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.

view more rankings

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.

Holiday Inn & Kinnick Conference Center
Coralville, Hotels

Holiday Inn & Kinnick Conference Center

1220 1st Avenue Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Dutch Country Inn
Hotels, Surrounding

Dutch Country Inn

110 East Avenue Kalona, Iowa 52247 USA
Element Iowa City
Downtown Iowa City, Extended Stay, Hotels

Element Iowa City

314 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Hotel Millwright
Hotels, Surrounding

Hotel Millwright

800 48th Avenue Amana, Iowa 52203 USA
Springhill Suites by Marriott Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Springhill Suites by Marriott Coralville

1001 25th Ave Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hotels

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City

2525 Highlander Place Iowa City, Iowa 52245 USA
Hampton Inn Iowa City / University Area
Hotels, Iowa City

Hampton Inn Iowa City / University Area

4 Sturgis Corner Dr. Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Coralville

2571 Heartland Place Coralville, Iowa 52241 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

browse activities &

attractions

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

getting curious?

Your checklist for football game days in Iowa City

Make the most of your football weekend!
LEARN MORE
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.
LEARN MORE

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.
LEARN MORE

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.
LEARN MORE

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.
LEARN MORE
explore more
Back To Top