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Get ready to sink your teeth into the latest episo

Get ready to sink your teeth into the latest episode of the Downtown Dish–

Anna and Charlie are joined by the legendary duo David Stein and Aaron Jennings, the co-owners of @mickysic, for a conversation packed with flavor and local lore. They dive into what makes Micky’s an Iowa City staple, from its historic bar dating back to the 1850s to its irresistible menu featuring Eggs Benny and their infamous hand-cut fries and home-made ranch.

David and Aaron, who have been friends since high school, share how they’ve expanded Micky’s to North Liberty and Davenport, built an exceptional team with longtime staff members who have been there for over a decade, and the story of how they almost bought a firetruck along the way. Plus, fresh off their People’s Choice win for best mixology at this year’s Top Chef: Downtown, they reflect on what keeps Micky’s at the heart of the community.

This episode also highlights a few important local updates including the 21 S. Linn St. Redevelopment Project that is moving forward. The @cityofiowacity City Council will be holding a work session tomorrow, March 11th, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the proposals. You can find all the details at https://www.icgov.org/councildocs. Plus, don’t forget it’s @missioncreek’s 20th anniversary. Tickets are still available for music and literature festival happening April 3rd - 5th.

So, grab your headphones and tune in to Downtown Dish for all the stories and insights straight from the source. You can find us on:

📱 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/2zynh7r3
🎧 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p97kpca
🔊 Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4v3wsf42

The Downtown Dish is presented by the Iowa City Downtown District & @cbjournal and produced by @uploadmediagroup.

#DowntownDish #MickysIrishPub #IowaCityEats #MissionCreekFestival

Congratulations to Keyon Shelby, the Downtown Amba

Congratulations to Keyon Shelby, the Downtown Ambassador's new Operations Manager! Keyon has been an integral part of the team since the program's launch in June 2024, starting as a Team Lead. His dedication and commitment to the program's mission have led to his selection as Operations Manager, where he will now oversee daily operations, manage the 13-member Ambassador team, and ensure our downtown remains vibrant and welcoming.

In partnership with @cityofiowacity and managed by @blockbyblock, the Downtown Ambassadors provide cleaning, hospitality, and safety services, including infrastructure maintenance, power washing, graffiti abatement, and sidewalk cleanup. They also offer wayfinding assistance and after-hours escorts for residents and visitors.

Downtown businesses and community members are encouraged to utilize the Ambassador program's services by calling or texting the service line at 319-452-0608.

Have you heard?! The Kitty Corner Social Club is o

Have you heard?! The Kitty Corner Social Club is officially open in Downtown Iowa City! This purr-fectly unique space brings community and feline companionship together for a one-of-a-kind experience. More than just a cat lounge, it’s a cozy retreat to unwind, connect, and make a difference—all while hanging out with the cutest cats around!

Located at 20 S Clinton St, @kittycornersocialclub partners with the @icanimalcenter to give adorable kittens a loving temporary home and a chance to find their forever families. Come relax after a long day, study with a purring friend, or simply enjoy the calming presence of these wonderful and playful cats. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful break, a stress-free lunch escape, or just to snuggle some whiskered friends.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀: Enjoy timed sessions to destress, play, and hang out with cats. Read a book, work, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibes.
- 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Meet your new best friend! Resident cats are adoptable and staff can guide you through the process.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Cat yoga, trivia nights, and more! Follow Kitty Corner to stay updated on the latest happenings.
- 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Host a birthday party, team outing, or special celebration and book a package with local partners @mollyscupcakesic or @yotopiafroyo.
- 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝘁-𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹: Browse a curated selection of adorable cat-themed gifts and goodies.

𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀:
🐾 15 min - $11 | 30 min - $15 | 60 min - $22
🐾 Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.

ICDD is thrilled to welcome this innovative addition to our Downtown! Come experience the magic of @kittycornersocialclub and be part of a community that cares.

