Hamburg Inn No. 2

The place looks great, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. Although, I think if you stay away from the burgers you might be okay. The burgers are only about 1/4 of an inch thick and come very well done, to the point of be burnt crispy around the edges. The friend I went with had a burger so salty she couldn't finish it. This used to be my go to place years ago, but sadly, no more.

Fav breakfast place in Iowa City. This place has been consistently good for so many years - and it just keeps getting better. Presidential Breakfast is a classic - the sausage is unbelievably good. Chicken fried steak with biscuits and gravy is to die for.

A classic diner style restaurant that has been semi updated but still keeps its classic charm. Delicious shakes that they put an entire slice of pie into, so if you're full from your meal I would recommend sharing. A fun stop!

Was visiting Iowa City and told that Hamburg Inn was a must-stop. So glad I did. I had the French toast with eggs and bacon on the side. I am very picky when it comes to my French toast and this was absolutely delicious. The eggs tasted farm fresh and well seasoned. Also, our server Amelia was phenomenal! So kind and attentive. She made the experience that much better.

I loved the vibe of this place. The french fries were sooo good! I ordered the pork tenderloin sandwich and it was flavorless. If you like the pork tenderloin sandwiches at the Iowa State Fair, this one looks similar but is not nearly as good. That said, I could tell I just chose poorly. This place is busy and well-known and if I am ever in town again, I'll definitely go here and order something else. One thing I would like to note is that I was with an elderly person who needs a walker. Instead of seating us at an empty table that had a clear path to the door, we were sat in the back and it was a bit of a gauntlet maneuvering through the crowded, tight space.

If you want a good smash burger, you can’t go wrong here. Great “Diner” atmosphere and service. Fries were shook out of a bag, but you can’t have it all. The chocolate shake was perfect along with the rest of it served in the metal mixer cup. Next time through, we will try the all the day breakfast. Side note, saw a review criticizing the burgers. The reviewer obviously isn’t familiar with the smash burger style.

Always delicious! Got a No. 2 Club sandwich - yummy, fresh. The fries are crinkle cut but crisp and yummy. Burger was good - smashed pattie excellent style and taste. Food brought in baskets. I liked the coleslaw. Waitress was very kind and attentive. Saw her serve someone at the outside seating area. There is street seating for the businesses nearby, can take your food to go out there. Street seating is available April/May to Aug/Oct sounds like. I was told in the summer there is live music on Fridays. We LOVE Hamburg Inn - special place for us. Pie shakes of course! Blueberry and French Silk. A slice of pie in a milkshake. The ice cream is very tasty!

The service was amazing. Super friendly staff, they took special precautions for my daughter (gluten allergy) so she could enjoy the dinner. Lots of historical political pictures from past primary candidates and presidents. The milkshakes are delicious, and of course the burgers. Trust me, add bacon, it's probably the best restaurant ordered bacon I've ever had. Oh and if you want breakfast, it's served all day. Beware the pancakes are HUGE!

Good breakfast option in Iowa City. Excellent staff and good food. Would recommend. We will try lunch next time we are in town.

We have been dining here for years and today was the first time we tried the "renovated" Hamburg. It still has the same cozy vibe with a little bit of flair.

I've been going to the Hamburg for years, and it's always a hit. They are primarily known for breakfast, but they do have lunch and dinner items as well. Their items are reasonably priced, and I've enjoyed every item I've tried. It is pretty small inside, so you may have to wait for a long time during busy weekend morning times. It's definitely worth the wait! Once seated, the service is really quick.

I LOVED everything about this place. The employees were SO nice and were having a great time. They were attentive and made great recommendations. Food was AMAZING! I am not a fan of gravy but I boy was I stealing from peoples plates for this gravy! Have everything you need for a boozy brunch. The atmosphere is so endearing. Location is adorable downtown. Do not come here if you are a large group. We were a group of six and had the biggest table in the place. A larger group came in and the staff did the best to accommodate them and sit them in the same area but they were not happy and left. So if you aren't okay just sitting in the same area, pick a different place.

Love this place. Since new management, it looks better than ever. Clean, organized, and quick service. Breakfast was delicious as usual. I've been going here for over 20 years and will keep coming back.

