Raise a Glass to Iowa's Oldest Bars

From century-old taverns to historic dives, these Hawkeye State watering holes serve up cold brews and warm hospitality.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the grand, sweeping interior of a historic Iowa bar with sleek, streamlined forms and a sense of monumental scale, capturing the timeless appeal of these century-old watering holes.Iowa's historic bars have weathered the state's shifting alcohol laws, remaining beloved community gathering places that offer a glimpse into the past.Des Moines Today

Traverse over a century of history at these long-standing bars across Iowa, from the state's oldest bar and restaurant in Balltown to iconic dives in Iowa City and Des Moines that have been pouring drinks since the end of Prohibition.

Why it matters

These historic bars have weathered the ups and downs of Iowa's alcohol laws, from pre-Prohibition to the modern era, and continue to serve as gathering places that reflect the unique character and community spirit of their local neighborhoods.

The details

The article highlights 8 of Iowa's oldest bars, including Breitbach's Country Dining in Balltown, which opened in 1852 and is the state's oldest bar and restaurant, as well as other iconic establishments like Dave's Fox Head Tavern in Iowa City, Little Bohemia in Cedar Rapids, and the Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines. Each bar has its own unique history, character, and specialties that have kept them popular with locals for generations.

  • Breitbach's Country Dining opened in 1852, a decade before the American Civil War.
  • Dave's Fox Head Tavern was established in 1934 after Prohibition ended.
  • Little Bohemia opened its doors in 1936 in Cedar Rapids' New Bohemia neighborhood.
  • George's Buffet has been an Iowa City staple since 1939.
  • The Locust Tap in Des Moines has been serving drinks since 1933.

The players

Breitbach's Country Dining

A family-run establishment in Balltown that has been serving cocktails, wine, and beer alongside home-cooked specialties since 1852, making it Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant.

Dave's Fox Head Tavern

The oldest standing bar in downtown Iowa City, established in 1934 and long a haunt for the literary crowd of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

Little Bohemia

The oldest tavern in Cedar Rapids, located in the city's New Bohemia neighborhood, which opened in 1936 and is known for its home-cooked goulash and pork specialties.

George's Buffet

An Iowa City staple since 1939, known for its cheeseburgers, live music, and happy hour specials.

The Locust Tap

A Des Moines dive bar that has been serving strong, cheap drinks since it opened in 1933, with a few quirky features like a leaning pool table.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These historic Iowa bars have weathered the state's shifting alcohol laws and changing times, remaining beloved community gathering places that offer a glimpse into the state's past while continuing to serve up cold drinks, live music, and local flavor.