Welcome to Octopus
At Octopus, situated in the heart of Cedar Falls, we celebrate delicious cocktails and a vibrant music scene. Our establishment, owned by noted musician Dave Deibler, blends the allure of craft cocktails with the warmth of community. Guests can savor a wide array of drinks, from classic concoctions like the Moscow Mule to refreshing summer specialties like the Watermelon Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita. The ambiance is further enriched by live performances, with 100% of ticket sales supporting local artists. Our friendly staff and lively atmosphere make Octopus a must-visit destination for good times, great drinks, and unforgettable experiences.
- 2205 College St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States Hotline: +1 319-242-7789
Welcome to Octopus, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Located at 2205 College St, this unique establishment has rapidly become a beloved hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Octopus is not just a bar; it’s a cultural hub where community spirit thrives, and every drink served tells a story.
What sets Octopus apart? For starters, their impressive cocktail list showcases both classic and innovative creations. Savor the signature "Great Gonzo" Bloody Mary or indulge in a refreshing Mojito. As the seasons change, so does their cocktail menu, featuring delightful summer offerings like the Watermelon Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita and the Strawberry Beach Bum Rum. Each sip transports you to a meditative state of bliss, making every visit feel like a mini-vacation.
The atmosphere is equally compelling. Picture this: vibrant local music emanates from every corner, the walls adorned with notes and memorable stickers, while friendly bartenders move effortlessly to craft your perfect drink. Customers rave about the welcoming vibe and outstanding service, with many noting how Octopus fosters connections among patrons. As one satisfied guest put it, this is "your friendly neighborhood bar." It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a haven for making new friends and sharing stories amid an intimate setting.
- ⭐ Live Music: Octopus is a haven for local musicians, ensuring that 100% of ticket sales go directly to the performers. This commitment to supporting the arts creates an electric atmosphere where each note played resonates deeply with the audience.
- ⭐ Friendly Vibe: The reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff, making everyone feel like part of the Octopus family. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll feel right at home.
- ⭐ Community Engagement: Engaging events like trivia nights, comedy showcases, and themed bingoes draw crowds, enhancing the sense of community and offering entertainment for all preferences.
- ⭐ Unique Decor: The restroom is known for its quirky decor—plastered with notes of affection and humor left by patrons, it’s a fun testament to the establishment's welcoming atmosphere.
Octopus combines great drinks, fantastic live music, and a laid-back atmosphere into one unforgettable experience. Whether you're unwinding on the patio with a Berry Vodka Lemonade or enjoying the local band inside, Octopus promises a lively and enriching visit. As one customer perfectly summed up, it has become an "iconic must-stop" for the enlightened crowd. Come for the cocktails, stay for the community—a visit to Octopus is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Blown away! Octopus is a super cool place to chill or grab a drink. It's especially fantastic for live, #localmusic and to support local musicians. (We heard that 100% of ticket sales goes directly to the band/performers - Every. Single. Show!) It had been on my list forever and only took ten years to get there, but hey, we finally made it from Kansas. (And for the one and only, HOLS! The lead singer/guitarist of House of Large Sizes, Dave Deibler, owns the bar.) Grab a drink on the back patio, or like we did on night one of two, grab a pizza from Chad's on the corner too, and enjoy the atmosphere at one of the patio tables. We made friends from all over the midwest out back. *Staff - Fantastically friendly. *Bartenders - Fast and skilled. *Vibe - Amazing. *Music Scene - Brilliant (for anywhere, but impressively so, for Iowa)!

Great service, vibe, and drinks!

Great live music venue. Cool patrons.

Great place for friends, good music and drinks. Awesome selection for craft beers from Iowa. Great service too.

Coolest place to chill in Cedar Valley...small club w/local artists providing music...great hole in the wall...trivia, bingo, Free Wing Friday, comedy nights...has become iconic, a must stop for the enlightened - think 'woke' - crowd...haven't sampled the food so I can not rate it...

Your friendly neighborhood bar. Good music. Great rotating beer choices.

I'm a huge fan of the Octopus. Phenomenal atmosphere, drinks, and music. Definitely a more mature crowd - be on the lookout for your professors!

I have never been to a bar with such an upbeat, very welcoming atmosphere. The live music was amazing to listen to and the bands got 100 percent of the door charge. The bartenders were walking around making sure everyone had what they needed with nothing but a smile on their face. They have an amazing sounds system so the three bands I listened to was easy to hear in the back of the room. There sound guy is awesome and so fun to work with. The bathroom was so surprising and fun to walk into. It's plastered with lots of notes on the wall from previous customers leaving their mark, fun stickers, and very cheerful. I will definitely make this my hang out. They have a variety of different entertainment and owned by a professional singer who knows how to entertain and have a great time.