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Mon-Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Hamburg Inn was probably the highlight of our trip to Iowa and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. This place is not even close to a terrible greasy spoon place despite the numerous mentions in other yelpers' reviews. Of course not pristine clean, but it's very acceptable so don't let that stop you.
Came here on a Sunday around 2PM. We didn't have to wait with our party of two. They serve breakfast all day and their omelet's were what we've been hearing so many good things about, so we got a Reuben omelet (not on the menu, you have to ask for it) and corn beef hash and eggs. Both of them were were pretty good and I could see coming here all the time if I lived here. Most people around us were ordering burgers though, so if I ever get the chance to come back, I might opt for that. But the best thing here that made a lasting impression on me were the pies. We had a slice of the rhubarb and peach pie and both of them were delicious and the rhubarb is probably the best I've ever had. Peach was also extremely good too. They also said they could make the pies into a shake, which doesn't sound the most appealing thing, but I'm curious. But those pies... they'll stay with me for a long time and bumps this place to 5 stars from 4. They also offer a frequent diner card that pays you back money for so many dollars spent and on Mondays they offer a 10% discount if you're wearing a Hamburg Inn t-shirt. If I was a local, I'd be taking full advantage of these two. Service was adequate, and prices are very reasonable, so there's not much to hate about Hamburg Inn.
Portion size is probably the thing I wish was better. I'm sure it's enough for most people, but compared to most similar restaurants, it was barely adequate. Also another tough thing is the space. You might have to circle the block for a metered space. I didn't see the private lot. There is not enough restaurant space to meet the demand during busy times. If you come during peak hours, you might have to stand out in the cold for a while, but that wouldn't keep me from coming here.
Price: $30 for two coffees, two omelets, two pies with tax and tip.
Food: Omelets Good, Pies Fabulous
Service: OK
Ambiance: Good (it's nowhere near an overly greasy environment IMHO)
Location: OK (there are a few other popular restaurants and cafes on the same block)
Hamburg inn #2 gets 1 star for being a historical/political place.
I really don't understand how one thinks a burger is worth $10? The burger was not even moderately good. I've had better burgers from portable dorm grills.
The service was also sub-standard. I understand its ran by mostly students, but Oasis, which is 2 doors down, has great service!
Like the old capitol in Iowa City, go for the history lesson.
In four years of blurry memories and past-present day social networked friends, I do remember this restaurant. On a half dozen visits, each occasion was brunch. Weekend mornings were the busiest and there is no real waiting area, standing room only, or lobby if you hit the rush. For the most part, as I remember it, booths were the dominant seating arrangement, with a long diner-esque counter. I always found it odd, you can see into the kitchen from virtually anywhere in the restaurant. The prep counters, the boilers, and yes, the cooks sliding around on the floor from grease.
I went with the omelets and skillets when I did come here. Had a BLT once, wasn't too impressed. In my opinion, seems more of a breakfast staple than a lunch or dinner establishment.
I liked seeing the retro counter with the cash register that housed gum, candies, and after-meal mints. Always cool to see things like that still maintained and incorporated in food service.
Sure, bring the family for orientation or on a homecoming visit. But you may not be as motivated to make plans to come here with other current hawkeyes during the school year.
Not many great breakfast places in I.C in the late 90s-2000, but this usually stood out due to tradition and more of a local "have you been to...?" landmark.
Well I'm one of those that just does not get it. I ate here while interviewing for my current job in IC. It was a waste of a company paid meal. Only saving grace was that it wasn't my money going down the drain. I got a bison burger and my lord was it a sad little prefab frozen burger.
There is really no reason to eat here.
Historical? check.
Quirky? check.
College-y? check.
Good? no check.
If these are the best burgers Iowa has to offer, I'd stick with corn or something. The servers were indifferent and cold in that "I'm so cool that I work here" way, which is fine if you work for the Pope or Miley Cyrus, but not a hamburger restaurant in Iowa, even if the umpteenth President has ordered from here.
But back to the food - bleh. Oh, in case you wondered, don't order the rhubarb pie. Rhubarb is usually cooked before you put it in a pie, and then you cook the pie. The rhubarb was raw.
Slightly (only very slightly!) overpriced for what you get, but always seems to hit the spot for Sunday brunch! Stick to your ribs breakfast, fairly quick service, and interesting stuff to look at on the walls while you wait.
Went their tonight to eat. What I like about Hamburg is the ability to add crazy toppings to my tenderloin sandwich. I added cheese, bacon, sour cream and black olives to my sandwich. No silly face and no problems! I was so impressed with how well the sandwich was put together and it tasted AWESOME! Plenty of fries too! I kinda wish the staff would make sure all the tables are cleaned. We walked around the place more than I'd like to find a spot. Not a big deal. Another great trip!
I've been here 4+ times. Each time we've had a pleasant experience. Sure, this place gets plenty… Read more »
Awesome restaurant! I've been going there ever since I was in college in the early 1970's. The burgers are the thing to get and what they are most famous for. They are GREAT! I can't believe anyone would give this place a bad review. Talk about down home flavor both in food and atmosphere and you've got it at Hamburg Inn. It is an Iowa City staple and historic place to catch a quick meal. We love it. I've lived in Iowa City my whole life and it is one of my favorite places to eat!
