Gary Dolphin's Bar — Restaurant in Dubuque

Went in May after work and ordered 2 Old Fashioned.

I asked the bartender how he makes them. This is a common question because we live right next to Wisconsin.

He said bitters, sugar, bourbon and soda water or sprite. I asked for soda water or sprite to be added because that's not an original OF.

I asked if they had Cedar Ridge Bourbon and he replied he had idea what that was. A bar that is 90 min away from an Iowa distillery doesn't have Cedar Ridge.

I looked at the shelves and all the spirits where on one shelf. I saw Knob Creek and just ordered that.

He made them l, handed them to me, and said $44. I was that what? He said that's the price. I was dumbfounded. Knob Creek is $35 bottle at best.

I paid it, then took them to my wife. Then we noticed they were red. He must of put in half the bottle of bitters. They were awful.

I went back in to order something else and made a joke about the $44 OF and the other bartender said that's normal for too shelf bourbon. I said I don't care what shelf it's on Knob Creek isn't top shelf and that I know how to price out cocktails.

I shook my head and will never buy anything...

5 stars – The PERFECT event space!

I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick.

The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests.

It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it...

Agreed, amazing venue and so much potential with the outdoor seating and atmosphere of brick, historic fire escape ladders above, seating and lighting. Karaoke was fun to listen to on a Tuesday night. However, 1 bartender doing her best to serve at bar and run out to patio on occasion. Serving food but needed to order all at bar and go back to bar if you wanted another drink. No servers, out of basic wine wanted. Bartender said in a transition, but for such a prime place there shouldn’t be any room for letting down locals or out of town visitors. Hoping it improves, they hire a server for patio and bring more types of entertainment to the patio on more nights. Could be a great venue in a...