Learn more and book your visit at: www.kittycornersocial.club

It's a perfect day to support your favorite small

It's a perfect day to support your favorite small businesses that make our Downtown a welcoming and vibrant space.

A sunny day to buy all the books, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and visit your friends and neighbors at their shops.

Downtown Iowa City is a collection of small businesses who are the employers, friends, and providers of unique and thoughtful products & experiences.

The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and a good excuse to get outside, see friends, and enjoy Downtown.

Support small not just today but every day! ☀️

We’re celebrating Throwback Thursday in style wi

We’re celebrating Throwback Thursday in style with a look at Gallery Walk promotional materials throughout the years! And with the Spring Gallery Walk about one week away, we thought it would be fun to remind the community how Gallery Walk got its start.

The downtown Gallery Walk was started in the early 1990s as a way of showcasing M.C. Ginsberg’s exhibit of work to be auctioned at the Domestic Violence Intervention Program’s Fine Art and Fun Fundraiser. At that time, participants numbered five: M.C. Ginsberg, Iowa State Bank & Trust, Iowa Artisans Gallery/DJ Rinner Goldsmith, Arts Iowa City, and the Barn Collection. Gallery Walk used to be administered by volunteers but is now organized by the Iowa City Downtown District. It’s a privilege that we can continue this tradition (three times per year!) that celebrates local artists and the businesses that display their beautiful work.

Join us next Friday, March 7th from 5-8pm for Spring Gallery Walk! Weather calls for high 40s and sunshine, making for a beautiful evening to spend strolling downtown. We have 17 venues ready to welcome you through their doors!

🎨 @arts_ic_artifactory
🎨 @blickartmaterials
🎨 @glassandojewelry
🎨 @iowaartisansgallery
🎨 @iowacitypubliclibrary
🎨 Iowa City Senior Center
🎨 @iowaconservatory
🎨 @uiowalibraries
🎨 @prairielightsbooks
🎨 @p_s_won
🎨 r.s.v.p.
🎨 @villages_iowacity
🎨 @thejamestheater
🎨 @usbank
🎨 @uistanleymuseum
🎨 @pentacrest.museums
🎨 @willowandstock

Yesterday, Mayor Teague joined us for lunch with t

Yesterday, Mayor Teague joined us for lunch with the City and our Downtown Ambassadors to show appreciation for their hard work in keeping downtown a welcoming, clean, and vibrant space for all. He took the time to personally thank them for their dedication to making Iowa City’s core a safe, inviting, and hospitable place for visitors and residents alike.

Our Ambassadors have been busy with spring cleaning—sweeping the Ped Mall, tidying up sidewalks, and getting Downtown Iowa City fresh and ready for the new season!

Need assistance? Call 319-452-0608 to request Ambassador services. We recommend saving this number in your phone! 📱

📍 Lost? They’ll guide you.
🚗 Flat tire or dead battery? They can assist.
👟 Need a walking companion? Just call.
💬 Looking for a recommendation? They’re happy to help!

Since launching last summer, the Downtown Iowa City Ambassador Program, in partnership with the @cityofiowacity, has been a huge success—especially during big events like the Downtown Block Party, Pride, Arts Festival, and more. In addition to their cleaning services, they also provide hospitality services, offering directions, recommendations, and a friendly face to ensure everyone has a great experience downtown. Their work keeps downtown clean, safe, and thriving year-round!

If you see an Ambassador out and about, give them a wave and say thanks! 🧡

Mark your calendars! The first Gallery Walk of the

Mark your calendars! The first Gallery Walk of the year is back next Friday, March 7th, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., transforming downtown Iowa City into a vibrant hub of creativity and community. For over 25 years, this beloved event has brought art to unexpected places, turning your favorite shops and galleries into showcases for local talent.

This FREE self-guided tour features 14 venues, each highlighting unique artistic styles—from contemporary paintings and intricate ceramics to handcrafted jewelry and mixed media. New this year, enjoy a drop-in drawing session with Iowa Conservatory students or take part in Art & Write Night at The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History.

