Iowa City, IA: Johnson County

It’s late August in, Iowa City, and that means one thing. The trickle of students coming into this college town has turned into a full on swarm! And my favorite part of the IC welcome wagon is the annual Taste of Iowa City. Our downtown district showcases it’s establishments to the incoming freshman and attracts the locals to come down and join the masses. Team Goodvin was ready as usual! http://downtowniowacity.com/

I’ve been to many “Taste Of’s” and Iowa City’s is one that never gouges their supporters. And neither do their participants. We’re a family of five and we all came home with full bellies for only $40. This is not a money making venture, but a way to say hello and a “get back here ASAP!” There’s the usual spots we hit up, but we always focus on the places that are new or haven’t been to yet. We got after it.

Iowa City’s restaurant scene is getting better and better every year and downtown is the anchor for a this great movement.

We zigged and we zagged. Working our way through the students, locals and tourists. Some of the lines were long but the beauty is the speed of all the venues. The weather was perfect and the opportunity to spend the evening working outside can make the hardworking cooks and servers very happy to get away from their normal routine.

Downtown Iowa City brings it every time. Our only disappointment was not getting to stop by every restaurant. This place has been my home for many years and I love seeing the transformation. Keep up the great work and good luck this school season, everybody! May all your kegs run freely, your kitchens stay busy, your corkscrews remain sharp and the new crop of students find a way to love this town even more through your food. Cheers!