Recently, I was surprised by an unexpected phone call from a long-lost friend. Debbie asked me if I had lunch plans, and I was glad to drop everything for a chance to “catch up” with my pal.
She suggested a spot in Coralville that has only been open for three months called 30hop. The new American grill offers craft beers and a rooftop patio for drinks and dining.
(Obviously that patio dining will need to wait until Spring since I think the temp was in single digits when we arrived.)
Turns out, Debbie made a great choice in selecting this spot for our lunch.
I know it appears that there were NO customers in the place, but keep in mind we visited completely through the lunch rush…and almost to dinnertime! Hence, these empty restaurant photos…
The decor is unique…with reclaimed barn wood on the walls…
And upside down buckets for light pendants! (Loving the industrial vibe…)
We started our lunch with a plate of sweet potato fries…really crispy and tasty…
And Debbie ordered crab cakes topped with “Tabasco caviar” beads…a molecular gastronomy concoction. The crab cakes seemed slightly greasy, but flavorful nonetheless.
My tomato soup topped with a basil aeoli was delicious, and the home made croutons added a perfect crunch to the smooth soup.
All in all…it was a wonderful day filled with surprises…from the phone call to the extra long lunch. A cold Iowa day that eventually filled with warmth, thanks to a good friend.
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