On the corner of Market Street and Gilbert Street, Dave’s Fox Head Tavern, or simply The Fox Head, is quintessentially Iowa City.
The watering hole’s local notoriety and nearly 100-year tradition has earned it a spot on USA TODAY’s Best Dive Bars in America list for 2025, which includes speakeasies and beachfront dives across the nation.
How old is Iowa City’s Fox Head Tavern?
The Fox Head Tavern is one of Iowa City’s oldest bars, opening in 1934, a year after Prohibition ended. The Northside neighborhood bar has stayed down-to-earth, owned by the same family since day one. It’s now owned by Dave Alberhasky.
The Fox Head is better known as “The Writers’ Workshop bar,” where the creative community of Iowa City gathers, breaking away from the downtown hustle and bustle for a more relaxed atmosphere. Though customers won’t be able to order a daiquiri like Ernest Hemingway or a strong martini like Truman Capote, the bar does serve classic beers and strong liquor pours.
But don’t forget your cash.
Why The Foxhead Tavern landed on USA TODAY’s list
USA TODAY praised bars that combine character and charm, places rooted in their cities’ stories. The Fox Head’s features highlight its authentic atmosphere, longevity, and tight-knit local following — hallmarks of a great dive.
The Fox Head is a bar with stories to tell
Though The Fox Head might be best known as a go-to spot for new college writers, it was also the spot for literary greats who graduated from the Unversity of Iowa’s MFA program. The watering hole served regulars like John Irving, professors and visiting authors, including former Writer’s Workshop director Frank Conroy and even “gonzo” journalist Hunter S. Thompson, author of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” The Fox Head is free of prentention, despite it being a main character in Iowa City’s story.
The Fox Head brings together the folks that have been coming to the bar for years and the transient college crowd, whether in the wooden booths, over a competitive game of pool, or teaming up to pick the best jukebox songs.
At Dave’s Foxhead Tavern, old school is cool.
Details: 402 E. Market St., Iowa City, 319-351-9824
(This article has been updated to fix an inaccuracy and to add a gallery.)
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: This Iowa City bar made USA TODAY’s list of best dive bars in America
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
