Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Des Moines

Wow! The only thing to really say is AMAZING!!! They have an excellent libations menu, but I was not drinking this evening. The food and service were amazing and I can't wait to go back! I highly recommend patronizing Alba Restaurant!!!

Absolutely fantastic experience! We had the fritters, scallops, lamb shank, Yukon potatoes and bread pudding. The service was great and the food was excellent! They were even very concise of food allergies. I don’t have a single negative thing to say about the entire evening. I can’t wait to go back.

My wife and I visited Alba for the first time, and we were both thoroughly impressed. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcome—their friendliness and warmth set the tone for a great evening. Our server, Andrew, was excellent; he knew the menu inside and out and gave thoughtful recommendations. We started with the fritters (prosciutto, soy aioli, pineapple, pickled peppers), which were light, flavorful, and a fun mix of textures. The roasted beets salad with herbed goat cheese, orange, and champagne-orange vinaigrette was beautifully balanced—fresh and bright without being heavy. For mains, we ordered the gnocchi (herb crema, roasted vegetables, truffle oil, chicken confit) and the NY Strip Stroganoff (local mushrooms, crispy shallots, pickled mustard seed). The stroganoff was my dish, and it was fantastic—the beef tender, the noodles cooked perfectly, and the flavors rich without being overly earthy. The gnocchi was equally well-prepared, a comforting dish with depth from the truffle oil and chicken confit. If there’s one caveat, it’s that the main courses took a little longer to arrive than expected—but the wait was worth it once the plates hit the table. We finished with the molten chocolate lava cake, and it was the perfect ending: indulgent, decadent, and satisfying without being cloying. Overall, Alba exceeded our expectations. Great food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re definitely coming back. I forgot to take pictures, but the dishes we had are classic staples—there are plenty of pictures.

The food was wonderful, but the service was a little spotty. I had the wrong entree delivered but when I pointed that out to our server she just snatched it up and returned several (several) minutes later with the correct entree - again without a word. I had planned on enjoying the wonderful creme brulee with a nice espresso, but the service took so long I had to eat the dessert without really enjoying it. Our reservation was at 5:30 and had to leave at 7:20 in order to attend a concert. We'll return and hope for better service.

We came largely due to the review scores and comments. However, I have to say that I left a bit disappointed. Food: 3-star | Service: 4-star | Atmosphere: 4-star For service and atmosphere, nothing wrong and the host and waitress are super nice. But also nothing stands out from the service or the restaurant atmosphere that would deserve a 5-star. The hanging door decor is an interesting / unusual one. But it can also be kinda creepy (if you watch enough horror films...). Now on Food, they do make their own noodles (in house), which is really nice and their noodles do taste fresh. But the reason for 3-star is that the food tastes fairly *bland*. On one hand, I appreciate that they don't over-season or over-butter their food to make them heavy and unhealthy; but on the other hand, the taste of their dishes (from appetizers to main courses) is just very ... subtle. BTW, the two dishes we ordered are based on their recommendation (their specialty). As such, I cannot offer anything more than 3 stars, based on the food. If you've never been here, it might be worth a try; but I'm not sure I'll be back in the future though.

The gnocchi was pillowy but crusted. Hot and delicious. A complementary flavorful cream sauce played very well with it. I definitely would not have ordered the Brussels sprouts as an appetizer had I known that the “vegetable gnocchi “ meant Brussels sprouts. I truly felt repulsed by Brussels sprouts by the end of my meal. Frankly, the Brussels sprouts were way too heavy and overpowered the gnocchi. It was not a good choice for the dish. Also, the dish said gnocchi with prawns. I’m from Louisiana. Those weren’t prawns. They were precooked frozen shrimp heated up (and overcooked). That was disappointing. Overall the dish was ok and off balance but the gnocchi and the sauce were excellent. The bartenders were awesome and knowledgeable except for the one who told me that “next time you should order the chicken” when I shared with him that the shrimp (not prawns) were overcooked.

From the outside, this place doesn’t look like much — but never judge a book by its cover. The food was absolutely incredible, easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Iowa. I ordered the filet steak with potato pavé and chimichurri, and it was outstanding. The service was just as impressive, with a friendly and attentive staff that made the experience even better. If you’re looking for gourmet dining, this is definitely a spot worth trying.

Coming from Austin, I had very low expectations of the food here. My first meal in DSM definitely was a delightful treat! What a cute place to have a restaurant, by the way. House restaurants and bars are common where I’m from but it’s so nice to see it in other parts of the country too! Had a wonderful server and a table by the window. I ordered the salad, one of the pastas (omg I could have eaten so much more of it - the chew, the tomato sauce - SO GOOD), and the Osso Bucco. The Osso Bucco fell off the bone, the greens weren’t salty at all and the hassleback sweet potato had this incredible umami flavor I couldn’t get enough of. Definitely recommend

Aposto is a cozy, upscale spot tucked inside a converted house and it absolutely nails the vibe for a special celebration. I went with friends for my birthday and we sampled nearly the entire seasonal menu. The gnocchi with pine nuts and basil as well as the duck really stood out, but honestly, everything was thoughtfully prepared. Portion sizes varied quite a bit, which I felt was not always reflected in the pricing. Still, the flavors were fresh and refined, and the cocktail and wine selection was excellent. The staff were kind, curious, and even added a candle to my dessert, which was a sweet touch. Street parking felt a little awkward, but the homely atmosphere more than made up for it. Not an everyday spot, but perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or a classy date night or any other special occasion. Probably better to leave the kids at home though.

We ate here for our anniversary during restaurant week and it was a great experience. We felt celebrated and appreciated the complimentary wine. The food was phenomenal- especially the arugula was and the pork and polenta. The only downside: the 70 year olds next to us who were very shouty- but perhaps their hearing aids could not accommodate. Will definitely be back!

Worth every cent! From the moment you walk in to this place, you feel special. It has a romantic and warm feel with many intimate rooms. For our anniversary, we were given a champagne toast on the house. The beet salad had all the right flavors to start off our meal. The polenta cakes were to die for!! They smelled so delicious when the showed up to the table that I could only muster a half eaten picture. The gnocchi was worth all of the hype. Perfect texture with amazing warm crab and flavors that are unlike anything else in Des Moines. My husband had the house special of the night that included shrimp and andouille ravioli. Amazing! Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable with great recommendations. This place does not miss out on a single detailWe will definitely be back to enjoy our meal on the patio next time.

If you’re looking for an elegant date night this is the place to be. Reservations in advance is a must. Cozy quarters inside an old mansion. Great atmosphere paired with great friendly service. The food and drinks are top tier and bring the price tag along. Menu changes monthly I believe and there was not 1 thing on the menu when we went.

If you want an exceptional dining experience this is the place to go! Our server made excellent suggestions for what dishes to try and what wines to pair with them. It was all delicious and we had a wonderful evening!

Sat at a little 2 seater table by a window overlooking the street. There was a decent amount of street parking available. Server was friendly and attentive and even added a candle to my dessert after overhearing it was my birthday. We tried quite a few items while we were. Of the ones we tried, I'd recommend the fried polenta appetizer, zuppa toscana soup appetizer, cavatelli in a sausage red sauce, seafood risotto, and brown butter ice cream. The only dish I would not recommend is the orange pistachio creme brulee. The flavors did not mesh well and it was a bit disorienting to have so many whole pistachios baked into the dish.

Just the fact that they charged us to pay by credit card, and then we had to pay higher tax because of that, makes me not want to go back, and I enjoyed the salad, but the pizza was disappointing. We started with the Caesar which was very good and I liked the anchovies. The pizza was a four cheese with tomato sauce. Horribly tasteless, I make better pizza at home, and my tomato sauce actually has flavour. This was just coloured red and the entire pizza just tasted of garlic. It was tasteless bread with the texture of cheese that tasted like chunks of crushed garlic. Then to top it off, I realised once home that they charged an additional $1.61 (2.75%) to pay via credit card, and then the tax we paid went from $4.10 to $4.22. If anything this charge should be after tax and not increase our bill. This is daylight robbery and a disgrace to hard working people. We live down the road and we would have gone back, but this is just unacceptable

I visited this restaurant after seeing it recommended in a food review, but unfortunately, my experience did not go as I had hoped. When I arrived, the restaurant was empty, and since I had a broken foot, I was hoping to sit at a booth or a regular table. However, I was only offered a seat at the bar, with the option of waiting 20 minutes to sit outside on the patio. I ordered a pizza, which is priced at a premium compared to other places in the area. After placing my order at the bar, I was left unattended for about 35 minutes until another staff member delivered my food. During this time, I did notice another server beginning her shift, setting up her station with care and using gloves, which I appreciated. When I was ready to leave, I asked for a box. My five remaining slices were placed in a styrofoam container stacked directly on top of each other, which made them stick together. I asked if they could be placed in a regular pizza box instead, but the slices were transferred by hand without gloves, which raised some concerns for me. When I asked about this, I was told he dose not ware gloves for boxing pizza and was directed to speak with a manager. After waiting for about 10 minutes without any response from management, I decided to leave. I truly wanted to enjoy my visit here, but unfortunately, the service left me feeling unwelcome. I hope this feedback helps the restaurant improve, as I believe the potential for a much better experience is there.

We got a large half cheese, half peperonni pizza. They put extra sauce on the plain cheese but not on the Peperoni side. Crust was crispy and very fresh tasting. Great tasting cheese, though the after taste was garlicy, so definately a garclic flavor to it. Overall, I'd rate it a 7.1 out of 10.

Centro had potential, but my experience just didn’t connect this time. The vibe was nice, but the execution felt a little off from the timing of the service to the overall balance of the meal. The atmosphere had energy, but the follow-through missed a few details that matter. I’m all for growth and consistency, so I’ll check back again later to see how they evolve. Louie K’s Up I don’t bash, I build. Honest feedback makes the culture stronger. 💯🔥

Wow. Centro is fantastic. This is easily the best Italian food in Des Moines and top 5 favorite Italian places I’ve ever been. Our server, Grace, was fantastic. I had the spicy sausage rigatoni and it was phenomenal. The desserts were unreal good. If you’re in Des Moines and looking for a high quality restaurant experience, I highly recommend Centro.

Amazing service and delicious food at a fantastic price. If we lived anywhere near Des Moines, I know this place would be one of my favorite restaurants.

I tried this place in my travels because of Barstool’s lofty review when they were in town recently. I can confirm the pizza is fantastic. All the food was phenomenal. Only item stopping me from giving them five stars is when you have a to go order, it should be standard to put silverware and napkins in the order. Half of my meal was not consumable because I couldn’t eat it with my hands.

For high end dining it's tough to beat Django. The elegant ambiance and excellent service set it apart. Maryann was attentive and friendly. Save room for tasty deserts, especially the cherry sundae; the tartness and sweet explode your tastebuds.

We are here for Senior Games and seven of us had a delicious dinner on the patio. Our waitress, Debbie was great. We were too full for dessert. We are thrilled we stopped here for one of our dinners in Des Moines.

