Genes is a really great bar. The drinks are incredibly tasty and very well priced, as well. While I have only had the onion rings as an appetizer, those were incredibly tasty. Plus, Each time we have been there, the service has been fast and friendly. I really don't know what else to say. This place is just a solid, slightly more upscale bar than the rest of the bars in Iowa city. If you're looking for a nice place to have a quiet drink, this is it. I would highly recommend the Manhattan or the Waco kid! Ps the chicken Parmesan is one of the best sandwiches I have had in my entire time in Iowa city read more

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I came here for a Yelp event, so I can't speak to the service/food on an average Tuesday, but I was definitely impressed with everything I tried during my visit. This, in addition to the gorgeous 70s vibes from the restaurant. Seriously, every little piece of it has a story behind it, from the tiny pigs hanging in the beads separating two parts of the restaurant to the Gene Wilder-print paper accompanying the fries. I love it. I love the way it shows the thought and care that went into every single detail. Food: Open your menu. Find the meal with the maple-glazed carrots. Order them. Thank me. Again, no idea about where exactly they're located on the menu because I tried them at a Yelp event, but they are exquisite. The best-tasting carrots I've ever eaten. Like, I found myself wanting a plate of veggies. That should speak volumes. They also get their desserts daily from Bread Garden, and if you've ever stopped by (it's literally next door, so I would hope so), they're more like the Bread Eden. So in other words, you can expect a lot from their desserts. I had pie served on an artfully decorated plate with fresh cream on top, and I was two seconds away from licking my plate it was so good. Drinks: Their cocktails are AMAZING. I can already picture spring and summer, stopping by for a quick bite and a cocktail on their patio. This place is in an ideal location, and with excellent beverages and yummy apps, what's not to love? Decor: Did I mention it's awesome? Yeah. It's awesome. This isn't a huge restaurant, but it's worth noting that the space is divided, so it could easily accommodate a larger group with a more private dining vibe on the far side of the room. I can't wait to come back! read more

Gene’s - Salad Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

This bar and restaurant is conveniently located next door to our hotel. We didn't know that the bar close at 9, and we had walked in around 8:30. Our bartender was really nice for walking over our drinks as there wasn't enough seating at the bar for both my partner and I. I also wanted a Moscow Mule which they didn't have any of the frozen drinks at the time, but he did manage to whip up a non-frozen one for me which I can appreciate. Ya girl loves her Moscow Mules, and they did it perfectly, especially when it came in a copper mug. There's so many people out there who would make a Moscow Mule and not serve it in a copper mug. The only thing missing was a lime, he said they were all out, and that's honestly okay it wasn't needed and I'll give him a pass since he didn't throw a fit with us coming in late. I guess we've been spoiled by Chicago nightlife and establishments being open late, and it's a cultural shock out here when places close early. I'd recommend Gene's to anyone in the area looking for an affordable bar that makes great drinks correctly. I can't comment on the food as I haven't had it, but it's the typical bar food / small bites. read more

Gene’s - Moscow mule - Salad Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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I was so excited to try this place...I love a good theme restaurant! I ordered the "snozberry" and they were out of that. No problem. I ordered the fizzy lifting drink. We shared an order of cheese fries and each ordered the burger. The aioli that was paired with the fries was the hit of the day! The service was not so good but hoping for a better experience the next time! read more

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As Gene Wilder once said-- "Time is a precious thing. Never waste it." I mean... sure he was wearing a purple top hat, matching coat amongst some orange skinned oompa loompas in a factory of candy but that is beside the point. You won't be wasting your time at Gene's. It's Blazing Saddles meets Architectural Digest. Just the most beautiful but playful establishment in the pedmall-- bar none. With wood paneled walls, crazy light fixtures and magnificent glass garage doors that let in summertime. Booths, high tops, bar seating-- Gene's can accommodate any size group. You come to Gene's for the whimsy. And you stay for the fun, absolutely delicious cocktails. The Frosé and Snozzberrie Slushie are my go-tos. But you can't go wrong with a Waco Kid or Pure Ima-GIN-ation. (Shout out to Gene's for winning Top Chef Peoples Choice with said imaginative gin cocktail!) Plus their bartenders are so skilled, friendly and helpful. Gene's lost a star only because of their menu, which I think they're still figuring out. (I hope to amend this after my next visit.) My two 'issues' are size and value. The options are limited but really good. And I think the price is a bit steep for not including fries with a sandwich? But that being said I've inhaled fries, chicken parm sandwiches, burgers and short ribs. The food is quality folks. The best thing, IMO, is the local fresh pie. Order one with a SNOZZBERRIE slushie. You won't regret it. Trivia night is a blast here. (Come about forty five or so minutes early to snag a table) Park in the ramp, the first hour is free. The waitstaff is so friendly. We had a few hiccups with our last order-- but they rectified it in such a professional way. Kuddos to them. I can't wait for patio season-- with blue drink in hand. This is quickly becoming my must-have establishment for a cocktail. Gene's is a whimsical, adult hangout that is definitely worth a visit! read more

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I finally got to try this place yesterday evening. First of all, the interior and the overall vibe is pretty cool. The popular Snozberry drink was pretty tasty too! However, when we walked in, nobody greeted us and told us to sit wherever or wait to be seated, so we had to go and ask the bartender if we just sit anywhere. After we sat, it took the bartender a while to bring us the menus/come by the table. We went when it was slow, and there was only one other table of two people. We noticed that the menu is very limited and the prices were slightly on the higher side. (But I don't know if the food amounts are generous or not since I've never ordered before.) We ended up not getting any food at this location. We ordered two snozberry drinks as we noted that these were popular and received them in wine glasses but they were not even a third full. We paid $14 total for two tiny snozberry drinks. They were fun and tasty, but I personally wouldn't buy it again for the price, to be completely honest. My first visit here was a very mixed feelings visit. I can see potential for it to become a really nice place, but I don't think I'll be going again unless someone else really wants to try this place. read more