- FEATURED ARTISTS & VENUES -

🎨 @arts_ic_artifactory – Vera Ranguelova: “Encaustic Art”
🎨 @blick_iowacity – Bao Pham: “Garden of Sweet Delights”
🎨 @glassandojewelry – Laura Yost: “Hecho En Iowa”
🎨 @iowaartisansgallery – David Luck
🎨 @iowacitypubliclibrary - Harte School of Art students
🎨 Iowa City Senior Center – Hand Elkadi: “Retrospective”
🎨 @iowaconservatory Students – “Spring in the Art Studio”
🎨 @uiowalibraries Main Library Gallery – Curated by Rich Dana: “A Roll of the Dice”
🎨 @prairielightsbooks - Drew Mounce Gallery
🎨 @p_s_won – Curated by Jeremy Chen: “Draw Between: Possibility and Inevitability”
🎨 r.s.v.p. – Harper Folsom: “I Thought of You Today”
🎨 @villages_iowacity – Taissir Abdelgadir: Sudanese Batik Art
🎨 @thejamestheater – Deb Talan: “Prints in Paintings and Prismatic Landscapes”
🎨 U.S. Bank – Andreas Soemadi: “Artem Mathematica”
🎨 @uistanleymuseum - Curated by Katherine Simóne Reynolds and supported by five others: “it’s a fine thing”
🎨 @pentacrest.museums University of Iowa Museum of Natural History – Community Gallery Wall and Art & Write Night
🎨 @willowandstock – City High School Art Department

Make an evening of it—shop, dine, and explore while discovering incredible works of art and meeting the creatives behind them.

View the full list of participating venues, artists, and exhibits here: https://downtowniowacity.com/events/gallery-walk/

The Iowa City Downtown District is thrilled to ann

The Iowa City Downtown District is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Top Chef: Downtown event, sponsored by @hillsbank and @performancefoodservice. This year’s event brought together 500 attendees at the @graduatehotels on Monday, February 24th, for a night of delicious competition featuring 28 downtown bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Guests indulged in an array of mouthwatering dishes, creative cocktails, and expertly crafted coffee while casting their votes for the People’s Choice Awards. A panel of judges also selected winners in the categories of Best Entrée, Best Mixologist, Best Barista, and Best Dessert.

ENTREE (JUDGE’S AWARDS)
1st Place: @pullmaniowacity – Marinated Beets
2nd Place: @thewebsteric – Smoked Iowa Wagyu Beef
3rd Place: @snacky_mini_mart – Snacky Dumpling with Pop Pop Chili Crisp

MIXOLOGY (JUDGE’S AWARDS)
1st Place: @wildculture.iowacity – The Name Of Your First Pet & The Street You Grew Up On
2nd Place: @stburchtavern – Pearlene’s Son

DESSERT (JUDGE’S AWARDS)
1st Place: @yotopiafroyo – Cookie Butter Cap Froyo
2nd Place: @mollyscupcakesic – Speculoos Cheesecake Brownie

BARISTA (JUDGE’S AWARDS)
1st Place: @kindredcoffee_ – Strawberry Shortcake Latte
2nd Place: @wildculture.iowacity – Stroop, There It Is!

ENTREE (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS)
1st Place: @sparemeic – Chicken Kareeman Steamed Buns
2nd Place: @thewebsteric – Smoked Iowa Wagyu Beef
3rd Place – @snacky_mini_mart – Snacky Dumpling with Pop Pop Chili Crisp

MIXOLOGY (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS)
1st Place: @mickysic – The Aura Effec
2nd Place: @wildculture.iowacity – The Name Of Your First Pet & The Street You Grew Up On

DESSERT (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS)
1st Place: @mollyscupcakesic – Speculoos Cheesecake Brownie
2nd Place: @yotopiafroyo – Cookie Butter Cap Froyo

BARISTA (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS)
1st Place: @bastaiowacity – Chocolate Honey Buzz

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