Old Brick (Iowa City) - Image 1
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Old Brick Iowa City

4.6
·92 reviews·Iowa City, United States

A historic Iowa City gem, Old Brick offers a charming venue for intimate weddings and a beacon of community support through its unique outreach progra...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November weddings

Chilly weather, cozy indoors

CrowdLow
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Old Brick (Iowa City) - Image 1

Old Brick Iowa City

Best Time

November weddings

Chilly weather, cozy indoors

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Iowa City gem, Old Brick offers a charming venue for intimate weddings and a beacon of community support through its unique outreach programs.

4.6
(92 reviews)

"Nothing quite beats the stunning red-orange brick outside. I can't recommend Old Brick enough!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The exterior brickwork is a photographer's dream for weddings and events. :camerawithflash:

💒 Intimate Gatherings

Ideal for smaller weddings and events; can feel full with larger crowds. :wedding:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Red-Orange Brick Exterior

Stunning Red-Orange Brick Exterior

Exterior

The iconic brickwork provides a picturesque backdrop, perfect for photos and soaking in the historic ambiance.

Intimate Wedding Venue

Intimate Wedding Venue

Interior and Exterior

A charming and classic choice for weddings, offering cozy spots for private moments and beautiful photo opportunities.

Community Breakfast Program

Community Breakfast Program

Main Hall

Experience the heartwarming outreach of free, restaurant-style breakfast service for those in need.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Historic Charm

Old Brick offers a unique blend of historic architecture and intimate event spaces. Its stunning red-orange brick exterior is a photographer's dream, but be aware the interior may feel dated to some. Consider the size of your event, as it's best suited for smaller gatherings.

Community Outreach & Events

Beyond its venue rental, Old Brick is known for its community outreach, including free breakfast for the homeless. This aspect adds a layer of social good to its presence in Iowa City, making it more than just a building.

Best Times

When
November weddings
Why
Chilly weather, cozy indoors
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesday mornings
Why
Community breakfast
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

This building isn’t finished yet, right? Don’t tell me they tore down The Mill to put up this rusty piece of $h!t.

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The exterior brickwork is a photographer's dream for weddings and events. :camerawithflash:

💒 Intimate Gatherings

Ideal for smaller weddings and events; can feel full with larger crowds. :wedding:

reddit.com

An old brick road was exposed in my city after a wire snapped and melted the asphalt above it

🍳 Community Spirit

Witness or participate in their heartwarming free breakfast program. :heart:

💡 Historic Ambiance

Appreciate the historic charm, though interiors might be considered dated by some. :old_key:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The exterior brickwork is a photographer's dream for weddings and events. :camerawithflash:

💒 Intimate Gatherings

Ideal for smaller weddings and events; can feel full with larger crowds. :wedding:

🍳 Community Spirit

Witness or participate in their heartwarming free breakfast program. :heart:

💡 Historic Ambiance

Appreciate the historic charm, though interiors might be considered dated by some. :old_key:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(92 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Old Brick is cherished for its beautiful historic brick exterior, making it a dream venue for intimate weddings and photoshoots. Its community outreach, particularly the unique restaurant-style free breakfast for the homeless, is also a significant highlight. While the interior's charm is appreciated by many, some find it dated, and the venue is best suited for smaller events.

"Old Brick is an Iowa City classic for charming and intimate weddings. I was privileged to photograph a modern November wedding at Old Brick. The modern and thoughtful details of my couple paired perfectly with Old Brick's historic charm. Nothing quite beats the stunning red-orange brick outside. Despite the chilly weather, we were able to find lots of hideaway spots inside to accommodate an intimate, private vow reading and other wedding photos. Especially for couples valuing the "historic church" feel, I can't recommend Old Brick enough!"

Audrey Anderson

"My first time their. I was So shocked for the way this small nice amazing close team of outreach help with free breakfast at a restaurant on Wednesday morning! This is a amazingly well thought out process and so calmming environment"

Ayci

"Very nice venue. I've DJ'ed there many times over the years (including last weekend) and the room has been traditionally very warm. Seems like adequate space for the wedding party to get ready before the event."

M K

What People Like

Historic brick exterior
Intimate wedding venue
Community outreach program

What People Dislike

Dated interior
Limited space for large events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Brick is located in Iowa City. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is common. Parking availability can vary depending on events. Check local Iowa City transit for any bus routes that might service the area.

Information on accessibility is limited, but reviews suggest it's suitable for meetings. For events like weddings, it's advisable to contact Old Brick directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Old Brick primarily functions as a venue for events and community programs. You typically don't need tickets for general visits, but specific events like weddings or community breakfasts may have their own entry requirements or be open to specific groups.

