Join us for Legacy Happy Hour tonight at George's Buffet—no frills, just great burgers, hot nuts, and some of the best drink deals in town. George’s has been a Northside institution since 1939—despite never actually having a buffet—and George-less since Clarence Ruppert bought it from original owner George Kanak in 1948. Since then, the torch has passed through a few local hands, eventually landing with Mike Karr, who’s been behind the bar since the late ’70s and running the show since 1989. This Iowa City staple is best known for its cheeseburgers—cooked on vintage 1950s Clark electric broilers—and its unbeatable happy hour. Esquire once named it one of the best late-night food joints in the country, and they weren’t wrong. Add in the classic wooden booths, vintage Hamm’s signs, ice cold beer, 1960s flocked wallpaper (a hand-me-down and neighborhood collab with Pagliai’s Pizza), and a cast of regulars from all walks of life, and you’ve got the kind of place where stories start and good nights end. Come soak in the unbeatable charm and timeless vibe that only George’s can deliver. (fb)

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s State of the Downtown Annual Meeting. Your energy, support, and commitment to downtown continue to drive us forward. As we look ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum and shape the future of Downtown Iowa City—guided by our renewed Strategic Plan and the progress ahead with our SSMID renewal and expansion. Downtown is the creative and innovative heart of the region, and together, we’re championing a thriving local economy, fostering a vibrant community, and creating welcoming experiences for all. This work is only possible through strong partnerships and meaningful collaboration. Thank you for dreaming big, thinking locally, and helping us keep downtown original, authentic, and full of life. (fb)