Its myth permeates the Iowa City area with such fervor that all who have not dined here are mocked and ridiculed. Having had enough mock and rid we chose to take the plunge with friends. Know for greasy spoon mainstays and the ability to gather more politicians than D.C. we were looking forward to it. As we entered the doors we noticed how quaint it truly was, friendly - prompt service and reasonable prices. The only issue that we had was with the amount of grease on the spoon. Everything that we ordered was so ladened with grease that my stomach punished me for the next forty-eight hours.
Do not attempt this culinary delight unless you are so hung-over that you are seeing double and have dry heaves.
This is a decent place to eat in Iowa City. I think it may not live up to the hype, but certainly has good (not great) food. It's a fun place to eat and check out the local atmosphere of Iowa City. They do have a mighty tasty (mighty large) milk shake.
Classic Iowa City - i'll never forget sitting in the front and looking at a naked guy across the street playing his guitar in his window.
Great breakfast!
Bison burgers here are great and it is hard to argue with breakfast all the time. It is a greasy spoon place, I'll admit, but great food and worth a stop for the political atmosphere too.
For all the press the restaurant it really is nothing special. My burger was ok, nothing memorable and for the price it just wasn't worth it. The atmosphere is a nice change up for Iowa City so if that's what you're looking for then it may be the place for you, but it you care more about the food their are better options just a few blocks away.
This place is definitely an Iowa City institution, from the Reagan booth to the Coffee Bean Caucus. It even got spotlighted on the West Wing!
I always get the same thing when I come: an "eggciting" sandwich with veggie sausage on it, with a side of fries with ranch dressing. Sometimes I'll get a Mountain Dew float (don't knock it until you've tried it). They've also reportedly got amazing pie shakes. The price is right for greasy food. It's just too bad that it's not open all night.
Iowa City staple for sure. Its really just a great diner, but there's nothing too special about the Hamburg except it has cheap greasy food. Staff is nice and generally quick. Every time I have gone, it has been very good, but *shrug* maybe I need to live there?
Good for hangovers.
Hamburg Inn has a pretty OK vegetarian burger patty that I would enjoy every so often, but the rest of its selections are incredibly boring and tasteless (which is quite a feat for a greasy spoon joint).
Not nearly worth the wait you'll usually endure or the effort it will take to avert your eyes from the little things that might make you lose your appetite while you wait or eat.
I woke up the other morning with a craving for a Reuben omelette from the Hamburg Inn. Never mind that I'm 2 timezones away from the Hamburg and the last time I was there was a month and a half ago. I just want my damn omelette.
***Rewind a month and a half ago***
We found ourselves standing there waiting to be seated at the Inn when we asked the hostess, "What's good here?"
" We're pretty known for our burgers, omelettes, and shakes." She said. Now, I was skeptical. It was one of those how-good-can-it-really-get moments in my life.
I couldn't help but admire the place when we got seated - busy with customers and framed articles everywhere detailing all sorts of politicians who stop to eat at this place in the midst of campaigning. I mean, if it's good enough for politicians and good enough to be regarded as a landmark by Iowa City Yelpers, it shouldn't be that bad, right?
The Reuben omelette didn't disappoint at all: Cornbeef with sauerkraut stuffed inside an omelette. It was delicious. I tasted a bit of the bacon cheese burger my partner ordered and it was okay by me. But, I don't want to talk about the burger anymore because I'm not really a burger person. I'm talking about the omelette. Wow, it was just delicious with hash browns on the side....and the nerve of him, he wanted my omelette too. No, it's my omelette! ...but at least I gave him my leftovers.
***Fast forward to now***
I still want my omelette. No, I can't get that at IHOP 1 mile away from me. This Midwest omelette just wants me to eat it. It's one of the only things that'll get me back to Iowa City. I'll be back here soon enough.
I would go as far as to say that this is the best place to eat in Eastern Iowa. It is THE definitive greasy spoon.
I ate there so often in college that I think I knew every single person who worked there and I make it a point to go back every time I'm back in town. I'm not the only one who visits this Iowa City landmark though. . .it's a frequent campaign stop during the Iowa primaries, has been visited by multiple US presidents and has been featured in The West Wing during that show's elections.
eh, i know other better cafes in illinois. for instance, i would go to cleo's for the excellent egg's benedict, than hamburg inn. sorry :(
Good eats here. It's an Iowa City institution, apparently. But I'm not sure I get the hype. The food here is good - not fantastic, but solid. The omelettes are tasty, the pancakes not so much. I like the concept of a piece of pie being blended up in your shake - but in reality, it's just too much. Everything is really greasy and you spend the rest of your day smelling like a grease trap.
I think most of the allure of this place comes from people re-living their college years and the time that they spent here. That's not a factor in my review.
Yummy! Went here some weekends to energize for a long weekend of reading.
There's not a lot of places where you can get a great breakfast in Iowa City. At Hamburg Inn the seating is a tight fit. The wait can be long but it's well worth it. Their omelettes are fabulous and the wait for food once you sit down is minimal.
