One of the best things about living in the Iowa City area is the wide variety of food and grocery options for every palate, dietary tradition, and budget. Check out some of our favorite spots, make your list, and head to your new favorite shop. Be sure to check out this map featuring all of these superb specialty grocers to see all of the great locations!
Specialty Grocery Stores in the Iowa City Area
African
Iowa City Halal and Grocery
1806 Boyrum St. Iowa City
Sun-Mon: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tues-Sat: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Certified Halal food and meats
Asian
Asia+
201 S. Clinton St. (Inside Old Capitol Mall)
Mon-Fri: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: A huge selection of imported candies and just steps from the Old Capitol parking ramp (1st hour is free!)
Chong’s Supermarket
905 2nd St. Coralville
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Their large produce selection gets excellent reviews!
Asian Market
624 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City
What we’re sold on: An entire aisle of ramen noodles and helpful staff who give flavor recommendations
Indian
Taj International Foods
2419 2nd St. #2 Coralville
Tue-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Fresh samosas and produce deliveries every Wednesday
K Brothers Grocery
2058 8th St. Coralville
Daily: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
What we’re sold on: A variety of Indian and Asian grocery staples, including whole grains and flours, spices, and ready-to-eat sweets and snacks.
Mexican/South American
Acapulco Mexican Bakery and Grocery
1937 Keokuk St. Iowa City
Daily: 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Huge selection of Mexican and Central/South American foods and treats, including fresh-baked pastries from their bakery around the corner.
La Regia Tacqueria and Market
436 Hwy 1 W. Iowa City
Tues-Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Their fresh chorizo and El Pastor at the meat counter and house-made carnitas to-go! Stay for a delicious, authentic Mexican dining experience at the on-site restaurant.
Natural Foods
Bread Garden
225 S. Linn St. Iowa City
Daily: 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Favorites include their daily soup choices (Tuscan Tomato is an all-time favorite) and deli case with ready-to-eat options including salmon cakes and fresh pasta. Located across from the library and outdoor play structure, it’s also a convenient stop if your kid has a melt-down because story time ran into feeding time.
Trader Joe’s
920 Ponseti Way
Daily: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: So many things, and $3 wine! This store’s standout is the friendly crew on hand in every aisle, ready to give recommendations.
New Pioneer Co-op
Daily: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Two locations:
1101 2nd St. Coralville
22 S. Van Buren Iowa City
What we’re sold on: New Pi uses all-natural ingredients in their delicious selections and have a daily rotation of specialty bread. Chocolate Chip cookies are an Iowa City Moms favorite. Become a member (free!) and earn free gallons of milk, bread, and other staples.
Natural Grocers
1404 S. Gilbert Iowa City
Tue – Sat: 8:30 a.m.-8:36 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.-7:35 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Coupon mailers have great deals on featured natural products.
Liquor and More
John’s Grocery
401 E. Market Iowa City
Daily: 8 a.m. to midnight
What we’re sold on: An Iowa City institution since 1948 with a huge spirits inventory, wine selection, and “beer room.” Family-owned with staff on hand to help you find something great on any budget. Ask any local or Iowa alum about John’s grocery and they will instantly smile!
Brix Cheese Shop and Wine Bar
Tue-Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
What we’re sold on: In addition to their wine selection and Bottle Club Membership, stop in for their delicious, curated boards (they even have a vegan option!). Our favorite is the All-Iowan Board with Milton Prairie Cheese. Follow them on social media for event information.
Wine Styles
920 E. 2nd Ave #115 Coralville
Mon-Wed: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thur-Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
What we’re sold on: Weekly tastings and wine club membership option
Meat Market
Thomas Meat Market
Mon-Fri: 10-6
Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
What we’re sold on: A true “corner market,” Thomas’s has locally sourced, heritage breed meats. We love their steakburgers, cottage bacon, house-made hot dogs and brats, smoked deli meat…and nightly specials. Thursday is rib night, but be sure to arrive right at 4 p.m. if you want to grab a hot, smoked rack for dinner before they sell out!
