Great selection of craft beers, enough to satisfy anyone's palate. Sometimes the service can be a…read morelittle iffy since there are two bars (and all the times I've been here there's only been one server). But, since there's no alcohol service at Rudy's next door, this is your only option.

Love. Love love…read morelove. They offer real beer, not "stupid beer," as I'm fond of saying. "Stupid beer" is the mass-marketed domestic, watery, flavorless crap most often offered at nearly every other blasted bar. Oh, no; If I want a super-hopped IPA, I can get it. An oatmeal stout? NO PROBLEM. Perhaps a porter, or maybe a craft brew? They have it. It is a beer oasis in a sea of swill.

Apparently this is a coffee bar in the day and a martini bar at night, I have not been here during…read morethe day. My friends and I came in for a drink to end our evening and found this place to be a little quirky but very homey. We sat in the area with the couch, loveseat and chairs. There is other seating available with high stools and tables. We had three people check in us during our visit so we were well cared for. We didn't order food as we had already eaten. It's drink menu has about 50 martinis listed. This place has a laidback feel to it, very enjoyable. The martinis come out just slow enough to notice but not overly slow. Enjoyed our experience, we will return.

Fantastic food, drinks, and service! Incredible experience…read more Would highly recommend the blueberry lemon or scotheroo martinis, you will not be disappointed.

This is the coolest bar I've ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I've ever been…read moreto- PERIOD! The Sanity Room takes "theme" bar to a whole new level. There is a state mental facility outside of Independence, Iowa, and hence the theme of the Sanity Room. But don't think it's cold and creepy. No. The owners have gone to great lengths to make this an inviting place complete with the unique chairs, private small booths, and kitschy motto signs surrounding the place (one of my faves: "I can only please one person per day. Today I choose me."). They serve shots in pill bottles and syringes, and the staff will even make you don a patient gown, sit in the old hospital bed (vintage and they claim it came from the state hospital), and then administer the shots while wearing a doctor's coat. Genius! After you are vaccinated, you get a sticker. As if the booze wasn't awesome enough! And let's talk about the booze. This is a full bar that also features some great craft and local beers, as well as a local wine. Iowa wine, you ask? It was by far the best I sampled and I bought a bottle. Yeah, you can buy their stock too, if they have enough. As for specialty cocktails? Look no further than the bloody mary made with Chardonnay. That's right, I said the bloody mary is made with wine. And it's delicious. Since wine doesn't have as much alcohol as vodka, you might have to drink a lot to get the same effect, but with a taste like this you won't mind. The Sanity Room does seem to be a work in progress as they only have one unisex bathroom but they are working on more accommodations. Still, it's small so you can't imagine there would ever be a long line. It also sits in the back of an antique store, so blink and you might miss it. I know we did the first time we walked by, but the second time we took a chance and walked in and I am so glad we did! There's even a back patio area that overlooks the Wapsipinican River. The only bad thing would be that there are no TVs in the Sanity Room. I question if this would change the integrity of the bar, as it might compromise the theme and inviting nature. But I am a sports nut and there would be nothing better than belly up at the bar, drinking a glass of La T Da & watching the game! Seriously, if you're ever in Independence and you don't stop in here, you're missing out. I can't wait to get back and get my dose of Sanity!

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun decor and the…read moreowner/managers obviously love their work! A deck in the back gives a nice view of the Wapsie River, and an antique shop with all sorts of fun things, from tools to quilts. Thanks for the hospitality!

Love getting a large Lighthouse special and having a few beers with our condo friends.read more

Fantastic, unassuming cocktail lounge with phenomenal pizza! The Saturday night we were there the…read moreplace was pretty full but were fortunate to score one of the 3 remaining empty tables. The music was great too, though this may be due to the regulars having good taste in music and dialing up the TouchTunes jukebox. The mural/signage that graces the front of the building is fantastic too. Before you go: Lighthouse Lounge is cash only. On the unlikely chance you don't fill up on pizza and beer, there's a Dairy Queen right across the street. Thank You for the terrific 'za Lighthouse Lounge!

