BLUEBIRD DINER
Iowa City, Iowa
Serving breakfast all day, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks
CURRENT HOURS:
SUN-TUES 7-3; WED-SAT 7-9
Come on in BIRDIES and join us!
Delivery and pickup available through our online menu and through CHOMP
Open SUN-TUES 7-3; WED-SAT 7-9 (319) 351-1470 330 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
About Bluebird Diner
With a fun and funky staff and decor, and a vast menu, Bluebird Diner in Iowa City, Iowa offers creative twists on traditional diner fare.
Bluebird’s reputation for delicious, fresh Midwestern soulfood served in a relaxed, retro environment is well known among Iowa City and North Liberty folk.
If you love comfort food, then you’ll love everything from our biscuits and gravy to our shrimp n’ gritz. Be sure to get here early for breakfast on the weekends!
Breakfast Menu
Eggs
Breakfast served all day, every day!
Bluebird Eggs
Two eggs, hash browns, toast and your choice of double-smoked ham, pecan wood-smoked bacon or two house sausage patties — 11
Huevos Epsteinos
Our famous smoked pork green chili atop griddled parmesan polenta and over-easy eggs. — 12
Corned Beef Hash
Potatoes, carrots, turnips, parsnips & corned beef. Topped with two eggs your way and toast — 12; Add red cabbage for 1; Krak-it for 3
Eggs Benedict
Fresh house-made hollandaise over two poached eggs, doubled-smoked ham, and toasted english muffin with hash browns. Traditional, with double-smoked ham — 10; Florentine, with lightly griddled tomato & spinach — 10; Chesapeake, with house-made crab cakes — 13; or Hemingway, with cold-smoked salmon — 13
Steak and Eggs
6 oz. grilled Black Angus NY strip served with two eggs, hash browns, toast and redeye gravy — 17; Blacken it — 18; Make it Oscar with crab cake, hollandaise, grilled asparagus & rustic hash — 22
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak in rich country gravy with two eggs your way, hash browns and toast. — 12
Biscuits and Gravy
House sausage patties with fresh house-baked buttermilk biscuits, velvety country gravy, two eggs and hash browns. Invaluable if you’re feeling a bit crump-footed. — 12
Mr. Bluebird’s Egg Sandwich
A mini cheddar omelet on toasted house sourdough with herb aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion and your choice of ham, sausage, bacon, turkey or sauteed veggies. Served with hash browns. — 12
Chorizo and Eggs
Two eggs scrambled with our vivacious house chorizo. Served over corn tortillas with pepper jack hash browns and a side of house-made salsa. — 12
The St. Blue
Our take on the St. Paul sandwich. Egg foo yung with house pulled-pork, green onions, crimini mushrooms, and red cabbage served on toasted house sourdough with lettuce, tomato, pickles and herb aioli. Served with hash browns. Ask for it vegetarian if you’d prefer. — 12
Oeufs Louis XIV
Three eggs soft scrambled with black truffles, stacked atop grilled tomatoes and toasted house sourdough. Served with a mound of rustic root hash. A breakfast fit for a king, but made just for you! — 20
Omelets
Made with three extra large eggs (egg white only for 50 cents) & served with hash browns & your choice of toast: Wheat, white, rye, English muffin, house sourdough (50 cents) or house-baked buttermilk biscuit (50 cents)
The Rajun Cajun
House sausage, double-smoked ham, Cajun veggie trinity, lemon-herb cream cheese and smoked delta cheese. Cac’est bon, mon chere! — 12
Slammin’ Salmon
Our cold-smoked salmon, red onion, red bell pepper, capers and lemon-herb cream cheese. Topped with fresh scallions. — 13
The Krakatoa
Pecanwood-smoked bacon, jalapeno, red onion, garlic, cilantro-lime cream cheese and molten pepper jack. A seismic shockwave of an omelet! — 12
Mile High
Double-smoked ham, red onion, red bell pepper and sharp cheddar. — 12
The Popeye
Crimini mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and fresh, house-made hollandaise. — 12
Cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella and Swiss, together in ooey-gooey glory. — 11
Veggie
Fresh mixed veggies and sharp cheddar. Fully approved for herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. — 12
Thee Pick Three
Choose Wisely — 12
Meats
Pecanwood-Smoked Bacon, House Sausage, Double-Smoked Ham, House Chorizo, Corned Beef.
Veggies:
Red Pepper, Red Onion, Asparagus, Crimini Mushroom, Red Cabbage, Tomato, Spinach, Scallion, Jalapeno, Krakatoa Mix (Jalapeno, Red Onion & Garlic).
Cheeses:
Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Pepperjack, Bleu, American, Feta, Smoked Provolone
De Luxe, Fancy & Fine List:
Add 1 when selecting from any of the following: Prairie Breeze (Milton Creamery Cheddar), Avocado, Kalamata Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Capers, House Pesto.
Breakfast sides
Double-Smoked Ham — 5
House-Sausage Patties — 5
Pecanwood-smoked Bacon — 5
Two Eggs — 4
Hash Browns — 4
Krakatoa Browns — 5
Corned Beef Hash — 6
Toast — 2
English Muffin — 2
Fruit Cup — 4.5
Warm Cinnamon Roll — 6
Local Maple Syrup, 2 oz — 2
Biscuits & Gravy — 7
Off the griddle & more
Homemade treats served with creamy whipped butter & syrup. Add fresh whipped cream for 50 cents. Add strawberries, bananas, griddl’d bananas, walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, raisins or blueberries for 1; add two for 1.5; add three for 2
3 Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes — 7
3 Homemade Gluten-Free Pancakes — 7.50
French Toast — 7
Belgian Waffle — 7
Cinnamon Roll French Toast — 7
Steel Cut Oats — 3 / 5
Bob’s Red Mill Grits — 3 / 5
Lunch Menu
Available Monday through Friday, 11am – Close, Saturday through Sunday, 12pm – Close
Burgers, tenderloins & steak
Our burgers are 6 oz Ruzicka’s beef, hand-pattied & char-grilled to your specification. Our pork tenderloins are cut, tenderized & breaded by hand, in house. Add a fried egg for 1 or an extra patty or loin for 4. All burgers & loins are served with fries or Bluebird slaw (sub soup or salad for 2.5) on a house-baked Kaiser with lettuce, tomato & onion.
All burger & tenderloin preperations are available with grilled chicken breast or our house-made, vegan black bean burger.
Hamburger
The classic, seasoned and grilled to perfection. — 11
Cheeseburger
Choose American, Cheddar, Pepperjack, Bleu, Swiss, Mozzarella, smoked Provolone or Prairie Breeze. — 12
Bacon Cheeseburger
Two strips of pecanwood-smoked bacon and melted cheddar in perfect harmony. — 14
The Krakatoa
A tempest of pecanwood-smoked bacon, jalapenos, garlic, red onions, and magmatic pepperjack. — 13
Mushroom & Swiss Burger
Topped with sauteed Crimini Mushrooms and molten swiss. Oh Mama, umami! — 12
Pork Tenderloin
5 oz. hand-cut, hand-tenderized pork loin. Naked or hand-breaded. — 12
The El Lobo
An open-faced burger topped with our famous green chili and molten pepper jack. The El Lobo is the El Loco. — 13; Krak it for 2
Bluebird-ger
Topped with two strips of pecanwood-smoked bacon and tangy bleu cheese crumbles. Sacré bleu, mon lardons! — 12; Blacken it for 1
The Vesuvius Burger
Moroccan spice rub, spicy harissa, cool tzatziki, and tangy feta cheese — 12
The Black Boar
Our 5oz pork tenderloin, hand cut and pounded, massaged with our house blackening spice, seared on cast-iron and dressed with bleu cheese mayo and Bluebird slaw. — 12
Li’l Frites
6 oz. black angus New York strip grilled to deliciousness, served with fries & redeye gravy or au jus. — 16; Blacken it for 1
Sandwiches
All sandwiches are served with fries or Bluebird slaw. Soup or salad may be substituted for 2.5.
The Cuban
Double-smoked ham, Bluebird pulled pork, spicy Cuban relish, tangy yellow mustard sauce and pepperjack nestled in a house-baked hoagie. Está volado! — 12
The Toadstool
Grilled marinated portabella on a toasted house-baked hoagie with house-made pesto, melted mozzarella, spinach and tomato. — 11
BLT
Loads of pecanwood-smoked bacon, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and herbed aioli on toasted wheat, white or rye. — 10; Add cold-smoked salmon for 3 or avocado for 1
Pulled Pork
A mountain of our slow-smoked pulled pork, dressed with Harts BBQ sauce and a Bluebird slaw on a house-baked Kaiser. — 12
Grilled Cheese
Your choice of American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Pepperjack, smoked Provolone or Bleu on white, wheat or rye. — 8; Add tomato for 50 cents, Add bacon, ham or turkey for 2
Bluebird Club
Double-smoked ham, house-smoked turkey, pecanwood-smoked bacon, cheddar & swiss cheeses on toasted house sourdough topped with lettuce, tomato, onion & herb aioli. — 12
Bleuben
Mounds of shaved corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss on rye, dressed with a sweet and spicy honey-stone mustard sauce. We’re happy to substitute smoked turkey breast if you’d prefer a Rachel. — 12
The Black Cat
Farm-raised catfish dusted with Hart’s blackening spice, seared on cast iron and served on a house-baked kaiser with lettuce, tomato, onion, Bluebird slaw, and bleu cheese mayo. Tres Boom! — 12
Salads & Soups
Choose from Balsamic Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Ranch, Honey Mustard, Bleu Cheese, Green Goddess or Caesar Dressing. Add Grilled chicken or shrimp for 3, or blackened chicken or shrimp for 4.
House
Crunchy romaine lettuce with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and croutons. — 5; Entrée size for 8
Smoked Salmon
House smoked Atlantic salmon, mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, croutons and capers served with our green goddess dressing. — 14
Greek
Romaine topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini and feta cheese. Served with red wine vinaigrette. — 13
Classic Caesar
Romaine tossed with Caesar dressing and topped with parmesan, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and garlic croutons. — 13
Bluebird Cobb Salad
Grilled chicken, bacon, tomato, Crimini Mushrooms, avocado, scallions, hard-boiled egg and bleu cheese atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. — 16
Green Chili w/ Smoked Pork Soup
Available as a cup or bowl. — 5 / 7
Soups of the Day
Ask your server for today’s selection! — 4 / 6
Dinner Menu
Appetizers
Monday through Friday, 11am – Close, Saturday through Sunday, 12pm – Close
Chicken Strips
Six breaded chicken breast tenders served with ranch, roasted red pepper rémoulade, Hart’s BBQ or blue cheese dressing. — 9
Crab Cakes
Two house-made crab cakes served with our scrappy roasted red pepper rémoulade. — 9.50
Green Chili Cheese Fries
A mountain of fries topped with our famous spicy green chili with smoked pulled pork & molten cheddar. — 8.50; Krak ’em for 2
Mac n’ Cheese
Our rendition of the comfort food classic, with golden gratin & gobs of gooey goodness. — 8; Krak it for 2 or Add chorizo & pepperjack for 2
The El Señor Camarónes Pantalones
Peppy sautéed shrimp & local sweet corn nestled in a warm spinach, tomato & avocado salad. Served atop crispy polenta with a kiss of tequila & lemon. — 10
Blueschetta
Fresh tomato, house pesto, Milton Creamery Prairie Breeze cheddar & a drizzle of balsamic reduction on house-baked sourdough. — 8
Dinner Entrées
Every day 5pm – Close
Red Beans & Rice
A bellyfull of our take on the Creole classic, featuring Hart’s slow-smoked Andouille sausage, double-smoked ham & brown rice. Served with house-baked sourdough. Laissez les bons temps rouler! — 16
Shrimp n’ Gritz
Two handfuls of lightly-dredged, sauteed shrimp with pinches of Hart’s Andouille, double-smoked ham & Cajun veggies all tied together in a sumptuous N’Awlins gravy. Served atop our collard greens & Bob’s Red Mill Grits. Ayeee, bon ami! — 18
Meatlöaf
A mammoth slab of homemade meatloaf drizzled with tangy tomato sauce. Served with collard greens or grilled asparagus & garlic mashed potatoes. Sorry, Bubbe, you still cannot have the recipe. — 15
Ratatouille & Polenta
A French peasant classic of roasted eggplant & vegetables in a rich tomato & basic sauce. Served over grilled Parmesan polenta. Mangez bien! — 15
Supah’ Frites
12oz Black Angus NY strip grilled to your pleasure, from burnt-to-a-crisp to bloody-as-hell. Served with fries or mash, house salad or grilled asparagus & redeye gravy or au jus. — 20; Blacken it — 21; Make it Oscar — 24
We offer entrée specials in addition to the above mentioned items. We endeavor to create dishes that are seasonally appropriate, locally sourced, and, of course, delciious. Our specials will change frequently to reflect the seasonal & culinary variations that characterize our charming & lovely state. We are passionate about cooking and serving reasonably priced food, affably and as quickly as our little legs will carry us.
