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There are many excellent Cedar Rapids restaurants if you’re looking for a romantic evening out. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, American, or Latin American cuisine, plenty of options offer delicious food, great ambiance, and excellent service.
Overall, a date in Cedar Rapids can be a fun, memorable, and enjoyable experience. Its range of activities and attractions offers something for everyone, making it a great place to get to know someone new or spend time with someone special.
Here are my restaurant suggestions:
Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill is an upscale American restaurant located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The restaurant offers a unique and sophisticated dining experience that is centered around locally sourced ingredients and classic American cuisine. It is the best date night in Cedar Rapids, hands down.
One of the standout features of Cobble Hill is its amazing bar, which offers a wide selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and carefully curated wines. The bar is well-known in Cedar Rapids for its creative and innovative drinks, which are expertly crafted by the skilled bartenders.
In addition to the bar, Cobble Hill is also known for its famous chef, Andy Schumacher. Chef Schumacher is a renowned chef in the Cedar Rapids area and has worked in some of the top restaurants in the country. He brings his extensive culinary expertise to Cobble Hill, creating a menu that features classic American dishes with a modern twist.
Andy’s wife Carrie runs the front of the house. I have never seen a person work harder than Carrie. She is always smiling, always welcoming, and a shining light in our community. She’s one of my favorite people.
The menu at Cobble Hill changes seasonally and offers a range of options. All dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring they are fresh, flavorful, and of the highest quality. The food is exceptional. The wait
Overall, Cobble Hill is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Cedar Rapids. With its amazing bar, famous chef, and delicious cuisine, it offers a unique and memorable dining experience that is sure to impress.
Full disclosure, Carrie and Andy have sponsored my live game show. But if you asked me where I wanted to go eat for the rest of my life, it would be Cobble Hill. They take great pride in creating an experience worth cherishing.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $100 and $150.
Leonardo’s
Leonardo’s is a classic Italian-American restaurant located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The restaurant offers a unique and inviting dining experience, with a throwback atmosphere and decor that takes you back in time.
Opened in 1954, this restaurant boasts a retro charm, vintage coin-operated jukeboxes at every table, and a sunken bar. The interior decor changes with each holiday, creating a unique atmosphere for each visit. The walls are covered with black padded vinyl, and the booths are adorned with red vinyl, completing the classic look and feel.
Leonardo’s has good food, pizza, and burgers, but the atmosphere is the real draw. You have to go to step back in time.
Brian and I had our first date at Leonardo’s. We love it. It’s our place to go when we want something chill where the wait staff will treat us like family.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $60 and $70.
Rodina
Rodina is a charming and romantic restaurant located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a date night. Cobble Hill and Rodina are the two best restaurants in Cedar Rapids, in my experience.
The menu at Rodina features traditional Eastern European cuisine focusing on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some popular dishes include pierogies, borscht, and kielbasa. The portions are generous, and the flavors are bold and hearty.
The restaurant also has a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to complement your meal. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the service is attentive and professional.
One of the standout features of Rodina is its cozy and intimate atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with warm lighting, vintage wallpaper, and antique furnishings, creating a romantic and charming ambiance. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Overall, Rodina is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious food, great drinks, and romantic atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a date night or a special evening out. Their porch is a tiny oasis in a porch-free city.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $100 and $150.
Zeppelin’s
Zeppelin’s is a lively and fun restaurant located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that makes a great place for a date night. The restaurant offers a unique and memorable dining experience, focusing on great food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Zeppelin’s menu features a variety of American and international cuisine, focusing on hearty and satisfying dishes. Some popular options include pizzas, gourmet burgers, and loaded fries. The portions are generous, and the flavors are bold and delicious.
In addition to the food, Zeppelin’s has a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it a great spot for a drink or two. Zeppelin’s bar is where I send singles to mingle.
One of the standout features of Zeppelin’s is its eclectic decor, which includes vintage airplanes and other aviation-themed memorabilia. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a great casual and fun date night spot. The atmosphere is almost second to none in Cedar Rapids, with a zeppelin theme featuring a dark and broody light presentation. It’s great.
Overall, Zeppelin’s is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a fun and memorable dining experience in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious food, great drinks, and lively atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a casual and entertaining date night.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $80 and $120.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Lion Bridge Brewing Company is a hip and trendy brewery located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that would make for a great spot for a casual and fun date night.
The brewery has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with rustic industrial decor and plenty of seating options. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is prompt and efficient.
Lion Bridge’s menu features a variety of craft beers, including many unique and creative options, such as the Disaster at Meux sour ale and the Yard Sale amber ale. The brewery also offers a variety of snacks and small plates, including charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and flatbreads.
One of the standout features of Lion Bridge is its outdoor seating area, which features a charming patio with plenty of seating and a great view of the Czech Village. The outdoor space is perfect for a warm summer evening and adds to the brewery’s fun and lively atmosphere. Lionbridge also has regular events. Is it the best patio in Cedar Rapids? If it’s not, I don’t know what is!
Lion Bridge Brewing Company is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a casual and fun date night in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious craft beers, great snacks, and lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed and enjoyable evening out.
The brewery is owned by two Cedar Rapids legends, Quinton and Ana McClain. Their beers are sold in local grocery stores. They pride themselves on creating quality and consistent experiences.
