Cooters

This bar is an interesting, and very local-filled addition the the Cedar Rapids bar scene.  It is a tiny building, about 400 square feet I would guess, and half of that is taken up by the bar.  There is little parking due to its location on 1st avenue, and limited space behind the bar.  The place has an older decor, and has not been updated in some time.  Both times we visited this bar we were served promptly, but we also experienced some of the most awkward interactions with the other patrons of any other bar we have visited.  The first visit here started with a very strange interaction wherein we were asked by a regular if we were lost.  The second visit was a little more comfortable, but still resulted in regulars coming over to us and asking what we were doing there.  The bathrooms are not very clean, and are falling apart.  They do have live music from time to time, which we experienced in the first visit, and that greatly changes the experience here.  Overall it is not a bad place to visit, but you will need to make yourself a regular here before you feel comfortable.  The average person walking into this bar will not feel welcome at first.  Drink prices were fair, and I believe they had a drink special both times we went.

Coopers Mill

Coopers Mill is, and will always be, a weird bar.  It is a hotel bar, that is really trying to expand into the "F Avenue Bar District" to increase its clientele.  I respect what its trying to do, and they don't fail, but it just feels like a hotel bar.  The bathrooms are down the hall and into the hotel area, and the bar is surprisingly small.  They do participate in F Ave bar crawls quite often, yet I have never seen a crowd here.  They have a 36 inch tall bone shaped beer glass that is fun to drink out of...it comes with a wooden stand to prop it up and everything.  She made us give her our IDs in case we broke it I guess, a credit card might have been a better thing to hold, but luckily, we didn't break it, so no problems there.  I really don't know what else to say about this place other than its a tiny room, with a bar stuffed in it.  Go here if you are on a bar crawl, or really like hotel bars, but other than that, its probably not going to be the hangout spot for anyone.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 5
Weird
Service: 8
A little awkward with the server we had, but good service.
Food: N/A
They claim to have food, appetizers especially, but yet every time we were there we were told there was none that night.  Not sure what that's all about.

Cocktails and Company

Well, the name here pretty much says it all.  Cocktails, and company.  This place is always great for gatherings of all kind, but it definitely fits into a specific category for a bar.  First and foremost, this bar is welcoming to anyone.  There are surely regulars here, but no one cares when new people wander in, and you don't get a local, cliquey bar feel here, ever.  That is great for someone who is looking for a new watering hole.  The bar is a little dated inside, and dark, but its not really a huge problem, as it is fairly well kept.  There are quite a few pool tables in the side room, somewhere around 8 I think, and I have known many people over the years who play pool league here...so if thats your thing, check it out.  They have a raised area off to the right when you walk in that is used for live music quite often, and they are known pretty well for their live music selection.  Warning to those who want to chat with friends; don't come on live music night.  The building is pretty big, but when they have live music, it is often very hard to communicate with anyone you came with.  If you are there for the music, you will love that.  The service has always been hit and miss, found a few wonderful servers, and a few that get too busy and forget about you.  On really crowded nights it can be a struggle to get the bartender's attention too.  Overall this place is well rounded, because they offer hole in the wall feel many nights during the week, but a bumping live music and hangout venue on the weekends.  Then as an aside, you also have the pool hall feel if you want to hang out over on the other side.  Top all of that off with some pretty decent bar food and good lunch specials and you really have a home run in offerings.  They have remodeled the outside in the last few years and have increased their outdoor seating quite a bit.  If all of this sounds up your alley, check it out.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 7
Its nicer inside, but it is dark and can sometimes get crowded due to the layout and/or the crowd that comes that specific night.
Service:7
Service has been fine in years past, and I didn't have any problems when we visited a few weeks ago, so they get a solid 7.
Food: 7
Going for lucky sevens across the board here, they have pretty good food for bar food, and have a pretty robust line up.  No fine dining, but you won't be disappointed popping in for lunch or a casual dinner.

Club Basix

Alright, so coming from a guy who refused to go to alternative bars in the first bar tour, I will officially eat crow.  We went to Club Basix and I didn't have a bad time.

That being said, this bar is obviously for the LGBT lifestyle, and so many people will not want to frequent or visit this bar unless that is the specific experience you are looking for.

On to the review.

This place is darkly lit, and well layed out despite the fact that it was long ago a Hardees that has not changed much since becoming Club Basix.  The bathrooms are pretty disgusting, but everything else was fine.  There was a cover the night we went, even though I think it was a Thursday.  It was only $3, so we paid, and continued.  The music is loud, so if you plan to talk, or don't like loud house music, then that will be a problem.  The door lady was great, the bartender was quick and personable.  Despite the fact that I'm sure we stood out as two poorly dressed men with two good looking women in an alternative lifestyle bar, no one seemed to care.  Maybe this is a general statement that can be made for the type of clientele that hangs out here...accepting of anyone, but either way, that was good.  We didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, we had a few drinks and shouted conversation to each other, and then moved on.

If this is the type of thing you like, you will most likely love this place.  If not, you probably stopped reading after the first few sentences anyway.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 7
Its nicer inside, but it is definitely not going for a specific look or feel, its just a converted bar.
Service: 9
No complaints, service was spot on for what it should be at a bar.
Food: N/A
Don't think they serve food here.

CJ's Sports Bar and Grille

This bar...most likely will not be a bar you will like unless you live around the area or know one of the bartenders.  It is not easy to get in and out of, limited parking, and less than desirable service.  I think in our previous review we went on an off night and with a large group of people.  The bartender had no interest in serving us, but was sure to intercept us long before the door to ensure we paid.  The second time we thought we would give it a more fair chance, and we went on a Friday night, and sat right at the bar.  Still, it took a good 5 minutes to get served, despite the fact that the bartender was not serving other people...(read: she wasn't busy)  When we finally got a beer, we started chatting it up with the people next to us, and they promptly stood up, and moved to a table.  Maybe that was coincidence, or maybe it was a sign, but either way, it felt weird.  We hung around for a second beer, and were asked to pay before we got it...even though we asked her if she could just keep our card open and run it when we got the first beers and she refused.  I understand that a lot of bars have problems with people not paying, but we were sitting right at the bar, and we offered our cards.  Maybe she was too busy to keep track of our card.  This place does accept cards by the way, as we were allowed to pay for both beers with our cards, just not allowed it keep it open.

The decor is modern industrial, and actually doesn't look too bad inside.  That is probably due to the flood and it needing an overhaul afterwards, but atmosphere here is pretty nice.  However, the people, the bartenders, the service in general are not good.  Add to that an overwhelming lack of visibility and parking, and this feels like a major letdown. They do have a pool table and a room full of dart boards. They also serve food, which we did not try either time we were there due to the unwelcoming nature of the establishment. It did appear that people were enjoying themselves, so that does indicate that some people enjoy the bar. For some reason.

Now its time for the preachy part.  We realize there are bars that are our type of bar, and bars that we don't care for, but that doesn't make them bad bars.  This bar, is a bad bar.  It screams local bar, and almost makes it obvious to people that they don't want your business.  If we had struck up a conversation with the locals and told them we had just moved in down there...we would probably have been welcomed with open arms.  But I am not going to lie to be accepted in a bar.  Often times Jen and I judge a bar on the ability for it to grow...we kind of think of this from a business owner standpoint...if I owned a bar that had mean-mugger regulars, and bartenders that don't really care about you if you aren't a regular, then I would find new bartenders and encourage them to crack down on the regulars until they learned to be more accepting, or simply ask them to leave.  Bars need new patrons to survive.  That is a fact.  This bar needs to seriously think about what its business plan looks like and what it plans to do when it wants to start increasing revenue.


The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
Its pretty nice inside, but we take the overall feeling of welcome into atmosphere.
Service: 2
We did get beer, so theres a couple points there I guess.
Food: N/A
Didn't try it, probably never will, but they have it.

