The Indie Bob Spot: Sidekick Books & Coffee

Sidekick Coffee & Books, Iowa City, IA

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Iowa City is a town with some renowned independent bookstores and a variety of wonderful local coffee shops. Heck, Iowa City is even recognized as a UNESCO international city of literature, one of only 28 cities (but only two in the US, the other is Seattle). Is it even possible to consider that this area could absorb yet another similar business into the local landscape? You better believe it. This is something Sidekick owner Katy H. has been considering for quite awhile. Finally timing and opportunity collided and the result is something uniquely Iowa City and something very compatible with all the other local like-minded businesses.

Katy was looking to own a bookstore/cafe combination with both components equally important. She hit the mark with Sidekick and now newly opened for just 2 months, they are off to an excellent start. They offer all new books with the emphasis on kids books and kid-oriented events. 90% of the book inventory is devoted to kids. The cafe offers any coffee drink imaginable along with an impressive display of baked goods. Everything from taco pot pie to quiche to amazing looking cinnamon rolls. After you finish that consider a cotton candy ice cream cone. Everything offered is produced locally and the baked goods are from the nearby Tip Top Cakes bakery in Coralville. Katy also offers a limited catering service for local events and meetings. As for store events, I cannot believe how active their schedule is for only 2-months old. The store is truly a neighborhood bookstore and attracts families that simply walk to the store. Sidekick is located on the busy Melrose Ave on the bottom floor of new multi-level apartments with another similar building nearby. It happens to be in the same neighborhood as Kinnick Stadium, home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, another plus. There are lots of great places to sit throughout the store and enjoy a coffee. But you won't find any wi-fi. Instead, talk to your neighbors, read your books, or read to your kids.

If you drive by here and see nowhere to park, don't despair. The big news that some new customers don't get is that there is a HUGE parking lot behind the store.

Katy, along with booksellers Alissa and Jenna were terrific to meet and talk to about the store. Readers, this is another newbie with a great future. Pay Sidekick a visit and grab a kid to take along with you. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Salt To The Sea, Ruta Sepetys. One of the best books I've read lately. Historical fiction that takes place in 1945 Europe as refugees are fleeing the Russian advances in the east. Story centers on 4 refugees and their unbelievable journey to escape with their lives, enduring many hardships and loss along the way. Classified as YA but to me, this is adult lit. 5-stars all the way. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Thirty Years A Slave, Louis Hughes.

There are two entrances to the bookstore and if you drive here and park in back, this is probably the entrance you'll go through.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

View looking to the left from the front entrance.

This really had me faked out. I couldn't tell if it was a cross section from a very large tree or actually part of the floor. It was neither. But it was a very cool area rug.