Date Night: Support a Small Business

Add some spice to your Saturday night with help from small businesses. Whether you’re looking to embark on a new dining experience or order something that hits closer to home, small businesses can help you create a night out (or in) to remember.

Appetite for Appetizers

Is it wrong to say that appetizers are the best part of a meal? We don’t think so. Next time you open a menu, look no further than the shareables. For a party of 2, ordering 3 or 4 appetizers in place of a main dish is a fun way to try more for less. Click on each photo to follow along with local bars and restaurants serving delicious meals across Iowa.

RoCA – Des Moines

Montage – Cedar Falls

Dublin Bay Irish Pub and Grill – Ames

Craft Cocktails – On the Couch

Not feeling a night out? How about a night in? Due to a recent change in Iowa Code, bars and restaurants are now permitted to sell alcoholic beverages, mixed drinks and cocktails for carry-out and delivery, opening the option to enjoy a craft cocktail from the comfort of your home. With COVID closures leaving a lasting impact on bars and restaurants, ordering beverages to-go is a great way to show your support while staying socially distanced.

Clinton Street Social Club – Iowa City

Bellhop Tiki – Des Moines

Hello Marjorie – Des Moines

Bored? How about a Board?

Charcuterie is on the rise. This smorgasbord-style of snacking swiftly gained status as of recent years for good reason. Not only is sharing a charcuterie board the perfect way to kick off a date night, but it can also be a great way to expand your palate and become the ultimate cheese connoisseur – not to mention, you must get creative with presentation. With charcuterie growing in popularity, local cheese shops have equally found their place in the small business community. Don’t know where to start? Let a local Cheesemeister lead the way.

Brix – Iowa City

Maytag Dairy Farm – Newton

The Cheese Shop – Des Moines

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