City Beat

City Beat is an interesting kind of bar. Most of the people we talk to around here don't even know what it is, or where it is. When we went the first time, there was almost no one there, and the bar tender chatted us up. We liked the friendliness and were intrigued by the promise of good food, but really weren't blown away by anything else at this place. To me it feels like a post-flood remodel that has a nicer interior for an old building and a following of locals who have discovered the bar, and not told anyone. The second time we went, on a Sunday, they were closed. The third time we went, there were quite a bit more people. The bar was full, the outside patio was being utilized, and a few of the tables were occupied. The bartender hopped right over from the bar to our table to get us drinks and offerend menus. We opted to try the food since it was hyped up last time. It is expanded bar fare, sandwiches and wraps mostly, but they were pretty good. It all felt a little hodge-podge in the sense that food isn't their main business, which I guess is good for a bar, but I was hoping the food would be outstanding to match the hype. Maybe I set myself up for failure, but I thought it was just mediocre. The beer was good, and so was our bartender. On a night with a full bar, I don't expect them to constantly come to a table to check for drinks, but he was over before we even thought about walking to the bar. Props there, we tipped accordingly. This, like most bars though suffers from the neighborhood bar syndrome, but also suffers from a lack of immediate neighborhoods to pull from. If this bar was on 2nd street a few blocks on the other side of the river it would probably do well, but with a much different crowd. They do advertise live music, and have a spot designated for it inside, but in the few visits here, we haven't seen any. If you are looking for a chill spot without much going on, check this place out. This is a bar that definitely knows it needs to serve anyone who walks in the door to stay afloat, and it definitely felt reasonably welcoming to newcomers.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 8
This place is bar first, restaurant a very distant second.  It is remodeled well post-flood, and is fairly well kept.  Dark lighting, and a classy looking bar area.
Service: 9
The service was great.  I think probably the most attentive of any bar we go to.  I have yet to find an all elusive "10" server, but this is a solid 9.
Food: 6
Appears to be bar food with a little bit of an expanded lineup.  Might be good for lunch or for an early evening quick meal, but definitely not the type of place you take a date for dinner.

Chuck's Bar & Grill

Chuck's, Chuck & Dales, Chuck's Bar & Grill, Chuck and Dale's Bar & Grill... The bar of many names... We are pretty sure it used to be called Chuck & Dale's Bar & Grill and now it is just Chuck's Bar & Grill. Not sure what happened to Dale but it appears that he is not part of the name anymore. Or is he?

Anyways... we stopped out to Chuck's as the first stop of our night. The only seats taken were the ones at the bar and the whole rest of the place was open. So, since we couldn't sit at the bar we sat at a table near the bar. The bartender got us a beer and a menu. I was jonesin for some motz sticks (it happens!) so I ordered some. Unfortunately, they had only one left! AH! Disaster. So, I settled for cheese bites--close enough. But they were out of those, too. Eventually, I ended up with one motz stick and broccoli cheese bites or something. That whole situation was weird, but we were ok. We ended up only staying for one beer because the bartender never came back to ask us if we wanted anything else. That's fine, too, we have legs and we can walk to the bar, but it was also weird. I don't know much more about this bar. It probably would be a good time with a group and maybe if they had a band. It's pretty small and doesn't have any bar activities except eating and drinking...and maybe a mega touch. The place has a good vibe, but honestly if we were talking about where we should go for a night out, Chuck's would not come up. It just isn't memorable. Much more of a neighborhood spot, for sure.

P.S. we went on a Sunday, so that could be part of the reason we had this type experience.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
Feels like a restaurant and a bar, and a restaurant. It does feel a little bit confusing. It just seems strange. Not sure why.

Service: 6
The first time we went and sat at the bar the service was ok, not great. This time the service was fine but again not great. Trend?
Food: 6

Appears to be bar food, but that's what I was looking for, so there may have been other options that I overlooked.

Chrome Horse Saloon

Chrome Horse Saloon has got it together. Because of that, they host a lot of large events that bring in tons of people. They have a large parking lot next to their corner building that is often closed off for the large events. There is usually some fun to be had during the Hawkeye Football season with tailgating parties, galore! Chrome Horse is also a popular hang out for motorcycle riders which comes from the obvious theme of the bar. Above the bar inside there is even a full-sized hog! There is a large covered patio for outside seating, which has garage doors that open and close for different weather. There is also TONS of space inside. TONS. The place still gets packed, though, especially for the events previously mentioned. They almost always have live music on the weekends. This means that the weekends are also pretty busy. In the summer time, this is the spot to enjoy live music while enjoying the beautiful Iowa weather for one of their many outside concerts. Drinks are pretty standard. I've never sat at the bar but according to their website they have an ice bar which is very unique.


The food is great! We often go there with our kids during the day just for the food. It's very yummy. All the names of the meals go along with the Motorcycle theme, which is creative. Their website also invites you to host your next event there complete with Chrome Horse Catering.


The Chrome Horse is another Cedar Rapids bar that was devastated by the Flood of '08 but they were able to quickly remodel and you wouldn't ever guess that it was under 12 feet of water!

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 9
Fun and inviting atmosphere. Go on a weekday and it should be pretty chill. For more excitement and partying, check it out on the weekends.

Service: 8
Servers are always very attentive and are happy to answer any questions about the menu. I remember asking about the Mac n' Cheese once and the server gave me a sample of it before I ordered. Besides that, the service is normal, nothing really over the top but we always leave satisfied. It can be difficult to get drinks when the place is crazy busy but that is understandable. 
Food: 10

Not fine dining, but what they do, they do perfectly. Burgers, sandwiches and pizza is what you will find here-- and it is YUMMY!

Checkers

I am by no means a Racing enthusiast, but Checkers is great. I wish we lived closer to it because I would make it my "spot." Checkers is a Race themed Bar and I imagine they have specials that are themed around the Races and likely a strong crowd of people who are the lovers of the races. In fact, I bet the place is poppin' right now for the Indy 500... Anyways, we have been to Checkers only twice, once on the first Bar Tour and then for our second Bar Tour visit. Both times were good. We went with friends the second time and sat a table rather than at the bar, so the service was different than when we were at the bar. It was an enjoyable time, but really nothing special. I think Checkers is definitely one of those places that is whatever you make it. They had karaoke going which is always fun. It wasn't too loud either. We all still enjoyed conversation, which is something that is important when out with friends. They have a bunch of video arcade games which is probably pretty entertaining for some people. There is a lot of seating and a rather large bar with plenty of seats there as well, so the fear of having standing room only doesn't seem to be an issue. Overall, Checkers is a really chill place where you can catch a race, sports or just hang out with a couple cold beers. Oh! Side note, the beer is served in mason jars!  I love that.  See picture below.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
It is kind of dark, the decor and furniture seems old, but it all fits the theme well. 

Service: 7
When sitting at the bar in the past the service was great and good conversations were had with a friendly bartender. When we were sitting at a table with friends, we did have to go to the bar to get our drinks.
Food: N/A

We haven't had a chance to try anything yet, but they do boast that they smoke their own meat. That to me sounds like a delicious reason to go back and try it out! 

Mean-muggers

People who frequent small, quiet bars are very taken aback when a large group, such as a Birthday party or Bachelor/Bachelorette party, comes in for a drink. And it's fine to not like it because you go to quiet bars for a reason-- the quiet. However, I would just like to say, that if you are a person who frequents a bar, then you must care about that business, right? Ok, so mean-mugging patrons who are there to also support that establishment, that you love I remind you, really does that business no good. While the patrons are not the ones running the bar they very much are the face of the business in a lot of cases. I think it is also fair to say that at some point in most people's lives they too will be apart of a large group that goes to a bar for a special event and I'm sure that they would not want someone with "territory issues" to ruin their experience.