I believe the manager that helped us with our reservation was named Jess. She. Was. PHENOMENAL! She had organized a proposal after our dinner. Out server, the cooks, the manager….everyone did such an amazing job at making it a beautiful night! The drinks were outstanding, the food was cooked perfectly, and I will definitely be back when I go to Des Moines again!

Desserts 10/10. Atmosphere 10/10. We were kind of ignored a couple of times. I personally didn’t like the pork chops but this looks like a place that you can have a nice date or celebration depending on the personnel that assist you.

Celebrated my birthday with family and friends. Excellent food and service. I loved the low dim lighting and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and specific ingredients. Highly recommend!

The pork chop had almost no flavor other than the sauce. The Beef Bourignon needed salt. The escargot, cherry sunday and bread pudding were great. Our food took wayy too long to come out. Our server walked by us several times without asking if we were ok. I mentioned that I wanted my wine paired with my meals (specifically asked which wines would go well with my food) and the wine was brought 15 minutes before my food. Tried to have a conversation with manager about the 5 course dinner they are having on the 17th and I was met with very short responses. Overall, I wasn't happy with this experience at all. I doubt we will be back.

Was phenomenal, did the trio dinner and all of it was to die for. the French Onion Soup was great and left more than full. It was a busy evening but the server was top notch. Loved that there is no corkage fees so you can bring your own bottle if you like. Will surely be back and has become our go to "lets impress visitors with a meal here" restaurant.

In town to visit with family, our last night in town we selected Bubba's. This was the first time for all of us to eat at this restaurant. This restaurant strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. With its upscale aesthetic and warm, down-home atmosphere, it feels both refined and welcoming. The space spans two floors: the first features a cozy mix of bar seating and a handful of tables, while the second floor opens up to the main dining area, complete with long wall booths and a variety of table arrangements that invite relaxed gatherings and intimate meals alike. Our server was wonderful, checking the table often to refill drink orders between the appetizer and main meals. She also was helpful with dish options to match tastebud interests. The food was okay, a bit more seasoning would have made it really good. The exception is the Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo was excellent! The roux was savory and on point - rich, velvety and layered with flavor. And the Mac & Cheese Bite appetizer was cheesy and lightly fried to perfection with jalapeno cheese sauce. A good place to enjoy a relaxing place with good service and food.

Bubba's is great, we got the gumbo, jambalaya, fries, and bananas foster and sweet tea. Everything was excellent. The gumbo and jambalaya were seasoned perfectly and so flavorful. The fries were also nicely seasoned and were cooked to be crispy on the outside while still being slightly soft inside. The sweet tea was less sweet than lots of other sweet teas we've tried (this is a good thing), as it lets the flavor of the tea come through, while still being sweet enough. The bananas foster was also amazing, our only complaint about it was that it could do with a bit more banana. The restaurant is in a nice old building, and the downstairs seating area really gives off that classic old feeling. Unfortunately upstairs doesn't share the same decor, making the upstairs feel much more like 'generic restaurant', but this doesn't take anything away from the food. The service is also excellent.

Pleasantly uncrowded on a Sunday morning. Josh was super nice. Latte Cocktail was tasty, albeit a tad small. Wife liked her Bloody Mary. I enjoyed the Crab Benedict and the wife liked her skillet plate. Nice bourbon list! Would return to explore more of that menu!

We went to this place to celebrate my daughter wedding. And I'm on a soft food diet do to surgery. And i asked the server if the cook can pureed my food because that how I have to eat for now. And I was so please that they did. And everyone at the table enjoyed there meal.

Came here for my birthday lunch on a Saturday afternoon visiting Des Moines. There wasn't many other tables taken at that time so it was quiet and laid back. I love shrimp and grits. Between that being on the menu and the great reviews, I decided on Bubba's. I really liked the ambiance and vibe upon entering. Our waiter, Jordan, was fantastic. Very attentive, considerate and nice. I wish we had Jordan every time we went out somewhere. The shrimp and grits were fantastic. The onions, green/red peppers really added nice flavor to the dish. It was very filling and tasty. I was offered a free dessert for my birthday and Jordan even brought out a candle, which made it more special. Highly recommend going here!

We came here by chance to grab a quick lunch and were blown away. The staff is friendly and gives great customer service. The food is so damn good wow. Fresh ingredients.. my steak was cooked to perfection. Kudos to the chef!

Good atmosphere, highly recommend for a nice family dinner or business dinner. Their fried chicken doesn't disappoint. You have to try the jam that comes with their biscuits. It can get a little loud, so talking can be hard.

My husband and I went on a double date to Eatery A tonight, and we all absolutely loved the ambiance of the restaurant and the taste of the food. It was delicious, hot, and tasty. The decor, the different seating options (large booths, small tables, lounge type chairs), and overall vibe was stunning. We've eaten on the patio area in the summertime, and if you have a chance to eat outside, do it! It's worth it. At night, the nightlife of people walking, talking, and having fun surrounds you and adds a little extra entertainment to your dinner. Unfortunately, tonight we were quite disappointed in the service or lack of. It took us over 2 hours in total to get our drinks, apps, and dinner. We had reservations at 6:30 and left a little after 8:45. (Thankfully, we weren't in a hurry, but still). We ordered our apps and dinner at the same time since our server was taking so long just to bring us our drinks out (15+ mins), but it still took over an hour just to get our dinner. By the end of the night, we were the last table left in the restaurant (a few people were left at the bar area), and I had to grab our own to-go boxes from the side area, and located a random waitress and asked her to please help get our ticket or waitress. Our waitress finally walked up with boxes and asked if we were ready for our bill... no apology or acknowledgment that she her taking a bit longer tonight or in general. Our food was GREAT (and surprisingly hot when it arrived), but the service lacked a LOT. Hopefully, it was just one bad night and not an ongoing issue, but I will give them another chance at some point since their pizza's were so good.

Eatery A I used to love this place, and I was so excited to have it since I hadn’t had it in 5 years. But I will say this was such a huge disappointment. Ordered the meat balls and arancini, it came out ICE cold and very old. We decided against any of the entrees due to this reason. But decided to get a pizza, because its pizza and pizza is always good and i used to think theirs was too. The pizza was worse, Caramelized onions does not mean adding sugar for sweetness, and they should say the onions are basically candy sweet on the pizza. It was overly sweetened. Over all, i will not be coming back and this place has gone down hill. Was unable to eat ANY of the foods. I used to love this place 💔 The manager was nice, but still made us pay for the pizza, no worries. I do not recommend this place anymore. Took 10 minutes for out server to even greet us but we were willing to look past that because we were hoping the food would have out weighed the terrible service and the fact the server did not look like she even wanted to be there. It seemed like a bother she was even waiting on our table. Unfortunately that was not the case and the food was terrible.

Great Happy Hour especially if you like pizza. Staff were friendly. Service was attentive. The establishment had a cozy vibe and it was extremely clean. The pizza was pretty good, but definitely left me wanting more for the overall experience. Overall this place is a good place to grab a quick bite.

Went to Eatery A with some friends for bottomless mimosas on a Saturday. We were seated immediately and had our own private room! Our server was very friendly and quite attentive. She filled everyone’s glasses so promptly and always made sure that everyone had what they needed. For food, we ordered the Nutella French toast and Lemon Ricotta pancakes. They were OK. My favorite thing at the restaurant was the limeade. It was so refreshing!

A very nice cozy place offering vegetarian food along side their. The staffs are friendly and very helpful. The food was good. Very quick service and their N/A no worries cocktail was amazing, highly recommend it. Their roasted bell pepper and squash soup another amazing dish. Loved this place overall

LOVED this restaurant. The menu is fantastic and I had trouble deciding what to get. Everything we ordered was amazing. I highly recommend.

Gluten free pizza! Delicious ingredients. Didn't have wine but looked like an awesome selection. Big city girl was suspicious about getting a meal in Des Monies, but was not disappointed. Great service, will be back on my next trip thru for sure.

The food was great. There was fresh ingredients and everything was plated so beautifully! The service was awesome and our server was quick to answer any and all questions we had. We also chose to eat outside and the outside are awas 100% dog friendly and we noticed the dogs getting a little treat while their owners ate.

Food looked great but seasoning was a bit lacking. A bit overpriced. The fig jam was quite tasty though. Service was a bit slow with us having to wait, then getting up to the counter for their attention as they seemed to have forgotten us to take our order. They were friendly enough. Atmosphere was nice with themed decor. Outdoor seating was available. Maybe worth a try but not highly recommended.

Their burger was tasty and cooked perfectly to order. The Mac & cheese was full of flavor. Prices were good. Their portions were good. Staff were friendly and fast. The relaxing atmosphere just brought the whole experience together for a great meal.

Service was excellent. Our waiter went out of his way to make our experience memorable. Food and drink was excellent. Atmosphere was impeccable, excellent vibes. Will be returning when in town next.

They have some of the best grilled cheese and Mac and cheese you have ever had. Not to mention the variety of drinks on tap. Staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is so laid back. We absolutely love going here.

I've been meaning to come here for a couple years. Unfortunately, I didn't get to sit down to eat as I was just grabbing a salad for my wife visiting her father in the hospital. And what a salad it was! My wife wouldn't give me any till she was full. Pretty much half the salad. But if their salad is any indication of the quality of the rest of their menu, we'll be back soon. Plus what a great selection of drinks. This is a must go to

Love to come here with my partner! Staff are always lovely and helpful, and we haven't had a meal we haven't enjoyed in the many times we've visited! (Highly recommend the charcuterie boards and the turkey & brie sandwich)

The 801 Chophouse doesn't disappoint. We had an excellent dining experience from the bar to the meal. The food is all top notch. The service was First Class. I would definitely dine there again.

801 Chophouse is an homage to the American steakhouses of old. Located in downtown Des Moines, 801 effortlessly blends classic steakhouse elements with a very contemporary dining experience. A dining room adorned with oak accents and white table cloths, if there was any confusion about what type of establishment you were in, the large golden bull at the middle of the dining room removes any doubt that beef is the star attraction. In terms of the menu, you will see many of the expected land and sea fare. Though much of the menu will feel familiar, the wait staff incredibly attentive and does an excellent job making recommendations and guiding you throughout the dining experience. During my visit with family we tried the prime rib, salmon and jumbo shrimp with sides of Mac and cheese and corn. While everything was well prepared, the shrimp was a personal standout. If you are looking for a special night out in Des Moines, 801 is an solid selection.

It was great! The staff was friendly and the food was on par. We started with an excellent Old Fashioned. We also tried the Cosmopolitan; my aunt said it wasn't the best she's had, but I think after four or five, it was pretty good! For appetizers, we ordered their fried lobster bites. They were good, but I probably wouldn't get them again, as they were a little on the salty side. Then we had a very good pears salad. We ended with the Prime Rib and Seabass with the family side of carrots. Everything was super good.

During a quick visit to the area for a work function, this restaurant was recommended by several locals. A colleague and I decided to have dinner there and and it was great. The drinks, appetizers (beef tartar), salads, and steak (aged Delmonico) were all delicious.