New ownership, new review. It's really a 3.5 but I'll round up for nostalgia. I grew up on and this diner primarily during the glory years of high school. The family owned vibe and the always quirky staff made it quite an enjoyable experience. Over the years coming back, I did notice the quality of dipped on the place seemed dirty and dirtier. The new ownership definitely renovated it nicely and kept nostalgia. But the prices are a little high and some of my favorites like the mozzarella sticks are gone. How can you be an Iowa diner and not offer cheese, curds, or mozzarella sticks!! It's also owned by the Monopoly mafia group that Nate Keading runs, which has some decent restaurants (shorts, Burch, etc) but is known for being overpriced and also getting under the table city handouts and favorable deals, which I hate to support but hey, the food is OK so I come. Famous for the Zadar omelette as well as the infamous pie shakes.

Waited about 15 min around 11 AM on a Sunday. I got the Dutch Apple pieshake and the seitan BBQ sandwich (vegetarian) while my friend got chocolate chip pancakes and fresh OJ. Portions were large as the pictures show and the seitan and hashbrowns were crispy (some of the best hasbrowns I've ever had). The pieshake is unique and had tiny bits of apple with sweet caramel drizzle. Our server was very friendly and attentive, checking up on us often. Paid street parking nearby and limited free parking next to the restaurant. Highly recommend!

This was my first time exiting off I-80 and visiting Iowa City on my many trips between KC and Chicago over the decades. I searched for "unique restaurants" and I was directed to Hamburg Inn #2. This was a great find in downtown IC that is adjacent to the University of Iowa - a very attractive downtown and campus. HI#2 is a classic diner style joint with booths, and tables wrapping around an odd little diner counter oddly placed in the center of the room. The places is oozing with history and politics. With the long tradition of the Iowa Caucuses, it seems everyone running for office has stopped in. I ate at a table next to several photos of President Clinton when he visited on behalf of his wife's campaign in 2016. They also have a tradition of a coffee bean caucus, where customers can add a coffee bean into the jar of their favorite candidate - I was happy to see Harris destroying Trump just 6 weeks before the 2024 election in this very unscientific poll. I had an onion burger with fries. A great smash burger with plenty of grilled onions in and on the delicious patty that was covered with cheese, mayo and pickles. Top notch. The fries were crispy, hot and plentiful. My wife liked her Nashville hot chicken and biscuit served with hash browns. She raved that the hash browns were the best she's ever had. I was kicking myself for having a large mocha frappe before leaving the Quad Cities an hour prior, because I really wanted to try there famous pie shakes, but just didn't need all that sugar. Hamburg Inn will be a definite stop anytime I'm driving down I-80.

It plays exactly to what you want a diner to be, designed with nostalgia in mind. From the music to the exit signs, the atmosphere spares no detail. Food follows suit, and doesn't try to be fancy, just homey and delicious. Thankful the new ownership improved upon the old while honoring the core.

I write this after 1 month of the business being under new management as well as new design and new food. So, the cleanliness is a 5. I took a picture just to show the many improvements. That being said go before 9 am for a table (otherwise counter seating is available). The service was great. That being said, we had a few questions about the new tastes in some staples like eggs Benedict. That's what brings this to a 3 as so many staple items are new tastes. The manager let us know they are making more items from scratch (not pre boxed). That being said, the menu is smaller and with some improved tastes Hamburg inn can move up in stars.

I don't know about the rest of the food but the fried chicken is awful. Flavorless and dried out. Basically inedible in my opinion.

Good. Made me miss the old Hamburg in with the dividing line down that tables and great omelettes. The food is good but hopefully becomes great. The atmosphere is nice and takes you back. I'm glad it's part of Iowa City again! Hamburg Inn, Bluebird, The Airliner, Joe's Place...are as much institutions as the Old Capitol.

