Restaurant Review: NewBo Alehouse + Osaka Japanese Steak House - Cedar Rapids, IA

I recently went back home and visited with friends in Iowa and of course - we had to eat someplace new (+ someplace I always love). First up - someplace new! (actually we ate here last but who cares - go with me!):

Newbo Alehouse is in the historic Village Bank and Trust in the newly renovated and simply amazing NewBo/Czech Village. As someone that lived in CR for years - I'm seriously BUMMED that this started when I left! At least I have something amazing to come home to! On any given weekend - this part of town is HOPPING!

The wait was CRAZY so we ended up finding a row of seats at the bar and snagged them - not a small feat when there are 5 of you! Their beer selection is great - they've got a lot of craft and local beers - always a good find.

Three Cheese Mac - $9 - Cream sauce and elbow macaroni. Finished with toasted bread crumbs.

Tanner got the Mac & Cheese - it was really good. I might only know because I stole a couple of bites. IT'S FOR RESEARCH DAMMIT!  When you're sitting at a bar - you can't exactly get opinions from everyone - so for the next few - just use your imagination on deciding if it would taste good. 

Chicken Caesar Wrap - $8.75 - Grilled or breaded, with shredded parmesan, tomato, romaine and homemade croutons. In a creamy Caesar dressing.

Reuben - $8.75 - Slow braised corned beef, kraut & Swiss. Served with thousand island dressing on a toasted caraway rye.

Shrimp and Asparagus Mac - $15 - Gulf shrimp, sautéed asparagus, red onion and parmesan.

Steak Taco - $4.50 each - Grilled ribeye, tomato, corn salsa & avocado mayo.

Bacon Cheese Fries - Side $4 - Crinkle cut French fries topped with loads of melted cheese and crisp bacon.

I got the tacos and a side of bacon cheese fries. The bacon cheese fries were great - very tasty. I know it seems like an odd combo but I really love them. The tacos weren't so great - they were dry and bland. They need to come to Cincinnati and learn some taco techniques! 

We also went to Osaka Japanese Steakhouse which is one of my favorite places. I got to see friends I hadn't seen in years and - despite the efforts of one drunk a$$ at our table - we had a FANTASTIC time. And it's not often you get to see your best friend defend your honor! Thanks again Red!