This is a great place for wonderful food and tremendous service. Come in and enjoy the best crab cakes ever, and the biggest shrimp you have ever seen!

I had an outstanding experience at 801 Chophouse in Des Moines. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt upscale yet inviting. The food was exceptional—perfectly prepared steaks and sides that matched the quality you’d expect from a true chophouse. What really made the evening stand out, though, was the service at the bar. The bartenders were friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, making spot-on recommendations for both cocktails and wine pairings. Their professionalism and warm personalities made the experience feel special and personalized. If you’re looking for a place in Des Moines that combines top-notch cuisine with first-class service, 801 Chophouse is absolutely the place to go.

Let me start by saying that the service and most of the food was excellent. Our server was timely and attentive and I never felt neglected. The colossal shrimp with Guinness butter was superb and the beef tartare was among some of the best that I've had. The asparagus, lobster mac, and garlic mashed potatoes were all very good as well, and if you like a wedge salad, I would highly recommend getting one. I ordered the dry-aged bone-in strip and had very high hopes. I have prepared these in a professional setting, and a dry aged steak is something that I truly enjoy. My steak last night left much to be desired. While the steak was technically medium rare there must have been a substantial flare up on the grill because the steak had such a dark char over the exterior that it really ruined the steak for me. I could have complained at the time, but chose not to, that's on me.

I enjoyed Simon's. Owner treats everyone like family. Quaint place with a sitting room next door to wait for a table. Drinks are reasonable and bartender is attentive and quick. Onion rings were amazing! Had Graziano sausage with vodka sauce. Spicy and delicious. Wife had chicken Alfredo. She was not a fan but I know it is a go to for my future daughter n law. Red cake after appeased wife.

Whether one is a James Beard nominee or a Michelin Star nominee my quest is for well prepared cuisine, inclusivity and consistent quality. Arrived at 5.15 PM to a small neighborhood building with a line. Getting to the door the wait staffer states seating would be available at 8 PM. Not really anxious to wait three and a half hours for a small spot with crowded spaces — I was willing to give it a try. After an additional fifteen minutes — finally seated. Ordered my first appetizer of the night — Seafood Bisque which was very salty — Entree of Steak DeBurgo— the cook got the temp right (medium), but the cut of meat was not the best quality — the side veggies were fresh and very tasty. I was really hoping the high ratings matched the food preparation and price as it related to creativity, presentation and tantalizing deliciousness — it did not deliver the go again response to my tastebuds to endure the long wait time, parking and above average prices. Of course this is just my opinion-particularly after eating in some high caliber casual dining spots, in the West Des Moines Area, the bar is pretty high.

This was our first time visiting Simon’s and it was fantastic. We had their Beef Stroganoff and their Steak Deburgo. Both were excellent. The Beef Stroganoff had a variety of noodles (penne, spiral, and sea shell) and the sauce was magnificent. The Steak Deburgo was recommended to us by another guest and I’m so happy that I tried it. The steak was so tender that it cut like soft butter. You can’t go wrong but come early to get a table. The restaurant opens at 5 PM. We arrived at 4:45 PM and there was already a line to get in and we were lucky enough to be the last guests in as they were full. We highly recommend this place as the staff is friendly.

If you want to take your girl for a special date night, this is it! Me and my girlfriend went to Simon’s last night. The place is so good that there was an hour wait. But Simon has a really cool waiting room next to the restaurant with a bar. We sipped cocktails and enjoyed the hip vibe in the waiting room. It went by fast. I got pasta with graziano’s sausage and she got chicken on a bed of pasta. We shared and both of them were good. 😋 Simon is a hands on owner. He came over to our table and asked how the meal was. Also, it is a really nice place, and the business is obviously very successful. As we were walking to our car, we saw Simon taking out the trash himself. He is a humble success story. I encourage everyone to try this place.

Went to Simon's for the first time. We had no idea what to expect. What an amazing dining experience! Simon greeted us at the door, and came to our table twice. The food was delicious. We had the fillet and the manicotti and what a surprise with the velvet cake being brought to us at the end of the meal. We will definitely be going back!

Excellent from the moment we walked in! Simon was everywhere making sure that guest was happy! How could you not be while eating the best food in town!

Absolutely love this place. The owner and his wife are professional and helpful, and yet make you feel like a family member. Fantastic, fresh tasting food with great flavor, and make sure you save room for red velvet cake, because it’s the best I’ve had. The bar provides a classy, fun atmosphere while you wait. Our newfound favorite place to go when we visit Des Moines.

I just had the most incredible self-love date at Lucky Lotus, and I can’t stop raving about it! The food was absolutely sensational—so flavorful and incredibly fresh! On top of that, the customer service was top-notch. I’m already counting down the days until next week when I take my hubby along to share in this culinary delight!

The good: the snack list portions were huge! The medium: The bing bing wraps tasted very burnt so we couldn’t finish them. We asked someone if that’s how they normally came out since it was our first time there. She said yes. So I didn’t take any review points away on my mind because I can’t fault them for making a dish how it is supposed to be and me not liking how well done it is. The bad: Long wait for food (40 minutes from order to get meal. Other people had been there before us and got their food a few minutes before we got ours) We and other people had to ask for a table to be cleared and wiped down before we could sit. Had to ask for our lemonade after 30 minutes. The lemonade was not lemonade. It was more of a mango juice with dragon fruit syrup at the bottom. The restaurant is so loud I couldn’t hear the persons cross the table from me

Probably the best Thai restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. Drunken noodles are 10/10. Panang curry is 10/10. Service is fast. 3/5 is a tolerable level of spice if you enjoy spicy food. Great atmosphere. Thai tea and lychee lemonade are also very yummy.

This was my first time there and it was awesome. The staff was very helpful in explaining their most popular dishes. The bibi wraps are incredible. Great laid back vibe with good food and a dining area that is perfect for talking while you eat. Very fun spot

Heard lots of great things and read great reviews. Nice fast casual experience (order/pay at the counter). Food takes a while (waited over half an hour) but definitely delicious and worth the wait! Been here a couple times now. Can’t wait to go again!

We had the afterschool fried rice and the Bing Bing wrap with the lemongrass chicken. The flavors were great and different from the usual Asian food we have tasted so far. The service can be a little better to elevate the dining experience. The ambience was cute and quirky.

Excellent food! Lots of vegetarian options, tasty, fresh, and fun! Service was great, even though it's counter service the staff took the time to check on tables, and were very friendly. The tofu is great with the scallion pancake, and the egg rolls were excellent.

It's a very unique place....I'll call it a Chinese pizza hut but with much better pizza. The atmosphere was very different but fun and clean. The pizza crust was excellent, but the fried rice was disappointing, so I'd stick more to the pizza side of the menu. There were many unique pizza options so be a little adventurous and try something new to surprise your taste buds. We would definitely go back.

Just happened to be passing through Des Moines and drove by Fongs. My wife said it had been on Triple D so I turned in. Very glad we did. They were having happy hour and any alcoholic drink got a free slice of pizza. We did the MaiTai's which they limit 2 per person. If you're a light weight probably makes sense. We got one slice of sausage and one of pepperoni to start. Very thin but good flavor. In doing some reading it was the Crab Rangoon pizza that Guy came to try so that's what we did. Gotta say they do a really good job of their Asian fusion with that. Great flavor. Could have been a bit more imitation krab on it but all in all a great job. If we were in Des Moines longer we would really like to try some of the other fusion pizzas. Maybe next trip. 👍

We sat at the bar. Food is always good. Bartender was super nice and helpful. The new place is meh. Its bigger, more open but boy it's LOUD. Not the same as the old place. If your looking for an old school vibe with character then don't come here. It's now just a regular pizza joint with good bao buns and pizza. Bring ear plugs. Ps. It does have beautiful views.

Was very happy to go to Fong's pizza. Service was good. If you like mozzarella cheese sticks, you need to try the cheese stick egg rolls. They were really good. The Crab Rangoon pizza was really good. I'm not sure I'm with Alton Brown from the Food Network and can say it's the best thing I ever ate but it was good and I would get it again. The General Tso Chicken pizza was good as well but felt like it needed a little bit more sauce. I would definitely go back and try more pizzas on my next trip to Des Moines.

Staff were friendly and helpful, the place looks amazing and smells great. The cheese sticks were delicious. The pizza was good just not my favorite but I can see why people enjoy it. If im back in town id give it another try maybe with a more traditional pizza topping.

Unique: they nail both your regular pepperoni and their signature pizzas like General Tso, which is amazing and I don't typically like that kind of stuff. The new location is awesome and seats way more people and parking is readily available. Coke products.

Fongolian beef and honey garlic (with chicken added). Both pizzas were great. Honey garlic was especially good with a bit of siracha to pair some spice with the sweet. Will be coming back again.

Just walking in the door, takes you to another world. The atmosphere is just wonderful. Our waitress was just exceptional! She added to the fun of two old friends reconnecting. The chicken marsala was more than I expected! I knew with the first bite that I had made the right choice. The flavor was out of this world, mouth watering, and hot with every bite. Don't forget to have the cod, there are no words to describe how delicious this was! Hoot & Holler'!

The dining room felt quite dark, which might be cozy in the winter months but came across a little dismal during my visit. Service was fine, nothing outstanding but also not problematic. For the meal, the steak was prepared nicely but was pretty average overall — good, but nothing memorable. The salad and the Deburgo sauce were both highlights and really enjoyable. Unfortunately, the asparagus was overcooked and lacked the fresh texture I was hoping for. Overall, it was an “okay” experience. Nothing went terribly wrong, but nothing really stood out either.

What a gem! In town for a 70 mile bike ride, hadn't eaten much but peanuts all day. Got the recommendation from local hotel front desk down the street & thought I'd smash a couple dishes. I stood no chance. Got the chicken nachos and bowtie creole and couldn't finish 1/2 of either! But they were sure both phenomenally DELICIOUS dishes! I saw some complain about the dark mood in the place but it is what it is. It's pretty cool if u ask me. Everyone was super friendly, staff and patrons (i just called in a pickup order on way back to hotel) & makes me wish I was a local or had more time to know folks and have a few drinks! Seems super kid friendly too, its not just some dank bar by any means! Love it, will def be back next time I'm in town!

Delicious food! Waitress wasn't so attentive, and it took a while to get drinks and refills. Overall, it's great food, though. We will be back. Marsla is good, but sweet. Alfredo is good, would get again, but chicken was a tad dry. (Not as good as my Mama's) Chicken Bordeaux was AMAZING! Tilapia just okay.

I was lucky enough to kick off my trip on the first day with their happy hour—what a great start! The beer was refreshing, and the soup was delicious (and even better with the discount). I happened to order the same thing as a sweet older lady sitting nearby, and we both agreed: it was so good and gave me the energy I needed. If I ever visit Des Moines again, I’ll definitely come back. I actually planned to go once more before leaving, but sadly they’re closed on Mondays. Still, it was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

How have I never been here? Wow!! I been missing out. And you have too if you haven't been here. The mussels are heaven, literally! The rest was good too, but the mussels are life changing

Favorite restaurant in Des Moines! Jalapeño chicken pasta was very good. Onion rings too!

