Our Story
Fearadh na Failte! (Welcome!) Jameson’s Public House was established in 2005, and opened its doors for business in February 2006, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Since then, we’ve been bringing the Emerald Isle to the Cedar Valley with our fine food, Gaelic atmosphere and great entertainment. Slainte! (Cheers!)
About Jameson’s Public House
& East 4th Street
Jameson’s Public House is part of a larger renaissance taking place in the East 4th Street area of downtown Waterloo. For the past 160 years, this zone has been the location of various types of public houses, including some that weren’t entirely legal! We’re a combination of the “country cottage pub” and “traditional shot pub” that you can find in every neighborhood in Ireland. These little pubs have followed the Irish wherever they’ve emigrated over the centuries, but didn’t pop up in the Cedar Valley until 30 years ago. Currently, we’re the only authentic Irish pub in the area, and we’re proud that this has played a key part in East 4th Street’s rejuvenation.
Enjoy Irish Fellowship in the Cedar Valley
At Jameson’s Public House, we want you to make new friends or find the old ones! Instead of being sectioned off like many traditionally-modeled Irish pubs, our floor plan is open, so you can see everyone the moment you walk in through our doors. We offer a classic "horse hair/steel tipped" dart board on our main level to challenge your friends with, and a 22-foot shuffleboard table to gather around in our upstairs mezzanine area—which is perfect for larger parties. This is all in keeping with the history of social gatherings at the building. It was originally built as an Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge in 1890, and hosted meetings for the Black Hawk Lodge No. 72. Much of this venerable old building’s structure and façade are still intact, including the I.O.O.F. insignia and date plaque at the top of the building.
LIVE
MUSIC
daily
specials
Go-to place for Irish food and live music
Our menu and drink selection has come a long way in a short period of time, and continues to evolve. In addition to offering traditional Irish food, we also pride ourselves on our unique burger combinations and other American favorites. Next time you’re hungry, come to Jameson’s and order something that will make your taste buds do a jig.
Jameson’s Public House’s draft beer selection has also grown in the past few years from 8 beers on tap to 18, including authentic Irish beers and local craft beers, along with a large selection of “uisce beatha” (whiskey… the “water of life”). Try one of our spirits today, and fill your own spirit with Irish cheer!
Besides great food and drink, Jameson’s Public House is also a hot spot for great live music, from local musicians to lively Irish bands. The events page can tell you what our current line-up is.
Iowa Irish Fest and St. Patrick’s Day
Jameson’s Public House loves it when March 17th rolls around and we can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But along with the rest of downtown Waterloo, we love to celebrate Iowa Irish Fest even more! What started as an idea to have an Irish food and music fest in the back parking lot has turned into a three-day event that hosts four stages and 30,000 attendees in the downtown Waterloo area. Iowa Irish Fest takes place during the first weekend of August and features top-notch Irish music, Irish food and Irish entertainment. It continues to grow every year.
