UPDATE: 1/10/23

It looks like Hamburg Inn No. 2 has, in fact, closed its doors. According to a new article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette:

"In a statement, the lawyer said the closure is just temporary, and that it would reopen Feb. 1 after 'physical and spiritual repairs.'

Michael Lee and his professional service staff are looking forward to moving past this situation and reopening this iconic restaurant with uplifting spirit and renewed energy.”

The article also reports that last week, new management took over the restaurant. The official Facebook page for Hamburg Inn No. 2 has been taken down, but the website is still live.

ORIGINAL STORY: 1/3/23

Last Friday, December 30th, Iowans were shocked to hear that a staple of Iowa City would be closing its doors "indefinitely." KCRG reported that Katy Wells, the Assistant Manager of Hamburg Inn No. 2, said that the restaurant would be closed as of January 8th, but she did not give a reason for the closure. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reported that Manager Robert "Ajax" Ehl stated that the restaurant isn't making enough to pay their bills. He said, "The bottom line is I can't stay open if I can't pay my employees and I'm not going to ask them to work for free."

A short time after the news of the closure was announced, it was reported that Hamburg Inn No. 2 would not be closing its doors this month, after all. The Cedar Rapids Gazette states that a legal representative for owner Michael Lee, who is currently in Taiwan, said:

"They are making some updates and repairs, so they have had limited hours. Unfortunately, that somehow was construed as an intent to close the restaurant permanently, which is not the intent.”

A sign on the door of Hamburg Inn No. 2 says that they are currently open for dine-in or carryout, but that the bathrooms are out-of-order. An article from Little Village Magazine reports that there was a sewage line break, as well as other maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

Hamburg Inn No. 2, located at 214 N Linn Street in Iowa City, first opened its doors in 1948 and has been a popular stop for politicians and presidential candidates over the years. They even have a 'Presidential Breakfast' on the menu! In addition to all the breakfast options, the restaurant is also well known for its 'World Famous Pie Shakes.' Let's keep our fingers crossed that they are able to fix their issues and keep the place running!

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