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.

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!

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!

My husband & I love this local speak easy vibes type cocktail bar! We went for my birthday in…read moreJanuary & it was such a nice time. Ambiance is exactly what you'd expect; intimate, petite bar, calming lighting & the cutest little tables whether high tops or lounge type. They make a delicious dirty martini & even hand stuff the bleu cheese olives. They always have a menu of other craft cocktails available. Service is always prompt and I've never had a cocktail I didn't enjoy here. For an added bonus; check out Cyclone Liquors selection. Very impressive!

YES so much fun to drink here. They also have a beer menu if cocktails aren't your thing. Great…read moreservice. Speakeasy.

Fantastic place! Love it and never miss it when I head home…read more Best tailgating!! At the corner of duff & Lincoln we'll be drinkin' my favorite t shirt!

The Tip Top lounge is an Ames classic establishment for those brave fans who start their drinking…read moreday early and take it serious. This is a Cyclone bar and many ISU fans have gotten their game face on at the Tip Top. Go Cyclones!!

Dusty's Lounge is a vibe! I feel like I'm hanging out in my Midwestern grandpa's best friend's…read morebasement, but without the weird old man smell. The drinks are delish, regularly rotating taps, and while the food menu is limited, there are some all-stars that are sure to please! My food recommendations: Deviled eggs & pretzels The Grinder sandwich (ask for an extra side of the special sauce)

Classic lounge vibe. Deviled eggs and beer what more could…read moreyou ask for? A few good places to hop around in those few blocks.

This might be my favorite location. The decor fabulous, I love the big bar area. One of my…read morefavorite seasonal cocktails, anything with a marshmallow and bourbon. Happy hour spicy garlic edamane and these baked seafood roll is my favorite roll of all time, I had to buy more to go so my husband can try. Service is always wonderful, I will be back at this location for sure.

I visited my niece and Iowa State University and she wanted sushi. This place is really close to…read morethe campus and it has really good sushi. It has nice decor. We were able to get a seat for dinner right away. Our waitress was really nice and sushi came out fast after we ordered. We got a few sushi rolls. They were all well-made and tasted really good. Prices were decent.

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.

I'd just like to say this place has a special spot in my heart after what they did for me today, my…read moreole lady had our baby today and she was craving black sheep (it is one of our go to spots for dates) we called to order they asked how the day was which was amazing I answered saying we just had a baby so fantastic, they congratulated me also when I showed up card out to pay the boss lady of some kind walked up said they gave us a stuffed animal black sheep that's hospital grade so it is 100% safe for our newborn to snuggle, I had so much gratitude for a small gesture and when I pulled my card out to pay she said "absolutely not your lunch is on us today congratulations on the new baby" and this really showed their true colors we are extremely grateful for the amazing lunch they so generously offered to pay for simply because we had a newborn and they wanted to show some kindness I felt I should share the positivity and kindness this business showed a young man and his family thank you guys so much I pray for many many long years of success and we will most definitely be back!

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,

Have been doing business with this shop for years and i dont even live in iowa anymore. I can…read moreliterally call and they can pretty much get me what i need. Great staff and very informative!

If you want great service and really nice golf merchandise this is the place to come. Prices are…read morefair and some really good bargains for men and ladies. Fantastic service. Brought in 8 golf clubs to grip and they were done in 15 minutes. They even have a driving range. A must visit for golfers, young and old. Ask to see Austin and Bo. Great guys. Nice selection of golf clothes and shoes.