Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is a city in eastern Iowa. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art includes many works by native Iowan painter Grant Wood. Brucemore is an estate with acres of gardens and an 1880s mansion, which houses local history displays. Nearby, Bever Park has an ice rink, a pool and farm animals. The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library offers exhibits on the history and culture of 19th-century immigrants.
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Top places to visit
Art museum
Museums
Non-profit organization
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art boasts a collection of over 7,000 works that emphasizes on American art from the 20th century. The museum is cozy and not too large, making it a pleasant space to explore. Notably, the museum features an impressive exhibition of Grant Wood's artwork, including his famous 'Woman with Plants.' Visitors can also enjoy other artworks such as Frieseke's 'Before the Window.'
Beautiful museum with lots of artwork and history to see and learn about! This museum holds the largest collection of Grant Wood works of art in the world, literally! We saw they were offering free admission for a limited time so we took advantage of that opportunity with having a group of people to take. Well worth the hour drive 🥰
Shellby — Google review
Wonderful museum in Cedar Rapids. I learned a lot about Grant Wood. Worth a visit if you're downtown. I appreciate the local artist exhibitions as well.
Highly recommend visiting! I love and appreciate the free admission during the summer months. They have such beautiful and unique art pieces that will rotate sometimes. It is so fun coming back and seeing what is new. The staff are friendly and helpful in answering any questions you may have. The museum is quiet, clean, and spacious. There are plenty of areas for sitting, including a large sitting and reading room. I also love visiting their gift shop that has a wide variety of items for anyone’s taste or preference, even having a kids section. We parked in front of the museum on the street, which is free on evenings and weekends. Looking forward to my next visit.
We happened to visit on a day that was free. Parts of the building have a mild mildew smell to it, I’m not a fan of that. That aside the seeing art with the kids was fun. It’s two stories and there’s a gift shop. Be prepared to pay well beyond retail value for everything except a soda at the gift shop.
I'll go ahead and give them five stars because it was free the day/time I went, and they don't force you to exit thru the gift shop. Otherwise it's a bit small but since I don't know what they charge even I won't judge them for that.
What they did have was generally pretty impressive, the Grant Wood collection was surprisingly beautiful. The Roman section had some great historic items as well. There's as a large focus on local Iowa artists, and a lot of landscape works at the moment at least.
Plenty of free parking in the area on weekdays, I saw a garage too but don't know the situation. Staff is friendly and helpful. Definitely worth checking out. Building is old and pretty cool.
Absolutely delightful! Warm and welcoming staff. Quiet and spacious - allowing you to absorb yourself in the transcend environment. You really must go!
Clean, friendly and organized. Good selection of local art, just small in size. Good way to soak up 30 min if needed!
I really enjoyed my first visit to this wonderful museum; my primary purpose was to see their Grant Wood collection.
I phoned ahead of time to better understand their holdings as well as their relationship to the Grant Wood studio a few blocks away. I was fortunate enough to speak with Sean, the Executive Director, who went above and beyond to not only answer my basic questions, but also to provide many suggestions as to how to maximize my visit, including his recommendation to ensure that I view their works by Marvin Cone, whom I was not familiar with. I am grateful for Sean's guidance, and am now a new fan of Cone.
The museum has a well-rounded curation, and features a variety of types paintings, sculpture, and ceramics, to name a few, as well as a fantastic museum store. I highly recommend a visit.
410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA•
Museum
Library
Nestled in the picturesque Czech Village of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the rich heritage and experiences of Czech and Slovak immigrants. This cultural gem features engaging galleries that delve into their history, including a captivating permanent exhibition titled "Faces of Freedom: The Czech and Slovak Journey." This multimedia experience takes visitors through significant historical events such as the World Wars and life under Communist rule, ultimately highlighting their quest for freedom in America.
Very informative and knowledgable staff! Everyone was very welcoming and as we only had a short time to spend there they were able to give suggestions on what to see quickly. Quality exhibits and gift shop with great gift ideas. Worth the stop and perfect location to then walk around an explore more of the Czech Village.
Elizabeth K — Google review
Professionally curated collections including both historical and modern treasures. The museum highlights the Immigrant experience as well as the home country experience. People exploring their heritage will find an abundance of information on Czech and Slovak culture. The volunteers offer valuable insights and personal stories. The gift shop includes authentic pieces for purchase. Additionally, the library has limitless resources and helpful and knowledgeable staff.
The museum represents our history, which should resonate deeply with every Slovak and Czech. It reminds us where we came from, what kind of world we once lived in, and why we should value freedom and democracy. Powerful stories of our ancestors are told here.
Worth the stop.
In this era when immigration is pivoting, I am so glad to drop in to this museum; and listen to the VOICES of FREEDOM. This exhibit helps me realize just how grateful I am for the freedom and privileges I have inherited. I live on the backs of those who came before me here in this land, and those who sacrificed for the preservation of our liberties and ideals.
Beautifully and artfully done.
This museum contains exhibits and artifacts chronicling the arrival of Czech and Slovak immigrants to the United States. The museum also contains a store and library, which includes books and periodicals for research.
The staff are very knowledgeable about this overlooked piece of American history. Highly recommended for history buffs.
As someone who enjoys visiting museums across the US that focus on the cultures and countries from which immigrants came to America, I can confidently say the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids is an absolute gem.
Impressive Scale and Infrastructure
The size of this facility is truly astounding. This isn't just a small cultural center—it's a comprehensive 50,000 square-foot institution that rivals major museums in much larger cities. The infrastructure is remarkable.
Outstanding Exhibits and Experiences
The exhibits were superb throughout. Each display thoughtfully tells the story of Czech and Slovak immigration and culture, making it accessible whether you have personal connections to this heritage or are simply curious about American immigration history.
A particular highlight was watching the clock tower's on-the-hour display of Czech workmanship—it's a rewarding experience that showcases the artistic traditions and craftsmanship that immigrants brought with them to America.
A Source of Pride
Having grown up in Northwest Iowa and spent time in Omaha, I've seen how immigrant communities maintain connections to their heritage. The Czechs, both those from the US and from the Czech Republic itself, must be incredibly proud of this museum. It's clear that significant care, resources, and love have gone into creating this institution.
Bottom Line
This is absolutely a must-visit destination in Iowa. Whether you're interested in immigration history, Czech and Slovak culture, or simply appreciate well-curated museums, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library delivers an exceptional experience that honors both the immigrant journey and the rich cultural traditions that continue to enrich American communities today.
This is an entry fee well worth spent. You could literally spend two days in this place looking at the exhibits.
My wife Heidi and I watchd this on John Mcgivern Main Streets show. My wife as born in Hradec Kralove, Czechoslovakia in March. 25, 19944. I have been with Heidi on visits to here. We are very interested in this museum! Thank you from Ray Lefferts and my better 1/2 HEIDI Lefferts! We have not been to this museum s of yet!
1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA•
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Brucemore is a grand 19th-century mansion situated on a historic 26-acre estate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It serves as a tribute to the legacies of three prominent local families. Initially constructed in 1884 for Caroline and her children, it was renowned as 'the grandest house west of Chicago.' The mansion was designed in the Queen Anne style but underwent renovations by subsequent owners, George and Irene Douglas, who transformed it into a simpler Craftsman style.
Beautiful historic home tour. Ticket prices are very reasonable for such a lovely tour. We saw the Christmas display, but wish to return in summer to see the gardens. Staff was very kind and knowledgeable.
Marie R — Google review
I enjoyed the tour and got impressed by the interior. You can learn about the history of the owners. There is a garden as well. There is also a souvenir shop.
A beautiful historic home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The house tour was informative, interesting, and even had a few twists! The grounds and gardens are beautiful and open to the public for a stroll, to walk the dog, or wander with children. It must necessarily be a wonderful and g.j gorgeous backdrop f ou r the many community arts events held there. I am looking forward to returning during the holiday season.
