Gumption

Unique breakfast menu. It looks interesting. The waitstaff was nice. The food took quite a while. We got the shrimp po’ boys without sauce or coleslaw and the sliders. The shrimp was fantastic. The side of macaroni and cheese was lukewarm and the sauce seemed seemed to have dried up a bit. The waitress brought us another order and it was so good. The new batch even had chips on top. They seem to have plenty of sauce and a bit of a garlic taste.

This place is really fantastic. The place feels comfortable and the employees are nice. Started off with some cornbread which was delightful, and the deep fried portobellos which were great, not oily, very crunchy with firm mushrooms and a nice garlic aioli sauce. Shrimp po boy was perfect. Shrimp were cooked like they are supposed to be and lightly seasoned on a heavenly soft roll. The flat bread was good and the pork on it was well seasoned, not overpowering in any way. The crab cake sandwich was something else though. Wow! All crab and pretty much no cake. Just like a crab cake should be. Everything was so good that we all decided to get cold brew coffees. The Mexican coffee was good but could probably use a little more cinnamon but was nice. The white chocolate lavender was pretty darn good. But for me the cold brew with malted milk added to it was just right. All in all, this place is really great. I'll be back!!

Hockey tournaments are great for hockey, but also for discovering local greats! After an early morning game we stumbled upon Delicious gumption! Their coffee selection is amazing. I didn’t know where to start, but settled on the Bees and Trees...just the right amount of sweetness and coffee. Perfect! I had my heart set on their mini biscuits, but sadly already sold out! But the cornbread was a fine substitute with warm honey and of course the Iowa bacon hit the spot. I have a feeling we will stop in again before heading back to Chicago! Had to edit: we went back the next day and was just as amazing as our first visit!! This time I got my mini-biscuits!! A luscious combination of biscuit and shortbread. Soooo good! But most importantly, the entire staff were so friendly, smiley and welcoming! They even remembered us from yesterday and asked how the tournament was going. Those simple acts of kindness are needed in today’s world. gumption has plenty for you! Give them a try!!

Today I decided to test out Gumption at my wife's suggestion. On first impression the decor is very elegant in a farm hipster way. The space reminds me of something Chip and Joanna Gaines would design with its farm tables, retro lights, masonry jars and barn door on back of the counter. It is also very modern with a beauitful industrial pipe shelf and USB ports under the bar. Jaclyn was our server and greeted us with a smile that brighted the morning. I ordered the twisted toad which amounted to toast cooked in eggs with a tangy sauce that resembled mayo-q. This dish was nothing special but did its job. Best part was the fresh strawberries. I was surprised to see them served in a paper cup at a farm to table place. My wife had the bananas foster French toast. This dish was much better than the twisted toad not too sweet or heavy while being very tasty. The granola was an oat blend with no nuts which I appreciated. The coffee cream and orange juice were served in old school glass bottles. The coffee was probally the best I have had in Cedar Rapids thus far. One disappointment is the Mason jars with silverware and napkins. The presentation is nice but if you are going to do this, the jars need to be clean. Ours had a foam liner squished in it that looked dirty with scattered crumbs in the bottom of the jar. I would say overall this restaurant is very up and coming. The concept is great but needs some refinement. Will try again and see if the silverware jars are clean in the future.

Gumption is such a cute place to eat. I love the rustic feel of the decor. My favorite dish is their banana foster french toast. I tried the brown sugar latte for the first time and I'm in love with it. They have organic, gluten free, and vegan options. They buy their ingredients from around Iowa which I love.