I finally went back to the Hamburg since it changed ownership, so this review is based on two visits during the last 2 weeks. First of all, its still a great diner in my neighborhood! I love supporting the historic Northside! First off I would like to take my hats off to the service we saw there. Tessa and Erin have been my servers, and they both provided exceptional service in making us feel welcome and helping us out with the menu. We tried 2 pie shakes including the strawberry rhubarb, and they were super tasty and included the mixing container and spoon along with shake. I've also tried the grilled cheese and tuna fish sandwich and coleslaw (I substituted for fries) which were yummy. I'm so happy the Hamburg Inn is alive and well in my neighborhood!

What a cool place! Lots of history shared in articles framed on the walls in this quaint building. Prices are good and food...very good. You have to try the pie shakes - A MAY ZING! I can see why this place is a favorite for locals. A definite stop when in downtown Iowa City.

Best onion rings ever, so crispy! Unfortunately 86 biscuits but onion burger and hangover cure breakfast plates were 10/10. Got a chocolate milk shake to go. Can't wait to come back and try the fried chicken dinner plates.

If you haven't been to Hamburg Inn No 2 in a while, you need to take a visit. We went solely for pie shakes but we're surprised to see that they have updated their interior to a more trendy, folksy feeling establishment. The political decor still exists but it's more refined, organized, and less cluttered. Pie shakes for dinner are always a great idea. Who doesn't love real pie crust in their milkshake? Also, the portion size was spot on. Our server Emma was friendly and funny-- she made it feel like a total mom&pop shop. We would return again!

Great smash burger, staff is super friendly. Service was great and food was 10/10. Top smash burger in Iowa city

Cutest little place ever. So sweet inside and out. Very bustling, lots of vintage Iowa political clips decorating the wall. Absolutely perfect breakfast classics & Iowa staples done beautifully. Cannot wait to go next. Wish I could come every day. The white sausage breakfast gravy was the best I've ever had not made in my kitchen.

Now let's see here. Hamburg has had the best vibe to date of a vintage, cozy, comfy diner. They nailed it. I love all the Iowa sport and political collage stuff, super fun. Now about the service...Bacon is the best server! So nice and kind! He always recognizes us and thanks us for coming in again after our meal. Now the food however. Could be better. Hashbrowns greasy, cinnamon roll dry and sad. No cream cheese frosting! But the eggs bacon and toast were good. OJ is also yum. PIE SHAKES ARE SUPERB!!!! Have fun here folks. It's great.

Always an IOWA-CITY staple when it comes to breakfast food, but the two people that were with me (my folks) couldn't stop raving about their burgers! They weren't loaded with over the top ingredients or anything like that but just a really good, juicy and tasty burger. Love taking out of towners to this place because it shows SO much history as to where Iowa falls in presidential elections and what candidates have gone there and supported this Iowa City staple.

I had a rough week with work, and ordered here to skip dinner prep. Not only was the Rueben delicious, the fries not soggy, but their milkshake was one of the best I've had around here. I look forward to order from here again.

First time back since the remodel/reopening and was so happy to be greeted by the same cozy charm and feel that I remember from Hamburg Inn. The light is warmer, it's very welcoming, and the place is cleaner than what it's been the last 5 years. Had a delicious skillet with a brunch cocktail. Very flavorful and filling. Prices have gone up a bit and the menu is smaller, but still reasonable and plenty of options. Staff was great and will definitely be back!

They gave the Hamburg a makeover. It's all plastic, now. I ordered an old favorite a little while ago -- veggie omelet & hashbrowns. Couldn't finish half of it -- unbelievably greasy, cooked in some ghastly oil. Many of the sandwiches now feature American cheese. A burger also comes with mayonnaise. Not kidding. The waitress was nice, but objected to my objections. Another Iowa City restaurant ruined.

This is a hopeful future 5 star review. Please someone save this icon. One of my favorite memories was getting lunch here super fast when our first child was born.

This is a great little gem! Four of us went there for breakfast and I'm not a breakfast guy so I ordered a salad. Boy was I wrong about breakfast! Don't get me wrong, the salad was good but I was drooling over the other's breakfasts. My wife had the biscuits and sausage gravy. I had to have a taste and the biscuits were delicious and the sausage gravy was heavenly! The others loved their choices as well. The amazing thing was having the pie milkshakes!! (I know, it was breakfast time but hey, we're on vacation). We had the pecan pie shake and the apple pie shake. Amazingly delicious!! Our hotel gives the free breakfast but I wouldn't pass up a chance to go to this little restaurant if you're traveling through!