Only toured the grounds so can’t speak to the inside of the house. Grounds were beautiful to walk around, some paved paths, but otherwise you can just walk through the gardens and hilltop. Free to see the grounds so worth it for a quick stop. They could use some better signage for some of the buildings. Even if we had time to tour the house, didn’t even know where to get the tickets. One staff member we saw was less than helpful and couldn’t even direct us. Google maps may take you to the “exit” to get in, so look for the one small sign on 1st pointing to actual main entrance.
Very interesting and unique historic property. Only $5 to explore the mansion. The organ alone is worth the admission. The Grant Wood porch is a real gem for artistic types. I only wish the interpretive displays and brochures would explain more of how the families who lived here positively impacted the local community and how their philanthropy was significant to the city/region. Talking to the docents, there is a lot of additional information that could be shared. This additional information is what makes a historic property interesting. This alone dropped it one star. Otherwise, it would be five stars for me.
If you live in Iowa this is a must stop to learn about the families behind the biggest industries in Cedar Rapids. The home is filled with an amazing history and I truly enjoyed the tour.
Worth the price of admission. We had a great tour guide and it was just two of us . Tours are every hour. Gardens and property are nice to walk through as well. Very interesting history. Don't miss the basement
I didn't tour the mansion. But the grounds are beautiful.
2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA•
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Indian Creek Nature Center, located on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River, offers an expansive natural environment for outdoor activities and educational experiences. The center's 210 acres of diverse land include prairie, forest, and wetlands with scenic trails suitable for hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore Amazing Space, a sustainable building featuring exhibits such as the Bird Room and interactive watershed table.
Educational, specially for the kids. Trails were nice, parking was good. Recommended for a nice quiet afternoon.
Paul K — Google review
The all-terrain wheelchairs allowed our whole family to enjoy the trails together, for the first time in years!
The guide was gracious and helpful in showing us how to use the chairs and pick the best trails-and even loaning us bug repellent to be more comfortable.
We’re anxious to come back in the fall for a longer hike in cool weather.
We were trying to find something to do between drop-offs at the airport. It was a nice day so we were looking for something to do outside. We saw the review which mentioned all-terrain wheelchairs so thought we would try it since my wife needs to use a walker or wheelchair and also really enjoys plants. The staff person was helpful, the wheelchair was easy to use and maneuver and allowed all of us to see parts of the grounds.
This nature preserve and protected prairie meadow is a treasure in Linn County. There are beautiful walking trails through all kinds of terrain; wooded, river side and winding through the meadow. Birds and other wildlife are visible with quiet and patience. The changing seasons here are a delight to the senses. Take the time to enjoy the interactive nature center and event space where you will learn about native habitat, plant identification, and bird and animal characteristics. A very nice gift shop is at the center.
Update: The beauty of a nature center and its trails are that it has changing vistas, ever blooming wildflowers, birds, and insects. My favorite season is August, when the many varied prairie meadow grasses are nodding in the wind. Dragonflies are abundant. Update: Once again, a visit to the Indian Creek nature center revives the spirit and calms the soul. The golden meadow of December is just as beautiful to me as the fresh green of spring.
A great place e for the kids to learn about how we relate to nature and can not be so intrusive to other mammals, birds and other wildlife. They also have lots of interesting camps for time kids
Went for the golf cart tour. unfortunately no one had signed up and it was canceled. Cool spot to check out.
Hopefully catch the full tour soon.
Staff was nice. The hammocks were cool but the trail to get to them wasnt maintained. Disappointed there wasn't more to see indoors, this place is mostly trails and a small outdoor area for children.
Great place for a wedding! Staff were great. Accessible. Plenty of space. Kitchen available. Quiet area. And the best- amazing outdoor space to explore.
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA•
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Theaters
The Paramount Theatre is a grand location listed in the National Register of Historic Places that showcases various performing arts productions such as concerts, musicals, and ballet. The venue boasts impressive acoustics and offers a spacious yet cozy atmosphere with good views from all seats. The service staff are pleasant and prices for refreshments are reasonable. It is an exquisitely restored building with stunning architecture and artwork present throughout, making it an attraction worth visiting for any enthusiast of the performing arts scene.
