Iowa City is—in my humble opinion—the best place to love. If you are a couple celebrating in Iowa City, look no further than your own backyard for a few fun date night ideas, including for couples who want to stay closer to home due to COVID-19.
This guide was made possible by our friends at CHOMP Delivery — this service is helping keep us sane with delicious deliveries from local restaurants! Use code “ICMomsDateNight” between now and March 31, 2022, and enjoy two free deliveries.
Five Date Night Ideas for Couples Living and Loving in Iowa City
For the Classic Romantics
There is no better place than downtown Iowa City to wine and dine the one you love during a date night. Peruse the vast selection of locally owned restaurants and bars, serving up savory suppers, decadent desserts, and unique libations.
A few local recommendations:
- Pasta: Baroncini Ristorante Italian
- Fancy: Joseph’s Steakhouse
- Foodie: Pullman Bar and Diner
COVID Alternative:
Many restaurants are offering delivery or carryout service — including from Iowa City’s local delivery service, CHOMP Delivery. It’s super simple to use this service. Peruse the local restaurant listings, order, and wait for your driver to deliver a marvelous meal. You can even track the order through the web application and opt to have the driver leave your order on your doorstep contact-free!
For the DIY Types
Even though the restaurants in the Iowa City area will have your mouth watering, don’t take for granted some of the local grocers that sell products that are sure to make your do-it-yourself (DIY) date dinner at home delicious. Check out New Pioneer Co-Op and Bread Garden Market for groceries for a special night at home, offering freshly baked loaves of bread (and desserts!), as well as heat and eat options.
COVID Alternative:
New-Pi offers an online shopping option as does Bread Garden market. Simple order in advance online and schedule a time for pick-up to avoid interacting with others at the store.
For the Nature Lovers
Bundle up and enjoy the lakeside views while you walk (or cross-country ski!) along the trails at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. If the weather allows, bring your ice skates and enjoy a glide, hand-and-hand around the frozen water. Grab a cup of cocoa or coffee at a local coffee shop on your way back!
COVID Alternative:
Enjoying time together outdoors is one of the safest options during the pandemic. Bundle up, bring a mask, and consider ordering your coffee online and then pick it up in-store or curbside. Java House, a local coffee shop favorite, allows for online ordering or delivery via CHOMP Delivery — check out more coffee options in Iowa City.
For the Beer Lovers
The Iowa City area has certainly embraced the craft beer trend. If you and yours have a hankering for a cold, frothy brew on your date, don’t miss local watering-holes like Big Grove Brewery, Backpocket Brewing, and ReUnion Brewery.
COVID Alternative:
Many local breweries and bars are offering cocktails to go and several also sell cans of their best brews at their establishment or at local grocery stores.
For the Book Lovers
This really wouldn’t be an Iowa City date guide without a nod to Iowa City’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature. If you are looking for a cozy day or date night idea, consider browsing for books together at downtown’s iconic Prairie Lights Bookstore, or the north side’s Haunted Bookshop.
COVID Alternative:
Contact the stores for their latest COVID-19 policies. You can always order for pick-up and cozy up at home together while you read.
We hope this guide helps you dream up the best date night ideas with your significant other. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day events, check out this guide to Iowa City Area Valentine’s Events and enjoy our V-Day playlist.
About Our Sponsor
Hungry? CHOMP delivers! CHOMP is an online ordering, takeout, and restaurant delivery service, bringing hot delicious local eats to people in the greater Iowa City area. Check out their massive list of participating restaurants, and order exactly what you want when you want it. In a year where sitting around tables or sharing a meal or a drink with friends isn’t always an option, we are grateful to our friends at CHOMP Delivery for bringing our favorites to our doorstep!
