18 Restaurants in 90 Minutes – My Favorite CR Restaurant Week Specials

The 2025 Fork & Knife Feast was a HUGE success!

Last night, 18 of the 19 Cedar Rapids area restaurants participating in Restaurant Week gave out samples of some of their special menu items at the annual Fork & Knife Feast at Epic Event Center in Marion. In a matter of 90 minutes, I had eaten so much that I literally couldn't stand up straight!

As you will see in the photos below, there were SO many awesome foods and drinks at the Fork & Knife Feast, but each attendee could only vote for ONE dish and ONE cocktail. My votes went to the hip-stir for their Lamb Meatballs and Big Grove Brewery for their WHISKEY SMASH Cocktail.

Lamb Meatballs - Roasted red pepper harissa, yogurt, arugula sauce, and cashew dukkha

WHISKEY SMASH Cocktail – Cherry shrub, rosemary, Cedar Ridge Bourbon, and rosemary sprig

Some of my other favorite items include:

• Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers from The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
• Fresh Bourbon Caramel Date Gelato from Aroma Artisan Pizza
• Stir Fry Hand-Breaded Chicken from Lucky's on 16th
• Crunchberry Cheesecake from Big Grove Brewery
• Roasted Pork Tostada from Black Sheep Social Club
• Bayou Bruschetta from the District CR
• Steak & Egg Ciabatta from Groundswell Cafe
• Braised Short Rib - Cliff's Dive Bar
• Tres Leches Cake from La Cantina

Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week runs from February 21st through March 2nd! For a FULL list of participating restaurants and their specials, click HERE.

Here's a look at (almost) ALL of the dishes and cocktails that I got to try on February 20th: