Sports bars
Sports Column
Variety of cheap drinks. Great place to watch football and basketball games. It gets pretty chaotic on the weekends.
The Vine
Wings and beer, busier on game day.
Relaxed crowd
The Airliner
A staple bar for decades. It's known for incredible pizza $1.50/slice on Sundays and cheap drinks. Visited by Tom Brokaw in May 2008 when his favorite booth as a student was dedicated to him with a plaque.
Joe's Place
Located downtown and generally caters to an older crowd. Fairly laid-back atmosphere.
Blue Moose Tap House
Good place to play pool and get cheap beer. Draws a fairly diverse crowd and has great music with frequent shows upstairs.
Hanrahan's
Good townie bar.
Student crowd (21+)
Brothers Bar and Grill
Due to the large cover for those yet to turn 21 years of age, it caters to an older crowd. There's a dance floor and it's pretty upbeat.
Atlas World Grill
Classy place. Great wine and cuisine.
Studio 13
Iowa City's only gay bar and dance club. DJs most nights of the week, plus fun drag shows, karaoke, theme parties and contests. Mainly college-aged19+.
Because of the university, downtown is very busy on weekend nights. With thousands of college-aged people and older folks staying around for home games drinking within a few blocks of each other, use caution when walking to or visiting establishments. There is a bar for all types. State law requires alcohol purchases to be made before 2AM.
Farras Night Club
Newer night spot featuring world music and specializes in Latin American music and dance.