The University of Iowa

Pair Culinary With World Class Art

Take in world class performing art at Hancher Auditorium, while enjoying enticing drinks and snacks.

About Hancher

Hancher Auditorium is a multidisciplinary performing arts presenter committed to connecting artists and audiences with transformational artistic experiences. For more than 40 years, Hancher has been the cultural hub of the University of Iowa campus—presenting world-class dance, music, and theater, while earning an international reputation for excellence.

University Catering now offers food and drink pre-orders for all shows, so that your food is available and ready as soon as you arrive. Pre-order your items to avoid the lines and receive $1 off each entree and dessert!

Place a Pre-Order

Full Bar Menu

Join us at the bar prior to Hancher performances, at intermission, and immediately following performances. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard) may be used for purchases. American Express and cash are not accepted.

Tito’s vodka, raspberry honey syrup, lemon juice, and garnished with fresh raspberries. 

Bourbon, kahlua, vanilla simple syrup, orange bitters, and orange twist.

Recipe from the book Black, White and The Grey.

Tanqueray gin, honeydew juice, lime juice, pink peppercorn syrup, mint, cucumber ribbon.

Titos, Tanqueray, Bacardi, Captain Morgan, 1800 Silver, Maker's Mark, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Jack Daniels, J&B Rare, Kahlua, St. Germaine.

South Africa

A complex Chenin Blanc - fresh, soft, and elegant with prominent hints of stone fruits such as white pears and apricots and hints of honey.  The taste is round and smooth, finishing with slight acids that give the wine a beautiful structure and length. 

Mendocino County

Vibrant, flint colored Chardonnay illustrating its unoaked composition in appearance as well as profile. Aromas display ripe citrus and tropical notes such as guava and passion fruit. A subtle clove spice underneath which is expressed as varietal with a key lime scent. The palate is a mouthful of fruit from apricot to Fuji apple, to dried pineapple & ripe casaba melon. The finish furnishes a lovely, silky honey texture adding to the ripe apple, which together coats the palate elegantly. 

France

Beautiful pale gold color with green tints, with a very good aromatic expression marked by freshness and the finesse of the Sauvignon (lemon, grapefruit) and the delicacy of Muscadelle (white flowers: acacia, honeysuckle). In the mouth, Semillon brings a little more roundness and length in a finale that is tasty and charming. 

Italy

Bright straw-green with golden tinges. Peach, apricot and white flowers on the inviting nose. Then flavors similar to the aromas, offering very good ripeness and flesh. Closes long and rich, with repeating orchard fruit nuances.

Italy

Superbly balanced wine with rich and fruit driven aromas and flavors of apples, pears and citrus exploding from the glass and tantalizing the senses. It has a long and fruit filled finish emphasizing freshness and finesse.

Santa Barbara, California

The hand-harvested grapes for this Pinot Noir were carefully selected for complexity and elegance. The judicious blending of several different clones produced a wine with aromas and flavors of bright red fruit with naturally bright acidity and good structure. Showing off aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, and a hint of dark chocolate. Sultry tannins and balanced acidity support flavors of cola, lavender, exotic spice, and just a trace of vineyard terroir in a lasting finish. 

Napa Valley, California

Medium ruby. Sweet berries, honey-butter, cedary oak, tea, and spice on the nose. Medium bodied. Bright, spicy palate with good structure. Flavors of berry, cranberry, jam, spice, finishing with baking chocolate, and just enough bright acidity to leave the mouthwatering. Easy drinking. A fruity, spicy, and dry--not sweet--Zinfandel. 

Napa Valley, California

95% Cabernet Sauvignon from Lake County AVA, 5% Cabernet Franc from Coombsville, Napa, California. Ripe notes of blueberry compote, plums, fresh violet petals, and currant. A round mouthfeel with hints of blackberry bramble, and black pepper. Bordeaux-like earthiness, with bright acidity and velvety, persistent tannin. 

Barossa, South Australia

A beautifully rich Shiraz - lush and luxurious on the palate with ripe blackberry, cherry compote, earthy cocoa, and nutmeg. 

Santa Barbara, California

Macerated cherries, strawberry reduction, sweet spice, spring flowers, plum tart, melted licorice, and fresh herbs. The palate has an exuberant, sweet approach, with a long, mineral-laced finish. 

34% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Graciano, 4% Petite Sirah, 2% Viognier 

Stanley Cafe Menu

Join us at Hancher Stanley Cafe before the show. Stanley Cafe will open 90 minutes prior to the performance start time and during intermission. Enjoy a fabulous entree salad, sandwich/soup, or a plate to share with friends before the show.

Maytag Blue Cheese, Frisian Farms Gouda, Milton Creamery Selection, Amana Summer Sausage, Strawberry Rhubarb Compote, Roasted Tomato and Basil Compote, Seasonal Fruit and Toasted Walnuts.  Served with Flatbread.  

Recommended wine pairing: Lucas Lewellen Pinot Noir or Tiamo Prosecco

Peppercorn Crusted Seared & Shaved Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Aioli, Mixed Greens, Capers, Shallots and a Drizzle of Olive Oil.  Served with Crostini.

Recommended wine pairing: Chateau La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc or High on the Hog Red Blend

Roasted Peach & Berry Salad with Fried Goat Cheese and Toasted Almonds.  Served with Raspberry Vinaigrette.

Recommended wine pairing:  Heron Chardonnay

Fresh Mango & Pistachio Chicken Salad with Lettuce and Tomato on Toasted Croissant.  Served with Chips, Half Salad or Soup du Jour.

Recommended wine pairing:  Chateau La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc

Fresh Mango & Pistachio Chicken Salad with Lettuce and Tomato on Toasted Croissant.  Served with Chips, Half Salad or Soup du Jour.

Recommended wine pairing:  Chateau La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc

Truffle Sacchettoni with Ricotta, Pecorino Cheese & Lemon Cream Sauce.

Recommended wine pairing: False Bay Chenin Blanc

Black and White Almond Sugar Cookie.

Gourmet Chocolate Chip.

Three assorted macarons

Butter.

Black & Gold Mix.

White Cheddar.

Pate a Choux, Pistachio, Fresh Strawberries, Hints of Orange & Cardamom

Recommended wine pairing:  Elvio Tintero Moscato

White Chocolate, Coconut Milk, Hibiscus, Fresh Raspberries.

Recommended wine pairing:  Elvio Tintero Moscato

Layers of Almond Sponge Cake, Coffee Syrup, Chocolate Ganache, French Buttercream 

Recommended wine pairing:  Elvio Tintero Moscato

Club Hancher

Join us for an intimate experience in Strauss Rehearsal Hall with our Club Hancher performances. During Club Hancher shows, the bar in Strauss Hall will open an hour before the performance start time. 

You can now pre-purchase and have food ready for you when you arrive. Menus will be available to purchase up until 12:00 p.m. the day before the show. The menu consists of light fare designed to share, with a full selection of beer and wine. From snacks and cookies, to a gourmet charcuterie platter, bruschetta, entrée salad, and half sandwich, we've got something for everyone. 

Hancher Culinary Arts Experience

Join us to experience your favorite restaurant, or chose to dine with a new restaurant this year.  Our four restaurants will offer amazing dining experiences in the beautiful setting of the Stanley Cafe. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Hancher Box Office. Ticket price includes dinner, non-alcoholc beverages, tax, and gratuity. Capacity is limited. The second floor bar will be open during the event for drink purchases.