6 Cedar Rapids Restaurants That We Really Miss [PHOTOS]

Over the course of the nine years that I've lived here in Eastern Iowa, I've eaten at some amazing local restaurants. Unfortunately, not all of those restaurants have survived.

In 2023, we lost some great eateries. QDogs BBQ, Sugarfire, Rodina, The General Store, Iowa River Power, Hospoda, Mosley's BBQ, Sutliff Farm & Cider House, Rawlicious, and Bistro 3 Nineteen are just some of the restaurants that shut their doors this year. Luckily, we've had WAY more openings than closings! You can check out a list HERE.

All this talk about restaurant closings got us thinking about some of the other places in the area that we miss! Here are 6 Cedar Rapids restaurants that we wish would make a comeback:

Saucy Focaccia

When Saucy Focaccia closed their two Cedar Rapids locations in late 2022, many of us were very surprised. Over the ten years that they were open, the restaurant made the list of the top 10 Iowa Burgers FIVE times! They also closed their spinoff restaurant The Breakfast Bar after less than a year in business. I sincerely miss their burgers and fries, especially when they were smothered in cheese sauce.

White Star Ale House

To be honest with you, I STILL think about the cheese wontons from White Star on a regular basis. The restaurant was one of my absolute favorites when I first moved to Cedar Rapids, and I was genuinely shocked when it closed down in 2020. Hope for the restaurant was renewed when it reopened under new ownership in 2021, but then it closed again. In addition to the world's best cheese wontons, I also miss the restaurant's mac & cheese, egg rolls, and sandwiches.

Grin N Goose

It's so, so sad that I will never get to experience the mozzarella sticks from Grin N Goose ever again. They were truly the best I've ever had! The restaurant, which was located at 227 2nd Ave SE, closed in 2021 and was eventually taken over by Cliff's Dive Bar & Grill. The pretzel bites, Boom Boom Shrimp, burgers, and nachos are all missed dearly.

Vivian's Soul Food

Vivian's Soul Food was so ridiculously good, it just doesn't make sense that they had to close last year! Their fried chicken, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and cornbread were the best in town, and I still haven't found a suitable replacement. Whenever I pass by their old building at 2925 Williams Pkwy SW, I feel a tinge of sadness.

Vito's on 42nd

I have three words for you: SPINACH. ARTICHOKE. DIP. Even though Vito's on 42nd closed and rebranded back in early 2022, I STILL talk about how they had the best spinach artichoke dip on the planet. My friends and I have tried to recreate it, but we can never get it exactly right. We will never stop trying.

Fong's Pizza

I know there's still a Fong's Pizza location over in Des Moines, but it's a bummer that it's so far away! The Cedar Rapids restaurant was over in the NewBo District at 1006 3rd St SE, but closed its doors in November of 2022. I miss the Chinese Cheese Sticks, the Dragon Balls, the Loaded Potato Pizza, and the Honey & Garlic Pizza.

What area restaurants do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments or by shooting us a message on the station app!