Iowa City is not only home to the University of Iowa, but it’s also home to some of the best cuisine options you’ll find in the state. While many establishments cater towards specific meals of the day, i.e. breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are a few restaurants that cater towards one specific type of hungry crowd; the late-night eaters. Whether you are having some fun on the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall, or you are looking for a bite to eat after a long night of studying, these seven best late-night food spots surrounding the University of Iowa will fill you up right.
If you are looking for pizza in Iowa City, and not just any ordinary kind of pizza, then Mesa Pizza is right for you. Not only does this establishment provide pizza by the slice that you need to hold with both hands, but alongside the traditional flavors, Mesa also hooks it up with some unique flavor combinations. Whether you go for french-fry pizza, black-bean burrito pizza or the Philly cheesesteak slice, you’ll be happy that you stopped by.
For one of the best burritos you’ll find late-night in Iowa City, and one of the best burritos you’ll find in the entire state, Pancheros Mexican Grill can really hit the spot. Featuring made-in-front-of-you burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and quesadillas, Pancheros is a real fan-favorite throughout the day in Iowa City, and is a popular spot to stop by late at night. Whatever you do on your next visit, don’t forget the queso dip.
Featuring a laid-back bar atmosphere, whether you knew it or not, George’s Buffet, often referred to just as George’s, has some of the best late-night hamburgers you can find anywhere else in Iowa City. The hamburgers at George’s might be considered pretty simple, containing the bare ingredients of hamburger, bun, cheese and pickles, but after just one bite of this mouth-watering burger late at night, and you’ll soon find yourself becoming a regular at this northside downtown district bar.
For many University of Iowa students, a late-night slice from Falbo Bros Pizza is part of their degree. Not only can you find some of the best value at Falbo Bros Pizza, but this pizza-by-the-slice also happens to be one of the best pizza makers in town. Whether you go for sausage, pepperoni or the “Ben’s Other” (tomato, basil & garlic), don’t stop at just one slice of this city-famous pizza place.
Nothing quite satisfies those late-night hunger pangs quite like a grilled cheese from Marco’s in Iowa City. Marco’s is a mobile food vendor that can always be found near downtown on the weekends, and with the mastery of great artists, can prepare some of the best grilled cheeses on this planet. Whether you need to soak up some of the night or you’re just looking for something savory to eat in the evening, Marco’s Grilled Cheese always serves it up right.
Another new addition to the Iowa City scene, D.P. Dough is open during the day and late at night, always serving up some of the best calzones you’ll ever bite into. Besides mouth-watering calzones that can satisfy any hunger, D.P. Dough also hooks it up with other late-night favorites such as cheesy tots, garlic bread and traditional hot wings. No matter the time of day, stop in yourself to see why D.P. Dough doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
For not only a great bite to eat late-night, but a perfect place to spend the rest of the night, the Vine Tavern and Eatery is an Iowa City classic bar and restaurant establishment. Set amongst a cozy basement atmosphere, alongside the burger baskets, appetizers and award-winning chicken wings, patrons to the Vine can also belly-up to the bar to order their favorite drink. A great place to meet some new friends, or congregate with old ones, the Vine should be on the top of your list for you next University of Iowa visit.