38 College Towns with Food Scenes So Good, You'll Want To Extend Your Stay

30. Iowa City, Iowa – Literary Hub with a Surprisingly Global Menu

Don't let its quintessential Midwestern charm fool you; Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the prestigious University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, boasts an impressively diverse and worldly food scene. Fueled by its international student body and a sophisticated local palate, you’ll find authentic global cuisines tucked alongside comforting American staples. From standout Korean BBQ (try Seoul Grill) and aromatic Vietnamese pho to inventive farm-to-table spots and cozy, bookish cafes like Prairie Lights Coffeehouse, this town offers a rich tapestry of flavors for the intellectually and culinarily curious.