I feel it is important to call this out because you people who are looking at us with mean looks, or are annoyed simply by us being there will likely ruin important business for the establishment you think you are protecting. 

With that said, when we launch The Bar Tour - Extended, The Bar Tour, Unabridged, or whatever we decide to call it, in which we travel to bars in the surrounding Cedar Rapids areas... we probably will not be revisiting DanceMor in Swisher due to the straight-up hostility towards our very large group of people with money. That's not fair to the owners of DanceMor and frankly, I'm also very disappointed because I think it seems like a great experience and tons of fun.

People need to stop being so freaking judgmental.

Just something to think about for all you bar-lovers out there! (Stepping down off soap-box.)

Chappy's Safari Lounge

So we skipped this place on the first bar tour, because we had both been here at other times, but I can attest to the down home feel of this bar...and your experience is very much going to depend on what you make of it. We skipped it like I said because we both had been there, and didn't care for previous experiences. However this time we went in after a few drinks and with some friends. Karaoke was in full swing, and we sat at the bar. We could tell we were getting a few strange looks from the regulars, but I think it was because we were dressed a little fancier than we probably should have been for this more middle-class bar. We are not upper-class people, we are squarely middle class ourselves, but we probably weren't dressed that way. Our fault.

 Ok, commentary over...this bar isn't flashy. Dark safari themed wallpaper and decorations make the theme run deep throughout. The other customers were not hostile, we got served quickly, and we even decided to sing a song. Once we got up and participated in the festivities, it seemed everyone warmed up to us, and we got the crowd going. All in all, a very different experience than what we both remembered, and a great testimonial to why we are revisiting every bar on tour #2. This place will not be for everyone, but the laid back atmosphere, mixed with a very diverse (read: wide age group) clientele will make anyone feel at home here, as long as they have the right attitude. It appears anyone who wants a nicer hole in the wall bar is welcome here. Be ready to sing karaoke and drink, because those seem to be going on often from what our sources say about this place. The building looks deceivingly small, but there is ample room inside to spread out, and lots of bar area to sit at as well. Like I said, this may not be for everyone, but definitely give it a try one time with an open mind, and you may be surprised.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
It is dark, and definitely not flashy or new, but it was not dirty or grimy in any way.
Service: 9
Attentive bartender was happy to serve us, and service was very tip worthy.
Food: N/A
If anyone reading this wants to fill in about food here, they did have a kitchen that we could see from where we were sitting, but we did not have a chance to try anything.  It definitely felt like bar first, food afterthought. 

Cedar River Landing

This place is love it or hate it depending on your attitude, so I will be purely objective.  This place is hopping.  Always seems like there is a huge crowd, everyone is having a good time, and it is hard to find a reasonably close parking spot.  If I owned a bar, this is exactly what I would want my bar to be like.  Relaxed, hole in the wall feel, but with everything new, clean, and pretty thanks to the flood.  The problem is, when I go to a bar, a lot of times I want to sit and have conversation, and that is where if you are like me, you may want to avoid this place on a weekend.  They have live music, and when that is going on, it is VERY loud.  The place isn't huge considering the amount of people they have, and then when you throw a stage and a band playing it can feel a little cramped.  Again, GREAT for business, and noting wrong with live music, but that effectively cuts off conversation between you and your friends while the music is playing.  That being said, the last visit here was great.  We went early to eat and enjoy friends before the music started.  Our food was amazing considering their prices are pretty good for the amount of food you get.  Lots of unique things on the menu as well, like alligator.  Our server was very friendly and attentive, something we have experienced previous times here as well even when not eating food.  Hard to believe sometimes considering they get so busy, so props to the servers for being on the ball.  Drink prices are mediocre, they have specials but it always seems like its on things I don't drink, or on days I'm not there, but admittedly I didn't pay that close of attention.

