Bottle Shops - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City area

Discussion in 'Midwest' started by SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019.

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  1. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hi BAs, I'm headed back to Iowa in a couple weeks to visit family. I'll be in Muscatine most of the time but will be in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids area at least a couple days while I'm there. Any advice you can give on good bottle shops in the area would be much appreciated. I don't mind driving around. Just looking for a few cans or bottles to bring back; not too much.

    Oh and any tips on what I should be seeking out? TG, old reliable. Does Pulpit Rock distribute? Anything else?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019
  2. Lorddevn

    Lorddevn Initiate (0) Mar 10, 2019 Wisconsin
    Trader

    Last I knew pulpit rock doesn’t distribute, but honestly don’t seek them out much. TG is all over now. Johns grocery in Iowa city is excellent as is Benz in cedar rapids
     
    #2 Lorddevn, Aug 2, 2019
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  3. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thank you!

    Any tips on other local beers or up-and-coming breweries I should be trying to find (either packaged or on tap)?

    Sorry, I'm sure you guys are sick of these kinds of questions. Next time you guys come out to L.A./OC/SD, hit me up and I'll be more than happy to reciprocate.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #3 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019
  4. randjuke

    randjuke Zealot (608) Feb 13, 2010 Iowa
    Trader

    In Iowa City John's grocery is the old tried and true with a good selection including lots of imports. Like a lot of stores that are considered the best, other people might have already beat you to the more sought-after stuff. Johncy's in North Liberty has a smaller selection but often I'll find something there I wasn't expecting. As far as the HyVees in the area I think your best bet would be the Coralville/North Liberty store which has a good selection of local/Iowa beers.

    Benz is probably the best store in Cedar Rapids but I've always been kind of underwhelmed by it. it closes at 6 on Saturday and doesn't open again until Monday morning, so make sure it's open before you go.

    I am partial to Big Grove brewery which has locations in both Iowa City and Solon. I'm sure there are other good ones that I have yet to visit. In Cedar Rapids i think Lion Bridge is pretty solid. I've heard good things about Thew but have yet to get there.
     
    #4 randjuke, Aug 2, 2019
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  5. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    All great stuff, thanks!

    I've been going to Benz and John's for years. Kinda bummed more places like those haven't sprung up between the two cities.
     
    #5 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019
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  6. GeneralBurden

    GeneralBurden Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2011 Minnesota
    Trader

    The best place to drink beer in Iowa City is Ryan Martin’s House. Tell him General Burden says hi
     
    #6 GeneralBurden, Aug 2, 2019
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  7. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    LOL, been there plenty of times, too! Dude drinks too many lagers, though. :rofl:
     
    #7 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019
  8. GeneralBurden

    GeneralBurden Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2011 Minnesota
    Trader

    fancies himself a purist...I roll my eyes at that
     
    #8 GeneralBurden, Aug 2, 2019
  9. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'll brink some "dank" and "juicy" IPAs from CA for him. He'll love it.
     
    #9 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 2, 2019
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  10. Disc_n_Beer

    Disc_n_Beer Crusader (443) Mar 20, 2015 Iowa

    I'd strongly suggest the North Dodge Street Hy-Vee just off of I-80 in Iowa City. They have a great selection and don't tend to see a lot of traffic. In addition to Big Grove, I'd check out cans from Single Speed.
     
    #10 Disc_n_Beer, Aug 6, 2019
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  11. SoCalBeerIdiot

    SoCalBeerIdiot Pooh-Bah (2,191) Mar 10, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks for the SS suggestion. Already a fan of Big Grove (do they distribute, though?). I hear they have a can release 8/17; might check it out.

    Any other packaged beers I should keep an eye out for while I'm back? It'll be 8/16-8/21. I'm partial to IPAs, BA stouts, and sours.
     
    #11 SoCalBeerIdiot, Aug 8, 2019
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