Anyone know of any good pubs in either of these two cities? I'm headed to both on Friday and looking for a good brew and eatery. Thanks.
For IC, Sanctuary is a must. Check their site for what's on tap at the time. Short's has all Iowa beers on tap and a good burger. Joe's Place and Deadwood both have Toppling Goliath on tap (although I believe Sanctuary has Golden Nugget and Pseudo Sue on now). Coralville has Backpocket now open for beers brewed around the area. Also Red's in North Liberty is a good craft bar. Stop by at John's and/or Hy-Vee Waterfront if you want to get some bottles of something (although you'll be getting most of what we get distributed, John's will have some you probably don't). Sanctuary website: http://www.sanctuarypub.com/
No problem, let me know if you need any help or planning. I'll be in a wedding Friday so can't meet you but am more than happy to answer any questions. Old Capitol Brew Works is also near Sanctuary, but they don't brew there anymore. Really Sanctuary and Short's would probably be best and allow you to stay in IC, but if you want to travel a bit Red's has 2 for 1 Happy Hour. Iowa beers and burgers you wouldn't have access to and a good beer bar after at Sanctuary (I know the have G Nug and Dorthy's Lager from TG and possibly Pseudo Sue which is a very good Citra Pale Ale). Get all the TG possible (I know Deadwood has Tsunami Pale which is decent). Have a good time. Short's: http://www.shortsburgerandshine.com/ Red's: http://redsalehouse.com/ EDIT: Just saw Red's does have Pseudo and it is included with Happy Hour meaning you could get 32 oz for $6; so it may well be worth the trip.
I'm from Waterloo/Cedar Falls. Toads is a pretty decent bar, but they don't have a great craft beer selection. Best bar for my money in Cedar Falls if you want craft brews on tap and awesome food (especially pizza) is Mulligans on 18th street. They also have two Toppling Goliath beers on tap there, Golden Nugget and Naughty 90. Best bar for beer selection in the area (but they don't have food, unless you go to the Rudy's Tacos next door) is the Lava Lounge on Falls Ave. in Waterloo. They also have two Toppling Goliaths on tap, Golden Nugget and Rover Truck. They also have a very large collection of pretty rare bottled crafts (at least for this area).
Live in Iowa City and went to college in Cedar Falls. Have to agree with everything everyone has said. Not sure if Roots is still in CF, but they used to have a good selection for bottles and Hy-Vee had gotten better. Avoid Beck's Sports bar in Waterloo, their beer is not very good imo. Lava lounge is fantastic and Rudy's Tacos is pretty good and you could go bowling afterward at Maple Lanes if you're into that. In Iowa City everything that Doug said is spot on. Sanctuary is great and Short's burgers and all Iowa beer is very nice too. Devotay usually has a couple of Iowa beers on tap in IC also and if you're in Coralville River City Beefstro sometimes has an Iowa beer or two available and good food. Happy hour at Red's in North Liberty is great because you can get two pints of Two Hearted for $4 -$5 along with some other tasty beers and their food is fantastic.
