Graze

Making my way through the Ped Mall on a busy Thursday night in downtown Iowa City, I maneuvered through the large lines of eager bar patrons outside the Union and the Field House. Slipping through the crowd, I found my way to the entrance of Graze. The small establishment, located at the old Venuto’s World Bistro, is quiet retreat from the crowded and hectic bars of Iowa City. Taking a seat at the bar, I was presented with an extensive libations menu from the bartender. The menu consisted of an extensive list of modern and specialty martinis, as well as wine and spirits. The martini specials include exotic fruit martinis and bubbling martinis, which are served over dry ice and actually create a bubbly, almost volcano like eruption in the martini glass. Graze also offers classic martinis with top of the line gin and vodka. As it is not my first visit to graze, I look past the eye dazzling specialty drinks and opt instead for a classic vodka martini with no olives. Others in my group, who are making their first visit to Graze, decide to try the bubbling martinis and they are not disappointed. As for me, my martini was delightfully strong. The Thursday night special at Graze is half-price martinis, which is a great deal as the martinis are typically priced between $6 and $20.