Soseki Café

Soseki is the perfect place for those looking for a casual dining experience. Located next to the Graduate by Hilton Iowa City, it presents a mature, modern vibe. The café has a wide variety of sushi, rice bowls, noodles and boba tea. Soseki’s sushi ranges from cooked to raw, with differing proteins and vegetables. For the most part, the food is fresh, although the cooked rolls could benefit from a bit more heat. The wait time is not long and the service is up to par. Soseki is also affordable, making it a good option for students.

The Bep Teahouse

The Bep is fun, bright and futuristic. It’s popular for both studying and casual outings. It is located in the middle of downtown and can be accessed through the Pedestrian Mall. The Bep features interactive decor like selfie stations and an air hockey table. Although their specialty is boba tea, The Bep also offers savory snacks, desserts, smoothies and milkshakes. Ordering is done through a kiosk, and then items are picked up at the counter. The wait time varies depending on the order and how busy it is. Drinks are fairly priced but food is costly and subpar.

Bread Garden Market

Bread Garden is conveniently located next to the Iowa City Public Library. Like The Bep, Bread Garden is popular for studying or a casual outing. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, making for a laid-back, small-town vibe. The establishment functions as both a grocery store and a place to grab a quick meal. The market offers a variety of foods ranging from cold to hot. This includes salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos and burritos, just to name a few. Ordering is a bit of a tricky process. Customers order on a kiosk and then pay at the front register. To pick up food, customers must go to the back of the market and locate the counter corresponding to what they ordered. The wait time is minimal, the food is decently priced and the ingredients are very fresh.