When my wife and I moved to the area we immediately checked out Chameleon’s. Great food and a surprisingly very good selection of beer was available. A few months ago we found out the bar was put up for sale and tonight was the first night we stopped in to check out what the new owners were offering. The menu was small, which sometimes is a good thing. This was typical bar food with nothing mind-blowing, but we were both satisfied with our meals. A philly cheesesteak and a turkey club with a side a fried jalapenos. What was good for us is that they cater pretty well to kids and that seems to be the big difference between the ownership now and then. More kid friendly than before. I was happy to hear the new owner talking to a customer questioning the beer options. He was wondering what New Belgium Hoptober was and the owner said they get all the seasonal New Belgium products which made me as happy as a pig in shit.
They had New Belgium Hoptober on tap and its only the middle of August which was great. I love Octoberfest beers and this one went down smooth.
Eastern Iowa residents: If you are in the Mount Vernon, IA area and are in need of a cool, refreshing, fresh beer, some decent pub grub and cool, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere; check out Chameleon’s.
Category: Restaurants/Bars/Pubs
Brewery Review #2: 3rd Base Brewery; Cedar Rapids, IA
My brother and I visited 3rd Base Brewery in Cedar Rapids not too long ago on a whim. It is located in a little strip mall 
and by looking at it you wouldn’t think much of it. However, once we tried the beer and the food we were happy we stopped.
We ordered some wings first and were pleasantly surprised. Wings fried and then slathered in sauce with some very good ranch dressing. My first beer was the Black Cobra Oatmeal Stout. I was impressed; smooth tasting stout that was easy to drink and refreshing. My brother ordered their Golden Hawk Wheat. Easy drinking, not much on flavor but not bad overall.
Overall a very good stop. Good fries, wings, and the Oatmeal Stout is very good. If you are in the Cedar Rapids area give this place a try. (http://www.3rdbasebrewery.com/)
Brewpub Review #1: Potosi Brewing Company; Potosi, WI
A friend and I just came back from Potosi Brewing Company in Potosi, WI. With a town of 750 people we didn’t expect a whole lot from this brewery. Man, were we wrong. This place was absolutely stunning. The brewpub was beautiful and beer was very good. I enjoyed their IPA and their Belgian Wit. I thought the IPA was excellent and the Wit was very good. The food was excellent and looking at the decor we both were thrilled that we drove the 20 minutes from Dubuque to enjoy this place. If you are coming down from Wisconsin or heading from Eastern Iowa up into Wisconsin get off of 151 at Highway 62 and follow that road for about 10-15 miles and make sure to visit the town of Potosi and the Potosi Brewing Company. A great experience! http://www.potosibrewery.com/
Wig and Pen; Coralville, IA
The Wig and Pen (http://www.wigandpeneast.com/) located in Coralville, IA has been a frequent destination for my family and friends as well as Hawkeye football, basketball, and wrestling fans for a long time. My wife and I just stopped in for a pizza and I forgot how terrific their beer selection is. The Wig and Pen has many varieties of beer from the US and Imports. Their craft/micro selections include many Sam Adams, including their seasonal, Rogue, Boulevard, and many more. To go along with the good beer selection is the wonderful food and the fantastic atmosphere. We usually order the Flying tomato Pembroke Gardens and an order of wings. Their onion rings and burgers are also very good. A great place, great food, good beer, and a great atmosphere. The next time you are in the Coralville, IA area check out the Wig and Pen.
