so delicious. 

Pullman Bar and Diner is at the top of my dinner list. The food is really good but I also love the feel of the place. You might think at first glance this is just a regular American restaurant, but take it from me, the food is to die for.

If you’ve read any of my other blogs you know I am very experienced in the next category. I am not exaggerating, if the coffee shop is within walking distance from the East side dorms, I have been there. That being said, the lattes at Tru Coffee are THE BEST in Iowa City. On my recent visit, I ordered the iced chocolate-dipped strawberry latte, and it was the best-tasting latte I’ve ever had. Not only does Tru have great-tasting coffee, but the vibes in the shop are IMMACULATE and perfect for a fun little coffee or study date.

Lastly, the treat category. This was also a pretty tough category as I have such a sweet tooth and Iowa City has so many Ice cream/ frozen yogurt/ cupcake/ bakery shops. As you’ve probably heard, Molly’s Cupcakes is GREAT, but that’s obvious, and I am here to tell you maybe the not-so-obvious. That being said, you have to try out the frozen yogurt at Aspen Leaf which is in the ped mall. I don’t even know what sets this fro yo apart from everywhere else, but take it from me it’s just better!

So, on your next visit to campus make sure to try out my favorite places and maybe you’ll find your new favorite place!