When you’re traveling, some of the best places you end up eating aren’t the ones you find on Google… they’re the ones someone insists you have to try.
That’s exactly how we ended up at The Airliner in Iowa City.
We were in town for a wedding, and before we even left home, our neighbor told us, “You have to go to The Airliner. No question.” And when someone says that with that much confidence, you listen.
So between wedding events and exploring downtown, we made it happen — and we’re so glad we did.
A Classic Iowa City Spot Right in the Heart of Downtown
The Airliner has been an Iowa City staple for decades, sitting right on Clinton Street in the middle of all the downtown energy. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly familiar — part college-town hangout, part local institution.
The building itself has that historic charm, but inside it’s lively, casual, and packed with the kind of atmosphere you want when you’re craving pizza and a fun night out.
You can tell it’s a place where people have been making memories for years.
The Pizza That Everyone Talks About
Let’s get to the main event: the pizza.
Our neighbor wasn’t exaggerating — The Airliner pizza is the real deal.
We obviously had to try the taco pizza while we were there — because when you see taco pizza on the menu, you kind of have no choice.
And honestly… it was so good.
It had all the best taco flavors on top of a crispy pizza crust, with plenty of toppings and just the right amount of cheese. It’s one of those things that sounds a little random until you take a bite, and then you’re like, okay yep, I get why people love this.
We also ordered a Bloody Mary, which felt like the perfect drink to go with it. A little spicy, super refreshing, and just fun to sip on while we hung out.
Between the taco pizza and the Bloody Mary, it was basically the ideal stop during our Iowa City weekend — and now we totally understand why our neighbor insisted we had to go.
And one thing we loved is that The Airliner always has daily specials, like $1 slices, which makes it such an easy place to stop in whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or staying awhile. You can totally see why it’s a go-to spot for locals.
The Perfect Stop While Visiting Iowa City
Since we were in town for a wedding, The Airliner ended up being the perfect casual place to go when we wanted something fun and easy in between all the scheduled events.
It’s great for:
- out-of-town visitors
- post-wedding dinner cravings
- a laid-back night downtown
- anyone wanting a true local favorite
And honestly, it’s one of those places that just feels like a rite of passage if you’re in Iowa City.
Worth the Recommendation? 100% Yes
We love when a trip includes a spot that someone local tells you you can’t miss, and The Airliner totally lived up to the hype.
So if you ever find yourself in Iowa City — for a wedding, a weekend getaway, or just passing through — do yourself a favor and stop in.
Thanks to our neighbor’s recommendation, it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip.
And now we’re passing that recommendation along to you.
Have You Been to The Airliner?
If you’ve tried their pizza (or have another Iowa City favorite), let us know — we’re always looking for the next must-stop spot on our Iowa road trips.
