Originally Posted by faithng
Thanks for all your suggestions. He did not get to try all the
recommended restaurants, but will have to go back again
for another trip in a few weeks. He did say that the streets
are difficult to find, as he would have to drive through
residential areas and than suddenly there would be a
restaurant in the middle of it.
He stayed at the Hampton and apparently wasn't impressed
with the area around it. Not too many restaurants nearby
either.
Correct, not much near the Hampton Inn and the flurry of modest hotels in that area. BUT, all of Cedar Rapids is a short drive from anywhere and there are no traffic tie ups (oh the almost rural life!). I have traveled here for the past 6 weeks and have found some nice local places. Get a map, or go to google.maps.com with an address and you can't get lost. There is no reason to go to a chain, at all!
Some recommendations within 15 minutes easy drive from any Hotel in CR:
Winifred's. This is as good a steakhouse as you could want. Good steak (most dry aged) and seafood, american and regional (add the morel mushrooms to whatever you order if in season!). Nice bar and good wine list.
Vino's (close to Winifred's and of the same local ownership, its hidden in a strip mall same side of the road (east) and a short distance south of Winifred's). Good italian cuisine and a nice atmosphere. The bar has a bookstore theme also with good wine selection.
Mount Vernon Inn ('the greek place'). Very good greek cuisine, nice atmosphere, good service. The locals love it (and they know where to go).
The Lighthouse. A mile or 2 east on Mt Vernon rd from 'the greek place'. A little bit out of town (just a couple of minutes extra but worth it). Very good food, nice ambience and a bit of history adding some character. They DO NOT take american express. Sorry business travelors. There aren't enough of us apparently. Perhaps there would be if there was a little effort in the marketing dept. I would have gone there many more times if I were able to have used amex (anyone listening!).
American Bistro. Downtown! Upscale feel, good food, sophisticated decor.
http://www.bistroonfirst.com/aboutus.htm .
The only one with a web site, come on, the rest of you get on with it, help us find you!!!
That's my list, all good, no chains!!!! So, if you are sophmoric in your tastes, need lots of noise, a theme and cloying food with no subleties, go to the Lindale mall area. You will find lots of what you are looking for. Malls, chains and big box stores have stolen the soul of so many communities. When you travel, find the best of whats local while it is still there.