I truly enjoyed visiting the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids! It's absolutely stunning. We were the to watch Killer Queen. It was a great time all around!
Amanda K — Google review
As most have said this is an absolutely amazingly beautiful theater. It is an old theatre, so the seats are on the small side and being 6'4" the railings are quite low. We sat Row A Loge. Like "I decided against having a beer as I didn't want to plummet to my death" low. Other than that amazing show amazing venue great friendly staff. Highly recommend.
I've been to the paramount a few times, I've sat up front and in the very back up in the balcony, I'm convinced there is no bad seat there. The chairs can be slightly uncomfortable but most stadium seat can get this way. It won't stop me from returning but might be a consideration if you have back issues. The theater is absolutely beautiful and the staff has always been very kind.
The Paramount Theatre is a wonderful venue, with elegant architecture, and superb acoustics. My Wife and I have been to theatrical plays (such as Cats), concerts, like Mandisa and The News Boys, and a comedy presentation with Preacher Lawson. All events have been very enjoyable and we continue to keep a watchful eye out for future events.
We are so fortunate to have this gem of a venue in Cedar Rapids. The property is so beautiful and completely restored after the 2008 flood. This a GREAT Place to take in a show. Our party of four attended The Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert they played a two hour non stop show and came back out for two more songs.
This is a beautiful place to see a show. It is a smaller, more personal venue. From the old ticket booth as the "Will Call", to the chandeliers, to the beautiful ceilings & interior, the venue itself is a show worth seeing. I saw Blue October in covert there, the sound was great as well. I will definitely go to shows here again.
We went to see Swan Lake. The production was phenomenal! However, I'll say that the seating is extraordinarily tight. There is no shoulder room. If you're on the end of a row, be prepared to step into the aisle rather than just standing to let someone out... very VERY tight. I'm less than five feet tall, and it was uncomfortable for me to sit through the entire ballet. If the seating were spaced more comfortably, I would have quickly given five stars.
The Paramount theater is a nice setting for plays, concerts and different kinds of shows. The acoustics are wonderful. The space is large, however it has a cozy feeling to it. There really are not any bad seats. The service people are nice and the refreshments are okay priced. It is a beautifully redone place well worth a visit. Just saw weird Al last night. Still a great place.
123 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA•
Top places to eat
expensive
American restaurant
Cobble Hill is a vintage-chic restaurant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offering creative New American dishes and specialty cocktails. The city of Cedar Rapids boasts world-class arts and culture, family-friendly festivals, a growing shopping scene, fabulous restaurants like Cobble Hill, award-winning wineries and breweries. The restaurant prides itself on valuing local products and showcasing a deep dedication to craft and technique in the kitchen. It aims to serve food with a story while providing the purest form of hospitality.
Cobble Hill: A Cozy Culinary Gem Worthy of Acclaim
Cobble Hill offers a truly delightful dining experience, particularly for those seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, the cozy ambiance envelops you, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or a relaxing evening out. The inviting chef's counter adds an intriguing element, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in the Parisian Gnocchi with lamb. Let me tell you, it was an absolute revelation. The lamb was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, a testament to the chef's skill and attention to detail. The gnocchi, light and pillowy, provided a perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory lamb. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The lamb leg, cooked to perfection, was equally impressive – flavorful, tender, and simply divine.
The service at Cobble Hill was equally impressive. Our server was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and answering our questions with enthusiasm. Their passion for the food clearly shone through, enhancing the overall dining experience.
While I can only speak to the dishes I tried, the quality of the Parisian Gnocchi and lamb suggests that the rest of the menu is equally inspired. Cobble Hill clearly prioritizes quality ingredients and expert preparation, creating dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. It's easy to see why Cobble Hill is a James Beard Award semifinalist.
I highly recommend Cobble Hill to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. The cozy atmosphere, exceptional food, and friendly, knowledgeable service make it a true culinary gem.
