Dine By Your Sign

BY DAWN FRARY, ILLUSTRATIONS BY SARA WEILER

continues to serve as one of Iowa City’s favorite refuges.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Zoey’s Pizzeria

Aries (March 20-April

19): Cobble Hill Go big or go home. Isn’t that how you roll, Aries?

Dynamic and competitive, this fire sign is always dressed to impress (literally and metaphorically) and will feel right at home nestled into Cobble Hill in downtown Cedar Rapids. Inspired by the sights, tastes and vibes of Brooklyn, NY’s neighborhood of the same name, Cobble Hill boasts an upscale fine dining experience where every meal is made from scratch with a local twist. Cool that fiery Aries energy down with one of their freshly squeezed juices or Prohibitionera-inspired cocktails.

Taurus (April 20-May

20): Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar Taurus, you understand that it’s important to treat yo’self. Strong, sensual and attuned to the sumptuous, this earth sign tends toward the finer things in life. Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar leans into that same luxurious philosophy by offering full-service dining, a well-stocked bar, cheese boards, soups, sweets and, of course, wine. A homebody at heart, Taurus will also appreciate Brix’s retail shop, which provides an opportunity to take some treats home to be enjoyed at one’s leisure.

Gemini (May 21-June

20): Marquee Pizza

“Inspired by a backyard get-together with friends and family.” If this isn’t the embodiment of Gemini energy, what is? This you have in common with Marquee Pizza, Gemini: it’s an ideal venue to wine and dine your adoring entourage. Come for the vibes—Marquee Pizza was awarded Best Atmosphere by Restaurant Guru in 2021—but stay for the housemade mozzarella, naturally leavened dough and Italian wood-fired oven. With happy hour specials every day, Marquee also features an expansive beer and wine selection that keeps the party going—just like you, Gemini.

Cancer (June 21-July 21): Groundswell Cafe

You wear your heart on your sleeve, Cancer, and while putting your soft, tender bits out there can be risky, it is also your superpower. Sensitive and empathetic, Cancers feel good knowing they are putting good into the world. That’s why Groundswell Cafe in Cedar Rapids may be your perfect dining match. Groundswell Cafe’s mission is to provide a place where everyone has access to healthy food regardless of their ability to pay. Customers can “pay it forward” by rounding up their bill or making a donation which in turn provides meals for those who can’t afford to pay.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22): La Regia Taqueria

Leo, you are adept at spicing things up, so why not indulge your spicy self with more of the same at La Regia Taqueria. Dramatic, bold and never one to shy away from attention, a Leo lives to stand apart from the crowd. The same can be said of Iowa City’s award-winning Mexican restaurant. La Regia’s humble beginnings as a taco truck paved the way for what has become a local pillar of Mexican cuisine. Offering favorites like tacos, burritos, tostadas and more, a meal from La Regia will always be the star of the show (unless, of course, there’s a Leo around).

Virgo (Aug. 23Sept. 22): Sanctuary

Pub Practical, loyal, dependable … these are qualities you possess in abundance, Virgo, much like Iowa City’s iconic Sanctuary Pub. Since 1972, Sanctuary has been, well, a sanctuary for generations of townies, students and visitors, offering a menu and general ambience that Iowa Citians have come to rely on. With classic pizza and pub food made from locally sourced ingredients, live music and trivia nights, Sanctuary has endured for a reason and

The sign of Libra is represented by the Scales, a universal symbol of fairness and balance. Libra wants everyone to be included, for all to feel welcome, for everyone to have a piece of the pie. At Zoey’s Pizzeria in Marion, this sentiment is expressed through their menu, offering forever-favorites like pizza (obvs), subs, calzones and the Zookie cookie dessert pizza. At Zoey’s, there is truly something for everyone, just the way Libra likes it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23Nov. 21): George’s Buffet Scorpio, you’re all about playing it cool, and what’s cooler than George’s? An Iowa City Northside tradition since 1939, George’s is dark and divey in the best possible way (kind of like you, Scorp). Serving up simple items from a small menu—who among us has not waxed poetic about a George’s cheeseburger?—this well-loved watering hole knows what they do best and sticks to doing just that. Open late with local beers on tap, George’s is the perfect place to lurk for any Scorpio worth their sting.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): I Love

FuFu You’re always up for an adventure, Sag, so why not explore the menu at I Love FuFu, Iowa City’s own taste of African cuisine? Transport your taste buds with West African, Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors like plantains, cassava, jerk chicken and kebabs, with options for carnivores and vegans alike. It might not be the same as jetting off across the Atlantic, but your taste buds won’t know the difference. Destination: Known!

Capricorn (Dec. 21Jan. 19): Pullman Bar & Diner You get stuff done, Capricorn. That’s kind of your thing. And while you are perhaps the most driven, responsible and tenacious sign of the zodiac when it comes to getting things done, life can’t be all work and no play. That’s where Pullman Bar & Diner comes in. Offering an elevated take on classic Midwest diner fare like burgers, fried chicken, salads, all-day breakfast, a selection of desserts (Nutella pie, anyone?), plus an array of adult beverages and craft cocktails, Pullman tempts even the most disciplined of Caps to cast off the constraints of the workaday world and have some tasty fun.

Aquarius (Jan. 20Feb. 17): Goosetown

Endlessly interesting, quirky and wholly original, ever-evolving Aquarius is always on the lookout for the next thing to captivate their imagination. Behold: Goosetown.

Named in honor of Iowa City’s historic Northside neighborhood, once populated by Czech immigrants whose geese roamed the streets each morning, Goosetown is no stranger to growth and evolution. First opened in 2018, this eatery has since undergone an updated menu and interior renovations. Their seasonal menu featuring “items that could be grown in your backyard” is playful, curious and unexpected—also true for any Aquarius.

Pisces (Feb. 18-March 19):

Maestro Empanadas

Dreamy, creative Pisces appreciates great art when they see it. At Maestro Empanadas in Coralville, they believe that “cooking our empanadas is an art.” Like attracts like, which is why, Pisces, Maestro’s may be the answer to your dining dreams. Born out of a desire for the traditional culinary flavors of Argentina not readily available in the Midwest, Maestro’s offers both frozen to-go items as well as freshly made empanadas stuffed with beef, chicken, corn, veggies and more. An Iowa City favorite since their first appearance at the Farmers Market in 2011, an empanada by the Maestro is like a little pillow upon which to lay your head and dream.