Brick & Ivy Rooftop

In the distance, a rollercoaster zips up and down among neon lights. After a long day at the amusement park, a relaxing spot to unwind would be ideal.

Nearby is the Brick & Ivy Rooftop, located at 400 34th Ave. S.W. in Altoona. The vast, modern two-story building opened in 2020 and includes easy parking.

Tall ceilings, cement floors, wood and black high tops, booths and traditional seating complete a modern industrial design. It is a roomy joint without a cramped feel. About 20 televisions air a variety of sports with the sound off. Instead, low background humming-music was pumped in. At some larger bars, the sound often echoes. Fortunately, Brick & Ivy’s sound was just right.

The menu includes starters such as spicy pepper jack cheese curds for $13 and pretzel bites with queso for $11, among others.

A sampling of sandwiches includes brisket, Graziano grinders, hot honey chicken and a popular parmesan-crusted turkey melt, ranging from $13 to $15. Wraps include club, buffalo chicken and Caesar; all are about $14. Burgers include all sorts of toppings, including a veggie-friendly black bean burger for $14. 

Happy hour from 3-5:30 p.m. includes half-off domestic beer, $2 off specialty cocktails and $1 off well drinks, along with other daily specials. One of their latest beers on tap is Yuengling, a beer founded in 1829 that was originally available only in select states. Recently, Iowa can now serve it, much to a beer-lover’s delight. 

All of the sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of sides — fries, tots or steamed veggies, plus a small upgrade for queso mac and cheese. 

A signature item is the Chicago dog for $12. It is a quarter-pound beef frank with all the fixings on a poppyseed bun. If you are a hotdog or food challenge fan, try the Chicago Dog Challenge. The monstrosity incudes eight hotdogs and buns with all the toppings. If you finish in the top time, you will get bragging rights on their board. The most recent record was 14 minutes and 9 seconds. Do the math — it’s about three pounds of food. 

With rooftop in the name, you have to take a walk to the top level. The upstairs rooftop includes an expansive area for both indoor and outdoor seating and is open Thursdays through Sundays. The rooftop also rents out party rooms and hosts other events. If you missed their “Cousin Eddie” popup during the holidays, put it on your list for next year. Otherwise, it is a great place to view Adventureland’s fireworks displays. If you don’t do heights, take it outside to the lower patio.

Lastly, live music is a big draw, typically on Friday nights. A raised indoor stage provides ample room for musicians. Recently, CITYVIEW’s Best Local Musician, Jordan Beem, performed to an enthusiastic crowd.

There is much more to Altoona than Adventureland, Prairie Meadows and the Outlet Mall. The Brick and Ivy Rooftop, with its patios, food, drink and live music, is worth the drive alone. ♦