Advocacy
DOWNTOWN GIFT CARD
About ICDD
Do Business
Contact Us

Experience Downtown
Arts and Culture
Get Around

Experience Downtown

All Listings Eat & Drink Shop Services Events Stay Downtown Venues & Meeting Rooms Get Around

Arts & Culture Map Public Art Live Music Museums Art Galleries All Listings

Experience Downtown
Arts and Culture
Get Around

a3ef53c3-4170-a59f-aee4-e09654e78e14

Search Our Site

Search for:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Iowa City on Dubu

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Iowa City on Dubuque Street, @zmariks has been serving up delightful dishes since 2002. The brainchild of Dave and Ellie Allen, this charming eatery began with a simple yet powerful vision: to combine fresh, fast, and affordable food with warm, personal service. Over the years, Z’Mariks Noodle Café has expanded beyond its Iowa City roots, opening additional locations, but its heart remains firmly in the community that first embraced it.

Z’Mariks offers a unique dining experience where hearty, healthy bowls of noodles, rice, soups, and salads are crafted to order and delivered to your table within minutes. The menu is a flavorful journey through various culinary traditions, featuring American classics like Mac and Cheese, Italian delights such as Pesto and Marinara, and adventurous options like Buffalo Chicken Mac and Asian Spicy Peanut. Specials like Mac Mondays and Kidz Eat Free Saturdays add to its appeal, ensuring there’s always a reason to return.

Ellie’s Greek heritage shines through in dishes like the Greek salad, Krith-a-raki, Lemon Sauté bowls, and other family recipes, adding a special touch that sets Z’Mariks apart. With the option to customize your meal with an array of fresh ingredients, each visit is a chance to create a dish that’s as unique as you are.

The name Z’Mariks, derived from the Greek word for pasta “Zimarika,” reflects the restaurant’s blend of tradition and innovation. This spirit of originality extends beyond the food, creating a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel like part of the family. The current owner, Jacob, and his wife Jill, met while working at Z’Mariks, and their story adds another layer of charm to the café’s history.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Z’Mariks Noodle Café invites you to experience the warmth, community, and deliciousness that have made it a beloved Iowa City institution. Come see why diners keep coming back, time and time again!

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #zmariks #noodles #macandcheese #noodlecafe #dubuquestreet #thinkiowacity #iceats #iowacityfoodie

What an unforgettable Downtown Block Party we had

What an unforgettable Downtown Block Party we had this past Saturday! Even though the weather cut our time short, we made the most of every moment. From the electrifying stages and lively dance-offs to the friendly competitions and the amazing community spirit, there was no shortage of fun and good memories.

A big thank you to our 2024 sponsors for making the event possible and to everyone who came out out to celebrate in the heart of downtown. Until next time, Iowa City! ❤️

#DowntownBlockParty #ICBlockParty #CommunityStrong #GoodTimes #UntilNextTime #DowntownIowaCity #IowaCity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #iowa #traveliowa

Come take a spin with Los Trompos! The giant inter

Come take a spin with Los Trompos! The giant interactive sculptures have traveled internationally and are now in Downtown Iowa City’s Ped Mall for the summer.

The concept behind Los Trompos is based on an approach of traditional toys, their colorful expression and the way they are constructed. The creators wanted to talk about the traditions and skills of the craftsmen in Mexico, as an inheritance of their culture. They like the idea of translating these techniques into new symbols.

Creators: @esrawestudio + @cadenaconcepts
Tour Producer: @gocreos

#lostrompos #lostromposontour #EsraweCadena #placemaking #interactiveart #interactiveinstallation #publicart #downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #iowa

A blast from the past! We are so excited for the 2

A blast from the past! We are so excited for the 2024 Downtown Block Party and we know you are too!

Join us in the heart of Downtown Iowa City tomorrow for the summer’s biggest event. There will be tons of fun, great energy, and memories to be made. Bring your friends and family and make this one to remember!

See the full schedule and pre-purchase your cup and wristband now to save $5:

https://downtowniowacity.com/events/downtown-block-party

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #downtownblockparty #iowacityblockparty #blockparty #downtown #ilovethisplace #youbelonghere #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #iowa

Today is the last day to save $5 and pre-purchase

Today is the last day to save $5 and pre-purchase tickets for your 2024 Downtown Iowa City Block Party cup and wristband!

A reminder that all programming is free and open to everyone, but you need the 2024 event cup and wristband to take your drink to the streets!

Pre-purchase tickets and see the full schedule:
https://downtowniowacity.com/events/downtown-block-party/

The 2024 Downtown Block Party cup is sponsored by @rdgusa and the wristband by @tcosalon.

#DowntownIowaCity #IowaCity #DowntownBlockParty #IowaCityBlockParty

The @studio13ic Drag Show draws some of the bigges

The @studio13ic Drag Show draws some of the biggest crowds at the Downtown Block Party. Catch this year’s show on the Iowa Avenue Stage and cheer on the Queens as they bring the heat with their incredible performances and hit songs. This year’s lineup includes:

@thehazelsanchez
@erotica.divine
Myling Belle
@hollywoodhopexo
@paris_jbeverlyhillz

The stage will also feature dynamic performances from @uiowadance, Sunset Salsa with @djedwinalvarado, @allthewayup, Taylor Swift Music Bingo, and Iowa City Senior Center’s Pomtastiks! 🎶💃

#ICBlockParty #DowntownIowaCity #Studio13 #Queen #dragshow #dragqueen #IowaCity #downtownblockparty

🎹 Crowd-favorite Dueling Pianos is back at the

🎹 Crowd-favorite Dueling Pianos is back at the 2024 Downtown Iowa City Block Party and sponsored by @hillsbank! 🎶

Join us for a high-energy, interactive musical showdown where YOU can request the songs! Whether you want to belt out your favorite tunes, dance the night away, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Bring your friends, your song requests, and your dancing shoes, and let’s make this a night to remember!

Remember, all of the programming is free! Only two more days to save $5 and pre-purchase your cup and wristband which allows you to take your drink to the streets!

#DuelingPianos #DowntownBlockParty #HillsBank #SingItOut #DanceParty #RequestYourFavorites #IowaCityEvents #IowaCity #DowntownIowaCity #IowaCityBlockParty #thinkiowacity

Silent Disco is moving to Iowa Avenue for this yea

Silent Disco is moving to Iowa Avenue for this year’s Downtown Block Party!

Sponsored by @greenstatecu, @silentdiscodsm has been a festival staple for years and is sure to get the crowd moving. Switch your headset between the three DJ’s to find your perfect groove and dance the night way!

#DowntownBlockParty #SilentDisco #GreenStateCreditUnion #DanceTheNightAway #DowntownIowaCity #IowaCity #IowaCityBlockParty

Follow on Instagram

Job Board
Leasing
Add Your Event
Business Resources
Contact Us

© Copyright Iowa City Downtown District | All Rights Reserved