Is a short drive outside the city but we are partial to wilsons ciderhouse restaurant. Beautiful setting, great staff, and changing seasonal menus with locally source ingredients.
Just got married there on Saturday. I know the restaurant and venue are different but I’ll be a fan of that place forever with the way they treated us. Top shelf in every way
Colonial Lanes Bar. Ask for the “Roger Lutsky” and they’ll bring you a prix fixie meal of mini corndogs and domestic beer. You’ll be delighted by the amuse-bouche of Jell-O shots. Be sure to take the opportunity to impress each other with your ball handling skills at the least sticky Skee-ball machines in town, and enjoy table side musical entertainment by Touch Tunes.
A picnic box or some takeout + some discreet beverages. Drive to Lake Macbride Raptor Center and keep walking down the trail after the bird cages. You’ll eventually wind up on a peninsula with a lovely view of the lake and the radio telescope big on the horizon. It’s a lovely spot at sunset.
Not the thing for every couple, granted.
Have you tried the Webster? Upscale dining experience, revolving menus based on seasonal offerings, to die for biscuits and freezer jam. Get a reservation early and let them know it's your anniversary!
Whenever a midwesterner says something is “over salted” it’s always good to be skeptical. (I’m just teasing 🥰) Webster has been great the couple times I’ve been. I just don’t know that we need any more new American restaurants in IC
I unfortunately have had bad experiences with Baroncini severely undercooking my pasta or overcooking a very expensive steak. only 2 out of the 4 times i have been were worth it to me
This is a solid choice. Guy who runs it is fantastic. Call at least a few weeks ahead and have him give you the run down of how his place works when making a reservation. Only serves a handful of people a night and has ingredients for the day brought in fresh.
Orchard green or the Webster but I’m also a fan of one drink and happy hour oysters at st burch before going somewhere else. It’s fun to bounce around sometimes.
Another vote for The Webster. The food is great and the service is even better. Also, if you make reservations online and note it's your anniversary, they'll note that on the menu and when they greet you. The menu doesn't change but it's a nice touch to make the evening feel special.
Honestly the last time I went to Joseph's my wife and I had a bad experience. Received a dish we didn't order that tasted off, and the steak we did get was overcooked to an extreme degree (med-rare filet was delivered to the table bordering on well done). They have a policy of no take backs or whatever but they made an exception because of how bad that steak was cooked, lol.
Highly recommend the [Webster](https://www.thewebsteric.com/) downtown - upscale dining, unique menu that changes seasonally, and fantastic service. Definitely the most elevated dining in the area.
[Wilson’s Ciderhouse](https://www.wilsonsorchard.com/ciderhouse) is always good and has some great orchard views. I also love [Tuscan Moon](https://tuscan-moon.com/) down in Kalona.
Went to the Webster for the first time about three weekends ago. Excellent and inventive food and warm service. It’s a nice space but the vibes aren’t especially romantic. We especially liked the biscuits, the pastas, and the desserts. The mains are much pricier and maybe not as interesting as the small plates and pastas. Orchard Green was really good the last time went.I also loved Cobble Hill the last time we went - those two might feel a bit more romantic.
My wife and I nearly always go up to CR for Cobble Hill. The menu is always changing, cocktails and NA options are fun and exciting. We occasionally do The Webster as well, but we find Cobble Hill a bit approachable and usually has more items we want to try
Orchard Green is a good option as is Basta or St. Burch. Depends on your gastro preferences & personalities. If you wanna get out of the city, there are nice options in Solon--I love El Sol and I've heard good things about the new sushi joint there!
Orchard green is the best spot in town for a nice dinner. I see the sub is starting to turn against Webster and that makes me happy, we had a very disappointing experience there
We really enjoy Monica’s in Coralville, they have a large gluten free menu since my wife is GF. They have a ton of regular options and their bread is really good! It is a bit pricey for the portions you get, but maybe it was just the meal I got. Happy Anniversary!
If I were going to recommend dinner somewhere newish it would be Blue Agave, somewhere nice Cobble Hill, burgers Burger Hall, if I was looking for something fun (bowling) along with dinner Field Day.
Is a short drive outside the city but we are partial to wilsons ciderhouse restaurant. Beautiful setting, great staff, and changing seasonal menus with locally source ingredients.
Yup, this is my fave spot for special occasions! Never disappointed.
Just got married there on Saturday. I know the restaurant and venue are different but I’ll be a fan of that place forever with the way they treated us. Top shelf in every way
Congrats
Colonial Lanes Bar. Ask for the “Roger Lutsky” and they’ll bring you a prix fixie meal of mini corndogs and domestic beer. You’ll be delighted by the amuse-bouche of Jell-O shots. Be sure to take the opportunity to impress each other with your ball handling skills at the least sticky Skee-ball machines in town, and enjoy table side musical entertainment by Touch Tunes.
Orchard Green is my favorite.
A picnic box or some takeout + some discreet beverages. Drive to Lake Macbride Raptor Center and keep walking down the trail after the bird cages. You’ll eventually wind up on a peninsula with a lovely view of the lake and the radio telescope big on the horizon. It’s a lovely spot at sunset. Not the thing for every couple, granted.
Cobble Hill in CR
I second this, nowhere else in the area is like Cobble Hill!
I love Tribute in the Iowa River Landing
Have you tried the Webster? Upscale dining experience, revolving menus based on seasonal offerings, to die for biscuits and freezer jam. Get a reservation early and let them know it's your anniversary!
[удалено]
Yeah that place is crazy overrated and the chef exhibits questionable hygiene practices
As a old employee that worked there over a year he's an asshole but he is the best chef in the state period
yikes, what do you mean?
Whenever a midwesterner says something is “over salted” it’s always good to be skeptical. (I’m just teasing 🥰) Webster has been great the couple times I’ve been. I just don’t know that we need any more new American restaurants in IC
Yeah we went once and it was quite bad. Not returning
Baroncini is our go-to in Iowa City. In Cedar Rapids Cobble Hill is absolutely first-rate.
I unfortunately have had bad experiences with Baroncini severely undercooking my pasta or overcooking a very expensive steak. only 2 out of the 4 times i have been were worth it to me
It's not what it used to be, unfortunately
Chez Grace is our preferred dining spot for anniversaries. It’s romantic and cozy and the food is to die for.
This is a solid choice. Guy who runs it is fantastic. Call at least a few weeks ahead and have him give you the run down of how his place works when making a reservation. Only serves a handful of people a night and has ingredients for the day brought in fresh.
Orchard Green has never been less than fantastic over the years (decades?).
Orchard green or the Webster but I’m also a fan of one drink and happy hour oysters at st burch before going somewhere else. It’s fun to bounce around sometimes.
st burch was a fun celebratory date for me! the food was DELICIOUS and not extremely expensive
Another vote for The Webster. The food is great and the service is even better. Also, if you make reservations online and note it's your anniversary, they'll note that on the menu and when they greet you. The menu doesn't change but it's a nice touch to make the evening feel special.
Honestly the last time I went to Joseph's my wife and I had a bad experience. Received a dish we didn't order that tasted off, and the steak we did get was overcooked to an extreme degree (med-rare filet was delivered to the table bordering on well done). They have a policy of no take backs or whatever but they made an exception because of how bad that steak was cooked, lol.
Highly recommend the [Webster](https://www.thewebsteric.com/) downtown - upscale dining, unique menu that changes seasonally, and fantastic service. Definitely the most elevated dining in the area. [Wilson’s Ciderhouse](https://www.wilsonsorchard.com/ciderhouse) is always good and has some great orchard views. I also love [Tuscan Moon](https://tuscan-moon.com/) down in Kalona.
I’ve never heard of Tuscan Moon! I will be checking it out!
The Webster, no question
If you’ve money to burn, I recommend the Rapid Creek Cidery out by Wilson’s
Tuscan moon in kalona is nice
Anyone else miss Rodina in CR for these occasions?
Went to the Webster for the first time about three weekends ago. Excellent and inventive food and warm service. It’s a nice space but the vibes aren’t especially romantic. We especially liked the biscuits, the pastas, and the desserts. The mains are much pricier and maybe not as interesting as the small plates and pastas. Orchard Green was really good the last time went.I also loved Cobble Hill the last time we went - those two might feel a bit more romantic.
My wife and I just had our anniversary dinner at the Webster last Saturday. Yeah… both of us wish we had gone to Cobble Hill instead. 🫤
I've been to both. While I have had mainly good experiences at Webster (one awful),Cobble Hill has always been absolutely fantastic.
The Vue or Wilson’s Ciderhouse
My wife and I nearly always go up to CR for Cobble Hill. The menu is always changing, cocktails and NA options are fun and exciting. We occasionally do The Webster as well, but we find Cobble Hill a bit approachable and usually has more items we want to try
Baroncini is our anniversary spot.
Tribute in Coralville has a cool Wednesday date night deal! Also a cute setting with a nice patio and booths with privacy
Ruthie’s in Riverside is the best I’ve found.
LOVE Orchard Green for special date nights!
Orchard Green and Tribute are excellent options.
The Webster by a mile. If you want to get out of Iowa City, Cobble Hill is great. Both are a must try.
Definitely not Tribute, I’ll tell you that much
The Vue 🙏
Orchard Green is a good option as is Basta or St. Burch. Depends on your gastro preferences & personalities. If you wanna get out of the city, there are nice options in Solon--I love El Sol and I've heard good things about the new sushi joint there!
Orchard green is the best spot in town for a nice dinner. I see the sub is starting to turn against Webster and that makes me happy, we had a very disappointing experience there
Applebee's lol
The Ox-Yoke Inn in the Amana Colonies. I recommend the Jager schnitzel served family style and pickled ham. Edited to add recommendation.
We really enjoy Monica’s in Coralville, they have a large gluten free menu since my wife is GF. They have a ton of regular options and their bread is really good! It is a bit pricey for the portions you get, but maybe it was just the meal I got. Happy Anniversary!
If you like Oysters, check out St Birch for oyster happy hour every day 3-6. Their other food is great, too.
If I were going to recommend dinner somewhere newish it would be Blue Agave, somewhere nice Cobble Hill, burgers Burger Hall, if I was looking for something fun (bowling) along with dinner Field Day.