I've been going to Latin King for years now and I have such mixed feelings about my latest experience. The food is by all means still absolutely delicious, the portions are generous and the prices are more than reasonable but there's no denying the quality of service and even the quality of the food and presentation has slowly and very subtly dipped over the years since the new owners took over. I still love it, it's one of my favourite Italian food locations in and around Des Moines for special occasions and I doubt anyone visiting for the first time could possibly be disappointed but I'd love to see more love and care brought back to the restaurant to get it back up to that amazing five star feeling it used to leave me with each time I visited. At present, I think I'll leave it with a strong four stars.

Our first impression of this restaurant was not good. I had made a reservation for 7. When I told the person who welcomed us that we would be 8 rather than 7, he appeared rather annoyed. We wondered why since the restaurant was half empty. After this cold welcome, everything turned out well. Our waitress, Stacey was outstanding and so competent. We found out that she has worked here for many years. She is also used to handle large groups. Overall, our food was very good. Portions are very generous and prices very reasonable. Come with a large appetite. Also, we had read on Trip Advisor a few negative comments since this place changed ownership. Do not pay too much attention to those. We had a lovely dinner and were able to sit outside on a wonderful cool night.

Latin King has undergone a delightful transformation under its new ownership, and the results are simply spectacular. I've gone to Latin King for 20+ years, so I was hesitant at first when they first changed owners, but I'm so thankful for the smooth transition and that they kept true to the traditional recipes. From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance. The decor is charming and sophisticated, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. You feel like you're in Italy, in a legitimate Italian restaurant, with the lovely smell of delicious food and spices surrounding you from the second you walk in. The true stars of the show are the culinary creations. The menu boasts a delightful selection of classic Italian dishes, each prepared with passion and an incredible attention to detail. We savored every bite of our food. Our appetizer combo included Fried Cheese Sticks, Onion Rings, and Fried Ravioli's, with dipping sauces on the side. The Chicken Spedini had so much flavor, I was blown away with the taste! It's what they're known for, and for a good reason. I'm particular about how my chicken is cooked, and it was cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the Chicken Marsala, and he devoured the entire plate. My mother-in-law ordered the Cavatelli with the sausage meat sauce, she said it was baked to perfection. The only issue she had was that the noodles were medium-sized shells instead of the traditional cavatelli noodles, but that wasn't a make or break problem whatsoever. Every bite was an explosion of flavor, showcasing the freshest ingredients and the chef's culinary expertise. To top it all off, the service was impeccable. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about the menu. They provided excellent recommendations and ensured we had a truly enjoyable dining experience. Latin King is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine. We can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings. They also host parties and events and cater to special events. I highly suggest visiting their restaurant. It's impossible to leave their hungry, I promise. Enjoy!

My husband and I booked a table for our wedding anniversary. What a wonderful experience! Our waitress was phenomenal and always making sure we were taken care of! And, oh my god, get the tiramisu!!! It *is* as good as the pictures and reviews!! Latin King, we'll definitely be back!

I've been going to Latin King since before I can remember. It was always a family favorite. I haven't been back there in a few years basically because of COVID, but my husband and I decided to head over there for an early dinner after we went to town to drop my son off at the airport . They've done some updating to the inside and they now have an outdoor eating area. It was a little too warm for us to take advantage of that, but it was very nice looking . Our waitress was wonderful and very attentive . I got the dinner that came with lasagna Alfredo noodles meatballs and Italian sausage. All were very good, however I think I would have liked a little bit more spice in the meatball. The texture, however was excellent. They carry a nice selection of beers as well as they do carry O'Doul's non-alcoholic beer . The focaccia bread and dinner rolls were also very good. We are way too stuff to try dessert. Maybe next time.

Im a Minnesotan who was in town visiting a couple weeks ago..This was my first visit to Latin King. This place was fantastic in every way. I loved the atmosphere. Alex, the bartender was a rock star! They suddenly got slammed. He was kicking out drinks so quickly but did it with grace and was 'cool'. Maybe on the inside was stressed but not on the outside. He still managed to be supportive of his fellow team members and even cracked a few jokes. Being Italian myself, I asked for his suggestion, this being my first visit....What he suggested was so absolutely delicious. It reminded me of my family-cooking. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ONLY negative thing was the salad was wilty...may have been prepared ahead of time and sat with dressing for a while.... Alex really made the whole experience fantastic! This restaurant is so fortunate to have this associate on their team! Will be back for sure as I now will be traveling there, bi-weekly. Lisa Winters

My fiance and I went of for a nice dinner. We ended up here at this amazing restaurant. The food was wonderful service was great. Our waitress offered amazing choice's. The reason I give it 3 stars and 3 on atmosphere is it was so loud in that restaurant. If I'm gonna pay for an expensive dinner I would like to be able to hear the person sitting across that table from me. We could have went to a bar if we wanted that kind of experience. It was so bad I don't think I would be going back there any time soon.

We were in the mood for something new and exciting, as usual. After a quick search, one of the first spots that caught our eye was The Flying Mango. The name immediately grabbed my attention—it's unique and intriguing. A quirky name like that usually promises some equally unique food, right? The place itself is a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that could maybe fit 50 people at most. When you first walk in, you pass by the kitchen and a small bar, with the dining area located on the opposite side. When we visited, it was pretty quiet—just us and one other group—so the vibe was laid-back and relaxed. Our server got us seated quickly and was incredibly attentive to everything we needed. She was, without a doubt, the highlight of our visit. Her exceptional service was the main reason for the high rating I gave this place, because if it were solely based on the food, it wouldn't have scored nearly as well. One of my friends ordered a couple of adult drinks, but they ended up sending them back because they just weren’t good. Now, let's talk about the food, which is probably why you're reading this. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes—or at least that’s what they called them. The pulled pork sandwich was fantastic. They definitely know what they’re doing with their BBQ. The pork was sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once, and the bread was perfectly baked with just the right amount of warmth. However, the mashed potatoes? They can keep those and take them back to wherever they got them. They weren’t good at all. In fact, none of the sides really impressed anyone in our group. My so-called "garlic" mashed potatoes didn’t have any garlic flavor whatsoever, and honestly, it seemed like they only had butter in them. They definitely need to rethink that recipe. Overall, I wouldn’t come back for the food, but I would return for the customer service and relaxed atmosphere. The team there really knows how to make you feel welcome, and that goes a long way. If they ever bring their food up to the level of their service, this place could be something special. Keep up the great work, and hopefully one day the food will match the fantastic vibe you’ve already got going on.

Never heard about this place before! We drove by and decided to stop in and couldn't be happier! I love the semi-open kitchen in the front room. The service was quick and friendly, the prices were very affordable (especially for the amount you get), and the food was DELICIOUS!!! This is the best brisket I've ever had in Iowa! The caramelized bark on the brisket added beautiful depth to the buttery meat. Kind of surprised I'd find it in a place called "Flying Mango", but alas; that's where I found it! Apparently Guy Fieri has been here? They named a dish after him. It includes a little bit of everything and that's what I got. Hubby almost ordered another meal to-go cause I stole all his brisket. It was so good! Also, if you're used to collards from the SE US, then you'll love these! Amazing. All of it!

Food and service were just okay. Started with the special brisket queso... It was good. I had the Root Beer & Molasses Braised Pork (pic). It was okay. Expected more of a glaze or sauce on the pork but instead it was dried out and did not get any kind of RB or Molasses flavor. The cheese grits were good though. My sister had What Guy Had and the ribs were amazing tender and flavorful. The Catfish Cake was extremely salty... Or at least the sauce was. The red beans and rice had fully uncooked rice in it and was inedible. The cornbread with cinnamon butter (pic) was good but fairly dry... Even the butter was somewhat dry and didn't spread well. When we finally got our waitresses attention (when we were mostly done) I did ask for a side of honey which actually made the cornbread really good and should always be served with it. My sister stated that she would go back just for the ribs... to go.

I wish 5 stars wasn’t the limit🥭 I walked into this restaurant from hearing the amazing phonk music and seeing mustard perfectly placed on the tables! I waited for about 67 mins and got in at 6:07 pm! When I first sat down I was greeted by Mr Beast! He offered me his exclusive deluxe mustard collab with Kendrick Lamar! I excitedly accepted the request. As I went to open the top the mustard starting singing “MUSTARDDDDDDDDDDDDDD” the whole restaurant was silent after that. I eagerly dipped the mango samples I got into the mustard and oh my gosh it was amazing! And for desert they served Dubai chocolate matcha with a labubu shaped chocolate on top! First bite was amazing and the rest was ok not the best but would eat again! Overall everything was 5 stars, but if I could I would give you 67 stars🥹 -Mason

First time here, but won’t be last! Everything was great! Food, service was top notch! The owner, Mike, is the nicest guy. He walks around and checks in on the customers. He’s super interesting to talk to! Can’t wait to go back. Will be part of the dining rotation going forward!

We had the shrimp pontchatrain and the root beer and molasses braised pork. The shrimp pontchatrain was to die for. Absolutely delicious, lick your plate clean good. The crispy garlic bread to go with it added a nice crunch to the dish as well. The root beer and molasses braises pork was not good at all. Definitely would not recommend. I thought the root beer would add some sweetness but it just made the flavor really weird.

Stopped into Flying Mango as we were driving through Des Moines, and simply put: we will be back. Everything we had (from the catfish cake to the brisket to the Heath bread pudding) was immaculate. Not only were the portions generous, but the staff were also exceedingly generous hosts. Our waitress and the owner went out of their way to make sure we had the best possible experience. It truly felt like we were dining at a friend’s home. If you have the opportunity to stop by Flying Mango, do it, you will not be disappointed!

We went to Malo for the first time. We had a nice experience. We were there during happy hour so our margaritas were well priced. I had the trio of tacos and opted for the lettuce leaves. All 3 were meat options and all really nicely flavoured. My favourite was the Beef Barbacoa, which was most like brisket. We did start with chips and salsa (which meant there was a LOT of food). The salsas were very tasty too. We need to learn to share, didn’t finish everything and definitely left feeling fuller than I would have liked!

Had a really, incredibly delicious vegan burrito here. Opted not to add $7 vegan chorizo in because that cost was just hard to justify, luckily is was great without it. Chips and salsa were fresh and my waitress was really friendly and polite. My issue however was with the hostess, who gave an attitude when I asked to sit in the shade outside instead of in the direct 5:30pm summer sunlight. She seated me at the very back corner of the patio next to the alley at a 4 top even after passing numerous seats with umbrellas that could have been opened up. When the waitress came out to take my order, she didn’t even see me at first because of where I had been seated. Rude, college age hostess who I guess thought she was being funny? Hardly. Everything else was great but that behavior really rubbed me the wrong way. Even the waitress was surprised to see where I had been seated.