Delicious breakfast burrito for supper. The servers were wonderful and just the right amount of attentive. I was really glad I could make a substitution for kielbasa in my burrito and it was not an issue at all (and it was exactly what I was looking for that night). I love the selection of food at Hamburg - breakfast, dinner, and dessert- you can get whatever you want!

Absolutely loved this place! I went for the first time today and the food tasted great, amazing customer service, and worth every penny spent. The building is a bit small but I love the intimate and decorative atmosphere. Our server was Erin and she was very sweet, attentive, and helpful. Today was the first day that they release the pumpkin pie shake (very shareable but too yummy to share) I 100% recommend this spot!

Food was very good, service was non-existent. Got seated in a corner table where we had to flag down staff to place our order. Food came quickly and it was very good. Not once did staff come back to check on us. Then we had to flag down the staff to pay. Terrible service

My wife and I had breakfast at the HI ll this morning and we were extremely pleased with our food and service. The Greek omelette and President's breakfast were outstanding, and the hash browns were prepared with just the right amount of crispness. Additionally, the restaurant was remarkably clean and tidy.

Super good food, ordered here multiple times and everytime the food was absolutely delicious. If you come here order the pie shakes(very good). Customer service was fantastic and atmosphere was vintage and cool.

Went in Sunday morning for breakfast- waited over an hour to be seated. Once seated food was ordered and came out in about 40 minutes. Worst biscuit ever made - hard as a rock- the tenderloin smothered in gravy was meh - and the scrambled eggs were just meh. Whole experience was a disaster- they did ask how the food was and I showed them - they did take my breakfast off the bill. Never go here- just don't - I would rather have went to a damn Dennys ...

Service and ambiance is fun. Great little diner atmosphere. Food was disappointing. I don't have high standards for diner food but this sadly missed the mark on all of our dishes. I'd give it another try but it seems to have lost its way in the kitchen.

Hamburg Inn is an Iowa City Staple!!! Breakfast, lunch or dinner... They have you covered! I especially like the Hamburgers and Wraps! Breakfast.. Anything is good!!

This will ALWAYS be my favorite breakfast/brunch spot in Iowa City. Truthfully this is the best breakfast I've ever had.. My favorite meal on the menu is titled the "Farmer" which is ham, bacon, sausage, cheese & eggs topped over the most delicious home fries! The meal isn't too salty- it's perfect. The dining area is smaller but it makes me feel at home and loved by the ones I'm dining with. I never mind waiting because there are lovely shops up and down the street that you can visit while you wait! They have a very small waiting area but you usually aren't waiting for long!!

Disappointing. Figured we'd give it another chance since it changed hands again, but it's been cursed since the original owners sold it. Hash browns were burnt, coffee was luke-warm (and this is a breakfast joint), and they did not butter the toast or have it at the table. They also have their own take on corn beef hashed, which... hey, don't screw around with breakfast staples. Our sever was very nice, I will say. And it's not awful. But for the price, it should be better than Village Inn, and it's substantially worse. It's also just a stones throw away from Bluebird Diner, Goosetown Cafe, and Harry's. All of which serve excellent breakfast. It's a shame really. This used to be an Iowa City institution that I would bring out of town friends and family to. Wish that were still the case.

After a bad week of non-Hamburg Inn-related customer service issues, what a treat it was to have lunch here on Friday. The food was delicious, I had the New Mexico omelet, and my friend had the grilled onion burger. Their famous Pieshake (with Wilson's Apple Crumb Pie) after the sandwiches was outstanding. The service was exemplary, could not have been better. How refreshing it was to be served by Sophie, a delightful young woman who clearly liked her job. The general manager checked on us as well, and we assured him we were completely happy. This was the first time to the Hamburg Inn since the new owners took over, and they definitely have it right. Will go back there again in the very near future!

Reviews had me at "Iowa institution" had to visit after hike at nearby hickory park. Local restaurant. Eggs Florentine are good. Hollandaise sauce is good different. Then I noticed the pie. Good thing I hiked first;.

