Going to a Show in Downtown Cedar Rapids? Here’s Where to Eat [GALLERY]

The next time you head to a concert, play, or sporting event in Downtown Cedar Rapids, get there early to enjoy one of the area's awesome local restaurants! Here are all your lunch and dinner options that are within walking distance (less than 15 minutes) of Downtown Cedar Rapids' concert/event venues:

READ MORE: Concerts & Comedy Shows Coming to Iowa in 2026 [LIST]

Restaurants Within Walking Distance of the Paramount Theatre/Alliant Energy PowerHouse/Theatre Cedar Rapids

• 350 First
  • 350 1st Ave NE (Top Floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel)
  • "Hip rooftop eatery at the DoubleTree Hotel serving a menu of eclectic New American fare"
  • Lunch/Dinner Hours
    • Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Black Sheep Social Club
  • 600 1st St SE
  • "Upscale restaurant & bar in a former warehouse offering New American cuisine & craft cocktails"
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Bricks Bar & Grill
  • 320 2nd Ave SE
  • "Narrow, storied beer hall with 2 floors offering BBQ sandwiches & other eats, plus many tap choices"
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Cellar 19 Wine & Deli
  • 425 2nd St SE (Skywalk Level)
  • Offers "a unique blend of fine wines, delicious sandwiches, delectable appetizers and a relaxed atmosphere."
  • Hours
    • Monday & Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• CityWalk Eatery
  • 102 2nd St SE
  • Offers a "chef-driven menu" featuring "elevated American cuisine, premium steaks, and bold flavors crafted with refined technique."
  • Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Cliff's Dive Bar & Grill
  • 227 2nd Ave SE
  • "A bar & restaurant bringing the spirit of dive in a campy way, elevating the concept & helping to redefine what dive means. The unique cocktails & tasty menu items are as quirky as the atmosphere."
  • Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen hours not listed)
• Cobble Hill
  • 219 2nd St SE
  • "Locally owned & operated restaurant and bar, focusing on locally sourced produce, craft cocktails and extensive wine selections."
  • Dinner Hours
    • Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Coffee Republic (Coffee Shop/Cafe)
  • 220 3rd Ave SE
  • "Established cafe offering sandwiches, salads & breakfast, plus unique sweet teas & espresso drinks."
  • Hours
    • Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Craft'd (Coffee Shop/Cafe)
  • 333 1st Street SE
  • "Casual coffee shop with smoothies and espresso drinks, plus comfortable seating."
  • Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The District CR
  • 415 3rd St SE
  • "The District CR is an Italian and Cajun-Creole restaurant blending family traditions with Southern soul. Our Italian recipes honor heritage, while Cajun-Creole dishes come from Louisiana chefs' expertise."
  • Hours
    • Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Dua Pie
  • 375 3rd St SE
  • A family-owned, fast-casual restaurant offering New York-style pizza (whole or by-the-slice), pasta, subs, and more
  • Hours
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight
• Izumi Sushi & Hibachi
  • 221 2nd Ave SE
  • "... our restaurant offers a wide array of authentic Japanese Food, such as Hibachi Steak, Shrimp Tempura, Tuna Roll, Chicken Udon."
  • Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• K.C. Cakes & Cajun
  • 210 3rd Ave SE
  • "Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Krystan Proctor and Alex Cooley, the shop offers a tempting mix of decadent cakes, cupcakes, and personalized desserts alongside hearty Cajun-inspired dishes. Drawing on Alex’s Louisiana roots, their menu is filled with comforting Southern flavors, including red beans and rice, cornbread, biscuits and gravy, and more."
  • Hours
    • Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The Map Room
  • 416 3rd St SE
  • "The Map Room serves internationally-inspired & housemade burgers & fries, salads & sandwiches, artisan cocktails, mocktails, craft beer, and wine in a cozy and eclectic atmosphere."
  • Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Midtown Reserve
  • 319 7th St SE
  • "Midtown Reserve is Cedar Rapids' newest reservation-only steakhouse. We offer fine dining fare, USDA prime steaks, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Enjoy a fine dining experience in an intimate setting."
  • Hours
    • Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Make your reservation HERE
  • Additional Midtown Reserve Options
    • The Bar at Midtown Reserve
      • "Looking for a great date night or dinner option, but don't need a sit down steak dinner? Head into the Bar at MTR, next door to the dining room! This chic, fun space is perfect for walk-ins, no reservation needed."
    • Sip at Midtown Reserve (CLOSED for the winter - will reopen in the spring)
      • "... serving Artisan pizzas, paired with fine wines for the perfect night out!"
• Midtown Station
  • 715 2nd Ave SE
  • "All-day breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a laid-back sports-bar setting with a patio."
  • Hours (kitchen hours not listed)
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Need Pizza
  • 207 2nd Ave SE
  • "Chill, roomy joint with New Haven–style pizzas & salads, plus a full bar with 30 craft beers on tap."
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight - slices served until 2 a.m.
• Phong Lan Restaurant
  • 216 8th St SE
  • "Modest, family-run Vietnamese restaurant furnishing familiar dishes, including pho."
  • Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Pub 217
  • 217 3rd St SE
  • "The ideal pairing of comfortable restaurant and neighborhood bar, we are well suited for any customer. Our take on classic bar food elevates the dishes to new levels, while our wide array of beer and liquor should keep any thirsty patron satisfied."
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
  •  616 2nd Ave SE
  • "Industrial, brick-walled brewpub offering classic arcade games, craft beer & creative pizzas."
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Wednesday & Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Rock Bar American Grill
  • 219 2nd Ave SE
  • "BBQ ribs, burgers & other comfort eats in a tavern-like space with a mechanical bull & TV sports."
  • Full menu is available daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Stack Wellness Cafe
  • 223 2nd St SE
  • "Stack Wellness Cafe makes healthy eating simple, accessible, and affordable. We offer nutrient-rich smoothies, bowls, wraps, salads, and healthy snacks perfect for your pre- or post-workout fuel."
  • Hours
    • Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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During the spring and summer months, there are concerts held outdoors at the McGrath Amphitheatre, just across the river from Downtown Cedar Rapids. Here are restaurants that are within walking distance (less than 15 minutes) of that venue:

Restaurants Within Walking Distance of the McGrath Amphitheatre

• Aroma Artisan Pizza
  • 151 1st Ave SW
  • "There is nothing better than wood fired cooking. Our homemade dough, hand crushed sauce, freshly grated and shredded cheeses and a great assortment of toppings provide the highest quality pizza experience every time."
  • Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The Bar
  • 1100 1st St SW
  • "Neighborhood bar offering thin crust pizza, smash burgers, wings, and TVs"
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• BarTini's
  • 151 1st Ave SW
  • "BarTini's features mezze, an Eastern Mediterranean small plates menu and martinis... over 100 of them on the martini menu. BarTini's also features a large selection of Whiskeys and Bourbons, fine wines and beers, as well as a seasonal craft cocktail menu!"
  • Hours (kitchen hours not listed)
    • Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight
    • Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
    • Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Big Grove Brewery
  • 170 1st St SW
  • "Casual restaurant and microbrewery featuring craft beers and burgers amid a modern setting."
  • Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Blue Dane (Opening in February 2026)
  • 450 1st St SW
  • "The Blue Dane is an upscale neighborhood sports bar known for elevated comfort food, quality drinks, and a refined, welcoming vibe."
  • Hours TBA
• Dash Coffee Roasters (Coffee Shop/Cafe)
  • 120 3rd Ave SW
  • "Cozy, minimalist hangout featuring breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and specialty drinks"
  • Hours
    • Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Flying Wienie
  • 103 8th Ave SW
  • "Casual eatery featuring grilled hot dogs, gyros, and burgers, as well as fries and sandwiches."
  • Hours
    • Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Groundswell Cafe (Coffee Shop/Cafe)
  • 201 3rd Ave SW
  • "Laid-back eatery serving healthy eats, coffee and smoothie options, plus a pay-it-forward program."
  • Open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• LP Street Food
  • 302 3rd Ave SW
  • "Global pub eats & full bar are offered in a relaxed setting with TV sports & low lighting."
  • Hours
    • Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight
    • Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight
• Peppercorn at the Bank
  • 101 3rd Ave SW
  • "Experience our delicious cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere within the charming setting of our historic bank building."
  • Open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - reserve a table HERE
• Pickle Palace
  • 101 1st Ave SW
  • "Multi-level eatery featuring fried chicken and other comfort foods, plus a full bar and a rooftop terrace."
  • 1st Floor Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Rooftop Kitchen Hours
    • Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.