Operating hours can vary significantly based on scheduled events. For community breakfast, it's typically Wednesday mornings. For venue rentals, hours are event-dependent. It's best to check their official channels or contact them directly for specific times.

Yes, Old Brick is a popular venue for weddings and other events. Reviews highlight its charming exterior and intimate atmosphere, making it a sought-after location for couples and event planners.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is often described as charming and intimate, especially for weddings. The historic brick exterior is a major draw. Some find the interior a bit dated, but the overall feel is warm and community-oriented, particularly during outreach events.

Absolutely! The stunning red-orange brick exterior is a highlight for photographers, offering a beautiful and historic backdrop for events like weddings. There are also 'hideaway spots' inside for more private photos.

Old Brick hosts a variety of events, including weddings, meetings, and presentations. It's also known for its community outreach, providing free breakfast to the homeless on Wednesday mornings.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Old Brick is a venue, it's also known for its community outreach program that serves free breakfast on Wednesdays. For events like weddings, catering arrangements would typically be made separately.

The community breakfast is a standout feature, offering a restaurant-style experience with volunteers taking orders and serving meals, creating a calming and well-thought-out environment for guests.

📸 📸 Photography

The most recommended photo spot is the exterior, with its striking red-orange brick. Inside, reviewers mention 'hideaway spots' that are great for intimate moments, especially during weddings.

Yes, it's highly recommended for wedding photography due to its historic charm and beautiful brick exterior. The venue offers a classic and intimate setting that pairs well with modern details.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Old Brick is primarily known as a wedding venue, its community breakfast program offers a unique experience for families interested in teaching children about compassion and service. The restaurant-style service for the homeless breakfast is a gentle way to expose children to the importance of giving back in a structured and respectful environment. For event rentals, families should consider the venue's intimate size, which is best suited for smaller gatherings where children can be easily supervised.

💍 Couples Planning a Wedding

Old Brick is a highly recommended venue for couples seeking a historic and intimate wedding setting. Its iconic red-orange brick exterior provides a stunning backdrop for photos, and reviewers praise the 'charming' and 'classic' feel. The venue is particularly well-suited for smaller, more personal ceremonies and receptions. Couples should be aware that while the exterior is a major draw, the interior might be perceived as dated by some, and it's best for events with around 50 guests to ensure comfort and functionality.

🤝 Community-Minded Visitors

For those who value social impact, Old Brick's free breakfast program is a significant draw. Witnessing or learning about this initiative offers a glimpse into the venue's commitment to serving the Iowa City community. It's a chance to see a well-organized and compassionate outreach effort in action, providing a meaningful experience beyond typical tourist attractions. This aspect underscores Old Brick's role as a place of both celebration and significant social contribution.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Architecture of Old Brick

Old Brick in Iowa City is celebrated for its distinctive red-orange brick exterior, a feature that consistently draws praise from visitors and photographers alike. This historic architecture provides a picturesque and timeless backdrop, making it a popular choice for events, particularly weddings. The visual appeal of the brickwork is often highlighted as a key reason for choosing the venue, offering a sense of established character and charm.

While the exterior is universally admired, opinions on the interior vary. Some describe it as having a 'dated' feel, while others appreciate its historic ambiance and intimate spaces. For those valuing a 'historic church' feel, Old Brick delivers. It's noted that the interior can accommodate smaller gatherings comfortably, with reviewers mentioning adequate space for wedding parties to prepare. However, for larger events, the space might feel more constrained, and practical issues like restroom functionality have been noted.

The building's history is intrinsically linked to its community role. Beyond being a venue, it actively engages in outreach, most notably through its free breakfast program for the homeless. This dual function as a historic event space and a hub for social good adds a unique dimension to Old Brick's identity in Iowa City.

Community Impact and Outreach

Old Brick is more than just a venue; it's a cornerstone of community support in Iowa City. Its free breakfast program, held on Wednesday mornings, is frequently mentioned and lauded for its thoughtful execution. Volunteers create a welcoming, restaurant-like atmosphere, where guests are treated with dignity, with orders taken and meals served as if in a formal dining setting. This approach fosters a calming and respectful environment for those who rely on the service.

The impact of this outreach extends beyond providing a meal. It offers a sense of normalcy and care, as described by one reviewer who was 'so shocked for the way this small nice amazing close team of outreach help'. This initiative highlights Old Brick's commitment to serving the broader community, demonstrating that its purpose is deeply rooted in compassion and social responsibility. It’s this blend of historic charm and active community service that makes Old Brick a unique and valued institution.

For visitors interested in understanding the full scope of Old Brick's contribution, observing or learning about the breakfast program offers a profound insight into its mission. It showcases a dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations, reinforcing its role as a place of both celebration and service.

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