Trisha D — Google review
We an excellent experience at Cobble Hill! Everything was super tasty, and I really appreciated the seasonal menu. Since the menu changes frequently, it’s probably not worth describing each dish - but my husband and I loved everything we had! My fish was cooked perfectly, the appetizer was delicious, and we liked all of our drinks as well. Our server was knowledgeable and kept our meal right on pace. The building itself is super cute and the ambiance of the interior is perfect for a cute date night!
What an amazing tasting menu experience! The decor makes you feel like you've walked into a movie set from the 30s. Antique furniture gives vibes of opulence, yet everything is warm and inviting. Seating is comfortable. Reservations were easy, and you can tell they spent time and care crafting the tasting menu and wine parings.
I was excitedvenough to trybeach course that I did not get everything written down.
1st course was Carrot, kolrabi, emuilison garlic and one of my favorites of the night. Next was
Rice vermicelli noodles lime braised lamb toasted peanuts, scallions-'asian inspired' they said and while good, did not mesh with the rest. 3rd was
Green Garlic veloute pork tenderloin, garlic scapes,- deviously creamy and not too strong. Next was
Flar iron steak , asparagus in a sauce I'll be talking about for years.
Finally ' floating Islands' a marshmellow, strawberry, mint and cream desert that stole the show.
Service was impeccable, smart and friendly. Excellent all around.
You deserve stars.
Cobble Hill is an absolute gem. The food was exceptional—each dish plated like a work of art and bursting with unforgettable flavor. The atmosphere is stunning, striking the perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. Service was personal, attentive, and made the entire experience feel special. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine dining done right. Bonus —Vegetarians are not forgotten 💕
My wife and I ate dinner here to celebrate our anniversary, and Cobble Hill did not disappoint! The atmosphere was intimate, the service exceptional, and the food was the best meal we have ever eaten. 1000% would eat here again!
Everything, and I mean everything, was on point. Cobble hill is categorically one of the best restaurants in Iowa and arguably one of the best in the Midwest. The interplay between spices and the play of texture was unmatched. The service was unbelievably amazing. A++
I absolutely loved the charcuterie and enjoyed the pork shoulder. The staff were very kind and attentive. I definitely recommend this place. I also recommend that you get reservations.
First time trying this restaurant. Menu always features unusual food choices that are not on a typical restaurant menu. i.e. Duck, Ratatouille, Venison not my idea of a great meal. However, we decided to try out the dessert menu because that's usually a safe choice. I was pleasantly surprised at the Gelato option. I tried a lemon balm infused with something.... Gelato was creamy but the flavor was so light it was hard to say it was lemony! Warm Cinnamon sugar dusted donuts filled with chocolate cream were served with pot de creme - chocolate cream topped with whipped soy milk. Interesting .
219 2nd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA•
affordable
Restaurant
The Irish Democrat is a classic Irish tavern in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, known for its vintage setting and delicious gourmet pub grub. Since 1984, this popular spot has been serving up tasty lunches and casual dinners alongside a selection of beers and billiards. The cozy dining room with bare-bricked walls offers a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying signature dishes like the strawberry poppy seed salad or the maytag grilled chicken cobb salad.
My cousin and I had a great dining experience, staff was very courteous, atmosphere was enjoyable and food was awesome! Prices are extremely reasonable as well! Highly recommend if you ever get a chance to go. Definitely go!
Lori W — Google review
Michelle was fantastic. Great service. Was concerned the fish came as nuggets but cooked perfect, moist. Cheese steak was good, well flavored. Will be back. Onion rings are like the onion straws sold at all the fairs, very good.
Disappointing food quality. Had some takeout. The cheese wontons wasn't good at all. They felt like fried leather and tasted very plain. I wonder if they were freshly made... Then the salmon with whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus. The salmon was cold and over cooked as if it was reheated in a microwave. The asparagus... judge the picture. They looked and tasted gross as if they had been cooked multiples times. Harsh... I never had asparagus this poor! Whipped potatoes were plain.
A poor experience.
Since I only picked up, I can only say that the place looked like an ordinary bar/eating place. Nothing exciting.