Nice upscale place for Mexican food. We got queso and guacamole, both very good. I got the mix and match street tacos; mahi mahi, carne asada, and beef tenderloin, all were delicious. They have a nice drink menu as well. They also have an outdoor patio, though we sat inside, plenty of seating options. Lighting inside could be better, dark spots and spotlights in your face at the same table. Overall the food would bring me back!

We hosted our son's wedding rehearsal dinner here on June 27, 2025. We had 50 people, including children in attendance. We opted for the taco bar buffet with bowls of guacamole and platters of the seafood nachos, drunken nachos and grilled veggies. The entire experience, from the first booking through check-ins and then the night of the dinner, was completely outstanding. We couldn't have been more pleased with the beautiful space, extremely tasty food, and the excellent service all throughout. If it was possible to give more stars I would.

Went to Malo for the first time and had a pretty decent time. We were seated on the patio and it was cute. The service was nothing special, and the food was ok! I’m not much of a drinker, but I liked my passion fruit margarita a lot (I even finished it!) I think in the future, I would come to this establishment for drinks and skip on the food. They were really light with the onions which was disappointing. I spent $25.28 for everything. PS. look at that HUGE fork.

Love the vegan burrito with the vegan chorizo. I have dreams about this burrito. You can tell everything is made from scratch. Drinks are mostly good. The margaritas kind of lack in flavor. Service is mostly good. The atmosphere is good, but kind of loud if you're trying to have a conversation.

This is very close to the Hotel Fort DesMoines we were staying at. It had good reviews, so we decided to try it. It was an excellent choice. Nice atmosphere. Great service. Try one of the taco trios. It’s a great value. Everything coming out to the neighboring tables looked delicious. There were margarita specials too!

Harbinger was an amazing experience. The staff was friendly and attentive. I never felt silly for asking any questions. The food was fantastic. We got the chef's tasting with wine pairing and it was absolutely worth the price. Reservations recommended, and expect to spend time here enjoying your party's company.

Incredible food, marvelous service. Each bite of food felt like a separate experience, and I savored all of it. They were also more than accommodating of my dietary preferences and were very thoughtful. We went for happy hour, and the $8 dishes were honestly my favorites of the entire menu (the bao buns and shokupan). The chef’s tasting was decadent. 10/10 recommend.

The tasting menu here is a phenomenal expression of midwestern farm to table delight! The love the veggies get always impresses me. But the spiritual experience of the meal? The blue cheese cheese cake. Other worldly. Stop what you’re doing and go order it.

We made a reservation for dinner while passing through Des Moines on a road trip. We were promptly greeted and seated at our table. My wife was given a menu with vegetarian options highlighted, a nice touch! Jannea provided superb service and explanation of the menu. We each ordered cocktails off the menu which were excellent! I had the tasting menu, see photo of courses, which was an experience I will never forget. Beautifully plated, well timed and delicious! The Vietnamese Tiramisu left me speechless! We made a point to go back to Harbinger during on the return of our road trip and took advantage of their happy hour menu. We were promptly seated during this visit as well. Kudos to the Chefs, Bartender, and Service Staff, especially Jannea for giving us a night to remember!

This was such an amazing meal! You could really tell how much thought went into each dish. The Island Creek Oysters with miso butter and chicken skin xo were some of the best oysters i’ve ever had. The steamed buns were addicting, especially the chicken and rhubarb one, i would have ordered more if i wasn’t already so full! The vegetable broth in the spring green dumpling dish was perfection. I also can’t stop thinking about the english pea lumache pasta dish. And both desserts were absolutely incredible. Who knew yuzu and blue cheese could work so well together? The service was great as well, our server was very nice and fun. I’m so glad i came here and would definitely come back while in town!

Small plates and a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s cozy and the attention to detail is amazing. It’s priced fairly for the quality, so worth planning to check out for a special occasion.

The food is so different from what you would expect in DesMoines. It's delicious, fresh and a great variety. Every two weeks a different menu.

Clyde's is a solid selection for an elevated yet casual dining experience. Located just off of downtown Des Moines, Clyde's provides patrons with a range of small bite, shareable and entre options. Integrating local flavors and ingredients into dishes across the menu, Clyde's doesn't shy away from unique twists on familiar items. During my visit I tried the dill pickle wings, BBQ chicken, brussel sprouts and tomatoes. While dinner was fine, Clyde's seems even more suited for a easy brunch and lunch.

I went to Clyde’s in Des Moines for dinner and wow, the drinks were amazing and the burger was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. Totally nailed it. But… about that “kale salad.” I was so excited to order it (because who doesn’t love a good kale salad?), and what showed up was definitely not kale… it was spring mix. I asked the server just to be sure, and she confirmed that, yep, that’s their kale salad. So apparently “kale” means “spring mix” now? Kind of confusing. It definitely took some of the shine off an otherwise great meal. Everything else was fantastic, though, and I’d absolutely come back, hopefully next time for an actual kale salad! EDIT: In response to the reply - spring mix is a “pre-packaged salad blend of various young, tender baby leaves”. Therefore, a variety of baby kale falls into the category of spring mix. For example, I ordered a kale salad at another restaurant last night and it was “regular kale” as expected. I recommend updating the name and/or description of your salad to avoid confusion or disappointment from other kale lovers like me!

Great atmosphere and service. The brussel sprouts were ridiculously good, and I legit do not like them normally. The fries were delicious. The burger was good. I think what kept it from being great was the bun. It had the texture of an Aldi's brioche bun. Drinks were a bit too funky for my taste.

Before coming here I had heard great things from a friend so I had relatively high expectations and it didn't disappoint. It's a lovely building, the interior design is fancy yet unimposing. A nice upscale, modern diner with a well thought out bar. I really liked it. For us, it was a quiet evening so service was prompt. The waitress was helpful and talkative but didn't bother us too much other than to ask how we were doing and if we needed any refills. The menu is small which I appreciated and everything is well priced for the area. It seemed well put together and everything sounded delicious. I found it difficult to pick. In the end I chose to go for a diner classic. A smash burger and fries and both were just excellent, no complaints. It was very well portioned but I swear it was gone in the blink of an eye, I enjoyed it that much. The fries are were delicious too. Ours were deep fried and served with ketchup and a very tasty malt vinegar mayonnaise which I adored. (A rare thing for me, I'm usually very indifferent towards mayo). My only ask as far as the food goes is that it would be nice to offer people malt vinegar at the table! Love to have it on fries. As for the rest of the experience it was generally good. I had a few nit-pics. Another family entered shortly after us and were sat besides us despite there being many other available spaces. This made things feel more cramped than they had to be. I like having more space to eat if possible. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the credit card fees (3 to 3.5% respectively depending on card issues). I understand why they exist and it's nice they offer debit and cash paying customers a small discount but I would prefer to see it factored into the food price more broadly, nobody likes seeing extra fees tacked on at the end, it's bad enough with tips and taxes. There was also a mix up with our bills in the end, the waitress corrected it quickly so it's not a problem but she forgot to apply our happy hour discount on our sides and I can see others not noticing which isn't good. Lastly, I'd love to see Coke Zero or Pepsi Zero Sugar products on the menu and calories for each menu item listed. It's a small thing but I really do appreciate it as it makes nutritional tracking much easier. Overall a great experience. I'll definitely be back.

One of my favorite spots so far in dsm. Space is fun, great bar area, playing good music on a vinyl… food and drinks are great. Good N/A drinks too!

Bougie. Dill wings starter (15 for 6)was very good. High Low and in between (Old Fashion - 15) CFD Burger was good. Salad was OK. Dressing wasn't to my taste. Would try Ceasar instead. Beware, they charge a 3% restaurant fee.

Could never express my love for Clyde’s in a review so I’ll just say- best restaurant in Des Moines hands down! I’ve been coming consistently for years, and this summer’s specials have been some of the best yet. It’s so obvious they source ingredients that are in season and use them responsibly and effectively.

Unique place with great food! It was relatively busy when we arrived with a 25 minute wait to dine inside Zombie Burger. They also had patio seating for a slightly shorter wait. While waiting we took the opportunity to do some of the photo ops and noticed a Ramen place attached. Turns out, it's all the same place with the same menu and this side could serve us immediately. The lady was super welcoming and friendly. We ordered fried pickles, a cheeseburger, Dawn of the Dead, Walking Ched, & T-Virus all with fries. Everything was made to order and delicious. Fries were perfect.... perfect batter, perfect flavor, perfect crunch. It was a little on the pricey side, coming in at over $86 without tip. Overall, it was family friendly and a good experience.

Fun! Friendly! Delicious! We came into town for the Nicotine Dolls/Wic Whitman concert from Minnesota, a few local Ladies we were standing near told us about Zombie Burger so we hung around on Friday to see the sights until they opened. We are so glad we did! The leather Face was to die for. And the Brussel sprouts with the Zombie sauce was AMAZING! We sat outside as it was a beautiful breezy day, then this FREAKY TRUCK PULLED UP! AND A PIG MAN JUMPED OUT WITH A CHAIN SAW!!! How fun! I asked my wait staff if it was just because it was October? They said Nope, they were from the slaughter house where they get their meat from..."Just making their weekly delivery!" Talk about perfect timing to be there! It totally completed our AMAZING girls trip to Des Moines. It was my mother's 78th birthday getaway...one she will NEVER forget! Thank you Nicotine Dolls Wic Whitney and ZOMBIE BURGER!!!!!

I've been here a handful of times over the past few years. The burgers are decent and the milkshakes are always pretty good. My favorite thing to get every time is the Goat Cheese Poppers, though. So good! Especially with the raspberry dipping sauce. Somehow, it just works! I'm not sure when they added the ramen, but my hubs brought it home tonight. It was alright. The broth was a little too bitter and the char sui was cooked weird for being in ramen. It was still decent, but I think I would just stick with the burger after my next year-long hiatus. Love the updates to the inner-space, and the kiosks for ordering take-out. Novelty food, for sure. But if you like jalapeño poppers then definitely try theirs!

Des Moines I stop here for dinner. Tonight was our first time eating dinner here. The food and service is fantastic. The prices are reasonable This is all-time favorite restaurant due to the fantastic food, creativity of the menu and the atmosphere. I am a huge fan of Zombie movies and shows. I love all the decor throughout the restaurant, and the Zombie news on the back of the menu is a nice touch.

Tried Zombie Burger for the first time and had their special K-Pop Ramen Hunters—absolutely delicious! I don’t usually handle spice very well, but the staff was awesome and swapped the spicy broth for pork broth, which I really appreciated. On top of that, their cereal shakes are a must-try—sweet, fun, and just as good as they sound. Definitely a spot worth checking out!

Sure it’s a little gimmicky but it’s an indulgent treat every once in a while. I got a cinnamon toast crunch shake which it’s exactly as sweet and delicious as you’d expect. I also got the Juan of the dead burger with lettuce (no bun) and the veggie nut patty. I was expecting a lettuce wraps but was pleasantly surprised it was more like a salad. The veggie patty was unique and not your typically black bean burger. The burger was cheese and the sauce was creamy. I appreciate they gave the sauce on the side so it wasn’t soaking wet. It’s a bit pricey but worth it. Parking meters and garage nearby are finicky but not the restaurant’s fault.