Lastly, and totally unrelated to the review on the bar itself, the last time we were there we finished eating, listened to about 5 songs from the band when they came on while paying our check and whatnot, and as we got up to leave the band actually called us out for leaving during their set.  It was funny at first, but then they kept commenting about how they thought it was rude of us to leave...I think they were kind of offended...but we had other plans.  In no way is that a reflection on the bar, but it was kind of awkward and uncomfortable as we were leaving to have the whole bar looking at us.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 9
Very well designed, well laid out, excellent flood restoration.  Everything is also new because of the flood.
Service: 9
Attentive bartender both when busy and slow. 
Food: 7
Lots of food for your money.  Two people can eat dinner here with a few beers for under $30.

Cedar Grille

I'll make this blog entry short and sweet since this is not really a bar in the traditional sense.  We have gone here quite a few times just to drink so it works for that, but we also had friends working there as bartenders.  This is the bar inside of the Marriott hotel on Colin Road.  It is attached to a pretty high end fancy restaurant with great food.  The bar itself is pretty small, and obviously caters almost exclusively to those traveling and staying at the hotel.  I have had some good conversation with patrons here, but for the most part, if you want a bar, this is not the place.  Nothing really wrong with the place, but it is not really a drinking establishment for a local unless you want to make it one.  Great food though if you like fine dining.

No grades necessary for this one.

Capones

Capones is an interesting story, so if you don't like finding out random things about the history of a bar, skip to the next paragraph.  Jen says I love to tell people useless things, so here we go.  Capones is a newer bar since the beginning of the last bar tour.  It actually opened while we were doing the first tour a year and a half ago, but we had already passed it on the list.  Later, after the tour was suspended, we visited it with some friends on a night when we were the only ones there.  We had some food, which was pretty good, and some drinks, which were, well, just drinks.  This place is separated into two very distinct sections, there is a restaurant area, which almost gives off the ambiance of a fine dining or upscale restaurant, and then a bar area, which are sharply divided down the center of the establishment giving two very unique, and very separated areas.  This place is the old Village Bank, established in 1908...and they have kept the theme alive in the restore project.  There is a large bank vault door, and you can see the drive up windows in the bar area.  They have the old bank cage visible in the dining area as well.  Add all that to a roaring 20s theme of Al Capone and you get a great look throughout.

So, when we arrived in the past few weeks, we realized they have been doing well for themselves, as there was no where to park, and no where to sit inside.  This is a fairly sizable establishment, so that is saying a lot.  Nonetheless we bellied up to the bar and got a few beers and stood at the back and drank them.  Despite being busy, the bartender quickly got our beer and we were off drinking in no time.  My only complaint, and perhaps this is the old man in me, is that the live band playing was SO LOUD that we couldn't even scream in each others ears to say a word or two.  We ended up standing around, awkwardly swaying to the music as there was no seats, and not speaking.  We found ourselves counting down the time in our head until we could finish our beer, and leave, without seeming like those rude people who come in and have one beer and leave.  I realize that live music is the lifeblood of the bar industry, and whoever the band was playing clearly had a fairly good turnout.  Those things are great for a bar, but if I can't even scream yes or no in response to a question from someone right in front of me, maybe they should think about tweaking the venue a little bit.

Alas, it was not a turn off to the bar, as this place has promise, and the food was pretty darn good the first time.  We will definitely be giving them another chance and would like to try to restaurant portion as well.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 9
Very well designed, well laid out, well restored, cool theme throughout, overall great idea.  Everything is also new because of the flood and the restoration.
Service: 8
Attentive bartender both when busy and slow.  The first time we were here the bartender was even willing to recommend a few things on the menu.
Food: 7
I am pretty sure we just got sandwiches, but their menu runs deep into pastas, steaks, and borderline fancy food.  For what we chose, it was excellently prepared.  Prices are medium-high, but the ingredients are above average.

