• the smokestack building in downtown dubuque
    Heart of Dubuque, Spirit of New York

    Our casual, cosmopolitan club, located in a renovated warehouse with two rooftop lounges, is its own destination in the heart of Downtown Dubuque and the historic Millwork District.

  • food made at the smokestack in downtown dubuque
    Fun Food, Great Spirits

    We pair our select modern American dining menu with local brews, creative cocktails, and classic favorites - all served until last call.

  • the smokestack building in downtown dubuque
    180 Years of Iowa History

    Before arts and culture helped create Smokestack, our historic building was a hotel, a dairy, a motorcycle shop, and much more. Plus, this site itself is the exact birthplace of Iowa.

  • rooftop patio at the smokestack in downtown dubuque
    Experience New Heights

    Grab a cocktail and get above it all! Enjoy beautiful skyline and cityscape views year-round at Dubuque’s original rooftop lounge.

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    Night of the Living Queens Illusions Midwest Halloween Drag Shows
    Oct. 20, 2018, 7 pm All Ages Show & 9:30 pm 21 & Over Show
    Smokestack Comedy Showcase
    Oct. 26, 2018, 7:30 pm to 9 pm
    Smokestack Halloween ft. Emple’s Darkness & Live Dead Grateful Dead Tribute
    Oct. 27, 2018, 9 pm to 2 am
    A Very Halloween Salsa Dance Night
    Oct. 31, 2018, 6 pm to 9 pm

    Events

    Nightlife, Art, Music and Everything In Between

    Our casual, cosmopolitan club is a destination of its own, located in the heart of Downtown Dubuque and the historic Millwork District. Join us in celebrating adventurousness and creativity, history and culture, and art and nightlife at one of our upcoming events.

    Smokestack's Coming Events

    Full & Detailed Calendar

    About Us

    It all started in July 2013 with a fateful vacation to the Midwest by Brooklynites Scott Cornwell and Susan Price. The couple drove from their New York City home to Grundy County, Iowa, where Susan's ancestors settled in the 1850s. From there they headed to Scott’s hometown, Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. An unplanned stop in Dubuque turned into 24 hours, when the river town and its people captured the hearts of this adventurous duo.

    Soon after, they found a near-derelict property for sale in Dubuque. To many, the place seemed to be just another abandoned building slated for demolition, but Scott and Susan saw something different. It brought back some of their favorite experiences and nightlife in historic buildings in New York City.

    The two jumped at the opportunity to recreate those experiences in Dubuque. Six months later, the pair headed west to save and share the unique building. Through hard work and determination, their labor of love for Dubuque, Smokestack was born.

    Smokestack opened in July 2015, and then expanded to its two rooftops, 2nd floor gallery, and public garden in 2017, fulfilling Scott and Susan’s vision to share the property in its entirety. Smokestack has become a new favorite destination for art, culture and nightlife in Dubuque, seeing citizens and visitors from all over the world.

     

     

     

     

     

    Smokestack has recently become an emerging partner site of Silos & Smokestacks. Learn more about Silos & Smokestacks here.

    the exterior of the smokestack

    History

    Before Smokestack, this was the home of the Jefferson House Hotel, the Sanitary Milk Company, C&T Motorcycles and it is the exact birthplace of Iowa.

    Dive in to the history of a changing Iowa and learn more about The Smokestack.

    Honors

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    Dubuque Main Street entry to Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Competition (2017 )
    Voices Productions Murals by Corban Lundborg (2016)
    Iowa SBDC Small Business of the Month (December 2016)
    Impact Award for Nightlife - 365 Ink (2016)
    Dubuque Main Street Award - Best Adaptive Reuse (2015)
    City of Dubuque Stormwater Best Management Practice Material Assistance Program (2017)
    City of Dubuque Sustainable Dubuque Grant (2016)
    City of Dubuque Downtown ADA Assistance Program (2016)
    City of Dubuque Economic Development's Downtown Rehabilitation Design Grant (2015)
    Dubuque Main Street - Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant X Competition (2015)
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    Contact Us

    Address

    62 East 7th Street
    Dubuque, Iowa 52001
    Please enter from the alley, by our garden. We can’t wait to meet you! If you have a question, are interested in performing here, or wish to book your public, corporate, or private event at Smokestack, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

    Hours

    "Great staff, unique and interesting. Different than your normal watering hole. I liked it a lot. It's cool."
    Leonard D.
    "Quite the unique experience for nightlife while in town. The space itself is lots of fun, good beer and food selection, and the music lineup was dynamite when I visited last. Nice stop while you're in town; I'm sure it's a great hangout for locals, as well!"
    Matthew S.
    "Great history of the building. Good beer!"
    Linda S.
    "Great staff. Great food. Amazing sound if your playing in a band. This is the place to play in Dubuque!!"
    Corey M.
    "Great place to have wonderful drinks and great live music. Staff is friendly and the crowd is always chill."
    Eli S.
    "Best Venue In Dubuque, Iowa if you ever need a place to book an event please contact The Smoke stack believe me you WILL NOT be disappointed by a long shot very business orientated and genuine people you will want to do business with again."
    Marcus W.
    "Awesome place, appetizers are delicious and the drinks are fantastic! Love the atmosphere and very friendly staff."
    Colleen C.
    "Great atmosphere, the owners are awesome, and so welcoming. The food is delicious."
    Krista R.
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