A beloved English-inspired watering hole is making a comeback in Iowa City.
The Sanctuary Pub, at 405 S. Gilbert St., will reopen for business approximately the first week of June pending city inspection and approval from the health department, said Yara Elamir, the new owner. The 52-year-old pub closed in December.
Ms. Elamir grew up in Cedar Rapids and currently resides in the Amana Colonies, and said she was drawn to Sanctuary Pub for its history.
“When I was looking to purchase a restaurant, I ran across this gem and decided to look into the history of the building…and that really struck my interest [in] bringing back that beloved [restaurant],” she wrote the CBJ in an email.
The building’s interior has undergone some remodeling in preparation for the reopening. Citing irreparable damage to the checkered floor, Ms. Elamir has installed solid brown flooring “with a little bit of accent color in one of the areas,” she wrote. The “red room” has been redecorated in white and black, and the black glass tables have been moved to the pub room for additional seating. Wooden tables and pews have been added to the bar area as well, and the “green shade lighting” has been reintroduced.
“We don’t have many TVs (in the Sanctuary),” Ms. Elamir wrote. “The only TVs we have are the ones above the bar, and those would be on only after 9 p.m.” or in response to special requests from patrons.
The new menu will feature entrees like Herb Crusted Chicken, a boneless, marinated chicken breast seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then flame-grilled and served with carmelized onion; Shrimp N’ Parmesan Sirloin, an eight ounce grilled Braveheart Top Sirloin topped with sauteed blackened shrimp and creamy lemon butter Parmesan sauce; as well as a a selection of burgers, salads, specialty pizzas and appetizers.
“The bar remains unchanged, and all your favorites will remain, plus a few more options,” the Sanctuary’s May 13 Facebook post read, adding that “Our main focus is to make The Sanctuary more of a family-friendly restaurant than a bar…we will continue to have all your favorite activities such as live music, trivia night, comedy shows, karaoke nights, live DJ on weekends, drag bingo, and much more.”
