ABOUT US

Originally built in 1914, The Ideal Theater closed on the eve of Prohibition in 1920, and was not reopened to the public for over a century.

We reopened The Ideal as a public venue in October 2022 to return it to the city as an entertainment hall and gathering spot for all walks of life, but especially those who yearn for connection, art and expression. Devoid of digital screens and gaming machines, The Ideal Theater & Cocktail Bar leans into its legacy as a haven for Bohemians and all others seeking refuge in a cocktail, a conversation and a compelling live performance.

The Ideal forges a path in a beer-dominated market as a cocktail bar, with an unwavering commitment to best-in-class execution and expansive choice. In addition to hundreds of spirits, The Ideal's unique offerings also include fine wine on tap, THC beverages and a plentiful array of non-alcoholic options. The Ideal does not offer typical bar food but rather fresh options from local vendors including multiple sizes and assortments of charcuterie and freshly made desserts.

Beyond offering unique food and beverage options, our mission at The Ideal is to revitalize the local live music scene. The Ideal prioritizes original artists, frequently hosts touring artists and is the only venue in its class to maintain full in-house sound and lighting production capabilities. Our goal is to foster the growth and support of our local original artists, to bring acts to the area that local residents previously had to travel to see, and to set the standard for live music in Cedar Rapids and beyond.

Originally built in 1914. The Ideal Theater closed on the eve of Prohibition in 1920, and was not reopened to the public for over a century.

We reopened The Ideal as a public venue in October 2022 to
return it to the city as an entertainment hall and gathering spot for all walks of life, but especially those who yearn for connection, art and expression. Devold of digital screens and gaming machines. The Ideal Theater & Cocktail Bar leans into its legacy as a haven for Bohemians, and all others seeking refuge in a cocktail, a conversation and a compelling live performance.

The Ideal forges a path in a beer-dominated market as a cocktail
bar, with an unwavering commitment to best-in-class execution
and expansive choice. In addition to hundreds of spirits, The Ideal's
unique offerings also include fine wine on tap, THC beverages
and a plentiful array of non-alcoholic options. The Ideal does not
offer typical bar food but rather fresh options from local vendors.
including multiple sizes and assortments of charcuterie and freshly
made desserts.

Beyond offering unique food and beverage options, our mission
at The Ideal is to revitalize the local live music scene. The kleal
prioritizes original artists. frequently hosts touring artists and is the
only venue in its class to maintain full sound and lighting production
capabilities. Our goal is to foster the growth and support of our
local original aetists. to bring acts to the area that local residents
previously had to travel to see. and to set the standard for live music
in Cedar Rapids and beyond.

But more than all of that, our mission is to give you space to simply
be yourself, in a space stripped of modem distractions and pressure.
The Ideal was built by Bohemlans for Bohemians, and while that may
have been forgotten for much of the last century, we are here to
ensure it is remembered in the next one.

But more than all of that, our mission is to give you space to simply be yourself, in a space stripped of modem distractions and pressure. The Ideal was built by Bohemians for Bohemians, and while that may have been forgotten for much of the last century, we are here to ensure it is remembered in the next one.