So, there are obviously a lot of places to grab a bite to eat in Iowa City for a date. Choosing just one can be difficult enough without even adding the basic fact- we are broke college students. We want to get the most bang for our buck. Here is a list of 5 local restaurants that would be a great place for you and your date and/or a group date to go to that won’t cost a fortune.
1. Mickey’s Irish Pub & Grill- Fun and Relaxed Dinner Date
Located in downtown Iowa City, this Irish inspired restaurant is a great place for a relaxed date. With dark colors, low lighting, and a good amount of televisions, Mickey’s invites their customers to feel at ease, and (on a side note) sweatpants are acceptable. The building is small, comfortable, and cozy. The prices for main dishes range from $8-$12, therefore, it can be a decently cheap meal for the amount of food you get.
Each table is served with popcorn, and, with a fully equipped bar, drinks are easily at hand. The menu offers panini-like sandwiches loaded with meat and cheese, hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, and pasta.
2. Brown Bottle: Semi-fancy Italian Dishes
The Brown Bottle, located on Washington is some of the most delicious Italian food you can get at a sit down restaurant in downtown Iowa City. You will want to slightly dress up for the occasion, but it’s not overly fancy. At the Brown bottle you can wear a pretty blouse and a pair of heels in the inviting atmosphere.
The Brown Bottle serves your typical Italian food, always loaded with cheese, and delicious homemade sauces. Rich Italian flavors will fill your mouth, and satisfy your taste buds. Inside, low lighting, and romantic colors set the mood. The average price for a meal is $10-$12 and it’s just the right proportion to not have leftovers.
The Brown Bottle would be a cheaper experience for you and your date with just a taste of fancy.
3. Hamburg Inn No. 2: Cheap Home-style Breakfast at Anytime
Sometimes people get in a linear thought process of only having dinner or lunch dates, but what about breakfast? Isn’t it the most important meal of the day?
This is why Hamburg Inn is in the running. Located on Linn Street, this well-known breakfast joint will not let you down.
Although the wait may be long, the fast service and awesome food will make up for the losses. Plus the wait time is a great time for you and your date to get a little closer.
The Hamburg Inn is known for their small town feel, and cozy environment. The aroma of cooked sausage and maple syrup fills the air, but it’s the omelets that need some recognition. They have the most unique types of omelets you could think of, but all of them are nothing short of delicious.
The average pricing depends on how hungry you are, but typically you will spend around $6 for your meal, and there probably won’t be any leftovers. Even though the wait to be seated may take some time, the wait for your food won’t take too long.
4. Los Portales: Mexican Food at an Inviting Setting
Although Los Portales isn’t in the downtown area, this Mexican restaurant holds a firm placement in the running for best date spots. Located just south on Gilbert until you reach Hwy. 2, it’s not too far of a travel for the experience at hand.
If you want a fiesta, go to Los Portales on a Thursday night! Margaritas are seen on almost every table, and karaoke helps to lighten the mood. Conga lines with tequila being poured down your throat are a great way to relax and have fun. I suggest to group date on these nights, but if you’re looking for just 2 of you, go any other night for the great Mexican cuisine.
What’s great about this place is the amount of food you get, and for such a low price. Of course, if you’re planning on splurging on margaritas your bill may be a little higher, but in less you eat about 4 servings each meal, you have your Friday night meal before FAC, and your hangover Saturday lunch as well. The average price is $6-$10, but the amount of food you get should be about $20 worth.
5. Thai Flavors: Adventurous Cuisine at a Low Cost
If you want to go the foreign route and your taste buds are craving some Asian cuisine, Thai Flavors located on Burlington is your place to go. It’s a quaint little building that you may walk by and never notice, but once you take one bite of their food you will be hooked forever.
It may seem like the pricing is higher ($8-$12), but, like Los Portales, you will definitely have leftovers. And, if you’re not wanting to leave the apartment with your date, Thai Flavors will happily deliver.
The restaurant itself is not very fancy, so you and your date may dress however you want. You can experiment with chopsticks as you sit close together and enjoy the rich flavors of Thai food.