The Map Room

Map Room is not just a culinary destination, but a true haven for adventure seekers in the heart of Cedar Rapids. This cozy pub in the USA stands out for its unique concept: its walls are almost entirely covered with vintage and modern maps from every corner of the globe.

The restaurant's creators, Christina and Mitch Springman, infused the interior with their genuine passion for travel. The atmosphere feels like a living atlas, where every piece of decor tells a story of far-off lands. Despite its modest size, the Map Room gives guests a sense of global adventure while remaining a friendly and homey, comfortable spot.

There is no unnecessary pretense here; instead, you'll find homemade pub fare and signature cocktails that emphasize the spirit of wanderlust. It is the perfect location for those looking to temporarily escape the everyday and get inspired for new discoveries in the company of friends or like-minded travelers.

To book a table or check for evening availability, you can contact the Map Room staff directly. The establishment's official website often features menu updates and information about special offers.

Below are the current contact details for inquiries and navigation to the restaurant in Cedar Rapids:

A visit to the Map Room is, first and foremost, a gastronomic journey. The main highlight of the menu is a series of signature burgers, each inspired by the culinary traditions of different cities. For instance, the "Delhi" burger will surprise you with Indian notes of paneer and garam masala, while the "Seoul" will delight kimchi lovers. Other popular choices include the "Marrakesh" with hummus, the "Napoli", or the spicy "El Paso".

In addition to the main courses, you should definitely try their "loaded" poutine-style fries, served with exotic toppings like lomo saltado or a rich beer cheese. The compact but well-curated bar list offers craft cocktails, such as the refreshing "Porch Life" with gin and ginger liqueur or the house-special "La Mure".

The cozy setting, marked by its famous purple entrance curtain, invites long conversations about past trips and planning future routes. It is an ideal place for meeting friends in a relaxed atmosphere where every sip and bite reminds you of the diversity of world cultures.

Finding the Map Room is easy — it is located in vibrant downtown Cedar Rapids at 416 3rd St SE. The restaurant is situated right next to the Armstrong parking ramp, and its cozy facade stands in charming contrast to the surrounding high-rises of the business district.

If you are traveling by car, you can always find a spot in municipal parking lots nearby or take a taxi, which will get you from anywhere in the city center in minutes. For those who prefer public transport, city bus stops connecting downtown with other neighborhoods are within walking distance.

The pub is just a few minutes' walk from the city's central squares. The exact coordinates POINT(-91.6643039 41.9764345) will help you find your way quickly using a navigator so you don't miss this colorful spot.

The building housing the Map Room is a historical gem in its own right. This tiny structure on 3rd St SE is over 95 years old. Over the decades, it has witnessed significant changes in the architectural landscape of downtown, managing to retain its charm despite urbanization.

Before the "cartographic" pub opened here, the space went through many owners and concepts. Over the years, it hosted establishments such as Grafton Street Pub, O’Maggie’s Pub, The Alley Inn, and Three Cheers. Just before the current project, it was home to Stella's, which unfortunately closed after the 2016 flood.

A new chapter began in 2017 when Christina and Mitch Springman decided to transform the space into a "place for explorers and dreamers." With the support of local partners, they renovated the building and opened the doors of the Map Room in early July 2017. Today, this small historic house has become a symbol of revival and a love for global culture in the heart of Iowa.

Typically, visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at the Map Room. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy one of their signature burgers, try a specialty cocktail, and take a close look at the unique maps decorating the walls.

Given the pub's compact size and its focus on high-quality "no-frills" food, a visit here fits easily into a busy city sightseeing schedule. If you plan to stop by for dinner on the weekend, keep the place's popularity in mind and perhaps allow a little extra time for a table.

Map Room is open to visitors daily from 11:00 AM. From Monday to Thursday, the restaurant stays open until 9:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday, hours are extended until 10:00 PM, making it an excellent choice for both a full lunch and a late dinner with friends.

On Sunday, the establishment closes a bit earlier — at 7:00 PM. It is recommended to keep these hours in mind when planning your visit, as the limited seating makes the pub very popular during peak times.

A stroll around the Map Room allows tourists to dive deeper into the history and culture of the region. Its downtown location makes the restaurant an excellent starting point for exploring architectural landmarks and modern cultural spaces just a couple of blocks away.

Below is a list of interesting sites to visit before or after your trip to the pub: