It's about to get a whole lot more difficult deciding where to go for dinner in Johnson County with these new eateries. Here's what's coming to the Iowa City area in the first half of 2023.

Coa Cantina

Des Moines tequila bar Coa Cantina is opening a second location in downtown Iowa City, serving nachos topped with salsas, burritos, slow-roasted carnitas tacos and more.

Diners can find dozens of different tequilas, ranging from affordable to high end, and plenty of cocktails including pineapple margaritas and micheladas.

When: Feb. 24

Where: 18½ S. Clinton St., Iowa City

Website: facebook.com/coacantinaiowacity

More:High-end tequila bar Coa Cantina to open at former Clinton Street Social Club location in Iowa City

The Turkey Leg Pit

You don’t have to wait for the Iowa State Fair to get your hands on a turkey leg. The Turkey Leg Pit, owned by Gerald Seals of Crab Attack Cajun Seafood Shack in Cedar Rapids, is bringing giant turkey legs smothered with all the sauces and toppings you can think of to Iowa City.

That’s on top of the Crab Attack menu The Turkey Leg Pit will also offer for folks looking for surf and turf and seafood boils.

When: Late March or early April

Where: Iowa City Marketplace, 1660 Sycamore St., Iowa City

Website: crabattack.com

Barrel House

Originating in Davenport in 2011, this Quad Cities-based chain is coming to Coralville after recent openings in Des Moines and Bloomington, Illinois.

Barrel House offers a variety of burgers with toppings like creamy macaroni and cheese, coleslaw or fried jalapenos. Sandwiches, wraps, and loaded nachos round out this pub-style menu. Expect plenty of Midwest beers on tap, too.

When: May

Where: 3220 Redhawk St., Coralville

Website: barrelhousepub.com

Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks

The Des Moines-based barbecue chain is opening its eighth location in the state at the location of the former Old Chicago in Coralville.

Expect everything from smoked meats to sandwiches at the newest place to get barbecue in the Coralville area.

When: Mid-April

Where: 75 Second St., Coralville

Website: jethrosdesmoines.com

Barrett's Quality Eats

An all-day café, deli and bakery located near Foundry Food + Tap and across from what is soon-to-be Barrel House is coming to Coralville.

Chef Cory Barrett, the Food Network “Spring Baking Championship” Season 5 winner, owns the restaurant. He was named a James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year semifinalist in 2008 for Lola in Cleveland, and a semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010. Michael Symon, the chef who co-hosted "The Chew" on ABC, co-owned Lola until it permanently closed in 2020. Barrett has more than 20 years of culinary experience, and according to the Corridor Business Journal, his shop will offer fresh bread, bagels, sandwiches, pastries and more.

When: Late spring

Where: 3242 Crosspark Road, Coralville

Website: barrettsallday.com

Royceann's Soul Food Cottage

Former Johnson County Board of Supervisors chair Royceann Porter's soul food restaurant is coming to the new South District Marketplace in Iowa City.

The menu includes fried chicken, fish and pork chops with sides such as macaroni and cheese, candied yams, mashed potatoes and cornbread.

When: March

Where: South District Market, 947 US-6, Iowa City

Website: N/A

More:Johnson County supervisor Royceann Porter opens a soul food restaurant soon

Field Day Brewing Co.

This 20,910-square-foot brewery and taproom comes to North Liberty from the owner of 30hop, Tin Roost and other restaurants, the Press-Citizen reported last year.

The large complex will be home to brews, entertainment and grub.

When: Summer

Where: 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty

Website: facebook.com/fielddaybeer

More:Tin Roost owner seeking approval for new North Liberty microbrewery. Here's a first look at the plans.

Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant

The Coralville City Council approved a 10-year lease for this new Mexican restaurant in the Iowa River Landing in the former home of La Vecina.

A sample menu submitted to the Coralville City Council includes Mexican street corn, a popular dish that smothers corn with mayonnaise and Cotija cheese, as well as street tacos, fajitas and salads.

When: N/A

Where: 211 E. Ninth St., Suite 135, Coralville

Website: N/A

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: 8 new restaurants coming to Johnson County in 2023