Vibes are truly the best at The Green House. It's so cute with all the plants around. Been a few…read moretimes but got the Chai Espresso Martini⁣ last time. It's definitely preference but The Green House has my favorite espresso martini! Strong in both coffee and alcohol so it's a sipper! Less chocolate and more chai and coffee. I've also loved their shrub beverages and perfect to get some snacks from there or across the street at New Pioneer Coop. Bartenders are always nice and helpful. Quicker usually to go to bar to order

Great bar atmosphere and fun drinks. The service is best at the bar if busy as they don't come…read morearound to tables much. I had the Aubrey 2 mock tail, which was good. I really enjoyed my friend's affogato espresso drink.

The locals already know what I am about to tell you: The Map Room is truly a perfect restaurant…read more The intentionally eclectic menu offers something for everyone, so long as they like a LOT of flavor, and the burgers in particular, are *REALLY* good. Service is exceptionally welcoming and friendly, and if I lived in Cedar Rapids, I would be here at least twice a week.

When traveling, I always visit local, independent restaurants. The Map Room is a gem!…read more A wide variety of burgers, with house made vegan options. Indoor and outdoor seating. Great decor and comfortable booths. Fantastic service! Attentive without hovering. 10/10

Great dive spot for a few beers, good music, and maybe catch the game. Leather arm rest around the…read morebar + carpeted footrests are clutch. Always friendly service.

From the owner: The Panther Lounge is your spot for the best drinks in Cedars Falls! We feature nightly drink…read morespecials, happy hour from 4-7, and we are open late! Come for one or stay for a few!

We were in Cedar Rapids for a concert at the Paramount Theater and discovered this treasure…read more Though I didn't snap many pics photos, the interior was classy, yet casual. Our dinner was wonderful and two weeks later my husband still raved about the fried chicken sandwich! Service was good, considering how busy they were but we had a little frustration taking care of our tab when we mentioned we were headed to a show and needed to be headed there,

After many visits tried the Captain crunch fish appetizer. Incredibly good…read more The Witches Slap brew was also amazing! One of the best burgers in town. Wish they had some more burger variations. Sweet potato fries were the best Ive tried anywhere!

Haven't been here for more years than I care to admit to, but I found myself back gor a Christmas…read moreget together. It took me back to the days of goingbto local neighborhood bars. While the place isn't fancy, it's comfortable and quiet. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Might not be the place for trendy cocktails, but its good for a quiet get away

I visited this bar for karaoke on a Friday night and am very unimpressed by the karaoke hosts and…read morethe way they managed their system: Here are the issues: 1. The announcer was intoxicated: A rule of thumb for karaoke hosts is to always be aware and able to run karaoke to the best of their ability. After several drinks, the KJ was noticeably under the influence and being rude while interrupting karaoke singers. He may have thought he was being funny, but it came across to me as rude and unappreciative of the singers. 2. The announcer would interrupt songs with commentary: The KJ would frequently interrupt the singers (on his mic) with commentary and jokes. I found this extremely disrespectful to the singers. It was distracting to the singers, the audience, and made me feel uncomfortable. 3. The announcer was rude to me directly: During one song, he started laughing and made a comment of "well if you were to do it right". I know he somehow meant it as a joke, but I was embarrassed and that was completely uncalled for. At the end of the night, he restated he appreciated me coming out and hopes that I'd return, but as a KJ myself, there are things you just don't do when running karaoke. Being sober and able to make good judgments, respecting people when it's their time to shine, and being courteous to those around you are essential. This will be my first and last time visiting the Red Lion Lounge.

What an amazing place. First off - 300 cats housed in one year. That's an amazing feat alone. Walk…read morein. Take off your shoes. Relax with cats and pay a reasonable fee and decompress with an amazing staff and a welcoming environment. Was snowing out and that made it even more cool and cozy. God bless places like this. What a welcome addition in Iowa city. Please support this business.

Walked by and outside decor intrigued me, stopped in and did 1 hour of cat hang for $22. Seemed…read morevery reasonable! There is a complimentary flavored sparkling water machine, hot tea & chips station. Staff is extremely welcoming! All cats were rescued locally & up for adoption.