Dolph’s Iron Bar
Welcome to Dolph’s Iron Bar—a Dubuque favorite located in the heart of the historic Millwork District. Housed in the landmark Novelty Iron Works building, our bar blends industrial character with a modern speakeasy feel. Whether you’re stopping by before a game, meeting friends after work, or celebrating a special night out, you’ll find a space designed for connection, comfort, and a touch of local history.
We’ve got large TVs perfect for catching every big play, craft cocktails poured with care, and a welcoming atmosphere that extends outdoors to our spacious patio seating. Inside, you’ll find a mix of cozy corners and open gathering spaces, making it easy to enjoy everything from casual drinks to lively watch parties. At Dolph’s Iron Bar, we’re more than just a bar—we’re a place where Dubuque comes together.
ABOUT US
We’re Tom Frith and Dan Wagner - two Hawkeye football fans, seafood lovers, golf buddies (depending on the day, one’s better than the other) and longtime friends who turned our shared passions into a business venture.
Dan’s Side
Dan is Iowa through and through. A proud Hawkeye, he mixes weekends of football, golf (he calls himself a hacker) and classic 80’s rock — AC/DC is the soundtrack. His retail career spans Walmart, Lowe’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he grew into leadership as a Store Manager and Core Trainer. Off the clock, Dan and his wife of 35 years, Lori, love traveling—Mexico is a favorite escape, though nothing quite beats their Highway 101 road trip from the Redwoods to Seattle.
Tom’s a die-hard fan of all Chicago sports, fellow Hawkeye devotee and self-proclaimed “better golfer” in this duo. His playlist leans country—John Denver, The Highwaymen and the classics. Professionally, he’s led consulting at Premier, held sales leadership roles at Global, Neoforma and GHX and launched multiple ventures including Meperia, Higley Chemical, Eagle Insurance, Wicked Dame, First Reserve, and First Brewed. Outside of Work, Tom splits time between Isla Mujeres with his fiance, Leslie Haan, and fond trips to the Florida Keys.
Tom’s Side
We first crossed paths years ago through mutual friends, only later to discover family ties in Monticello, IA. That connection quickly grew into more than friendship—it became a true partnership built on trust, hard work and plenty of laughs.
Today we are partners in business and in adventure. Whether it’s traveling with our families, hitting the golf course, or swapping stories over seafood, one thing is always true: we’re better together.
Our Story
GARY DOLPHIN, Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes
Gary Dolphin, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, has been the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes since 1996, when he was selected from a national search to succeed the legendary Jim Zabel. A graduate of Loras College, Dolphin honed his broadcasting skills early on through local radio and television work in his hometown before stepping onto the statewide stage. His clear, energetic style and deep understanding of football and basketball quickly cemented him as the trusted narrator of Hawkeye athletics, making his voice a familiar presence in households across Iowa and throughout the Midwest.
Over the years, Dolphin has called countless memorable moments for the University of Iowa, including Big Ten championships, bowl games, and NCAA tournament runs. His career has spanned generations of coaches and athletes, and he has become a vital link between the teams and the passionate fan base that follows them. In addition to his game-day broadcasts, he hosts coaches’ shows and engages with fans through interviews and special events, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated ambassador for Iowa athletics. His long tenure and commitment to the craft have made him one of the most respected and recognizable sports broadcasters in the region.
CAREERS
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!