Breakfast was decent-good. Onion smash burger was Eh, sloppy and fell apart. The whole experience was average. Cute inside if you like vintage cafe/diner

Back in town and visited the revamped Hamburg Inn. Decor is classy and the place is spotlessly clean. Service was on point, friendly and prompt. Had the diner burger with bacon, fries and a shake. Excellent. Top notch burger. So happy.

I am a 70 year old local, born a block from here at Mercy Hospital. I frequented Hamburg's #1&2 for as long as I can remember, attended school with more Panther kids than there were restaurants and am excited that Nate also sees the value of keeping this place part of what makes Iowa City what it is. I wish Mr. Kaeding the best in all his ventures, but I'll be rooting for this one the hardest. I have eaten here since the renewal, and the biggest compliment I can give is it is carrying on Fritz's plan for good food....

My nostalgia fir place il and descent food are the only reason i rate this a 4 star. Just look at my call log from today. No answer. Owner and management need to have better understanding of whybthey are there. CUSTONER SERVICE

Food was sub-par, the wait time and lack of service was horrible. We won't be back

I hate to leave bad reviews :( The employees were mostly standing around, not very attentive. Our waitress told us it was her first day. Totally get those first day jitters... but she took our order, and we never saw her again. Somebody else brought our food out, and later our ticket. Nobody checked on us for refills. (There were about 6-8 people working the front of the restaurant.) Our food was severely lacking as well, sadly. Burgers were super dry, and not dressed with any veggies or pickles. My tenderloin was also super dry, didn't come with any veggies, and didn't seem fresh. Sweet potato fries were cold, and macaroni and cheese tasted like it was made a couple days ago. It all really just tasted like leftovers. This place has a really cool vibe with all the history and cool pictures on the walls.. I hope we just caught them on a bad day...

You'd have to be living under a rock to not know the history of this place. It's a presidential favorite, come caucus season especially. This is the OG Hamburg Inn No. 2 and it has lived here since 1948. The ambiance is rad. It's tiny, bustling and more times than not, jam packed. Old photos and newspaper clippings line the walls, nothing really looks updated-- just an old school diner serving up old school food. There are booths, a counter and other seating available as well. (That being said, I would NOT recommend coming here with a large group. Six max.) Service is always pleasant and relatively prompt. (Food can take awhile on busy weekend mornings.) And parking can be hit or miss. They DO have a lot, but there is street parking further down the street that is free. It is an Iowa City institution and Northside staple without a doubt. However, in recent years... I have been less and less impressed with the food. Hamburg Inn does no frills, go-to breakfast foods. They've got all the essentials. But... I'd be lying if I didn't say I think some other spots downtown do them a bit better as of late. Check it out-- go sit where a past president has sat. Order the home fries, not hash browns. Get a blueberry pancake!

There has been a slight improvement in the food. I had the chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes covered in country gravy and it was DELICIOUS! Service was good and the place was clean. My only complaint was the host who was a little rude to me and wanted to seat me somewhere where I would be "hid". I told the host I wanted my usual spot and then the menu was slapped down in front of me and the host left. I have no idea why I deserved this treatment. But except for that, things seemed to go better.

Stopped in for lunch. I had a pork tenderloin it was too thin and not tasty- very dry. I doubt they make these fresh. I wouldn't get it again. I'm sure I just picked the wrong thing - but if it isn't great, why have it on the menu? Fries were fine and service was OK. I loved how the place has been spruced up while retaining much of the classic feeling.

Decent service, great food!! Wasn't able to sit at the preferred table due to evening out the wait staff tables.

Ordered a pork tenderloin sandwich on chomp . Just a slab of meat and bun. Nothing else despite the picture clearly showing toppings.

Used pick up to retrieve my food, I got 2 sandwiches, a salad, mac & cheese, and a cake slice. The sandwiches were literally inedible the bread was dry & old & there was literally no sauce, the Mac & cheese looked like this , the salad was warm & disgusting, the cake was cold & stale, it was the biggest waste of 32$ I've ever spent. On top of all of that the hosts were really rude! Please eat elsewhere for your own sake.