Let’s Do Lunch

BY JAY GOODVIN

The Reuben at Shuey’s Restaurant & Lounge

1158 Club Rd NE, Shueyville

Head to the Johnson and Linn County line for one of the best Reuben sandwiches in the CRANDIC. We all dread the traffic on I-380, so take the Shueyville exit instead and become the new regular at Shuey’s. Just imagine Thousand Island dressing dripping from your sandwich onto your fries, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut and toasted rye in every bite.

Chicken Shawarma Wrap at Pita’z

1057 N Center Point Rd, Hiawatha

Beautifully cooked chicken with the classic shawarma flavors, creamy sauce, titillating French fries, crunchy dill pickle—and all of it minding its own business in fresh pita-bread splendor. You can enjoy this harmony of flavors in every bite for less than $10. Don’t be afraid to add some of Pita’z’s tender gyro meat to create a perfect blend of Mediterranean and American cuisine.

Pupusas at Mesa 503

2302 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City

Sure, downtown Iowa City attracts plenty of foodies, but make sure you don’t miss the new and unique outlets springing up all over town! When it comes to local restaurants, the Towncrest area has some contenders gaining steam. You only need a $5 bill to enjoy the Salvadoran delights at Mesa 503. This family institution is doing exciting things with the humble pupusa. Customers can choose from all sorts of styles, each served with a crisp slaw and rich salsa.

Brisket Philly at Q Dogs BBQ Company

895 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Marion

Who doesn’t love the signature sandwich of the City of Brotherly Love? Q Dogs brings the philly from Pennsylvania to Iowa, piling up sliced brisket, caramelized onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese on a fluffy hoagie roll. Need even more kick on your trip to Marion? Squirt a li’l of their many signature sauces and enjoy live blues music while you dine in most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Mac & Cheese with Smoked Brisket at Thoma’s Meat Market

1331 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City

This meaty destination appeals to the carb-lover in all of us. The southeast side of Iowa City boasts its own band of butchers at Thoma’s. Give your day an “Oh, baby!” moment when you order mac and cheese with smoky brisket and their own housemade barbecue sauce. The deli sandwich menu further showcases the skills of the market’s butchers, and visiting local carnivores won’t believe they can get it all for less than $15!

Crab Rangoonies Pizza at Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery

616 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

The brewery scene is second to none in CR, but add pizza and vintage arcade games, and you’ll never want to leave! You may break the bank trying to achieve the high score during a marathon pinball session at Quarter Barrel, but you won’t have the pizza to blame for your empty wallet. Crab rangoon lovers can rejoice around the Rangoonies pizza with glasses of refreshing craft beer, tunes on the speakers and movies on the brewery TVs that will surely melt the hearts of all ‘80s and ‘90s kids.

Pho at Sun Cafe

953 S Riverside Dr, Iowa City

Sun Cafe is a no-nonsense Vietnamese restaurant crafting gourmet flavors to wrap your chopsticks around. The pho is steaming hot and prepared with a beverage of choices. This is a natural energy booster for anyone needing some home cookin’ to wake up, cure a hangover, break a cold chill or simply enjoy a moment of respite with hot broth, copious amounts of noodles, aromatic veggies, spices, herbs and your favorite tableside condiments.

Signature Sandwiches at Old 218 Tap

108 Main St, Hills

The outskirts of Johnson County can produce some tasty day trips. Hills is a short drive south of Iowa City, and the pride of its Main Street is Old 218 Tap. Its grill, stovetop and fryer baskets get quite the workout from locals, as well as folks peddling in from Sand Road on their bikes, legions of party buses, motorcycle clubs and travelers. The menu is loaded with affordable options: beautiful burgers, all-day breakfast sandwiches, giant wings, huge salads and those pork tenderloins Iowans can’t resist, all for a steal. Get out of town and head for the Hills every now and then!