Hamburg Inn

Hamburg Inn Description

The Hamburg Inn story began in the mid 1930's when Joe Panther started Hamburg Inn on Iowa Avenue. His brother Adrian eventually joined Joe. Hamburgers sold for a nickel, there were 10 burgers to the pound and they gained the nickname 'grease spots'. Adrian eventually bought the restaurant from Joe. In 1948, Mrs. Van's Restaurant on N. Linn Street cam up for sale and was bought by another brother, Fritz Panther and his wife, Fran. Adrian and Fritz formed a partnership and over the years had Hamburg Inn #1 and #2, Big Ten Inn on Riverside Drive and the Airport Inn in Iowa City. They also had Hamburg Inn #3 in Cedar Rapids on Center Point Road. Hamburg Inn No. 2 is the only remaining location. Dave Panther, Fritz and Fran's son, bought the restaurant in 1979 from his parents and has continued the tradition of 'Comfort Food in a Fifties Time Capsule'. For over 15 years, Dave has also been a professional clown and storyteller.

Hamburg Inn serves up specialty omelets, variations on French Toast, including Cinnamon Roll French Toast and other breakfast favorites such as biscuits and gravy, oatmeal and bacon and home fries for sides.

Their menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads. A kid's menu is also available.