New Iowa City Restaurant is Named After a ‘Cursed’ Local Statue

A new bar, restaurant, and music venue has opened its doors in Iowa City! The Daily Iowan reports that The Black Angel began welcoming customers in July.

According to the Daily Iowan, The Black Angel is named after a famous statue located in a nearby cemetery. Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City's main cemetery, is home to a statue called The Black Angel that's rumored to be cursed. The 8.5-foot bronze statue memorializes Edward Dolezal, the son of a Czech immigrant named Teresa Feldevert. Edward passed away in 1981, and Teresa had the statue constructed in Chicago and transported to Iowa City in 1915. The outdoor statue has since oxidized, giving it an eerie, blackish-green color, which has lead many to speculate that it is evil. According to Wikipedia, "It is said that if one touches or kisses the statue they will be struck dead unless that person is a virgin. It is also rumored that if a pregnant woman walks beneath the statue’s stretched wings that she will miscarry."

The Black Angel restaurant is located at 630 Iowa Ave, formerly the home of Sunny’s, Billy’s High Hat Diner, and Lou Henri's. The menu is fairly small, but also features daily and seasonal specials. Some of the items you can order include Pork Vindaloo, Blackened Chicken, Po Boys, Perez Family Tacos, Farm Ratatouille, and the Double Double Burger. The restaurant mentioned on Facebook that a lot of their produce comes right from their farm that's located east of Iowa City. The Daily Iowan reports that the craft cocktail menu has also been very popular so far.

In addition to food and drinks, The Black Angel is also a music venue! They already have acts scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September and October. You can check out the full schedule HERE.

If you're looking for a bar & restaurant that's "super cozy" and "welcoming" with a "classic" feel, check out The Black Angel in Iowa City! It's open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. You can visit the official Facebook page for more information HERE.