Posted May 03, 2017in Belly Up To...
Happy hour in the heart of the city Few things in life are better then a Friday summer evening, and what better way to start the weekend than heading downtown and enjoying a cold one at Cowles Commons? “I always look forward to the weekend on Friday afternoon, and I
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Posted April 05, 2017in Belly Up To...
Come for the views, stay for the drinks and food The Republic on Grand is the East Village’s latest addition. The new bar is located on the sixth floor of the newly completed AC Hotel by Marriott on East Fourth and Grand Avenue. The dress code is casual, says Nick
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Posted March 01, 2017in Belly Up To...
Sebastian, the crab from “The Little Mermaid,” summed it up best when he sang how it’s better under the sea. But the famous crustacean probably didn’t know about an Altoona restaurant/bar that brings an underwater experience to land — with great food and drinks to boot. Uncle Buck’s is an
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Posted February 01, 2017in Belly Up To...
Before there was a Peace Tree Brewing Company, there was a large sycamore tree. The tree’s grand appearance made it a recognizable mark on the landscape, and thus it became a natural meeting place. Legend has it that tribes of Native Americans would meet at the tree to barter and
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Posted January 04, 2017in Belly Up To...
“If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch,” says comedian Bill Blank from the stage of the Funny Bone Comedy Club. Blank was born in Iowa, and he attended North High School. His act balances Iowa-style common sense with logic, and he combines the two while driving a bulldozer down the
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Posted November 30, 2016in Belly Up To...
When the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, much of central Iowa joined in a long-overdue celebration. After nearly 100 years of torment since the team’s last crown, it was a jubilant time in the city. One business —1908 Draught House — was faced with a dilemma. Its very
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Posted November 02, 2016in Belly Up To...
The pulse quickens under the heat of the bright lights. The man with the hot mic is elevated on stage. The vocal chords quiver. The pupils dilate — it’s go time. “I had a heart attack six-and-a-half weeks ago, so I’ve had to tone it down,” says Frank Munch, a
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Posted October 05, 2016in Belly Up To...
With more than 100 martinis on the menu, The Stuffed Olive, located in the historic Court Avenue District, is a unique place with a unique name that is sure to have your new favorite drink on its menu. Brendan Kelley, the owner, general manager and the man generally in charge
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Posted August 31, 2016in Belly Up To...
“Obviously, you’re a moron.” That’s what potential investors, lenders and even friends told Anne Mathey and her business partner, Erik Brown, two years ago. The duo planned to put a new music venue into an old refurbished bar and name it after a three-legged dog owned by Mathey. Lefty’s Live
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Posted August 10, 2016in Belly Up To...
Gas Lamp is an old-school music venue in the Western Gateway portion of downtown that recently finished some redecorating. “There are no more nudes,” said Antonio Javier Manilla Rodriguez IIV. “It’s the end of an era.” Rodriguez is speaking of the iconic Playboy centerfolds that used to line the restroom
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