The Athletic: Iowa City is home to one of the top 10 college bars in the country

People take their first bite of pizza from The Airliner during the Taste of Iowa City. Christopher Hunter/Iowa City Downtown District

The Airliner in Iowa City named one of the best

The college football staff at The Athletic included this Iowa City favorite in its 2025 guide for places to check out while visiting college towns.

Right at the top was The Airliner in Iowa City, located just across the street from the heart of the University of Iowa campus.

“It continues to be a cozy place to eat and drink for an eclectic crowd, known for its pizza and a famous drink — “The Hammer” — with a secret recipe. Among aviation-themed burgers is The Stealth Bomber, with Cajun spices and blue cheese,” The Athletic writes.

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Find Your game day headquarters

Visiting to support your team when they play the Hawks or looking for a staycation to make the most of a Hawkeye victory? Here’s the best hotels to kickoff your stay.

Historic Phillips House Bed & Breakfast
Bed and Breakfasts, Downtown Iowa City

Historic Phillips House Bed & Breakfast

721 North Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 USA
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

328 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Sleep Inn & Suites North Liberty
Hotels, North Liberty, Places to Stay

Sleep Inn & Suites North Liberty

485 Madison Ave. North Liberty, Iowa 52317 USA
Heartland Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Heartland Inn Coralville

87 2nd St. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Staybridge Suites Coralville
Extended Stay, Hotels, Iowa River Landing

Staybridge Suites Coralville

801 E 2nd Ave Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Springhill Suites by Marriott Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Springhill Suites by Marriott Coralville

1001 25th Ave Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

210 South Dubuque St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Hampton Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels, Places to Stay

Hampton Inn Coralville

1200 1st Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Homewood Suites by Hilton Coralville – Iowa River Landing
Extended Stay, Hotels, Iowa River Landing

Homewood Suites by Hilton Coralville – Iowa River Landing

921 E. 2nd Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA

browse activities &

attractions

Discover the perfect mix of culture and adventure across Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty.

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Your checklist for football game days in Iowa City

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a crowd of people outside a building

Downtown Iowa City

Wander through historic Downtown Iowa City with its charming pedestrian mall and eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries.
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Getting Here

Here, creativity lives on every stage, gallery wall, and page. With a pulse on the past and a passion for what’s next, our cultural scene will leave you inspired long after the final act.
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Rankings

Our area consistently ranks as a top community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. The recognitions listed below are just a few of the accolades our destination has received in the last few years.
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Restaurants

In Iowa City you may feast upon milk shakes made from whole slices of pie, slurp corn chowder produced from the freshest and best corn on the planet, and order a jar of bacon as an appetizer.
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