Midtown Reserve — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

My girlfriend and I went to Midtown Reserve one night while searching for a new steak restaurant. We had never been before so didn't know what to expect other than it has good reviews. The outside building was nondescript and we almost didn't notice it because the windows are dark tinted and it looked like a simple building. Upon entering it was completely different. The main dining area was a long and narrow corridor with tables on each side of the corridor. The kitchen was in the middle the length of the building with the opposite side of the kitchen with a bar and additional high tables for seating that was accessed by walking to the end of the corridor and going around the corner. The lighting was subdued, the atmosphere was excellent and quiet like an old style steak restaurant. Additionally there is a separate open lounge room off behind the bar side of the restaurant with several couches, chairs, and tables. The bar tenders will serve drinks, appetizers, and desserts in the lounge area.

We sat in the main dining side of the restaurant for our meal. They had a very nice selection of cocktails and the drinks were very good. We decided to share a main course entree and ordered several sides to also share. We narrowed down our choices between the large bone-in ribeye and the filet mignon. I love the flavor of a good ribeye, but my girlfriend really enjoys filet mignon so we decided on the 12 oz filet mignon. We also ordered the French onion soup, a side of mashed potatoes and sauteed mushrooms, and a side of bread.

The meal was superb. The mashed potatoes and sauteed mushrooms sides were delicious and, although we have had excellent filet mignon steaks at some other restaurants, the filet mignon at Midtown Reserve was the best filet mignon we have had in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City corridor. It was very tender and the taste was incredible. Bone-in ribeye has always been my favorite steak, but this filet mignon was so good it rivals the flavor of a good ribeye.

The waitress was very professional, friendly, and courteous, and the bartender was great at answering my questions about the bar side and lounge area. Between the excellent food and drinks, the very nice atmosphere, and the professional staff, our experience at Midtown Reserve was wonderful. We plan to visit again in the near future and will plan to have a drink in the relaxing lounge area after dinner. We look forward to trying their bone-in Ribeye steak next time, although it will be a tough decision to choose between the ribeye and the extremely tasty filet mignon....

We have always enjoyed Midtown Reserve. The food is always good. Drinks are good. Service is good. Atmosphere is USUALLY good. This is the one complaint I have after a horrid experience. We have been here numerous times and never have we run into such a loud, obnoxious group as we did this evening. To the point that we may never come back again at the risk of dealing with this problem. There was a party of 12 people at a table near us screaming, swearing and just in general being super inconsiderate of all other patrons in the restaurant. You all need a party room to separate those who want to whoop it up and get hammered and scream and party from those trying to just have a nice dinner - or just close down taking tables for an evening if you’re going to have parties like this. The environment just doesn’t accommodate the two being mixed well. Part of what brings people to this restaurant is the quiet, intimate environment. When spending $200+ on dinner with my spouse I want to be able to hear what he is saying to me. Worst experience we’ve ever had here. If it weren’t for the food and the service I would have said 0 on this experience. It kindof ruined dinner to be sitting next to loud witch cackling laughter and f bombs every other word. (And I’m married to a Marine and am not easily offended - it was just that over...

Cedar Rapids Medq area-Carol read about this place, the guy was raving about the Wagu burger. We read online you needed a reservation and dress code policy… discovered the burger is on the bar menu and no reservation needed to sit in the bar (only place you can sit to get the burger (use the north door)). It’s dark and not real impressive of an atmosphere (we began in fine dining area, no real intimacy, dark, with next table close enough to pass the salt) then moved to the bar. The bar was dark, cinderblock walls.

2 all American burgers, frites, 2 Diet Pepsis with tip $62.50. The bartender/waitress was fine, the burgers were a bit greasy and pink! I’d of preferred closer to medium well done however (now that I think of it, the waitress never asked how we wanted our burgers done). The burger was nothing spectacular given the build up I was anticipating. The frites were bland, nothing special (no salt on the table).

Would I go back for a special occasion? I don’t know, I know there are other venues in the area with better atmosphere and potentially equal or slightly better price point. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it more. I’m glad we tried it, we prefer supporting local...