Gene’s - Snozberry drink - Salad Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Great atmosphere, the wings are absolutely to die for, and the bill is easy on the pocketbook. What else do you need? read more

Gene’s - Atmosphere - Salad Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

A nice new welcome addition to the IC ped mall area. It's technically the hotel bar for the new Graduate hotel, but it's open to anyone. It's cool when the weather is nice and they open the sliding walls/windows, and you can just walk up to the bar from the ped mall. They have indoor and outdoor seating, a good craft beer list and several original cocktails. Plus you can then go into the hotel or the attached cafe from the back/side entrances. I really enjoyed it and hope to go back when I'm back in town, regardless if I'm staying at the Graduate or not. read more

I attended a yelp event here at Gene's and had the best time. Named after the Iowa alum Gene Wilder they incorporated A 1970's and Gene Wilder decor theme. From their 70's pool table lights to the tiny details of the Gene Wilder faces paper in the food baskets. We personally were able to meet the management staff and chef. I could tell they put a lot of thought and effort into the restaurant. We started off with a seasoned trail mix that came from Poindexter cafe attached to Gene's. Good pick me up snack for students on their way to class, along with Waco Kid a strawberry lemon Prosecco drink. Very yummy! Next we were served ribs. They were fall off the bone tender but not on the regular menu. They are a special at Gene's. For the sides we had roasted carrots, whole grain side and apple coleslaw. These are sides I wouldn't normally order when I have the option of fries but they were surprisingly delicious. For dessert they served local made blue berry pie with a ton of really good whip cream. Served with a Snozberry vodka slushee. I can't wait till summer to sit on their patio and try their other frozen drinks and enjoy the great location! read more

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Wow this place is awesome. They are connected with point dexter and the graduate hotel so you are allowed to bring food and drinks between the locations. They have a great bar with some unique drinks. I loved their frozen rose, vodka lemonade and frozen jack and coke slushees. The food is also phenomenal and fresh! The menu is limited, but their fries are amazing and crisp. The turkey club and steak burger are very savory and delicious. My hands were pretty greasy and saucy when I was done so be prepared for that. This is a great addition to downtown. The summer months will be great because their huge garage door windows open right onto the ped mall. read more

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Its not hard to please me I love a good atmosphere . This place makes me feel like i am in a 70s basement bar. The drinks are great and i love the open air concept they got going on. read more

Between Gene's and the Graduate Hotel it's next to you really could never leave the building for months. Gene's was awesome! The food and drinks were spectacular. I went for an event and tried the seasoned trail mix to start with a refreshing strawberry lemonade Prosecco cocktail called the Waco Kid. After that was the ribs, roasted carrots, apple cole slaw, and grain side dish that was awesome! The Manhattan they served with it put some hair on my chest. Those go on sale for $6 specials! Can't beat that. Lastly I had the Shnozberry slushy and blueberry pie with a huge topping of fresh whipped cream. You need to have the Shnozberry. They will be dangerous on the patio this summer bc they go down easy and are nice and fruity. The blue color takes me back to ICEEs at the gas station when I was younger... only these have several flavored vodkas in it. Way better. I will definitely be back to Gene's for trivia night, an outdoor concert this summer, or just to hangout and relax. It has a very warm feeling that makes you feel at home and comfortable. read more

Get. The. Fries. Facing the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City, this new spot attached the Graduate hotel has an yuppie/hipster cocktail lounge vibe, with a more relaxed atmosphere than I expected. That atmosphere is reflected in the menu, which is sandwich heavy and features mainly small plate offerings. I started out with a forgettable cocktail and my husband opted for a can of PBR. The drink menu was as truncated as the food menu with no beers on tap and a limited range of bottles and cans. I opted for the mixed greens salad and added shrimp, which was a good choice as the total effect boosted that dish. My husband chose the burger and was disappointed with this simple option as the burger was drier than any he could remember before, but it was saved by the sauce that came with it. The real hero was the side of fries he ordered. They were 5 Guys-good, praise not lightly given. When the warmer weather comes back to IC, the removable glass walls leading to the Ped Mall will make this a nice little afterwork joint; great for grabbing a few drinks before heading to the real dinner. read more

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Waited more than an hour for our food. Then a supervisor came and said they forgot to put our order in. We were one of two tables. Terrible service. Barely an apology from the staff for the mistake. Will never go back. read more

Actually the worst service ever. I have tried to go back multiple times because of its location and we are always given the shittiest service. On their website, it has said they have bottomless mimosas but they wouldn't honor it saying that it stopped after football season (over 6 months ago). Trash. read more

Took an hour of waiting for my group of 3 to be served outside before giving up and going inside to the bar to order. Ordered and asked to close my tab. Was told by a gentlemen "oh sure, she will close your tab". Pointing to someone on the opposite side of the bar who had zero clue I wanted to pay. Stood next to the gentlemen for a good three minutes while he chatted with some co workers before having to then go ask the waitress he pointed to if she could get my check. read more

Great drinks Terrible service We stopped for drinks before dinner, server came round to get our first order and never came back. We had to ask for our check after waiting 20 minutes with empty glasses... drinks were well made and well priced! read more

I have never visited this place for dinner however I was very disappointed with the brunch food. I ordered an AM hamburger and a side of fries. The burger was dry and very under seasoned. When it was served to me it was cold. I paid over 16 dollars for this meal and didn't even finish 1/4 of it. I would not recommend ordering any type of burger from this place read more