Dig into a sandwich at the Wilder the next time you’re in the home of the Hawkeyes. (Photo: Graduate Hotels)
Locals and visitors alike have a dozen new reasons to stop by the Graduate Hotel in downtown Iowa City. Its new restaurant, Wilder, opened in May 2023, replacing a grab-and-go food hall off the hotel lobby. The new sit-down restaurant named after Hawkeye alum Gene Wilder serves classic Midwest fare with some eccentric twists in an homage to its namesake actor and comedian.
You can’t go wrong with the Iowa Gold burger, a Jiyu Wagyu beef patty smothered with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions. The crispy pork tenderloin is an ode to Iowa’s favorite sandwich with a kick of spicy corn relish and spicy mayo. Try the crunchy corn salad for a lighter option that’s still satisfying. It’s packed with produce you’d find straight from an Iowan garden, like sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, plus queso fresco and a chipotle lime dressing.
Plus, it’s open late, until midnight Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. all other evenings, so you can score some late-night munchies.