I don't mean to be mean or rude, but the food was bad. I'm making myself a sandwich now...
My wife and I ate lunch at the Irish Democrat today. Awesome! The atmosphere was great and everything was clean and in order. Our server was a wonderful young lady and our food was fantastic! I highly recommend that you include them in your dining experience.
We’ve been here before and had better food. This time they fell a bit short.
Our server was as attentive as she could be while working so hard.
Potato skins - tasty overall, although the chicken pieces on their own tasted… odd.
Cheese wontons- previously amazing, came out with the centers cold this time and we needed to send them back.
Fries - unseasoned and soggy.
Burger- tasted good, but so tiny compared to the bun.
Upgraded to Garlic mashed with the cheesesteak. They just tasted like mashed potatoes, no garlic.
The dirty martini and mules were delicious.
It was a great place. My ribs were falling off the bone. The coleslaw was perfect for easing the richness of the barbeque. There was one problem with our party of 10.
Food was inconsistent even though I loved mine, and I had to hunt down the waitress once. I would definitely come back to this restaurant. There are so many elements that are amazing, and some of the dishes were out of this world.
The service was fine. Chicken strips were awful. Barely any breading and super tiny. Cold as well. The wontons were cold and chewy.
Our waitress said she had been there for 9 years. That kind of longevity in the service industry usually means that the employees are being treated very well, and accordingly, they do a good job. One can tell that is the case here. The food was great, as was the service. I recommend The Irish Democrat to anyone.
3207 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA•
affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Black Sheep Social Club is a trendy restaurant and bar located in a converted warehouse, offering a unique take on New American cuisine and artisanal cocktails. The ambiance exudes coolness with its brick walls, mosaic-tiled floors, and industrial design. Some of the standout dishes include unconventional options like duck fat fries, PB &J pork belly, gnocchi bolognese, and smoked blueberry veggie burgers.
A good spot while in Cedar rapids for business. Nice location and nice setup. Has a brewery next to it
Wait time is not too long. In summer they have a good seating outside. The bar area is vibrant and nice. Tried few appetizers popcorn shrimp, their famous fish style nuggets breaded with Quaker Oats and the crab dip.
Would definitely other main course next time I’m in town.
Ouss J — Google review
Absolutely fantastic food and atmosphere. We showed up 15 minutes before the kitchen closed and the service was still fantastic! Simply couldn’t ask for better. A true must stop. The stout was great, what a find getting great food and local brew. We had the lasagna and pork chop. Recommend both.
My first time at Black Sheep, and I was impressed. Great place, so much history. Cool decor. Good variety in the menu. I chose the house salad, NY strip steak, and shared the s'more cheesecake for dessert. The server was very good. Never asked about refilling our beers. Food came out fast and everyone's dinner was great. I will definitely go there again! Oh, and I had the Witch Slap hazy IPA...Great choice!!
My family was eager to visit the Black Sheep Social Club after hearing positive reviews about their culinary offerings. However, our experience did not meet our expectations. Comparing it to my previous experiences at comparable venues, I've had far better quality steaks at a lower price point.
I ordered a $65 porterhouse steak, but unfortunately, it was served without the entire filet portion. If I had wanted just the strip cut, I would have opted for the NY Strip at a lower cost. This oversight regarding the cut of meat was disappointing.
While the steak initially appeared appetizing, it revealed issues upon closer inspection. There were large portions of fat and gristle that detracted from the overall flavor, necessitating the use of the house steak sauce to enhance the taste. Given the price point, this outcome was quite disappointing. I hope that the establishment considers raising the quality of its offerings, as customers rightfully expect better experiences for their investment.
What a lovely place to eat! Beautiful location and fantastic food! 10 out of 10, highly recommend!! Will be going back!
