What's the Best Bar Ever in Cedar Rapids?

Bars -- They're great places to relax, celebrate, and socialize.

As I've mentioned a few times, my dad owned a bar (Paradise, then Coopacabana) in Cedar Rapids for more than 40 years. The bar business became a family affair. I was in a bar from an early age and gained an appreciation for the nuances and special elements of a bar.

Sadly, I think the old-school bar is quickly fading from existence. People are more concerned with food options than drink options. They want a full menu to accompany their bottle/glass of beer. I think most "drinking establishments" now more closely resemble chain restaurants than unique bars.

With all of this being said, I think there are still some nice spots in Cedar Rapids to grab a drink. Here's a quick top five list for me:

The Irish Democrat -- Warm, cozy, and a Cedar Rapids staple, this spot belongs on any list of top CR bars. The back bar -- featuring stained glass -- is gorgeous, and the dim lighting creates an authentic feel. While they do feature a full menu, this spot still feels like a classic bar.
Parlor City -- PC lands on this list because it's one of the key anchors of the NewBo neighborhood. They serve a lot of food, but the place retains a bar vibe. The historic Cedar Rapids-themed memorabilia that dots the walls is really cool. They also have a ton of beers on tap (I think 56?) and they still serve bottles of High Life.
Jerseys (Downtown) -- I put this spot on the list because of the beautiful, historic back bar and the dedication to crafting old-school cocktails. The crowd is eclectic, which I like, and the atmosphere is pretty chill.
Mahoney's Pub -- It's small, it's dim, and it's a true neighborhood bar. The bar doesn't feature a jukebox, instead opting to play music selected by the bartenders and patrons through a computer system. I stop here every Christmas Eve for tradition. It's a Cedar Rapids classic.
Pub 217 -- This spot is brand new and I've mentioned it on-air a few times. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it's chill, has good customer service, and features a pretty good beer selection. If you're downtown and looking for a low-key spot to enjoy a drink, I'd make this your top option.

That's my list of current bars. I also have a few past bars in mind that would land on a list of my all-time greats in Cedar Rapids, which I'll probably detail on a future blog post. For now, let me know your favorite bars (past or present) in Cedar Rapids.

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