Ready to step back through time into a vintage dining car? This kind of train combines all of the delights of travel with the experience of fine dining, but it’s an idea that belongs to days long gone.

There’s one visionary restaurant in Iowa City that wants to bring that wondrous vibe back, though.

The Pullman Bar & Diner is at 17 S. Dubuque St. in Iowa City.
Marlene S./Yelp
Its exterior is clean and elegant. Simple, beautiful, and thoughtfully designed, this restaurant is a purely magical delight.
The ceiling is specially designed to mimic the ceiling of an old fashioned dining car.
Fashion I./Yelp
The owners are Fayea dn Matt Swift (also owners of Blackstone and Alehouse) Doug Goettsch and Ben Smart (Big Grove Brewery), Cory Kent (Reds Alehouse), and Nate Kaeding (Short's Burger and Shine.) The long, narrow interior of this amazing restaurant pays tribute to the Pullman railway car. It's arched ceiling and narrow interior puts on a convincing act.
The design was carefully planned.
Rojith P./Yelp
Red vinyl booths, dark wood, and brick walls give the place a coziness that is lacking in many restaurant designs.
The area isn't huge, but it's open and airy.
Rachel L./Yelp
The floor and bar top are marble, and the kitchen is completely exposed.
Bringing the restaurant design to life was Faye Swift's job.
Yufei C./Yelp
George Pappageorge, a Pappageorge and Haymes Partners architect from Chicago created the original design. The arched ceiling is the work of Pat Barton of Corridor Construction Company in Cedar Rapids.
The lighting is soft, but the space remains well-lit.
S C./Yelp
The incredible attention to detail has a huge payoff. This classy dining car-themed restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

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The food is fresh and the menu is creative.
Ann B./Yelp
Reviewers especially love the steak fries, fried chicken with spicy sauce, and the corned beef hash.
Pullman Mary
Adam P./Yelp
Their cocktails are well-loved. This beautiful interpretation of the classic Bloody Mary will win you over.
Irish Coffee
Jenni H./Yelp
For those that like their coffee with a little something extra, the Irish Coffee comes highly recommended.
Other crowd favorites include the flat iron steak, crispy chicken sandwich, and sunny egg.
Hanqi Z./Yelp
Crispy chicken sandwich with spicy honey.
Suyun Z./Yelp
Breakfast is available here all day, of course. The french press coffee is divine.
Brittany S./Yelp
The ambiance is a winner here at Pullman Bar & Diner.
Matt F./Yelp
You'll love the food, funky 90's music, bustle of the open kitchen, and the feeling that you've traveled back through time to a vintage dining car.

Are you ready to give this iconic Iowa City restaurant a try?

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Featured Addresses
17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA