Bread & Butter

LV Recommends

Rest Stop

Grab a drink or a bite at these Eastern Iowa eateries, located right off the trail, park or lake.

BY MADELYn ORTOn

1 The Pedalers Fork

Off of Cedar River Trail 2010 Sylvia Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, thepedalersfork.com You’ll deserve a stop at the Pedaler’s Fork after that climb! Nestled on a hill, their large menu includes everything from burgers, salads and tacos, to mac and cheese bowls and six different types of nachos. Enjoy regular specials and an extensive tap beer and cocktail selection while you watch the trail traffic from the shaded patio out back. If you find yourself riding by on a Sunday morning, check out their extensive brunch buffet.

2 Sag Wagon

Off of Cedar Lake Loop 827 Shaver Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, thesagwagon.com On any given sunny summer day, the Sag Wagon is a cyclist hot spot. The spacious outdoor area is sprinkled with picnic tables, adirondack chairs, a sand volleyball court, firepit, and various yard games. Its convenient location on the trail means you won’t be the only one wearing spandex biking shorts.

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3 Clock House Brewing

Off of Cedar River Trail 600 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, clockhousebrewing.com Clock House Brewing has something for every type of beer drinker–even the nonbeer drinkers! Their rotating line-up consists of light lagers, dark porters, hazy IPAs and sours. You’ll also find guest ciders, wines and selters in the rotation. Their neighbors at Black Sheep Social Club are responsible for the appetizers and quick bites on the menu, even serving their crowd favorite duck fat fries.

4 Kickstand

Off of Cedar River Trail, near Osborn Park, 203 16th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, kickstandiowa.com Grab a seat at the large outdoor area, or if you’re lucky, perhaps the swingset table will

Club 76 The Lodge, north Liberty Emma McClatchey / Little Village be unoccupied! Kickstand’s spacious outdoor seating and Bottoms Up draft system make this a regular stop among cyclists. Their food menu includes a large selection of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and wraps. They even serve breakfast for those early morning riders.

5 The Shack Tavern

Off of Cedar River Trail, near the Roller Dam, 2545 Old River Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, 319-366-3629 The Shack Tavern is tucked on a gravel road, not far from the trail. Enjoy great views of the Cedar River from their tiki bar, grain bin bar or their front patio while enjoying a housemade lemon press drink—the perfect thirst quencher. Also a popular motorcycle bar, there’s room for two types of bikers here.

6 House Divided Brewery

Off of Cedar Valley Nature Trail, near Ely City Park, 1620 Dows St, Ely, housedividedbrewery.com Like its hometown, House Divided Brewery is small but mighty, with plenty of space to park your bike. They have several of their own beers on tap, as well as various seltzers, ciders and wine, and you’re served a basket of popcorn to accompany your beverage. If the popcorn isn’t enough to tide you over, their menu has quick bites and bar food favorites.

7 Big Grove Solon Brewpub

Near Lake Macbride Trail. 101 W Main St, Solon, biggrove.com Like its bigger, younger brother in Iowa City, Big Grove’s Solon Brewpub is known for its relaxed environment, signature beer and diverse menu. You can sit outside on their back patio or soak up the air conditioning and cozy atmosphere indoors while enjoying everything from comfort food to small bites.

8 Bobber’s Grill

On the Coralville Lake, near Lake Macbride State Park, 850 Scales Bend Rd NE, North Liberty, scalespointe.com Dock your boat or park your RV and enjoy a snack lakeside. The social center of the Scales Pointe marina and campground, Bobber’s Grill is both a general store and a watering hole, surrounded by excellent views, picnic tables, a playground and plenty of space to play and wander.

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9 Club 76 The Lodge

2349 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE A, North Liberty, 319-626-6046 The Lodge serves cold beer, throws a mean steak night and caters to a crowd of local veterans, campers, boaters, Harley drivers and cyclists—all the folks who cross paths while enjoying the Iowa River and Macbride Nature Recreation Area on a summer day. Sunday Fundays featuring CR rock band the Surf Zombies begin June 12.

Ramen Belly, Iowa City Jordan Sellergren / Little Village

10 Ramen Belly

Near Iowa River Trail, Iowa River Corridor Trail, 1010 Martin St, Iowa City, ramenbelly.co Ramen Belly opened last spring in IC’s picturesque Peninsula Neighborhood, serving up a light meal to dog owners visiting the nearby Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park, and the runners, bikers and Frisbee golfers that coalesce in Peninsula Park. Refuel with short ribs, pot stickers, classic ramen and even ramen in a blanket—ramen noodles nestled in between two tonkatsu filets.

11 Jon’s Ice Cream and Restaurant Off historic Hiawatha Pioneer Trail, 231 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin, 319-545-2558 Come on, grab some ice cream—you’ve earned it! Jon’s is the perfect summer stop (and drive-through) after a hike in Kent Park or game in Tiffin City Park. The historic business has an extensive menu of soft-serve and hand-dipped ice cream, novelty desserts (a massive “trash can sundae” with gummy worms! cheesecake on a stick!), fried appetizers and sandwiches.