Little Bohemia - Cedar Rapids, IA

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Little Bohemia - Cedar Rapids, IA

A place after my own heart . . .

While researching restaurants for our trip to Cedar No Rapids, this place jumped atop my list. With a sizeable Czech population, and it claiming to be the oldest bar in the city (Maybe there were even still rapids when it opened?), I was hoping for some traditional Czech food. Scored on that front . . .

I went with their delicious Goulash & Dumplings. A thick rich stew of carrots, potato, celery, shredded meat over bread dumplings. It's exactly the type of dish I was looking for. With the cheese melted over the top and a bit of heat, it didn't land far from say a Mexican tamale/chili platter. I dug it

Soup of the Day was Stuffed Green Pepper, and they nailed a stuffed green pepper soup. A little goes a long way though, and a cup would have been the smarter choice

The lady went with a Rachel on Grilled Rye, and seemed quite pleased with it. The side of Cucumber Salad was especially nice. I need to make that kind of thing more often at home to have throughout the week

I also couldn't pass up ordering us a Fried Mushroom nosh to start. Thumbs up

The only failure of the meal was that the kiddo ordered Mini Corn Dogs kids meal, and they only had regular corn dogs. May not seem a big deal to an adult, but to a kid, it can be. They were up front about it, so thankfully it wasn't a surprise. Way to bum a kid out, though ;)

And a couple "housekeeping" details if you will . . . One, the dumplings pictured above sat out on the counter of the bar in the prep area the entire time we were there with some flies around, and were never once covered. Maybe put some clingfilm over the top, no? Second, when you bring the tab . . . maybe don't hand people the pen from behind your ear to sign with. Right? Sometimes I wish I was more like my ex-New Yorker buddy Rich who'd a been all "Dude? wtf?" I'm workin' on it

Overall, the lady and I were very happy with lunch. I wish there were more Czech options, but beggars can't be choosers. Next time there I'll have to hit up the Roast Pork Dinner, and I do hope there's a next time soon

The restaurant space itself I loved. Lived in and aged and ever changing yet never evolving too much. Character on top of Character. Ephemera and Antiques. I could come hang here forever. Wish it was in my neighborhood