2. The Map Room

For casual eats with bold flavors, The Map Room is one of the best places to eat in Cedar Rapids. This globally inspired gastropub offers everything from juicy burgers to vibrant Thai peanut noodles. Their local craft beer selection complements the adventurous menu, and the cozy, travel-themed interior makes it a fun spot to gather with friends or family. The Map Room is a local institution. Make it a Friday tradition or visit whenever you're craving amazing food!

3. Brewhemia

Looking for a brunch spot? Brewhemia is a local favorite in the New Bohemia district, offering quality coffee and a creative breakfast and lunch menu. From their savory breakfast burritos to fresh pastries, everything here is made with attention to detail. This café's relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to start your weekend. You can explore their current menu on Brewhemia's website.

4. Zeppelins Bar & Grill

Zeppelins Bar & Grill offers a comfortable yet lively atmosphere with a wide range of American favorites. Their truffle fries, specialty burgers, and grilled salmon are just a few of the customers’ favorites that keep locals coming back. Whether you're stopping by for lunch with coworkers or dinner with family, Zeppelins delivers a consistently satisfying dining experience.

5. Lion Bridge Brewing Company

Pair great food with locally crafted beer at Lion Bridge Brewing Company. This award-winning brewery offers a relaxed environment with a menu featuring elevated pub fare, including sandwiches, cheese boards, and rotating specials that complement their beer lineup. Their patio seating is a favorite during warmer months, making it a great spot to unwind after exploring Cedar Rapids.

6. Lightworks Cafe

Tucked just behind Benz Beverage Depot in downtown Cedar Rapids, Lightworks Café is a remarkable craft-focused gem serving freshly made breakfast and lunch alongside outstanding direct-trade coffee and tea. The menu features scratch-made favorites like breakfast tacos, biscuits and gravy, beignets, and pork hash, plus creative sandwiches such as their wildly praised buffalo chicken and steak tacos. With house-made buns, seasonal specials, and a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available,

Lightworks seamlessly blends comfort and quality. The café's light-filled, art-adorned space— complete with lush greenery and moss walls—offers an inviting, cozy ambiance, and the friendly owners and staff elevate each visit.

7. Parlor City Pub & Eatery

Parlor City, located in the New Bohemia district, is a local favorite for casual dining, craft beer, and live music. Their extensive menu features sandwiches, pizzas, and hearty pub fare that pairs well with their rotating selection of Iowa beers on tap. It's a great place to catch a game, meet up with friends, or enjoy a relaxed weekend lunch while supporting a local Cedar Rapids business.

9. Leonardo's

A legendary staple in Cedar Rapids since the early 1950s, Leonardo's offers classic Midwestern tavern-style pizza in an iconic retro-dive atmosphere. This family-run spot boasts decades of loyal fans with a funky 60's/70's vibe. Step inside to red vinyl booths, tabletop jukeboxes, a sunken bar and a neon "L" sign that have remained unchanged by time. Leonardo's serves generous 13″ and 16″ pies (plus a thick-crust option), including beloved combos like sausage-mushroom-pepperoni and the indulgent bacon-cheeseburger pizza loaded with cheese and bacon strips.

Be a Part of the Cedar Rapids Culinary Community

Whether you're a foodie eager to explore or just looking for your next lunch spot, there's always a good place to eat in Cedar Rapids. Take your gustatory guide along on a culinary adventure for the senses! From upscale American dining to international fare to cozy brunch spots and local breweries, Cedar Rapids offers a rich and diverse culinary scene for residents and visitors alike. If you're looking for a place to call home in Cedar Rapids, visit us at Pheasant Run Apartments. Our spacious floor plans, convenient location, and welcoming community make it easy to explore the local food scene and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Schedule your tour today and discover where Cedar Rapids gathers.