I brought my dad here for lunch because dinner is amazing, but today was beyond disappointing. The food is usually really good, but my dad said he will never come back and that it was the worst steak sandwich he’s ever had. The steak sandwich was basically on a hot dog bun, and my falafel burger was on a stale bun. The fries were delicious, but overall, this was a disappointing lunch experience. Before tip, the bill was almost $50 (1 alcoholic beverage on the bill), and that is sort of pricey for the low quality lunch we had. I was really hoping to wow my dad, but he wanted to leave within 10 minutes of receiving the food. The bartender was nice, but there was no conversation at all. The place was not busy, so a little bit of hospitality would have been nice. I’m not sure if the regular chef was off or what, so I’m leaving 3 stars since I know the food was good at some point. (I’ll remove this review if my bill is refunded. The food sucked today- it didn’t even look good but I did not take any photos.)
Do not recommend, especially if you're not from Iowa. Maybe locals are used to this kind of place, but I was not impressed. The atmosphere was flat, the vibe was off, and the staff seemed more annoyed than welcoming.
Our server, Nick, should focus more on developing his personality rather than relying on his looks — both of which were lacking. His attitude was dismissive and uninterested, like he couldn’t be bothered to engage with the table.
The food? Undercooked and disappointing. When we tried to return it, we were met with eye rolls and barely any effort to make things right. The servers apology was bullshit and lacked any sincerity.
If this is Iowa’s idea of a “social club,” they can keep it. Black Sheep? More like a lost cause. Won’t be back.
Really enjoyed our experience here. I wish we were coming back so I could try EVERYTHING! The food was absolutely delicious.
We started off with a black cherry mule, an orange creamsicle mule, and the pork belly appetizer. My husband ordered the blueberry burger and I had the pot pie.
Superb quality.
600 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA•
American restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
Restaurant
Located within The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, The Class Act is a culinary student-run fine-dining restaurant that offers upscale eclectic fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Situated in Cedar Rapids just off 1st Avenue, it provides a hip yet approachable atmosphere ideal for romantic dinners, family celebrations, and business gatherings. The chef uses high-quality local seasonal ingredients to create creative dishes designed to satisfy even the most critical of palates.
Discovered this establishment from a sign on the interstate. Stopped in for lunch. The establishment was very clean and well maintained. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was great. We recommend stopping by when you are in the area. We will definitely return when we are in town.
LoneStar H — Google review
Cedar Rapids — Valentine’s weekend, nice setting, good service, great presentation, tasty. Upscale restaurant, smaller setting(but have additional options for seating). I saw a couple tables that got sandwiches they looked great. It a nice option for date night
This was a great stop on a 1,000 mile road trip. Easy to get to off the interstate and only option we could find find that wasn’t either fast food or fried bar food, but with fresh, classic options.
Clean, a bit upscale on atmosphere but we felt fine there being casually dressed. Service was great and food delicious!
If we’re ever in the area again, we’ll be back!
Two of us had to send our fillet back we ordered medium rare and they were very well done. They did take care of it. The mashed potatoes were cold. Vegetables were good. The steak texture was off, even though it was done properly the second time. The desserts Were not what was expected. For the price, it definitely was not worth it.
Our server Kale was excellent. Very thorough and attentive. We each tried something different. I had the Cobb salad with Chicken. It had unique corn bread crouton, cranberries, diced sweet potatoes, yummy fresh crumbles bacon bits. The sweet potato were the only part of my meal I was not a fan of. We all tried the salmon Cajun soup. It was good the salmon melted in your mouth. The Class Act burger my son said was easily the best burger he has had. My son's girlfriend had the Iowa omelet and she said it was yummy. My husband had the corn beef hash he said it was a great from scratch hash.
Having a great restaurant at a hotel is such a luxury! We enjoyed a delicious dinner and breakfast - both were fabulous. The staff was professional and attentive! The manager even taught my son how to make a rose out of his napkin. :) Highly recommend.
I came in there this past Friday for lunch I got the beef prosciutto or whatever and that thing was nasty over salted in my opinion! Sweet potatoes doesn’t mix will with the skirt stake and slimy sauce they used. But I will say the chicken sandwich was juicy but way too small to be considered a full meal. The corn soup was underwhelming but the serve was really nice and did a great job serving me in a timely manner. I paid $36 as a single male. For me brining a family here and spending over $100 is just not worth it for lunch.
