A Former Kids’ Party Palace Is Now A Grown-Up Destination At This Iowa Tequila Bar

Ah, kids' party palaces. If you're a 90s kid like me, odds are that you attended more than a few birthday parties at such places. There may not be as many of them as there used to be, but some chains are still going strong - like Happy Joe's, the pizzeria and arcade chain best known for being the originators of the taco pizza. The chain still has many locations around Iowa, but one location in Cedar Rapids is serving up something very different these days - and this party's only for the grown-ups! This former Happy Joe's is now Mezcal Tequila Cocina, an innovative Mexican restaurant better known for being the best tequila bar in Iowa. There are over 40 varieties of the powerful spirit on offer here, which means a nearly endless array of cocktails to try. It might just be the best Mexican experience in Cedar Rapids - and if you really miss that taco pizza, the food here will quickly win you over!

For many kids, taco pizza is the height of fine dining - but for grownups, this former Happy Joe's is offering something very different.

Mezcal Tequila Cocina is one of the newest restaurants in Cedar Rapids, and it just opened in late 2023.

Inside, you'll find a lush, Mexican-accented environment filled with art and the smell of delicious food.

Tacos with fresh-made tortillas, street corn, and sliced fajita steak are just some of the highlights here.

The massive crispy pork chop has got to be the most Instagram-worthy option on the menu, though!

The liquid fare is just as intriguing as the food - especially when you consider that this place serves more varieties of tequila than any other in Iowa!

You can try one of the many innovative cocktails, or just enjoy a tequila flight of these spirits at their most pure.

Have you visited Mezcal Tequila Cocina in Cedar Rapids? Let us know what you thought of this tequila bar in Iowa in the comments section! You can visit the Mezcal Tequila Cocina website for a full look at the menu, and the Mezcal Tequila Cocina Facebook page has some delicious-looking photos! While you're in the area, why not check in for a stay at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center? It's one of the best boutique hotels in the whole state.