Gay Bars & Clubs
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Big Grove Brewery
Google
(1522) 4.6
Tripadvisor
(122) 4.1
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What reviewers say
Visitors frequently praise Big Grove Brewery for its good beer selection and outstanding food, with many highlighting the friendly and attentive service and pleasant outdoor setting. However, some guests find the food to be overpriced and not consistently good, with one reviewer specifically calling out the burrata as disappointing.
87
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.6 🦉4.1
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About this place Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove Brewery is a spacious, family‑oriented taproom in Iowa City that doubles as a regular spot for drag brunch and other queer‑focused events.
At 1225 South Gilbert Street, just south of downtown, the brewery feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a destination bar. It’s marketed to everyone, so you won’t mistake it for a gay bar, but its calendar includes a steady stream of queer programming.
Since 2021 a monthly drag brunch has become a staple, pulling local talent and often selling out before the first ticket is released. Drag bingo nights pop up sporadically, and during Pride season the space hosts fundraisers for Iowa City Pride.
The interior is cavernous, with a beer garden and plenty of outdoor tables. A rotating list of house brews runs alongside a full kitchen that serves classic bar food.
If you’re aiming for brunch, book your tickets early—lines move fast. Google shows a 4.6 rating from roughly 1,500 reviewers, so the consensus is clear: the beer’s good, the vibe’s relaxed, and the drag shows are worth the wait.
Features
Gay-friendly (straight venue)
Live music
Casual
Food served
Outdoor Patio
Pub/Tavern
Walk ins welcome
Pub
Outdoor terrace
No dress code
Insider Tips
Community Reviews
Write a ReviewGoogle Reviews
Verified by Google4.6
★★★★★
1,522 reviews
Based on 1,522 Google reviews.
Colby Dye
Jun 2026
★★★★★
Best spot in town! Great food, amazing brews, and great staff! Cheers!
Kevin Englade
Jun 2026
★★★★★
isidore delanzac
Jun 2026
★★★★★
Zachary Rozycki
Jun 2026
★★★★★
Great beer and service.
Matt Shea
Jun 2026
★★★★★
My home away from home! Great people, great service, great times!
Bri Johnson
Jun 2026
★★★★★
m b
Jun 2026
★★★★★
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Suggest an Edit — Big Grove Brewery
Last updated on 9 November 2026