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La Unica Grocery and Restaurant

About Us

La Unica Grocery and Restaurant is a beloved Mexican grocery store and eatery located in Iowa City, IA, serving customers in the greater surrounding area. Founded with a passion for bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the community, La Unica offers a wide range of products and dishes, including tacos, burritos, and traditional Mexican delicacies. Our store features a diverse selection of high-quality ingredients for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts, while our restaurant offers a delicious menu of homemade Mexican favorites and weekly specials. Come experience the taste of Mexico at La Unica Grocery and Restaurant!

Areas Served

Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA | Tiffin, IA | North Liberty, IA | Ely, IA

What We Offer

Our Services include:

Mexican Restaurant
Grocery Store
Weekly Specials
Everything Homemade

Our Products include:

Burritos
Tacos
Traditional Mexican Dishes

Testimonials

On 5/31/2025 M S had this to say:
Update - 2nd visit. Had 2 bean pupusas and they were delicious 😋 Going to try other options in next visits. My new favorite place in Iowa City 😋😋😋 Scrumptious food. Ordered the house plate and there was enough food for 3 people. Chicken and pork chops very tender w/ a delicious grilled flavor. Chorizo was also grilled and very good. Homemade chips and salsa was SO good - not spicy at all. The horchata is good but different from Mexican horchata. Met the cook and she was very friendly. She gave us rice when inquired if it was available but not included w/ the house plate. My new favorite restaurant in Iowa City and will be returning soon to enjoy another delectable dinner. 😋😋😋

On 5/25/2025 Emily Belding had this to say:
Don’t sleep on this great restaurant and grocery- lots of variety, including Venezuelan products that are hard to find in IC. Best tacos I’ve had in Iowa City. Food slaps and the margaritas are made with real fruit. Don’t miss out on this place!!!

On 5/24/2025 Olivia Benda had this to say:
AMAZING!!! Fast service with seriously the best chips and salsa topped with queso fresco. Hot FRESH chips. Frijoles y queso pupusa was delicious and the flautas GREAT as well. The service was fast and the woman serving was helpful. One of the best restaurant/markets in the area. Will be back and frequently!

On 5/19/2025 Odysseus had this to say:
Some of the best guacamole, horchata, and tacos (al pastor) in town. The rice and beans were quite good too. The service was also fantastic. There's really nothing bad to say about this place, just try it for yourself.

On 5/18/2025 Joanna had this to say:
Food was really tasty and flavorful, nice atmosphere, and very friendly service! Highly recommend! Testimonial written by Joanna on this site.

Contact Us

La Unica Grocery and Restaurant
1029 S Riverside Dr Suite 300 Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone: (319) 569-1194
Email: launicatienda815@gmail.com

Payment Types Accepted

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay, Android Pay, PayPal, Personal Checks, Debit Cards, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

FAQ

What is La Unica Grocery & Restaurant?

La Unica Grocery & Restaurant is a combined Mexican grocery store and eatery located in Iowa City, Iowa. The business offers customers the opportunity to shop for authentic Mexican ingredients and products while also enjoying freshly prepared traditional Mexican meals in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Where is La Unica Grocery & Restaurant located?

The restaurant and grocery are situated on Riverside Drive in Iowa City. The convenient location makes it accessible for local residents, families, and visitors who want to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine or shop for specialty products.

What are your hours of operation?

La Unica generally operates daily, opening mid-morning and remaining open into the evening. Specific hours may vary slightly depending on the day of the week or holidays, so checking with the store directly is recommended for exact times.

What types of food do you serve in the restaurant?

The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, chorizo, house plates with sides, homemade salsas, and specialty items like rice and beans. Many dishes are described as homemade and authentic, reflecting traditional Mexican flavors.

Is the food homemade?

Yes. The dishes are made fresh in-house, from meats and sauces to sides and salsas. Customers often praise the food for its authentic, home-cooked taste, which is a hallmark of the restaurant.