Gabe's
330 E Washington StIowa City, IA 52240
Operating since 1974 - celebrated 50th anniversary in 2024. Named one of USA Today's "29 Bars of the Year" in 2025. Pre-fame Nirvana played here in 1989; Smashing Pumpkins in 1993. Walls covered with vintage show posters and decades of bathroom graffiti. Small, gritty, no frills with terrible bathrooms but great sound. Writers like T.C. Boyle and Denis Johnson were regulars. Music venue first, not a college party destination.
The Dive Report
Atmosphere
8/10
Price
$
Lighting
dark
Pool Table
No
Cash Only
Cards OK