Places to eat and ways to beat the heat in Iowa City at the Iowa state baseball tournament
Iowa’s Class 3A and 4A high school state baseball tournament returns to Duane Banks Field in Iowa City this week, where two schools will be crowned champion.
The quarterfinals begin Monday morning with the Class 3A bracket. The tournament concludes Friday.
Here are a few things you can do while in town, including several food options as well as a few ways to beat the heat:
Three places to eat
Iowa City offers a wide variety of delicious options. Here are three spots to check out if you’re searching for some grub:
Wig & Pen Pizza Pub
Address: 1220 U.S. 6, Iowa City
One of the closest spots to Duane Banks Field, Wig & Pen offers pizza and pasta for the whole family. The 30-year-old business also offers several draft beers and delicious appetizers. Just hop down the hill on Hawkins Drive and cross U.S. Highway 6 at the intersection and you're there.
Our Favorite Food: The Chicago Style Stuffed Pizza with Sausage
St. Burch Tavern
Address: 127 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
St. Burch Tavern is hard to beat if you’re heading into downtown Iowa City. From burgers and salads to oysters, St. Burch offers a wide range of delicious food and spacious outdoor seating with a view of the Old Capitol Building in the heart of downtown.
Our Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Burrito with a side Caesar Salad
La Regia Taqueria
Address: 436 Highway 1 W, Iowa City
If you’re looking for a quick bite, La Regia provides some of the best authentic Mexican food in the Iowa City area. A two-mile trip from Duane Banks Field to this staple provides street and specialty tacos, burritos, tortas, and kid's meals.
Our Favorite Food: Al Pastor taco combo, served with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans
Two spots to beat the heat
The weather early in the week should be forgiving before a mid-week heat wave sends temperatures skyrocketing. Here are two spots to get a break from the sun and still have some fun:
Stanley Museum of Art
Address: 160 W. Burlington St, Iowa City
Opened in August, the Stanley showcases the University of Iowa’s vast art collection, with pieces from UI alum, Iowa native and famous artist Grant Wood, a large collection of African art, and a state-of-the-art facility. The museum is free and showcases a variety of cultures and artistic styles. It is closed on Mondays. The full museum hours can be found at https://stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu/visit/plan-your-visit.
More: Plan your visit to Iowa City's new Stanley Museum around these 9 pieces of art
Iowa Children’s Museum
Address: 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville
For families, the Iowa Children’s Museum offers an indoor space for fun and play. The museum is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day except for Mondays. Admission is $10 for children and adults and free for infants under 1 year old.
A Rooftop view
Address: 900 E 2nd Ave, Coralville
If you're in the mood for dinner and a view, jump on over to 30Hop at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. The menu includes several different options including burgers, tacos and rice bowls. The drink selection is top notch as well. The highlight, of course, is the rooftop patio that overlooks one of Coralville's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Our Favorite Food: The Yakisoba Bowl
A CAN'T-MISS BONUS
Address: 1225 S Gilbert St., Iowa City
Iowa City's Big Grove Brewery location is an absolute gem. The vibe is exceptional, complete with dozens of draft beers, many delectable food options and plenty of TVs. The outdoor space is also chill, featuring various fire pits, picnic tables, kids activities and a large grassy area filled with yard games. The award-winning brewery opens at 11 a.m. every day and is certainly a lively place for the entire family.
More: From the archives: Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville
Quarterfinal matchups
Monday's quarterfinals
CLASS 3A
No. 2 North Polk (27-5) vs. No. 7 Spencer (23-7) 11:30 a.m.
No. 3 Marion (30-6) vs. No. 6 Carlisle (22-12) 2:00 p.m.
No. 1 Western Dubuque (33-9) vs. No. 8 Harlan Community (22-14) 5:00 p.m.
No. 4 Wahlert Catholic (29-13) vs. No. 5 Ballard (21-10) 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday's quarterfinals
CLASS 4A
No. 1 Johnston (33-8) vs. No 8 Iowa City, Liberty (23-17) 11:30 a.m.
No. 4 Dowling Catholic (26-11) vs. No. 5 Dallas Center-Grimes (30-6) 2 p.m.
No. 3 Southeast Polk (28-14) vs. No. 6 Cedar Falls (27-14) 5:00 p.m.
No. 2 Iowa City High (30-12) vs. No. 7 Ames (29-13) 7:30 p.m.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on Twitter @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa state baseball tournament: Where to go in Iowa City
