– From Lunch Specials to Late-Night Cocktails, Paper Crane Adds Exciting New Dining Option to the Northside –
Paper Crane Ramen Shop & Cocktail Lounge, located in the historic Brewery Square on Iowa City’s Northside, is expanding its menu and services to offer guests even more dining options. In addition to its dinner service, Paper Crane is now open for lunch, offering a special midday menu, and providing convenient takeout and delivery. This innovative venue, which combines a fast-casual ramen shop with an intimate, upscale cocktail lounge, continues to redefine dining and nightlife in Downtown Iowa City.
The ramen shop is open for lunch Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cocktail lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Guests are welcomed on a walk-in basis with no reservations accepted for either space.
For lunch, guests have the option to enjoy the Teishoku Lunch Set, a balanced and flavorful meal that includes rice, a choice of protein such as Pork Belly Chashu, Karaage Chicken, or Braised Mushrooms, along with soup, salad, and a piece of mochi for dessert—all for $19. “The term ‘teishoku’ literally translates to ‘set meal’. A lot of restaurants in Japan operate pretty much exclusively on lunch hours alone, and most if not all offer their own spin on a ‘teishoku’ in some shape or form,” said Edwin Lee, Executive Chef of Paper Crane. “They’re generally catered to the working general public, blue-collar and white-collar alike – offering food that is quick, relatively affordable, and has mostly everything you need for a balanced meal during a lunch break. This is Paper Crane’s spin on it; it’s meant to be simple and straightforward. It’s what I would want to eat wandering around IC on a random weekday, so that’s why it’s on the menu.”
Paper Crane’s dinner menu features meticulously crafted bowls of ramen, prepared over three days, along with a variety of small bites inspired by Tokyo street food, including Gyoza Dumplings, Katsu, and other Japanese-inspired fare. In addition to the new lunch service, Paper Crane now offers both takeout and delivery, making it easier than ever to enjoy their extraordinary dishes. The ramen shop features communal seating for up to 40 guests, designed with modern wood installations inspired by the Japanese art of origami. The layout fosters a welcoming, vibrant environment perfect for casual dining.
In a separate area, the cocktail lounge offers a sophisticated and moody retreat for adults, with a different menu from the restaurant’s, featuring an expertly curated selection of craft cocktails, bourbons, whiskeys, and sake from around the world. Signature drinks like the “Industry Baby” and “Straight to the Noggin” are paired with thoughtfully crafted small bites, such as Yakitori Skewers, Karaage, and Squid Skewers, elevating the lounge experience.
Designed to accommodate up to 20 guests, the lounge exudes intimacy and refinement, with dark-toned wood, ebonized finishes, custom lighting, and plush seating creating a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding after work or enjoying a relaxed evening, the lounge provides a quiet, elegant setting for those seeking premium cocktails and a unique night out.
Paper Crane invites the community to visit and explore its expanded offerings, from quick, satisfying lunches to exceptional cocktails and small plates in an intimate lounge setting. With options for every occasion—whether a midday break, casual dinner, or late-night indulgence—it’s a must-visit destination for lovers of great food, drinks, and atmosphere in Downtown Iowa City.
Cocktail Lounge Menu Highlights:
Cocktails:
- Industry Baby – Nolet’s Gin, Fernet Branca, blueberry, cinnamon, lemon
- Straight to the Noggin – Plantation & Smith and Cross rum, creme de banana, Averna, half & half, egg
- Whiskey Highball – Iwai Traditional, club soda
Small Bites:
- Karaage – Chicken, cabbage, yuzu mayo
- Squid Skewers – Marinated squid, togarashi
- Tuna Poke Bowl – Tuna, yuzu ponzu, cucumber, scallion, rice, nori
- Fried Fishcake – Tempura fried chikuwa fishcake, seaweed powder, malt vinegar
