Recently…it was “Girls Night Out” for my friends Cindy, Carissa and me. I had the honor of choosing our “hangout” for the evening. So I picked one of my favorite spots: The Clinton Street Social Club in downtown Iowa City.
Check it out!
From the moment we opened the street-level door and began to climb the steep stairs to the second floor pub… I KNEW I had picked the right spot for us.
The mellow sounds of jazz greeted us, and the feeling of entering a New Orleans “speakeasy” set the tone for our evening. And the waiter (wearing a long sleeved white shirt and suspenders) who greeted us at the top of the stairs made me think we had stepped back in time to the ’40’s…
It was my idea to sit at the bar instead of a table and our congenial bartender made great suggestions on drinks and a DELICIOUS appetizer!
Since I don’t care for craft beers (and there were MANY to choose from), I ordered the only domestic beer on tap: Pabst Blue Ribbon! I had never tasted it before, but I remember my Dad drank it fifty years ago, so I toasted him with my first sip. And it wasn’t half-bad! In fact, the bartender informed me I am now a “hipster” since that is apparently the beer of choice for that trend-setting group. (Who knew?!)
Since my friend Cindy rarely “imbibes,” she allowed our bartender to concoct a sweet cocktail for her…and she loved it. And Carissa said the mixed drink she ordered that night was also delicious.
For our appetizer, we ordered something called their Rustic Pub Fondue…and what an awesome choice it was! The warm and gooey combination of Gruyere cheese, caramelized apples and onions, Sauvignon Blanc wine and herbs was served with toasted, warm bread for dipping. A perfect partner to our various drinks!
And the icing on the cake? From 8-10 p.m. we were entertained by the speakeasy blues music of a local group…The Dandelion Stompers…
I was truly transported to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The eight piece ensemble was amazing! And as owner Brian Vogel told me, he and his staff constantly strive to adjust the volume of live music groups to allow enjoyment of the music, but to still allow conversation among diners. So thoughtful, and another sign of the attention to detail Mr. Vogel successfully provides throughout his establishment.
And the view from the restaurant?
Whether you choose the second or third floor of the Clinton Street Social Club, you can’t find a better spot in Iowa City to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL view of the University of Iowa campus and the Pentacrest. (FYI…The architectural style of the buildings on the Pentacrest have given the campus the title of The Athens Of America). And on a night when snow is falling, the view is truly magical!
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| Our Rustic Pub Fondue…DELICIOUS! |
So between the good food, great drinks and wonderful conversation…our Girls Night Out was a huge success.
And the Clinton Street Social Club is an upstairs gem that’s worth the steep climb up those stairs…
Go there. And take some good friends. You won’t be disappointed.
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