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The Iowa Tavern in Iowa

Discover The Iowa Tavern in Burlington, IA offering a cozy bar & grill experience with great beer, cocktails, and local specialties. Check menu, hours, and reviews.

4 77 reviews $10–20 Bar & Grill American · Southern

2103 Des Moines Ave, Burlington, IA 52601, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Iowa · 81427
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The Iowa Tavern

Burlington, Iowa, USA

Beef Tacos Skinny Steak Fries Fried Shrimp Basket Ribeye Sandwich
Rating★ 4 / 5
Price$10–20
CategoryBar & Grill
Today 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located in Burlington, Iowa, The Iowa Tavern is a beloved bar & grill known for its casual and cozy atmosphere. This local spot offers a flavorful dive into comfort food classics, accompanied by an extensive selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. With a welcoming vibe perfect for groups and solo diners alike, it’s a go-to destination for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite with friends.

The menu boasts popular dishes such as ribeye sandwiches, fried shrimp baskets, and hearty beef tacos, complemented by bar games and great sports viewing. Whether enjoying a relaxed happy hour or a late-night snack, patrons appreciate the fast service and variety of offerings, including small plates and late-night food. Accessible amenities and free parking add to the ease of visiting this vibrant local tavern.

Gallery

Photos from The Iowa Tavern

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A favorite spot in Burlington for casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere and quality comfort food.

Great Beer & Cocktails

Enjoy a diverse selection of beers and expertly crafted cocktails perfect for any occasion.

Fun Bar Games

Engage in entertaining bar games that add excitement to every visit.

Fast & Friendly Service

Staff provide prompt food preparation with attentive care and a welcoming attitude.

Ideal for Groups

A cozy, casual atmosphere that fits both groups and solo diners looking for comfort food.

Local Specialty Dishes

Popular menu items like fried shrimp baskets and ribeye sandwiches highlight local flavors.

Accessible & Convenient

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms ensure comfortable visits for all guests.

Takeout & Dine-in Options

Flexible dining with quick bites available for takeout or relaxing dine-in seating.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

This inviting bar & grill offers a versatile experience perfect for various occasions, from casual lunches to lively group dinners and late-night hangouts.

The Iowa Tavern impresses with attentive service and a menu full of satisfying comfort food favorites, making it an ideal spot to relax, catch a game, or enjoy a flavorful meal with friends or solo. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Group Dinner

Perfect for gathering with friends or family, the welcoming space and tasty dishes like the ribeye sandwich and combo baskets fuel memorable shared meals.

Happy Hour Hangout

Enjoy great cocktails, beer selections, and happy hour specials on drinks and food while unwinding in a cozy atmosphere with bar games and sports on screen.

Lunch Break

Stop by for a prompt and satisfying mid-day meal with options like crispy shrimp salad and quick bites designed to fit within a busy schedule.

Late-Night Cravings

Open late on weekends, this spot offers tasty late-night comfort food and cocktails perfect for night owls seeking a casual meal or drink.

Takeout Convenience

Ideal for those on the go, takeout options allow customers to enjoy favorites such as tenderloins and fried chicken from home or the office.

Reservation-Friendly Visits

Reservations are accepted, making it easy to plan a smooth dining experience for special occasions or busy evenings.

Best for

Great Cocktails Popular Dishes Group Friendly Takeout Free Parking Late Night Accessibility Reservations

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

ES
Eli Seeley 2 week ago

"Great food. Staff was great even though we were clearly not locals."

BK
Brian Koeppen 1 month ago

"Fantastic tenderloin. Literally one of the best in Iowa, and we have been to Dairy Sweet in Dunlap who was ranked as the best in Iowa in 2024. This definitely competes with it."

JS
Jason S 2 month ago

"Note: Reopened under new ownership and management in July 2024 - come visit the new Iowa Tavern. (Closed on Mondays) *Outstanding* breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches (I'm willing to argue they are likely the best in Burlington and word of mouth that I received is supporting that), excellent service, super clean, and spacious seating at high-top tables, the bar, and regular tables. Lunch-hour environment (my only experience so far) is well-lit and conducive to meal-time discussion around the table. Service is friendly and relatable with prompt food prep and attentive check-ins. Even the cook came out to see that our meals were pleasing. Loved it. (!) Plus, if they are doing tenderloins this well, I can't wait to find out what other magic they're producing in the kitchen. Eager to return on future trips to the area and start a crawl through the menu. Highest recommendation. Not to be missed."

KR
Kent Rhum 3 month ago

"The bartender was great and the ribeye sanmich was good.sure I will be back to try the other menu items. And they have Bud select stocked"

RH
Rebecca Hunter 3 month ago

"I ate lunch with my sister, mom and aunt today. We came here for the fried chicken and we were not disappointed. It was fried just like my mom used to make it. It was crispy and not greasy. This is the best fried chicken that I have had anywhere in the area. The waitress was very pleasant and friendly. It was an enjoyable lunch. My Mom and aunt would like to see them get door dash so that they can order it whenever yhey want."

JV
Jordan Vantiger 3 month ago

"Wonderful food my tenderloin was huge and the bartender overheard my wife had an allergy to gluten and made her some delicious grilled catfish. What a wonderful staff thank you Mike, Misty, and management. Ps best bathrooms in Burlington."

TE
Tiffany Ezzell 3 month ago

"ALL NEW STAFF!! Taco's on Thursday, always serving burgers, tenderloins, appetizers. Great place to unwind and have a good time."

DT
Dena Terry 4 month ago

"Clean, friendly bartender, best tacos in town I stop every Thursday I highly recommend u stop and try a new shot."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Plan visits from mid-morning until late evening to enjoy lunch, dinner, and lively late-night hours.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays Typically spend 30 minutes to 2 hours dining Late-night dining available Friday and Saturday until midnight Reservations accepted for groups and busy times Perfect for lunch, dinner, and happy hour visits

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to The Iowa Tavern in Iowa .

Address 2103 Des Moines Ave, Burlington, IA 52601, United States
Phone +1 319-753-2634
Area Iowa
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about The Iowa Tavern, a popular bar & grill in Burlington, IA. Discover details about dining options, menu highlights, accessibility, and more.

The Iowa Tavern is open Tuesday through Sunday with varied hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, extended until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and closes earlier at 9:00 PM on Sundays. It remains closed on Mondays. Hours may change, so checking ahead is recommended.

Takeout and dine-in options are available, but the tavern does not offer delivery services. Guests can enjoy a quick bite or a full meal on-site in a casual and cozy atmosphere.

Yes, the facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating areas to accommodate guests with mobility needs comfortably.

The menu includes comfort food, small plates, and popular items like ribeye sandwiches, fried shrimp baskets, and beef tacos. Beverage options range from beer and cocktails to wine and hard liquor, with happy hour specials available.

This bar & grill welcomes both groups and solo diners. Its casual setting and sports highlights make it a great spot for social gatherings or a relaxed meal alone.

Reservations are accepted, helping to ensure seating during busy times like Friday and Saturday nights.

Payments can be made using credit and debit cards. No cash-only restrictions have been noted.

The Iowa Tavern is located at 2103 Des Moines Ave in Burlington, IA. It offers free parking options including a lot and street parking, making access convenient for visitors.

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.