We Visited an Iconic Iowa City Restaurant for the First Time

Spoiler alert: it was AMAZING.

Hamburg Inn No. 2 in Iowa City has had quite a journey these past few years. The iconic diner has been a local staple since 1948, but almost didn't make it through 2023. In late 2022, it was reported that the restaurant would be shutting down for good in early 2023. Luckily, it only ended up being a temporary closure, with the restaurant reopening in February. But then, just a few months later, the diner closed again, this time because of staffing issues. Last August, it was revealed that Gold Cap Hospitality, which is headed up by former Iowa Hawkeye Nate Kaeding, would be taking over Hamburg Inn No. 2. Under the new ownership, the diner reopened on October 5th of 2023, and it's been thriving ever since!

When Brain and I were deciding where to go out to eat during Radiothon last week, we quickly decided that we wanted to visit Hamburg Inn No. 2. Surprisingly, neither of us had ever eaten there before! I know the diner is known for its breakfast, but we both ended up ordering dinner, and we were NOT disappointed.

For my meal, I chose the Fried Onion Burger with a side of Doug's Mac & Cheese, and for dessert I had a vanilla milkshake. Everything was delicious, but the burger was definitely my favorite. It was honestly one of the best burgers I've ever had!

Brain ordered the tenderloin with fries, as well as one of the Hamburg Inn's famous Pie Shakes. He chose Wilson's Dutch Apple, and he had nothing but great things to say about the entire meal. He tried so hard to finish the Pie Shake, but it was just too much!

Although Thursday's visit was our first to Hamburg Inn No. 2, it certainly won't be our last. I still need to try the fried chicken, the Quesabirria Breakfast Tacos, and a few of the omelettes! I'm sure I'll be back soon.