Welcome IOMA Fall Classic!
Welcome to Waterloo! Whether you're here to compete, showcase equipment, or cheer on your favorite teams, we’re thrilled to host the IOMA Fall Classic at the Waterloo Convention Center.
When you step away from the tables and dartboards, you’ll find a vibrant, walkable downtown packed with local flavors, craft brews, unique attractions, and seamless hotel access. Use this guide to plan your downtime and make the most of your stay in Waterloo.
Explore Downtown Waterloo
Beyond the food and drink scene, downtown Waterloo offers plenty to see during your off-bracket downtime. Just blocks from the convention center, the Grout Museum District features fascinating regional history exhibits, interactive science displays, and the impressive Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Art enthusiasts can stroll through the Waterloo Center for the Arts to view Haitian art collections and riverfront galleries. If you prefer to stretch your legs outdoors, step right outside the venue onto the Cedar River Waterfront Walkways.
Walkable Eats
Our vibrant downtown core is exceptionally walkable—meaning morning coffee runs, fast lunch breaks between tournament brackets, sit-down team dinners, and late-night taprooms are all within a relaxed 2 to 10 minute stroll from the convention center doors. Use this guide to navigate our culinary scene!
Morning Fuel & Sweet Treats
Starting your tournament morning off right is easy with Waterloo’s lineup of local coffee shops, bakeries, and classic counters. If you need a handcrafted espresso, specialty latte, or a relaxing spot before your first bracket, head over to TreeHaus Coffee or The Savvy Bean. For a traditional, home-style breakfast, grab a seat at Carpenters Diner for hot coffee and hearty morning favorites, or head over to the legendary Morg’s Diner, a Waterloo staple famous for serving giant classic pancakes and comfort food right from the counter. Looking for a brunch? Newtons Paradise Cafe is your go to place. When you are craving something sweet between matches, treat yourself to exquisite French macarons and other sweet treats at Macarons by Sani, or pop into Con Amor Bakery for artisan baked goods made fresh daily.
Quick Bites & Casual Lunches
When you only have a short break between rounds, downtown Waterloo offers plenty of fast, satisfying lunch options to keep you fueled. For a quick deli run, Sub City serves up famous local sub sandwiches. If you are in the mood for a classic smashed-style burger and hot fries, Big Head Burger delivers fast, juicy comfort food. You can also swing by Hungry Charlie’s Lunchbox for quick-service sandwiches and hot lunch specials designed to get you fed and back to the venue floor in no time.
Sit-Down Dining & Evening Feasts
When the day’s competition wraps up and it is time to gather your team for a proper sit-down meal, you will find great options just minutes away. Enjoy delicious local comfort food and casual downtown dining and split a few artisanal wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads at Basal Pizza. If you're looking for great local dining featuring flavor-packed plates and specialty drinks, Ari'z is a fantastic spot to kick back with friends. For a cozy, classic Italian dinner, The Brown Bottle offers a warm atmosphere with pasta dishes and an excellent wine selection. If you are craving authentic Mexican dishes, sizzling fajitas, and fresh margaritas, pull up a chair at El Patron Family Mexican.
Taprooms & Nightlife
To unwind after a long day on the tournament floor, head over to the Taproom @ WonderBread (SingleSpeed Brewing Co.), located in the historic Wonder Bread building downtown, where you can enjoy an extensive draft list of local craft beers and a full menu in a spacious setting. If you are looking for a lively sports bar vibe with cold drinks, late-night bites, and plenty of TVs to watch the games, Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill, Smitty's Bar, and Bootlegger's Kitchen and Bar are the ideal spots to celebrate your victories and rehash the day’s best plays.