Pub 217

Went for a Sunday lunch and would go back. Just the kind of place downtown CR needs. Very laid back. Very casual. Great looking bar and beer selection. Family pretty much all had sandwiches/​burgers. All good. Good service. Had a bit of a local flavor, but maybe because it was Sunday at noon. Would like to go back on a Friday or Saturday evening and compare. Several TVs for game watching if that’s your thing. Need more of these in the area!

I had to take a trip to Cedar Rapids with my mom for a very serious matter but we decided to grab lunch. Time was not really on our side and not knowing the area, we didn’t know where to go. She caught a glimpse of the Pub 217 sign and I quickly hopped on Unilocal to see what folks had said about it. After two reviews, we were sold on the idea of checking it out. We walked in and the ambiance was awesome — it was a fun but pretty classy take on the pub idea. Our server, Ally C, was fantastic! She promptly greeted us and took our drink orders as we began to peruse the many delicious sounding menu offerings. There was really not a single item on the menu that I would not have eaten. As we didn’t have much time and no place to store left overs, mom and I decided to split an entrée. We ordered the «basic» ½ pound Fresh Steak Burger with sweet potato fries. The kitchen divided the burger for us as we each received a huge portion of fries. We both agreed that there is no way that the fries were really half of what they normally serve one person, however, after seeing food delivered to other patrons, it is entirely possible. Everything we saw at the other tables looked amazing. We got there a little after noon and were done in less than 30 minutes which was perfect as we had an appointment at 1. The menu was hilarious — I took a picture of every page and will post them here for your entertainment. If we lived any closer or had any reason to pass through again, we would most definitely visit Pub 217 and I encourage everyone else to as well!!!

Ok, we’ve been here several times now. Had a few hiccups. But when it’s good, it’s GOOD. And it’s been GOOD the past several visits.

Great burger. I had the cream cheese and sracha. Amazing!!! I’d recommend to all. We took our grandparents for lunch. Quote, «takes over as best burger in Cedar Rapids».
We will go back next time in town
Homemade chips amazing too

I went here with a friend about two weeks ago. The restaurant is in a cool location and has a nice set up and selection. We ordered a pretzel and beer cheese for an appetizer and the pretzels were still frozen on the inside. Our sandwiches were ok, but nothing to write home about. Not a great experience.

Pub 217 has very friendly service and a chill atmosphere. Even when the place is packed, the bartenders and waitstaff are attentive and respectful, which is extremely impressive and keeps me coming back. Pub 217’s happy hour is generous and at the perfect time for professionals who want to unwind after work! They also have some of the best bar food in town: their salads and appetizers are delicious! I am already a regular at this establishment and I’m so glad it’s been such a success so far.

I’ve been here twice, both for weekday lunch. Pub 217 is a nice addition to a growing list of downtown restaurants. They seem to be more of a restaurant than a bar, but I haven’t seen it at night yet. I don’t think I had ever been in this location despite working downtown for most of the last 20+ years. The last business was a gym but you would never know it on the inside as they did a nice job remodeling and keeping the flavor of the historic building. It was obviously build as two separate store fronts and it’s a little confusing as to which entrance to use (the one the right). The large horseshoe shaped bar is in the middle with tables on either side.
I enjoyed the food both trips and service is prompt and friendly. Like most downtown eateries they have to make hay on the weekday lunches because the night and weekend crowds are either feast (when there’s a good event going on) or famine (when there’s not). The menu is dominated by burgers, chicken sandwiches and wraps. It’s worth a trip.

Good place for lunch!
Went during evening on a Saturday night and there is a vast array of people that come here. Kinda refreshing to go to a place in town and not be surrounded by college kids or stuffy peeps.
Pretzel bites!
Good choice of beers on hand also.

We decided to try a new place on a Sunday afternoon, so we went to Pub 217. The place was a little dark, and could some work on décor to give it more atmospere. The big horseshoe bar was cool, but the place didnt really have an apparent identity. Menus and a drink list were brought quickly. The tap list was good, although I was surprised not to see more selection from Lionbridge and Turner Alley, given they brew in CR. There was a good selection of canned and bottled beer as well. I ordered a breaded chicken sandwich and it was fantastic. My wife thought her Rachel sandwich was very good as well. The food made it worth the trip!
Overall, Pub 217 is a little generic, as bars go, and needs to build some character, but I would think it to be a fun place to hang out after work, or before a show. They definitely do a great job with their food, and the service was good. I will be back to eat soon!

Great menu!!! Nice new pub in downtown. Great to have more establishments down hete. Service was good. People very friendly. Great place for lunch and to watch games… or dinner before a show.

Great new bar in downtown Cedar Rapids. The beer selection is good, and the service has been very good so far. As expected there are a few hiccups now and again, but I give them a pass since they are new.
This is a new added comment… I do not like their wings. That said, I prefer a crispy wing with a traditional buffalo wing-​type sauce. These wings have not met my standard after three tries at three different times. In short, their wings are awful by my particular criteria.
I haven’t tried much of the food yet, but their wieners are very good. I must say that they have the best wieners that I’ve put into my mouth. Almost too big, but you start at the tip and work your way down to the end.
The Unilocal map is wrong. This bar is on the SE side of town. Hopefully they will update the address ASAP.

Fan-​Tas-​Tic!!!
My wife and our three boys decided to try something new tonight! Lettuce Wraps for our appetizer, Black Bean Burger, Cobb Salad, Buffalo Chicken Snadwich, and two Cheese Burgers… The kids loved it!
Definitely coming back.