If you happen to be waiting for a while, they have an interesting antique store across the street. You might find a book to read while you wait.
A Wonderful, Magical Animal.
I once made the mistake of ordering something other than the Farmer's Omelet. The melt I had wasn't bad, but it sure wasn't the Farmer's. That's ham, sausage, and bacon for those who haven't had the pleasure.
It's undoubtedly stupid to give a place 5 stars based upon ordering one thing over the years, but that thing has been that good to me. How often do you have three forms of pig in the fridge, ready to make your own? I'd say once a year, tops. So, why not go here, where the coffee is efficiently refilled and you have the chance to scope some cute wait staff? Just don't go on Sunday morning unless you can get there by 8.
This place is never bad....just overwhelming at times. How would I like my future heart-attack? With hollandaise? Milkshake on the side? So many tempting choices and, honestly, they're all really good. The items made their way onto the menu for a reason. With that being said, just close your eyes, point at something and it will be great!
The Burg is an absolute must-do. It's a greasy spoon classic American diner, with the added bonus of serving food that is simple and super tasty. A couple Presidents have eaten there (as evidenced by their own named booths) and the place has been featured on the West Wing. It's got it's own place in Iowa City history which adds to the experience.
The Burg has maximized their use of space in there, so it can be a tight squeeze and sometimes there's a considerable wait. Don't leave, though. It's worth your time and worth getting cozy with the diners seated next to you. The Burg serves great breakfasts, burgers, salads, and oh my god the insane shakes! Yum! You'll have to visit more than once to really get the full experience.
The servers are an interesting bunch, featuring piercings, odd hair colors, and gourgeous tattoos. They're a super friendly bunch who have seen it all while working at the restaurant and many of them have been working there for a long time.
Expect to see an odd combination of students, business professionals sporting suits, locals, bums, you name it. There's truly something for everyone.
Eat here!
One of the anchors of Iowa City. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner. I just had their chili yesterday and enjoyed it considerably. The Hamburg Inn has also been featured on West Wing and is often visited by political figures during campaign time. Come and cast your vote in the coffee bean poll.
Try one of their Apple Pie Shakes too!
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I ate enough Zadar omelets in my 5 years in Iowa City to keep a coop full of chickens working overtime. The milkshakes, too - terrific. Also, I had a friend who used to swear by their hash browns as hangover food.
Yeah, it's a wait if you go Sunday morning during the pre- or post-church hours. But there have been plenty of times when I stopped in where I was one of the only people in the place, tucked away into one of those big booths with a copy of the New York Times and the pitcher of slightly odd-tasting ice water to keep me company.
Plus, the Ronald Reagan memorial table. The whole place just oozes a laid-back charm that is the essence of Iowa. Pick up a shirt and wear it proudly.
You can always tell how great a place is by the line outside the door at all times during the day. This place has lines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But the line moves quickly :) Breakfast served all day, burgers are great. The shakes and malts are awesome. It is a perfect diner-type restaurant where you can get cheap food that is satisfyingly unhealthy.
Great atmosphere, good food, mostly good service. I liked the place so much, I went back for a fucking t-shirt that I haven't worn since because it's too big and I've been too lazy to alter it.
An Iowa City Staple. First place we we went after we moved back.
Service can be hit or miss, but once you are known as a regular for leaving a good tip, it improves dramatically.
Relegated to a breakfast establishment for me. I enjoy their omelets. My wife loves their garden burger - made with ground portabella.
Don't believe the hype. Yes, it's an Iowa City institution. Yeah, politicians come here and choke down an omelette or two for the cameras during caucus season. That doesn't mean that the food is any good.
Just typical diner fare. I recommend coming for breakfast (if you don't mind waiting in line for average food and less than average service) and not much else.
Hands down, Iowa City's finest restaurant. When a president comes to town, he doesn't stop and get a burger at the McDonald's on the 1-80 on ramp, he goes to Hamburg Inn. There's a reason the wait on Sunday morning is 2 hours long, because breakfast there is frigging amazing. Even those weird paintings of the cast of M.A.S.H. can't distract you from the awesome-ness of this place. Hyperbole aside, this is a good a place to eat. Try the blueberry pie shake.
Good omelets and great atmosphere. And they sell cool shirts there too.
The 'Burg is an Iowa City must-do. The pie shakes are pretty out of control-- try the rhubarb-- and the staff is really cool and on top of things. It's your typical greasy spoon, double on the greasy. I love the BLT, chock full o' pig and mayo. Hit up the fries, pass on the pasta salad!
Though the turnover is fast, this place is SLAMMED at lunchtime and on weekends for breakfast. Luckily, the bar two doors down opens early for Hamburg overflow! Go get a bloody mary and make the wait a little more relaxing :)
something for everyone. a landmark.
Iowa City, IA
Category: Grocery
Iowa City, IA
Category: Nightlife
Iowa City, IA
Category: Restaurants
Iowa City, IA
Category: Dive Bars
Iowa City, IA
Category: Pizza
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