Lion Bridge has sponsored my previous events!
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $60 and $80.
350 First
350 First is a stylish and upscale restaurant in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa that would make for a perfect date night spot for those seeking an elegant and romantic atmosphere.
The restaurant boasts a diverse and impressive menu featuring American cuisine with a modern twist. The dishes are made are beautifully presented. The menu includes various options, from steak and seafood to vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
The decor at 350 First is chic and modern, with sleek furnishings, soft lighting, and a stylish color scheme. The ambiance is intimate and romantic, with a sophisticated and upscale feel. The staff is attentive and professional, ensuring you and your date have an enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
Let’s be honest, the food is good, but the real reason to go to 350 First is the view. Almost every seat in the place is a window view of the city. The view is exceptional. Go for the view, enjoy the wait staff, food and great bar.
350 First is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a refined and elegant dining experience in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious food, impressive wine list, and romantic atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a special occasion or memorable date night. I normally don’t recommend restaurants in hotels, but… That View… Best View of all the Cedar Rapids Restaurants. Hands down.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $70 and $90.
The Map Room
The Map Room is a cozy and inviting bar located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that would make for a great spot for a casual and relaxed date night.
The bar has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, with a rustic decor featuring exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and vintage maps. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, and the service is prompt and efficient.
The Map Room’s menu features a variety of craft beers, wines, cocktails, and a selection of small plates and snacks. The drinks are well-crafted and delicious, and the small plates are perfect for sharing and snacking on throughout the night.
One of the standout features of The Map Room is its outdoor seating area, which features a charming patio with plenty of seating and a great view of the street. The outdoor space is perfect for a warm summer evening, and adds to the bar’s relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Cedar Rapids doesn’t have a lot of good outdoor seating, The Map Room is a great patio to have a beer with someone you love.
The Map Room is a great option for a casual, laid-back date night in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious drinks, cozy atmosphere, and charming outdoor seating area make it a perfect spot for a fun and relaxed evening out with your date.
Owners Christina and Mitch Springman are always welcoming and friendly. They have sponsored my gameshow. It’s one of my go-to places in Cedar Rapids for a cozy date.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $50 and $70.
Need Pizza
Need Pizzeria is a great spot for a casual and fun date night in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The restaurant is located in a charming historic building, and has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a laid-back evening out.
As the name suggests, the specialty at Need Pizzeria is pizza. The menu features a variety of delicious and creative pizza options, with fresh ingredients. The pizzas are good. We go there more than I would like to admit, lol.
In addition to the pizza, the menu also includes a variety of small plates, salads, and desserts. The drinks menu is impressive, with a great selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. I
The decor at Need Pizzeria is cozy and inviting, with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and vintage touches throughout. The ambiance is friendly and relaxed, with a communal seating area encouraging socializing and conversation.
Need Pizzeria is a great Cedar Rapids restaurant if you are looking for spot for a casual and enjoyable date night. Its delicious pizza, impressive drinks menu, and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a fun and laid-back evening out with your date.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $50 and $70.
Caucho
Caucho is a great place to go on a date in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, particularly if you and your date are fans of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has a stylish and modern decor, with vibrant murals, colorful tiles, and warm lighting, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere. Plus, it’s 100 steps from my office!
One of the highlights of Caucho is its menu, which features a variety of delicious and creative Mexican dishes, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The tacos, in particular, are a must-try, with flavorful fillings and handmade tortillas. The food is tasty, scrumptious, and moreish.
The drink menu is also impressive, with various margaritas, cocktails, and beers to choose from. The restaurant has a full bar, and the bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable, creating delicious and unique drinks. The bar tenders at Caucho and Cobble Hill are showing up to work like they are playing the cello at Carnegie Hall. The drinks are great. The drinks are works of art, musical dreams in a glass.
The service at Caucho is friendly and attentive, with staff who are happy to make recommendations and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Caucho is a great choice for a fun and flavorful Cedar Rapids restaurant. Its delicious food, creative drinks, and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a night out with your date.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $60 and $90.
The Class Act
One of the best Cedar Rapids restaurants, The Class Act Restaurant at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a sophisticated and elegant spot for a romantic date night. The restaurant is unique as it is a learning Kitchen for Kirkwood College’s Culinary program.
The menu at The Class Act features modern American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared, with options ranging from steak to seafood to vegetarian. The portions are just right, and the flavors are bold and satisfying.
The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, with a variety of options to pair perfectly with your meal. The knowledgeable and attentive staff ensures a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
One of the standout features of The Class Act is its elegant and refined atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with sleek, modern furnishings and soft lighting, creating a sophisticated and romantic ambiance. The staff is attentive and professional, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic date night.
Overall, The Class Act Restaurant is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a refined and elegant dining experience in Cedar Rapids. Its delicious food, extensive wine list, and romantic atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a memorable and special date night.
Dinner for two with drinks and appetizers will cost between $70 and $100.
Cedar Rapids Restaurants for a Date Night
Everyone has different tastes. My best friend would not set foot in most of these places. And that’s fine. These are my suggestions for having a cozy date night. (I am a matchmaker, after all.)
Explore some great local options!
Did I miss something? Need to try something? Leave a comment!