Bushwood

Almost everyone I know that lives in Cedar Rapids has been to Bushwood, so I will keep this review short and sweet.  They have obviously done a good job marketing themselves, because the awareness in Cedar Rapids is high.  Their atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers, and it definitely feels a little bit more like a sports bar restaurant, than just a bar...but that's ok.  If you are looking for a drinking establishment, they will cater to you, but you will probably want to go on a weekend, and later at night.  Every time we have visited the food has been decent bar food fare, with little to no innovation, but they pull everything off well.  They don't claim to be fine dining, and you will not find that experience at Bushwood.  What you will find is a darker, poorly bit restaurant, complete with tons of TVs always tuned to every sporting event you could possibly want to watch, a friendly staff, and food that will satisfy you every time.  They have decent prices, ample parking, and really the right amount of comfort to make you feel welcome.  If thats what you want, then Bushwood is the place for you.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
Comfortable, very dim lighting, and a fair amount of seating.  Could use an overhaul if they were going for new and fancy, but what they have works.
Service: 9
Always fantastic service, seems like the bartenders and servers are friendly to everyone!
Food: 6
Typical bar food fare, burgers, wraps, and fried food.  If we are rating this strictly on bar food, its probably more like an 8, but because it is only bar food, its a 6.

Bulicek's Deli N Brew

After one bar tour visit, and a second visit, this little hole in the wall is still one of our favorites. When we visited the first time over a year ago, it was dead. We had a great conversation with the bartender and a few of the other patrons, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and came back excited for round two. We were not disappointed. We have been trying to avoid going on the same night we went last time, just so we can get a different experience...which brings us to this visit. Absolutely packed. Had to park on the street outside the parking lot. Walked in, barely anywhere to stand. Two people were leaving, and myself and the other gentleman i was with let our lady friends sit down in the seats. A kind bar patron then asked to give up her seat so another of us could sit...we declined. Overall this bar has the same feel when busy as full, everyone seems genuinely happy to be there...doesn't appear to be any drama with staff or regulars, and we were happy to see they were doing a good business. Decor hasn't changed, read the original review for more on that. Service was prompt and a pitcher was only $5...a steal these days. We had intended to return for the food since we heard it was good, but it was so busy we decided to just drink our pitcher and move on. I recommend this place for a great atmosphere and good service.

P.S. "Hole in the wall" does not mean run down, this place is immaculate.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 8
Great feel to the bar, classy look, clean. Since we saw it on a packed night, I have to say it could use more seating, but you have to work with what you've got.
Service: 9
Always fantastic service, seems like the bartenders are friendly to everyone!
Food: N/A
Still haven't tried the food here!

Brick's Bar & Grill

What an interesting thing this bar tour reboot is.  On round one, Jen and I skipped Bricks on the grounds that we had both been here multiple times, didn't care for it, and generally knew its clientele. One thing we have learned so far, in going to every bar, is that bars can change.  Bricks to us was more about the drink specials and bodies in the door than it was about...well...anything else.  We were here on Christmas Day Eve, after the hubbub of the holidays had died down.  The place was dead, expected for Christmas, but none-the-less gave us an opportunity to reevaluate the bar.  The bartender hopped over to our table and gave us a menu, and took our drink order.  Off to the right start, we love drinks.  He then asked if we wanted to see a beer menu.  I have seen these before...but not in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  That's another positive.  I ask for a suggestion for a beer, he makes a good one based on what I like, I try it...not bad.  Local brewery from the Quad Cities that I didn't know existed.  He tells us they are under new ownership and they are changing the menu, and that the beer selection is bound to grow.  I am sold.  I am sure Bricks will still cater to its late night crowd, and it still falls into the downtown bar category in my head, but the fact that they are trying to set themselves apart, and offer more than just the bar experience is great to me.  We tried the nachos, and they were huge, but as good as nachos could be. I think they are really trying to change the image from a bar destination, to a restaurant/beer/wine destination, and so far, I'm digging it.  I think we will return sometime and have a meal and see what that new menu is all about.  So glad we returned to this place!

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 6
Not a ton of seating, and small, but generally welcoming, and fairly clean.
Service: 9
Blame it on being slow, but the bartender was top notch that night!
Food: N/A
We only had nachos, hard to screw it up, will evaluate later.