This restaurant is located in The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, and is a Culinary Arts Program. Elegant decor. Great service and food at a slightly higher price point than a chain, but the students are learning (and we get to eat the rewards of their education). The sticky pork belly was perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and savory. The special of the day (ribeye) was perfectly cooked, the pork chop, duck, and steak fries were excellent. Will come back when back in town!
7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA•
affordable
Bar & grill
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids, The Map Room is a delightful gathering spot that perfectly blends comfort food with an eclectic atmosphere. This charming bar offers a menu brimming with globally-inspired burgers and delectable loaded fries, making it an ideal destination for casual dining or a relaxed date night. With its rustic decor featuring exposed brick walls and vintage maps, guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy setting while sipping on artisan cocktails or craft beers.
I’ve been to more burger joints than I can count, and The Map Room stands out as an uncontested favorite of mine. They offer such a unique, fun, and interesting array of burgers! Each one seems to be named after a location, with toppings that correspond to that region.
I ordered the Delhi Burger, which came with a flavorful curry sauce, fresh mint chutney, and paneer cheese. I’ve never come across such a creative selection of burgers so hats off to whoever designed the menu.
Beyond that, their fries are fantastic, and they offer several exciting variations to choose from. As far as drinks go, everything is very reasonably priced, and their cocktails are excellent.
Service and atmosphere are also a clear 10/10. My waiter was pleasant to chat with, and the overall ambiance of the venue is warm, inviting, and enjoyable.
All in all, this place deserves more than five stars. I’d gladly travel back to Cedar Rapids just to eat here again.
Remington Y — Google review
If you're a fan of Old Fashioneds and you don't get the “Three Flight,” you’re seriously missing out. The standout for me was the banana-flavored Old Fashioned—perfect as a dessert drink with a sweet finish. Unexpected, but it works.
For dinner, I had the Marrakesh burger topped with chermoula, hummus, and goat cheese. Not your typical burger toppings, but the flavors came together beautifully. I also upgraded my side to the Mexico City salad—an excellent mix of spring greens and vibrant veggies. Fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully composed.
We’re self-admitted food snobs from Chicago, so trust me when I say: this place delivers something special. Unique yet approachable, creative without trying too hard. Bonus points for the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere—something we truly appreciated.
If you're in Cedar Rapids and looking for a memorable dining experience, The Map Room is a must.
We were staying in Cedar Rapids for the weekend and wanted to try a place that seemed to have good reviews when we got into town. Was easy to find street parking (Friday, early afternoon). I did love the decor/theme that went along with the name of the restaurant. We walked through the interior but ended up eating outside on the patio. It took quite a long time for someone to serve us. We had drinks and two meals. Server wasn't too attentive even when the crowd got smaller. It did rain a bit but we were luckily under a walkway so we didn't have to move. The fries were great and I would recommend getting the sampler where you get four flavors to dip the fries into.
Sooo good! The whole family was happy with their meal. The flight of fry sauces was a great way to try several flavors. The seasonal salad dressing was so bright and delish.
We read multiple reviews that said The Map Room was THE place to try in Cedar Rapids. It did not disappoint!! Try the various loaded fries, and tune burgers are huge!
The place was amazing. The server was amazing helped answer all of our questions as well are from out of state and took our picture outside for us. Saw the location online and had to try it. The fries and burgers were delicious and recommend for everyone to try.
Checked out The Map Room in Cedar Rapids Iowa it was a neat place. Lots of choices for burgers and sauces + toppings for fries. I had the El Paso burger with green Chile gravy, jalapeños, and fresco cheese. April had The Springfield double cheeseburger with Milwaukee Fries which were beer cheese and bacon. Great Service, Quick Kitchen, and Good Food.
This place was perfect!! We were passing through and the outside is gorgeous, the inside is beautiful and they offer patio seating! We originally couldn't sit outside because it was full but when I mentioned something to our waiter about being a bit cold he checked outside, had some space open since we got there and he moved us outside! The food was delicious and it was a 10/10 experience!
416 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA•
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