Summer heat have you beat? Don’t worry! The Cedar Valley offers a wide variety of sweet treats and cold drinks to quench your thirst, satisfy your sweet tooth, fulfill your coffee addiction, and stuff your stomach.
Microbreweries & Not-Your-Every-Day
The Cedar Valley is home to quite a few microbreweries and unique drink experiences. Independently owned, a microbrewery is the perfect place to try a new or specialized beer.
The Wooden Foot Saloon
The Wooden Foot Saloon, located in Waverly, Iowa, has got you covered with their handmade margaritas coming in 10 different fresh fruit flavors. If homemade margaritas aren’t your thing, the Wooden Foot Saloon offers a selection of craft beers and a lounge area where you can sit back, watch an Iowa football game, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Want to get outside and enjoy the trails that Waverly has to offer? No problem, grab a handmade margarita to go and then come back next week to try a new flavor! Follow them on Facebook for updates!
SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
With plenty of different beers and creations, from their Core Beers, Shift into Sour Series, Nimble Series, Limited Releases, and the DeCELLARated Wood-aged Series, there is always something new to try at Single Speed. Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date with all things Singlespeed!
Allerton Brewing Company
Focusing on the local history, Allerton Brewing Company is named after a local racehorse, Allerton, who set the world stallion trotting record on September 19th, 1891. Located on the river in Independence, they operate a one brew system with a tap room and beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the dam and historic Mill. To keep up with the local taste, Allerton Brewing Company always has a wide variety of beers on tap!
Second State Brewing
Nick always wanted to run his own brewery and in 2017 he got the chance with Second State Brewing in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Filling the need in the craft beer market, Second State Brewing specializes in unique malty beer styles. Check out their untapped account to see what’s on tap. Second State Brewing is the perfect place to stop by while on a bike ride, after shopping on Main Street Cedar Falls while enjoying seasonal live music playing at the Pavilion.
Anton’s Garden
Look no further for “coziness, contentedness, comfort, and relaxation”, otherwise known at Anton’s Garden as being surrounded by music, good friends, good food, and great drink. The German tradition of biergartens focuses on community, good food, and great beer which Anton’s Garden is proud to uphold. Offering local meats, breads, and beers, Anton’s Garden offers the experience of Downtown Waterloo and German Tradition in one. They offer a small menu of fresh pizza, German bratwurst, and traditional hotdogs with all their buns and authentic pretzels. Follow Anton’s Garden Facebook page for updates and events!
Lark Brewing wanted to bring the Cedar Valley an elevated experience of craft brewing and food. Today, this IPA driven brewery strives to bring you international tastes in both their beer and cuisine that pair perfectly together. Follow Lark on Facebook to keep up with their events and community involvement.
Coffee Shops
No problem if breweries and margaritas aren’t your cup of tea. Check out these coffee shops around the Cedar Valley for coffee, tea, or baked treats.
Sip ‘n Shop
Two short years ago, Colleen and her husband, James, brought a dream to life when they opened Sip n Shop in Parkersburg, Iowa. Colleen always loved coffee and talking to people and wanted to create a place “where people can feel at home, away from home”. Incorporating James’ love of antiques, Sip n Shop is the perfect place to get a comforting cup of coffee and delicious loose-leaf teas while browsing their gift shop and antiques for sale. Like their Facebook page to be kept up to date with all the fresh baked goodies and drinks they have to offer!
Sidecar Coffee
Sidecar Coffee is a locally owned Cedar Valley roaster and retailer. Sidecar Coffee now has four locations in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa. Selecting special coffees from around the world to roast in small batches, Sidecar Coffee offers delicious coffee on the go, in their shop, or from your home at any time.
Sidecar Coffee said it best themselves, “Coffee should be fun. It should speak to you and make you smile.” Stop into Sidecar Coffee to listen to your coffee sing today.
Distilleries & Kombucha
Find one-of-a-kind experiences all over the Cedar Valley (including these!)
Sarge’s Distillery
Keep your eye on the lookout for Sarge’s Distillery, located in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Veteran owned and operated, Sarge’s Distillery is working to become a distillery focused on small batch craft spirits.
Sarge’s Distillery is in the process of obtaining all the permits and licenses to start the distilling process. Soon they hope to achieve their goal of a tasting room, golf simulators, and monthly food events. Check out their Facebook page for updates on the process!
Verve Kombucha
Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Verve Kombucha, located in Waterloo, Iowa, has got you covered as they are one of the few places in Iowa that brew kombucha. Partnering with multiple local businesses like Hansen’s Dairy, Sidecar Coffee, The Produce Store, and more, Verve brings all the flavors of our community to you. With unique cocktails, both classic and kombucha based, and great food, Verve Kombucha brings people together from towns nearby to distant cities. Check out their Facebook page here!
Ice Cream
Finally, what a better way to end your day than at one of these sweet spots.
The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot in Denver has got you covered with all your ice cream needs. With vanilla, chocolate, and twist ice creams, a rotating frozen yogurt, and non-dairy option everyone can find something here. They even partner with local businesses like Blueridge Orchard just west of Denver to bring you an Apple Crisp Cyclone (homemade apple crisp blended in vanilla ice cream with whipped cream topping and cinnamon). Follow them on Facebook and make sure to check out The Sweet Spot because “anytime is ice cream time” here.
Cedar City Creamery
Looking for a place to cool down after spending some time at Big Woods Lake or on the trails in Cedar Falls? Stop by the Cedar City Creamery for the perfect cool down treat! With homemade cookies, ice cream cakes, and creamy soft serve, you won’t be disappointed. Try one of their many flavors in a Flavor Burst or Winter Whip. Even mix and match your candy fillings! Better yet, on those lazy days they even have a drive through. Check out their Facebook page for updates!
Can’t pick just one? Good news – you don’t have to! Try them all out, and whether it’s craft beer & spirits, great food or sweet treats, you’re sure to find something to call your new favorite (and there are plenty more that we couldn’t list!)