Zombie Burger – 4/5 The food was really good, but what truly makes Zombie Burger stand out is the killer theme. The place is packed with clever, zombie-style takes on classic movie posters, and the atmosphere is an absolute vibe — everyone there seemed to be having a great time soaking it all in. I ended up giving it a 4/5, but honestly, that’s only because I think I ordered the wrong burger. I’ll definitely be back to try another one — this place is too fun (and too tasty) not to.

This place has received rave reviews from everyone I asked so I figured I'd take the chance. While I have no complaints about the food, I felt it was a little overhyped. The puff was less of a pastry and more so had the texture of a dinner roll. While the filling on the croissants was good, it was unlike any other I had had, in a bad way, texture- wise. The salmon tartine was pretty good, but again, nothing special and at times was overpowered by the sprout greens. Overall, the food was fine but nothing special and I would probably try to find a new place before returning here.

Stopped by hoping to find some french treats and boy were we pleasantly surprised! So many delicious choices and amazingly reasonable prices. The staff was friendly, efficient and helpful Will be back to dine in for sure!

Macarons were a little dry but were perfectly made and had excellent flavors. The croissants are delicious. Nothing is overly sweet and all very well made. Service was fast and everyone was kind. We will definitely be back.

A big indoor space and cute patios chairs with tables outside backyard. The service was great; besides pastries, breads, and cakes, various dishes and salads to try; giving French bakery vibes in overall

Pretty good place to eat! Got a meal with my family here for a late lunch. Foods was fast, hot and good. Will be back 👍

My husband and I went for the first time and loved it! We ordered an assortment of pastries (Fruit Tart, Key Lime Pie Tart, Espresso Brownie, Chocolate Croissant, and Lemon Croissant), as well as the to-go sandwiches. I had the turkey sandwich and would definitely order it again. Everything was made fresh and was so delicious. The sandwiches were made of high quality ingredients and had great flavor. There are so many menu items to choose from. I will be back to try more! Highly recommend!

La Mie is one of my fav breakfast spots in Des Moines! It’s always busy and sometimes it’s hard to find seating, but that is just a testament to their popularity! The staff does a great job at cleaning and turning over tables. On this occasion I enjoyed the southwest scramble and turmeric latter. I always get pastries on my way out because they’re huge and great for sharing :)

One of the best restaurants in Downtown. I really liked the interior. Atmosphere as if you are close to the sea. The food was excellent. Definitely a place to celebrate special events.

I was in town for a conference. This place was recommended to me by a local and just down the street. I went with high hopes. I was not disappointed, except they were out of escargot. There is a huge selection of great things to try. I had oysters to start off with then the steak Oscar. And pineapple upside down cake to finish it off. As much as I would have liked to try out other offerings I couldn’t finish what I ordered. The portions were generous. They also had some descent wines which was my drink. The server helped me in selecting my oysters. They had several varieties. The service and atmosphere were also good. I will be back next time I’m in town.

We came here for our anniversary. The service Heather provided went above and beyond that though I would've give the other categories a 5 ⭐️ but it felt like it would've been a disservice to how much of a wonderful server she was for us. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the carpaccio, it was stupid good. I highly recommend coming here. Ask for Heather!

We got the chicken with garlic mashed potato, seasonal squash with riccotta, charcuterie board, salmon with broccolini, lobster wontons and creme brulea. So yummy! The vibes and decoration really adds to the experiance! We were pasaing through from Superior, WI but I'm definatly going to come back. Worth the trip! (Also the parking ramp behind was only 1$ per hour!)

Food is always amazing! Service is excellent. Lots of fish tanks to look at. My favorite special occasion place.

Stopped for a birthday dinner and had a really nice time. The food was really good, we tried the Crab Cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, a seafood pasta and miso salmon. All were very nice. The price was a little high for the quality however, just seemed a bit stretched on a few of the offerings for sure. Drinks as a whole were about 14-18 dollars which seems a bit much. The decor seemed a little dated but still a great spot for a date. The service was excellent and attentive and waitress was more than happy to take on any requests. The chocolate cake with ice cream added at the end was fantastic.

Beware bourbon drinkers, their drink menu is VERY misleading. Our server, Danielle(?), has been working here for 16+ years and was excellent. Ordered a $17 Angels Envy neat, which came in a bourbon glass indented on the bottom (likely to make the appearance a stronger pour). When getting the bill, I was charged $25 for 2 ounces of bourbon (one drink). When questioning this to Danielle, she checked with the bar and they claimed because it was neat, there was an extra ounce of liquor hence the higher price. We were already spending $200+ on apps and food alone, it was extremely disappointing to be misled by something small like this and honestly ruined my experience here. The food was great if you enjoy seafood, but nothing extremely special. About half of the PEI mussels were overcooked, but a good bang for buck appetizer if you can guzzle down a pound of mussels. One of their special apps for the month, Maryland soft shell crab, was delicious and the lemon caper sauce went especially well with it. The halibut was decent and the potatoes and salad with it were delicious. The crab cakes were loaded with delicious crab and may have been the highlight of the meal. Very quiet dinner for a 5:30pm reservation, there were some folks at the bar and another couple two tables away, almost had to whisper for our conversations to stay private. Downstairs area looked very cozy and inviting, mid-level almost felt like a hotel lobby, with the top area hosting the bar. Found a parking spot on the street right at the entrance, and there is garage parking nearby. Overall a decent dining experience, but the neat bourbon being an extra $7 for “an extra ounce” was BS. Whether on the rocks or neat, it should be a 2 ounce pour. May consider returning and recommending if management addresses Bourbongate.

Great location if you wanna stop at a nice place before you head to any downtown events! I tried the smoked margarita wow that was good and the charcuterie board was very well. Set up and high-quality variety. The service was great. I will be back.

My wife and I went for anniversary dinner and had a great night. The service was exceptional and the dinner could not have been more delicious. Even though we were full, we had to try the deserts and was not disappointed. We will be returning soon.

Went out on a date on a Monday with my husband. We were seated immediately and our server Raymond was very attentive and one of the best servers I have had. The food was amazing. If you like goat cheese try the Stuffed Peppers. The sauce and the arugula was amazing in one bite. I got the one pan Salmon. The risotto was perfect. Creamy not grainy or half done as other places I have been to. The lemon sauce was not overpowering and the spinach and tomatoes with the salmon was just the best. The chef definitely knows what they are doing. I can't wait to come back and try something else on their menu.

We were passing through town on a Sunday night, and I was after a good meal. We were pleasantly surprised at the delicious food, amazing drinks and welcoming atmosphere here. I truly recommend stopping in. They do a great job, and they appreciate your business. They also made a Mai Tai the right way. I will be back!

Have been here numerous times and will continue to go back. The staff is amazing. The chefs are amazing. The food is fantastic and your mouth explodes with the amazing flavor that compliments each dish. The desserts are sinful & delicious!! If you’ve never been here, it’s worth every dollar spent!! I’ll be back!!!

The food is very delicious and the waiter is nice very red eyes, strong recommendation cheese

Thank you Chef and staff for making this evening such a wonderful experience! The food was wonderful and dessert was perfect. Oh and the drinks, just wow! What a great dining experience.

This was my first time visiting the stuffed olive’s new location and I was blown away! Everything from the atmosphere to the food has improved! I wish I got our bartenders name bc he was so friendly! When we didn’t like our martinis he offered to adjust them. When I still didn’t like it and just ordered a tried and true pornstar martini, he didn’t even charge me for it :) He made great conversation and kept us happy all night. The food was insanely good! I didn’t like the food at their old location, but tonight my tuna tartare was so yummy! It almost tasted like it had a cajun seasoning and I loved the wasabi sauce that came with it. My friend loved her mini chimis and said it was the type of food you think about and miss for a while 🤭 Overall, I would recommend the stuffed olive’s new location to anyone and everyone looking for a fun spot for a night out with the girls or a partner

Great food, drinks and service. The only thing I could complain about is they need more waiters and waitresses cuz they have only a couple people serving multiple tables so the wait time could take a little bit longer than expected. Maybe it was due to the holiday I'm not sure. Music can be too loud at time's That it's hard to hear when conversating. But other than that it was a great place to celebrate my 40th Birthday and their food is so good! I'll definitely keep returning.

Top notch service by not only our server, but also kitchen staff and others working together to bring food and drinks to us. We opted for multiple apps instead full meals to taste a variety and not one disappointed. Planned for leftovers and we had none! Also, buy 2, get 3rd martini free. Great start to a girls weekend away.

Phenomenal Martinis & Five-Star Service at The Stuffed Olive! ​I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Stuffed Olive and was absolutely blown away by the experience. This isn't just a bar; it's a destination for martini lovers. ​Between our group, we enjoyed 18+ different martinis, and without exaggeration, every single one was spectacular. The bar staff clearly takes immense pride in their craft, delivering balanced, creative, and expertly made cocktails that kept us ordering more. If you're looking for the best martini selection in town, look no further. ​Equally as impressive was the exceptional service. Phillip was truly amazing and incredibly sweet, adding a wonderful personal touch to our evening. Our main server, Haylee, deserves a massive shoutout—she was attentive, prompt, and somehow managed to anticipate our needs, ensuring our drinks were never empty. Great service can elevate a good night to a fantastic one, and Haylee made sure it was fantastic. ​The combination of world-class drinks and genuinely sweet, professional staff like Phillip and Haylee makes The Stuffed Olive a must-visit spot. We can’t wait to come back!

Phenomenal martinis, delicious food, good vibes, and such a cute place. We will definitely be back!!

I had the Nashville hot chicken sliders an Cajun french fries an rostered mushroom the food was wonderful the sliders were 10 out of 10 the fries were seasoned to the gods the mushrooms needed to be cooked a little longer but what they were stuffed with was amazing the service was great our server was very attentive she came to the table jus to check an make sure everything was good

I had my engagement party at The Stuffed Olive and it was a truly perfect night! Miranda, the event planner, went above and beyond to ensure all my questions were answered and worked with us on allowing us to move furniture, bring in decor, and add food for the group during the event. All of the guests were highly impressed with the service and I would recommend hosting an event here!

Excellent happy hour selections. Me had a couple dirty martinis and the cabernet. Our first time here. I had the Pork Delmonico. My friend had the heirloom chicken. Both were delicious. Then we enjoyed the Chocolate Tart and each took home a pack of cookies to go. Warm gooey delicious cookies. Amazing way to end the meal a day drive home. Excellent service and dining experience. Wonderful atmosphere and this will be on our repeat restaurant downtown locations. Loved it very much!!!

Had a fantastic dinner at Table 128 in Des Moines. The Brussels sprout salad was outstanding, bright, layered, and surprisingly craveable. The bruschetta with strawberries was a clever twist that bordered on dessert in the best way, unexpected, interesting, and delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked with great texture and flavor, and the heirloom chicken was incredibly juicy and full of depth. Service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive. And the warm, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies at the end sealed the deal, soft, melty, and memorable. I will definitely be back.