Desserts
Ask your server about our selection of fresh, homemade cakes,pies, cheesecakes & other yummies, goodies & treats!
Daily Homemade Desserts — 5-8
Ice Cream With Chocolate or Caramel Sauce — 3
Root Beer Float — 3.5
Dreamsicle (Orange Soda Float) — 3.5
Any dessert á la mode — Add 1.5
Food for fledglings
Monday through Friday 11am – close, Saturday through Sunday 12pm – close.
Chicken Strips
Served with Ranch, Honey Mustard, or BBQ. Choose fruit or fries. — 6
Mac + Cheese
Gooey, cheesey blend with American, Cheddar, & Mozzarella. — 6
Chirpy Children’s Pancakes
Two Cakes with chocolate chips, blueberries, or strawberries. — 4.5
Drinks Menu
Beverages
Bluebird “Extra Chirps Blend” Coffee or Tea — 2.5
Wake Up Iowa “Alien Moon” Espresso — 2.5
Espresso Drinks — 4
Hot Cocoa — 3
Soda Pop — 2.5
Freshly Brewed Iced Tea — 3
Freshly Squeezed Lemonade or Arnold Palmer — 3
Juice — 2 / 2.75
Milk or Chocolate Milk — 2.25 / 2.75
Beer (Bottled)
Bud/Bud Light — 4
Miller Lite — 10
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — 10
Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin Ale — 5
Guinness Stout — 5
Stella Artois — 5
Pilsner Urquell — 5
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale — 5
Kona Big Wave Golden Ale — 5
PBR Tallboy — 4
Wilson’s Orchard Goldfinch Cider — 5
Features, Specialties, Seasonals — 4-6
Roosters
Birdie Mary — 8
Mimosa — 8
Tallboy Michelada — 6
Irish Coffee — 8
Hot Toddy — 8
Screwdriver — 8
Greyhound/Salty Dog — 8
Cardinals
Elicio Grenache/Merlot — 7/19
Vinum Pinot Noir — 9/25
Cycles Gladiator Petite Syrah — 8/22
Canonball Cabernet — 9/25
Oveja Negra Malbec/Petite Verdot — 7/19
House Red — 5
Swans
Chilensis Sauvignon Blanc — 6/16
Mont Gravet Rosé — 7/19
Ballard Lane Chardonnay — 8/22
Dipinti Pinot Grigio — 8/22
Heinz Shine Riesling — 7/19
House White — 5
Diama Prosecco 187ML — 9
San Antonio Sparkling — 7/19
Jon & Hart’s Spiffy Cellar
Domaine Chateaumar Cote Du Rhone (Syrah) — 30
Gran Passione Rosso — 27
Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc — 34
Graham Beck Rosé Brut Sparkling — 35
Owls
Manhattan — 8
Old Fashioned — 8
Dirty Birdy Martini — 8
Blue Cosmo — 8
Margarita — 8
Arnoldo Palmero — 8