Take a look at the 13 new restaurants that opened in the Iowa City area in 2023
From breweries boasting unique flavors to cozy brunch spots and thriving local franchises, Iowa City's culinary scene has a menu for everyone.
This year, the city welcomed a baker’s dozen of new restaurants, each offering its own distinctive flair. Here's a curated roundup the 13 exciting restaurants that joined Iowa City's vibrant food landscape in 2023.
3242 Crosspark Rd., Coralville
Cory Barrett, owner of Barrett's Quality Eats, is a 17-time sous chef on Iron Chef America and a former Food Network baking champion. Barrett's Quality Eats is an all-day bakery that hits it all: handmade bread and bagels, pastries, fresh salads, fruits and vegetables, rotisserie chicken, roasted salmon, and artisan sandwiches. Barrett's Quality Eats is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3220 Redhawk St., Coralville
Originating in Davenport in 2011, this Quad Cities-based chain opened in Coralville this May after recent openings in Des Moines and Bloomington, Illinois. Barrel House offers a variety of burgers with toppings like creamy macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or fried jalapenos. Sandwiches, wraps, and loaded nachos round out this pub-style menu, specializing in midwestern brews on tap.
The Black Angel
630 Iowa Ave., Iowa City
The Black Angel, named after the iconic and mythical cursed angel statue at the Oakland Cemetery made in 1912, has a menu that blends American and international flavors, including blackened chicken, tacos, and Canadian fries. The establishment opened in September just outside of downtown on Iowa Ave. The cozy restaurant also offers occasional live music to accompany its diverse offerings. The Black Angel is hard to miss, with one of the best patio seating in Iowa City.
849 Quarry Rd., Coralville
Next door to a law office and a real estate agency beyond the second roundabout in the Iowa River Landing development in Coralville is a charming restaurant that transports visitors into a magical realm. The Chef's Board, a deli and charcuterie restaurant, is putting a personable spin on delis. From a unique take on the classic roast beef sandwich to a spin on New Orleans crab cakes with an Iowa corn chowder, there is something for everyone. The Chef's Board is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More: Chef's Board's charcuterie and deli offers a fresh take in Coralville
Coffee Emporium
Coffee Emporium opened in April in the former High Ground Café and is one of several locations in Johnson County. The newest spot is on the northside and offers the typical charm, with a full coffee bar menu, sandwiches, pastries, and even cocktails. Coffee Emporium is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
More: Coffee Emporium opens at former High Ground Café location in Iowa City's Northside
18½ S. Clinton St., Iowa City
The Des Moines favorite, Coa Cantina, opened a second location in Iowa City nearly a year ago. The tequila bar has a wide selection of spirits, ranging from affordable to high-end, and plenty of cocktails from margaritas to michelads. The food is just as good as the drinks, serving nachos topped with salsas, burritos, slow-roasted carnitas tacos, and more. At night, Coa Cantina transforms into a nightclub with drinks and dancing on the menu.
More: High-end tequila bar Coa Cantina to open at former Clinton Street Social Club location in Iowa City
El Patron (North Liberty)
1295 Jordan St., North Liberty
As North Liberty continues to expand, new restaurants continue to pop up. El Patrón is one of North Liberty's latest additions, a full-service Mexican restaurant boasting all the dishes you love, from fajitas to quesabirria tacos. El Patrón translates to "the boss," and the restaurant goes next-level 20 seafood-only menu items, including ceviche. El Patrón is open seven days a week.
925 Liberty Way, North Liberty
Field Day Brewing Co. was one of North Liberty's most anticipated developments in 2023. Opened in August, it is one of the largest breweries in the area. The menu offers traditional brewery foods, including a notable giant pretzel, and, of course, has craft beers on draft, collaborating with other breweries in the area.
More: Large-scale brewery to churn out 13 original craft beers and offer patio seating
116 E Washington St., Iowa City
Harry's Bar & Grill aims to become an Iowa City classic in the heart of downtown. Harry's offers classic breakfast dishes while also specializing in sandwiches, including Phillys, burgers, and a house-made Iowa pork tenderloin. Harry's is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays.
More: Harry's Bar & Grill serves up classic tastes with an homage to old bookstore
Hot and Roll
1800 Boyrum St., Iowa City
Hot & Roll is an Iowa City hidden gem and is one of the state's only Pakistani restaurants, which opened in August. This restaurant offers South Asian flavors with a European twist. From dishes like roll paratha and chicken shawarma, Hot & Roll is great for residents hoping to experience something new.
Jethro's BBQ n Jakes Smokehouse Steaks
75 Second St., Coralville
The Des Moines-based barbecue chain opened its eighth location in Coralville this April. The menu offers typical barbeque fare with a Jethro's twist from smoked meat sandwiches and wings.
South District Market, 947 US-6, Iowa City
Former Johnson County Board of Supervisors chair Royceann Porter's soul food restaurant opened in the new South District Marketplace in Iowa City this past March. The menu includes soul food favorites like fried chicken, fish, and pork chops with sides such as macaroni and cheese, candied yams, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
More: Johnson County supervisor Royceann Porter opens a soul food restaurant soon
The Turkey Leg Pit
Iowa City Marketplace, 1660 Sycamore St., Iowa City
Iowa City folks no longer have to journey to the Iowa State Fair for a classic fair turkey leg. The Turkey Leg Pit, owned by Gerald Seals of Crab Attack Cajun Seafood Shack in Cedar Rapids, is bringing giant turkey legs smothered with all the sauces and toppings you can think of to Iowa City. In addition to gaint turkey legs, The Turkey Leg Pit also specializes in a seafood boil.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Here's what opened in the Iowa City area in 2023