Table 128 is truly a delectable Des Moines treasure! Chef Lynn knocks it out of the park each time we dine. The farm-to-table dishes are bursting with flavor, beautifully presented, and made with fresh, local ingredients. The staff and Lynn are always attentive, creating a perfect and memorable dining experience!

Went searching for a spot with a nice happy hour, ambience, and food selection. Google led me to table 128. Elegant spot with a nice patio and great HH prices and selection. Perfect. I opted for a glass of Chardonnay and calamari with romesco off of the happy hour menu and moved on to the warm Brussels salad with manchego and added salmon for dinner. The Chardonnay was lovely albeit a bit cold. Calamari was underdone and not crispy enough (you can tell from the photo) and they forgot my chiles. The romesco was divine! Could have licked the plate! Or scraped it up with calamari if it was crispier and had a touch of sea salt. A dish with potential. The Brussels and salmon were excellent. Flavorful, perfectly cooked and well balanced. Service was a bit scattered- she gave me a lunch menu and didn’t circle back for awhile after I was seated. It was a slow night and she was a sweet gal. I would love to return the next time I’m in the area.

I wanted to give Table 128 a rave review, but unfortunately I was left disappointed with our (wife & my) special dinner/date night. We arrived 5 minutes early for our 6pm reservation and were seated immediately. Our server greeted us, and after a quick review of the menu we put in our drink orders and an appetizer order. The charcuterie plate came out as expected and was ok - and our server promised our drinks were coming. My wife’s martini didn’t arrive until we were done with the app (~35 minutes in) and our server said my cocktail was still in the works. The next time she stopped by I asked to cancel the cocktail and just have a glass of wine. In the meantime my kale salad arrived and was fine. After being in the restaurant for about 50 minutes I finally got a drink - the wine I had changed my order to 10 minutes prior. Our entrees arrived - and were ok. My wife had the chicken and I had the steak. Ordered Steak medium-rare and it came out a bit past medium. We both had an additional glass of wine which our server had to go behind the bar to pour herself. Punchline - was really disappointed with the bar/cocktail service - which in turn made everything else feel off for the night. The food was ok, our server was doing the best with what she had to work with, but waiting 50 minutes for a cocktail is unacceptable to me.

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a business dinner at Table 128. Everyone was impressed with the overall experience. The menu was diverse and accommodating to all dietary preferences and absolutely delicious. Table 128 delivered exactly what we needed, a high quality dining experience.

The flavors this place offers are some of the best in Des Moines. My wife and I had a great experience. We will definitely come back again. It’s a must try. Oh, and get the cookies!

I just started stopping at this food truck this last year even though I’ve been vegan and in the DSM area for a while. I don’t know why I was sleeping on this food. The flavor of all the dishes I have tried is spot on. The Reuben is by far my favorite though. I will keep coming back for more.

I really wanted to give this place five stars because the girl working there with pink curtain bangs was really nice. we got the nachos and my man got the gluten free burger. Idk if it was because I said no spicyness but the nachos were just so plain. The beans were watered down and just very bland. So it’s a no from me dawg But my man rates the burger a 8

Fast, friendly, great menu, compostable utensils and packaging! The food here is great! The service was fast and friendly. Everything was neat and orderly with a quick and easy ordering process. The food came out quick and hot with great flavors! I stumbled upon this with luck, definitely glad I did! 100% worth stopping by!

I was thrown off with it being parked at a middle school, to be honest, but pleasantly surprised by an all vegan food truck that had good food in the middle of Iowa. It was a bit rustic, but that's what ya get out of a bus turned vegan kitchen. I got the Philly cheesteak and lemonade

I wish they had their own restaurants :-) the food was absolutely delicious and had excellent customer service. Can't wait to see you guys next spring

I have dreams about the nachos, they haunt me and I wake up very hungry. My husband loves their sandwiches, but those nachos are to die for. Get the nachos.

We've been going here for years, and am always impressed with the food. There are regular specials/menu updates often, with a few core offerings that have stuck around. It's so great to have vegan options in the neighborhood, and the chef isn't afraid of spices. It's a convenient walk for lunch and dinner most days that the truck is running.

In town and needed a place to meet up with a friend. Saw this place and it looked phenomenal. And guess what? It was. The atmosphere is definitely old pub like. Service was super friendly. I tried the Black Forest schnitzel and the Roulandon Rolls. My friend got the Best of the Wourst. Everything was spot on. Loved it all. If you are in the mood for German food this place is it.

In town overnight and tried out the Jagerschnitzel with jager gravey. Pretty tasty. Had to save room for the German chocolate cake...had to save some for later! Great service and cool place to eat and socialize.

Though the restaurant parking lot is extremely small , we easily found nearby free parking next to a big government building that has free weekend parking. We had a short walk to Hessen Haus. And it's a bar but I saw lots of families too. Comfortable seats and definitely not too crowded. The server was great and the place is fun and lively. However it wasn't obnoxiously loud or anything. The menu has a lot of choices and we decided on goulash and sauerbraten. The dishes were a large serving size and we shared them. We also ate a garden salad with vinegrette dressing. The food was so yummy and well made. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone.

This place was really a diamond in the rough...and Alicia at the bar was absolutely amazing. Traveling for work is stressful and she made this place feel like home. She made incredible recommendations (get the Black Forest Schnitzel) and was just so friendly and real. She makes me want to come back!

You may have to wait a bit for a table to open, but the food/drinks were delicious! Service was top notch and they have so many drink options!

Excellent food with generous portions. Friendly staff and the atmosphere is quite fun with the German decor. Highly recommend the German chocolate cake and their giant pretzels.

Great time here. I brought 2 other co-workers here for dinner. Sat outside on patio. I got the Black Forest schnitzel which was really good. Had a bier as well. Drawbacks were a smelly dumpster in the alley, also view from patio was pretty much the alley. But to the west was an old train depot with splendid architecture.

I came to Americana with a party of 13 to celebrate my graduation. We were promptly seated with no wait at all, but once our server came to the table she seemed less than pleased. I’ve been an industry worker before so I know how stressful it can be to take a larger party, but at least smile and pretend to be happy. We notified our server we were missing a chair and silverware set, and she said she would grab those for us. She seemed to forget because one member of our party had to sit on the lap of another for 10 minutes before she just got up and grabbed her own. Our drinks came out fast and we thoroughly enjoyed the wine we selected. One member of our party had to ask two different servers on three different occasions for another beer. When it came to ordering appetizers we asked the server if they were big and how many would be enough for 13. She was unable to elaborate and just said “they’re not very big” so that was not helpful. The same ordeal played out when we ordered dessert (which was not that good). When our food did come it was delicious and everyone did enjoy their meals. All steaks were cooked to the requested temp, and the sides were delicious as well! Unfortunately I have to add that the server seemed very annoyed with the fact that my grandparents could not speak English even though a member of my party was directly translating and ordering for them with no problem. I’m unsure why this seemed to bother the server, but it was evident to us. I understand why automatic gratuity was applied to our large party, but I honestly wish it wasn’t because that was service was not deserving of 20%. I have had several positive experiences at Americana, and I can’t deny the food is delicious!!

Was the only place we found open night of July 4th. We’re traveling and had a great experience here. Good food, great drinks and service- even though the bartender was the only server! (The manager was also bringing out food/drinks) The crab Rangoon dip was awesome. Shoutout to the awesome bartender turned temporary server! But do be warned they charge both a credit card service fee (3%) and a $3.00 plate share charge (even if you’re ordering drinks + appetizer).

Breakfast buffet for brunch. Our server Jen was great. The grill cheese bar was not available, so was disappointed as I was looking forward. Everything I tried was hot and delicious. They offer all you can drink mimosa bar, and bloody Mary bar, was very popular. Fun fact the location was a Chrysler dealership in the old day's.

Absolutely top notch food and service, the atmosphere is great but the culture, wait staff and management are where they shine. My sister who has celiac and I went there two nights in a row because the food was amazing and they take gluten free/celiac very seriously. Macy and D’Angelo are easily the best wait staff I’ve had at a table in years, and they handled GF procedures in the best way possible. Jen, I believe the manager, was amazing as well! And I haven’t even had their brunch yet, no doubt I’m coming back.

Sadly this place is closing with no explanation as to why especially since they still have a couple years left on their lease. We’ve always met a lot of family there yearly during the art festival to walk off the buzz from the bottomless mimosas while viewing art from all over which has always been a fun tradition. This year it was apparent that they don’t have enough service workers and even cups/utensils. We decided to go one last time yesterday before they close and it was obnoxiously loud! Our reservation was at 2 and by 2:30 they were telling us last call and trying to wrap things up which is a little frustrating. We should have been given a heads up about that before we started or when they were seating us. One of our waitresses was having a good ole time drinking at a table with some of her friends every 5 to 10 minutes which I was shocked was even allowed. I’d be curious to know where all the art/photography will be going once this place closes. I hope they give the public an opportunity to purchase some pieces and make an announcement. I hope a local business owner swoops in to re-establish another great restaurant in the months to come. It’s a great location with a nice atmosphere - maybe they could do some sound proofing to make the noise a little more tolerable though.

I've had many great experiences here over the years. Really good, quality dishes! Pepsi products. Wonderful brunch, btw!

I recently celebrated my birthday at Americana, and it was a wonderful experience. Since my birthday falls close to Christmas, the festive holiday decorations added a lovely touch to the atmosphere, creating a warm and cheerful vibe. The service was exceptional and our server was quick, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The food was great, with every dish perfectly prepared and full of flavor. The drinks were also spot-on, complementing the meal perfectly. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for great food, drinks, and service in a welcoming setting.

I stopped to purchase cheese/meats for a charcuterie board. They spent a good amount of time with me to curate the perfect board. They were very knowledgeable and their love of cheese resonated in the service they provided! In addition to the cheese/meats, they had a great selection of accompaniments (crackers, jams, olives, nuts). What a great place to have in Des Moines!

Excellent cheeses and meats. Great service. Asked the gentleman to surprise us with 3 cheese 2 meat monger board. Everything on it was excellent. Way more than we were expecting.

We loved trying all the cheeses!!! They also have fresh bread and wine which is amazing. I can’t wait to come back!

I love The Cheese Shop!! Such a great place to get all your apretivo needs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They let you sample before you buy. Wonderful selection of meats, cheeses, jarred goodies and more. Definitely try it, you won’t be disappointed!

Lots of cheese to choose from and a good vibe. Eat in or take cheese to go. "Cheese monger" charcuterie board was a big hit ( with lots of good meats, spreads and odds & ends). I'd give it 6 stars if Google would let me.

