Hey all. On Thursday I'll be driving from Omaha to Iowa City for a family thing. I'll have some time to burn on Thursday and Friday and so am looking for suggestions for bars, bottle shops, breweries to hit out in the area. I'm already planning on hitting Big Grove Brewery (it's like a 10min walk from my uncle's house), but am looking for other suggestions. Thanks.
Without going into a ton of detail because I'm on my phone: Reds Alehouse in North Liberty (Bar) The Sanctuary in IC (Bar) Johns Grocery in IC (Best bottle shop around) Johncys in NL (Bottle Shop) Check out Backpocket Brewery in Coralville as well and if you're really adventurous, Kalona Brewing in Kalona.
If you hit Short's downtown you can probably skip backpocket and kalona as short's will have 3 or 4 taps of each on most likely as well as some TG. I wouldn't suggest eating at Short's though. The Sanctuary and Reds along with Big Grove should give you just about everything worth your time in the area from a beer point of view. Reds can have a long wait along with Big Grove, the others you should be fine to just walk in.
Shorts has the some of the best burgers in town and their fries are great. I second shorts for all your on tap needs.
Pretty sure they par cook the meat to medium then reheat to order. Always overcooked and dry, pretty much a waste of the whole keep it local thing they attempt. Then again, best burger in town wouldn't be difficult to win so you might be correct.
I've had plenty of very good medium-rare burgers from Short's. I don't think their food is as special as Big Grove or Red's, where it can be on par with the beer, but it's perfectly good.
The burgers are definitely cooked fresh, and are made in house. Give Eastside or Stella a try. Maybe you are coming at the wrong time.
I end up at shorts downtown randomly a few times a year. I've also been to the east side one a few different times. I guess you guys are luckier than me as I've never gotten anything close to a properly cooked burger and the last time I asked they stated they can only do medium well or above. It's Iowa City after all, I could honestly see the wait staff not knowing what the kitchen is capable of and/or the kitchen not knowing how to cook food properly and still have a job. Either way they have great beer at a good price and I've never had noticeable freshness issues so I keep going back.
Best burger in town... pshhhh. Go to George's, it's their anniversary this weekend. Get a burger and a craft brew on tap, they probably have 2 or 3.
If you pop into Red's Alehouse in North Liberty, they are likely to at least have one beer on tap that you will be uber excited about. I popped in randomly on a Saturday afternoon last month after taking a test in IC, and they had 2012 La Folie and 2010 BCBS on tap. No big deal though. I will also second the recommendation for John's Grocery for your bottle shop needs. They have an amazing selection and great staff.
