Iowa City Pub Quietly Closes After 52 Years in Business

There was no public announcement. No social media post. No real chance for fans of an Iowa City pub to say goodbye after over 50 years in business.

According to the Little Village Magazine, there are signs in the windows of The Sanctuary Pub in Iowa City, advertising that the building is for lease. The building's owner, Tracy Barkalow, stated in a post on her company's Facebook page on December 19th that "This is a one of a kind opportunity like no other in Iowa City. Find yourself stepping into a piece of local history in this really cool bar." That is what people loved most about The Sanctuary Pub. It was just a really cool bar.

The Little Village Magazine notes that The Sanctuary is part of the fabric of Iowa City. It opened in 1972. The ped mall didn't exist until 1979. The Sanctuary Pub was known for its intimate atmosphere. There were no TVs in the bar for years. Just live music, literary events, and great pizza, and a wide selection of beer on tap. This was no run-of-the-mill sports bar.

Television didn't arrive at The Sanctuary Pub until 2017. Renovations and re-branding last year led many in Iowa City to claim that the venue had become just another run-of-the-mill bar in a college town, according to the Little Village Magazine.

It is uncertain if The Sanctuary Pub will return. Perhaps a fan of the bar will step forward and return the establishment to what made it great for 52 years. An original, unique spot to gather with friends.

Get our free mobile app