(PHOTOS via Iowa City Downtown District)
IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Downtown District announced Wednesday the opening of Claude, an intimate French-inspired cocktail lounge and bistro located at 215 N. Linn Street in the historic Northside neighborhood. The new establishment represents a significant investment in downtown’s continued economic development and marks another milestone in the area’s ongoing commercial revitalization.
“We wanted to create a place where people can truly linger and connect,” said Adélaïde Subtil, owner of Claude. “In our increasingly fast-paced world, Claude offers something different, a space shaped around comfort, good company, and slow evenings. This reflects the French mentality I grew up with, sitting at the table for hours, enjoying conversation, and savoring the moment. I’m thrilled to bring this tradition to Iowa City.”
The establishment is named after Adélaïde’s great-grandfather, Claude Beauregard, a French World War I aviator and pioneering airline pilot who opened early international routes across Europe and Asia in the 1920s. His legacy of exploration and innovation inspired both the venue’s name and its thoughtfully designed interior, which features custom furnishings from Paris, a vintage Italian chandelier, and antique pieces that create an immersive, timeless atmosphere.
Claude is helmed by Adélaïde, a French native who studied fashion and art in Paris before settling in Iowa City with her husband, Thomas, the co-owner, helping design and curate the restaurant’s menu. Adélaïde’s upbringing in the south of France influences the simple, healthy approach to the small plates menu, which includes offerings such as tapenade tartines, pissaladière Provençale (caramelized onion tart with anchovy and olive), salmon crème fraîche mousse, and carefully selected charcuterie and cheese plates served with fresh local baguettes.
The couple’s vision is supported by beverage director David Basinger, formerly of Rodina in Cedar Rapids. The beverage program is equally distinctive, featuring craft cocktails like “The Night Pilot” (a complex rum blend with velvet falernum and absinthe) and the “House Manhattan N°1” (Linie aquavit, rye, and rosé vermouth). The wine selection has been curated with the assistance of their friend John Hart, a wine sommelier and investor, including an exclusive offering: champagne from the House of Doyard.
Dating back to 1677, Doyard is situated in the Côte des Blancs, farming 10 hectares of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Ay, Avize, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The vineyards are organically farmed, with many parcels tilled by horse, and all wines spend a minimum of four years on lees before disgorgement, known for their focus and mineral precision. Through a family connection to the house, Claude is fortunate to offer these wines exclusively, where they hold a special place on the list and are shared with particular pride. Additional selections include Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne and carefully chosen wines from France and beyond.
“Claude represents exactly the type of unique, entrepreneur-driven business that strengthens our downtown,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of Marketing at the Iowa City Downtown District. “This opening demonstrates the continued confidence investors and business owners have in Downtown Iowa City. Adélaïde’s vision and commitment to creating an authentic, high-quality experience add tremendous value to our Northside neighborhood and our entire downtown district.”
The new lounge is located on the building’s upper level and open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to midnight. Claude accepts reservations for groups of six or more at claudeic.com, while welcoming walk-ins for smaller parties.
Beyond the cocktail lounge, the business plans to open a French antiques and home décor shop on the building’s lower level later this year, further contributing to the neighborhood’s diverse retail offerings.
Claude’s opening reflects broader positive trends across Downtown Iowa City. Commercial vacancy rates have decreased compared to one year ago, and additional businesses are slated to open over the next year, with announcements forthcoming.
The Iowa City Downtown District provides comprehensive resources for entrepreneurs and businesses interested in locating downtown, including site selection assistance, demographic data, and information about available incentives and financing options. Prospective business owners are encouraged to visit locatedowntowniowacity.com to learn more about opportunities in one of Iowa’s most vibrant commercial districts.
“Downtown Iowa City continues to evolve as a destination for innovative businesses and creative entrepreneurs,” said Betsy Potter, Executive Director of the Downtown District. “We’re committed to supporting these businesses and fostering an environment where they can thrive.”