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Welcome to The Dandy Lion
The Dandy Lion, nestled in the heart of Iowa City at 111 S Dubuque St, is a must-visit breakfast and lunch spot. With an inviting, cozy atmosphere, it offers an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian options that cater to diverse palates. Customer favorites include the homemade bread, delectable pastries, and standout dishes like the Katz-style eggs Benedict and the very berry French toast. Patrons rave about the attentive service and quality coffee, while the homemade hot sauce has fans clamoring for take-home bottles. The Dandy Lion isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that keeps diners returning for more.
Today's Suggestions
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The Standard
Biscuits And Gravy
Chicken Fried Steak
Lodger Special
About
The Dandy Lion
Welcome to The Dandy Lion, a charming culinary gem tucked away in downtown Iowa City at 111 S Dubuque St. This delightful eatery is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional breakfast and lunch offerings. With a focus on wholesome, homemade ingredients, The Dandy Lion stands out for its dedication to accommodating vegan and vegetarian diets across nearly the entire menu.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy ambiance that makes it easy to relax and enjoy a meal. The wait staff is known for their exceptional service, as noted by satisfied patrons like Lahoma who praised their attentive server, Cole. The waiting time is manageable, often around 20 minutes, and the smart system that texts you when your table is ready provides a perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant downtown area.
The menu boasts a variety of mouthwatering options, each prepared with care. Kelly Butcher reflected on her experience with homemade bread and delightful pastries, declaring it some of the best food she’s ever had. For those who are particular about their beverages, Mel Stahl raved about their chai, calling it "delish," alongside praises for the eggs Benedict and breakfast burrito. The latter was simply the best, as confirmed by her son, showcasing how The Dandy Lion caters to every palate.
Among the highlights, the signature very berry French toast stands out, as Kailee McCurdy discovered during her visit. Paired with a cinnamon roll, it encapsulates the warmth and flavor that The Dandy Lion embodies. With offerings like smoked pulled pork breakfast burritos and homemade bread, each dish bursts with fresh flavors that leave a lasting impression. The fruit bowl served alongside the turkey melt is perfect for those seeking a lighter touch.
What excites me about The Dandy Lion is not just the quality of food but the sense of community it fosters. Each visit feels like a warm embrace, and the commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and crafting everything from scratch ensures that you're not just eating a meal but experiencing a slice of Iowa City's heart. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Dandy Lion is a must-visit spot for anyone craving an unforgettable breakfast or lunch experience. Don’t miss out on this culinary treasure!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Our server Cole was very polite and attentive. There are vegan/vegetarian options for pretty much all menu items. The coffee was amazing and the homemade hot sauce was so good I had to buy a bottle to take home. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for breakfast/lunch spot. ”
“ We went for Sunday breakfast. The wait for two was 20 minutes- not bad considering how busy they were. They text when your table is ready so you can explore downtown Iowa City while you wait. The food was some of the best I’ve ever had. Homemade bread, fresh pastries were delicious. The wait staff was amazing. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. Don’t miss this great spot! ”
“ The Dandy Lion is fantastic! I’m a bit of a chai snob and there’s was delish! I loved the eggs Benedict, Katz style, with perfectly poached eggs, and the cinnamon roll was yum! Our son loved his breakfast burrito too. Said it was the best one he’s ever had. We’ll definitely be back to this little gem very soon! ”
“ We had lunch here on Saturday with another couple. I ordered the turkey melt with the fruit bowl. - very good. We were seated within 15 minutes as the place was very busy. ”
“ Everything was absolutely phenomenal. I ordered the special of the day very berry French toast with a cinnamon roll and my husband got the breakfasts burrito. It was amazing! Both were done perfectly and full of flavor. The burrito had smoked pulled pork that was phenomenal and the French toast was out of this world. The bread seemed to be homemade and was delicious by itself but paired with the fruit it was perfect. We drove here from Cedar Rapids (40 minute drive) because there are no good breakfast places near us, and we were not disappointed! We will be back! ”
“ I’ve been here a few times before and thoroughly enjoyed it, but today it was extra good—my fave is the breakfast salad and today it was topped with one of the most perfectly-prepared eggs I’ve ever had. I’ll be chasing that yolk texture for the rest of my life. The servers are so sweet, the vibes are excellent. The Dandy Lion is in my top 3 restaurants in Iowa city and I love recommending them to people. ”
“ The Dandy Lion is hands down one of my favorite brunch spots in Iowa City. Whether I’m sipping on their Vietnamese coffee (a must-try!) or enjoying a mimosa with friends, it’s always a great time here. The food is consistently delicious, and the cozy, cute diner vibes make it the perfect spot for a weekend brunch. Parking can be a bit tricky, and there can be a wait during peak hours, but honestly, it’s worth it. The service is decent overall, and they do a great job keeping things moving even when it’s busy. If you’re looking for a charming spot with good drinks and even better brunch options, The Dandy Lion is a must-visit. It’s always a highlight of my Iowa City weekends! ”
“ Everything we ordered was amazing including the Valentine's day themed desert cookies. The gravy on the chicken fried steak was fantastic. The New York strip steak was cooked perfectly. The avocado and toast with Poached Eggs was amazing. And the vegetarian wrap with chickpeas and lettuce had a really tasty sauce that made me forget it was a vegetarian meal. There was a 45-minute wait, but it was totally worth it. You can give them your phone number and they text you when your table is ready so you don't even have to wait in the restaurant. We will definitely be going back the next time we are in Iowa City. ”