Came here after trying their restaurant on Ingersoll, specifically to buy their pepper jelly. I'm kind of obsessed with cheese and was excited that they gave out samples. I lived in France for awhile and have been searching for a specific cheese for quite some time. They didn't have it but did inform me that they are getting something very similar this week. I'm extremely impressed by their knowledge of foreign cheeses and equally impressed by their inventory. I bought a few pounds of cheese, some house-stuffed olives and peppers, and left happy. The wine selection looked pretty extensive. The space is pretty small but they've managed to get a few tables in one corner of the shop for small groups to get together. Pretty neat concept. Reminds me of being in Europe.

Easily one of the best experiences I've had I. Des Moines. Incredible and knowledgeable staff, welcoming atmosphere, and great products. The colleague that recommended this place said "it was a slice of France." She was spot on. Go here. Don't hesitate. You cannot regret it.

Went to Noah’s Ark with a couple other people for dinner. I was very grateful to have had the option of the specials menu for the day, and got the baked Ricotta manicotti. It was tasty, but rather pricey for what it was. It came with a small salad which I did enjoy. I personally was not intrigued by the actual menu. Especially when something is describe as having “meat” - I don’t eat all meat and don’t always want to have to ask the waiter to explain everything on a menu.

I may have to give them another try. For the price, and I love local and chains, but I had better pasta at Olive Garden or Maggiano’s. The ambience was nice, though! May come back in the future.

Get the pizza or calzone. I honestly am not a fan of the food but my family loves their pizza and calzones. It’s old style ambiance in the dining area which I like but just wish the food was better. If you go, get the pizza and calzone - you’ll love the pizza and even crave it at times.

We love the pizza, just a awesome thin crust pizza. I also really like the baked Cavatelli with meatballs, baked cheese on top. My favorite onion rings anywhere and state visited. Service this last time was awesome. The others with us said the calamari was cooked perfect. Just not too many restaurants like this around anymore.

Was visiting from out of town,great food egg plant parm was delicious, chicken parm was delicious, the lasagna was amazing,the kid got the pepperoni pizza and was good

I went to dinner there tonight. I ordered the chicken parm. I ended up being served a ravioli dish with spaghetti. It was no big deal, mistakes happen. The server came around, frustrated with no apology. She brought back another dish with still no apology. It was a chicken breast with spaghetti sauce on top and still a side of spaghetti. It wasn’t even the chicken Parmesan I looked up the picture on other reviews of what the chicken Parmesan looks like And then I knew for sure she didn’t get it right the second time. There was a note at the front door of the restaurant that mentioned something along the lines of being friendly to staff because they are only doing their best. Maybe it’s not the people that are coming for meals, the customer but the employees. She could’ve said an apology and I got the wrong meal twice. The meal I did get was very bland, these dishes are 28 and up. I’m going to need some flavor and have high expectations with those prices. I had a fazolis meal with a high end price.

I love this Italian restaurant, it’s so authentic! My husband knew the owners grandparents so the restaurant has been there a long time. Jimmy, the owner, gave us a sample of what looked like a cinnamon roll but made with anchovies. I didn’t think I would like it but I tried it at home and it was delicious! My husband always has the spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs. The portions are so large that he took home enough for two meals! I’m working my way through the menu. My brother-in-law had the fish sampler special which he loved. Our friend, Pat Sullivan, has had pizza the last five times we ate there. I had gnocchi in Alfredo sauce. It wasn’t on the menu but they still made it for me. Every thing is so delicious! Try their homemade terramisu (sp), it’s so mouth watering that I’m tempted to eat it first. That way I won’t run out of room. Out of a five star rating, I would give Noah’s Ark a twenty! If you are hungry for Italian food, don’t eat anywhere else.

Very happy with our decision to book dinner here! We were seated at a cozy booth, and the place was packed — the lively atmosphere really made the experience special. The owner even stopped by our table for a great chat, which made us feel especially welcome. The staff were all friendly, attentive, and the food was absolutely perfect. We’ll definitely be back if we find ourselves in Iowa again!

It was cozy. I like being somewhat close to other patrons and seeing what they're enjoying. It was packed when we went there for a weekday lunch. We were seated immediately but I will say that it took quite some time for the food to come out. It was 45 minutes without an appetizer. But, they were absolutely slammed! I think the servers handled it really well by checking in on everyone and giving updates on food. The burger was so-so but my London Broil was absolutely worth the wait! I would go back for that alone! The pasta salad doesn't seem like anything fancy but the dressing reminds me of something my granny made. The whole visit tasted like nostalgia. It was great!

While visiting Des Moines, IA this weekend, I was in the mood for a great steak or pork chop. Several locals recommended Jesse’s Embers, so I decided to give it a try. When I arrived, it was clear it was a busy Saturday night. The entrance felt a bit chaotic, and I wasn’t sure where to go for seating. Eventually, I found an employee folding napkins and asked for a table for one. Another staff member persistently tried to seat me at the bar—which I generally avoid due to the noise and rowdiness—but after being asked again, I reluctantly agreed, taking a seat at the far end. Donna, one of the bartenders, took my order after a few minutes. She and another bartender, Joe, were handling the entire bar, which was clearly a challenge given how busy it was. The area was quite warm, and a customer seated next to me named Dan was loudly chatting with others and making his next date—exactly the kind of environment I had hoped to avoid. I ordered a steak with a salad and broccoli. The salad arrived quickly but was room temperature and wilting. My steak came about 10 minutes later; I had ordered medium, but it was more on the rare side. I went ahead and ate it, mainly because I was ready to leave due to the heat and the noisy atmosphere. I will say Joe and Donna did their best under tough conditions. Before leaving, I spoke with the manager, Marty, who listened to my concerns and said he would address them. Overall, while I appreciated the effort from the staff, the experience wasn’t what I was hoping for, and I don’t think I’d return.

Under new ownership but they wisely kept the menu and recipes. Also the famed Steve Little is cooking there some nights. That alone is worth the price of admission, highly recommended!

I had a fantastic experience at Jesse’s Embers in Des Moines! I ordered the French Dip and the onion rings, both were absolutely delicious and cooked perfectly. The French Dip was tender and flavorful, and the onion rings were crispy without being too greasy. On top of the great food, the service was excellent. A young man named Carter checked in with us regularly to make sure everything was just right, and he made the whole experience even better. It was a wonderful visit from start to finish, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!

I hadn't been to Jesse's Embers in a very long time. I was happy to see that not much had changed, classic dining in a homey atmosphere. The service was great and the food was equally good. The owner stopped by to say hello and was very congenial. If you haven't tried it in a while, you should.

1. Noisy 2. Crowded, tables way too close together 3. Slow service in getting order, i.e. over an hour for a steak, baked potato, salad and bowl of soup to arrive. 5 tables around us received their orders before we did, despite the fact that we placed our order long before they did. 4. Per my husband, the steak was "tough and not high quality beef". 5. We complained to the owner, whose response was "I've been here for 5 months and you are the first to complain." Rule number one when dealing with a customer complaint is never, ever make them feel they are the only ones who complain and therefore they are an anomaly. That's demeaning to your customers. Having said that, the one positive was our waitress who was great. That is the only reason we gave the restaurant two stars instead of one. Unfortunately, we will never go back to Jesse's Embers, which saddens us as it's been a mainstay Des Moines restaurant for decades.

Absolutely amazing vibes and employees! It's hard to find anything on the menu that isn't delicious 💜 very good location with easy parking and the coffee is perfectly made

I’ve been to Ritual a couple times now and the service, food, and atmosphere have been great both times. The service is friendly and comfortable. The egg croissant is really good. I also appreciate what the business clearly stands for by the flyers, art, and posters they have. I plan to go back often!

Great breakfast food, cool vibe, friendly staff. cappuccino was just ok, dark roast oily beans, tons of macro foam, 3 sizes of cappuccino makes no sense...aka more milk = Latte. Not a 3rd wave coffee shop. Food was excellent though.

Ritual Cafe is by far my favorite coffee shop in the DSM area! Delicious food, great coffee, incredible staff, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. I could spend hours here!

It is our favorite spot for two years now, I love the immigrants welcome sign they have in 3 languages on the window, it make us feel home every time we are there, the Vegan Reuben and grilled tempeh are our favorites on the menu.

Let me tell yall about this little gem we got to quickly (next time we will stay in!) got to check out today. WHY IT TOOK US THIS LONG IDK!! ALL the things...love all the things this whole place represents!!! GO CHECK IT OUT....U MUST. YOU ARE MISSING OUT if u don't. ALL VEGETARIAN menu, locally woman owned, amazing coffee, THE 👏🏼BEST 👏🏼 VIBE!! GO....now....you're welcome. OH and u can bring ur own cup because they love the planet😘🤗😍❤️❤️❤️

Well I just popped in and grabbed a tall double latte after the gal at the Allspice downtown spice shop told me about this coffee shop, and felt like I had time warped over to Portland, Oregon, or downtown Seattle when I walked in. Superb tasting coffee, perfect froth, and artistically finished. The ladies there were very friendly, and I loved the international flair. This is very cozy, and I learned they serve vegan food, even though I'm a carnivore, lol. It wasn't easy to find, sort of tucked away down an obscure downtown side street, and it was all metered parking, so bring some loose change with you, but there wasn't a wait, it's well worth it, and it's a fun place to cool your heels with a friend while savoring a good cuppa Joe.

Hansen’s Manhattan Deli absolutely lives up to its reputation as the best deli sandwich in Des Moines. The quality is outstanding – fresh ingredients, excellent bread, and delicious sides that complement the sandwiches perfectly. Located on Ingersoll Avenue with limited parking in the rear lot, so plan accordingly. They’re only open for lunch and typically close around 3pm. The line can get long during peak hours, but it moves steadily and the wait is worth it. They offer takeout if you’re in a rush (call ahead to skip the line), though no delivery is available. If you’re looking for an authentic deli experience in Des Moines, this is the place. The awards are well-deserved.

Hands down best sandwich shop in the city! They also have great sides to pair with their wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches. One of the few restaurants where picking off the menu is almost always better than making your own sandwich, 11/10 restaurant I have a hard time staying away!

This is one of my favorite lunch spots! This place is your small old fashioned sandwich shop atmosphere. There are usually lines but service is efficient and friendly. You can order ahead and talk to the sweet older lady at the end of the line. She always makes me chuckle at her wonderful customer service that is just as antique as the atmosphere. I love the sandwiches! Every sandwich I order is so flavorful and fresh! The only thing I dislike is the lack of parking. Very good overall though!

Some of the best deli sandwiches I've ever had. The Manhattan was only $9.99 and it was nice, warm and cheesey. The service was great - super friendly, informative and fast. Plenty of places to sit as well. This is the place to go for deli sandwiches in Des Moines. Just make sure that you read the menu closely and know exactly what you're ordering. Highly recommend!

Only been here once. I had their Thanksgiving sandwich and it killed. A-Tier sandwich, boarding on S-Tier. Can’t wait to go back and see what else they can do.

I ordered a turkey sandwich for lunch and did not have a good experience. The lettuce was wilted and the bread was very soggy. I only took a few bites before I had to throw it out due to the soggy texture. I would not recommend their regular sandwiches, maybe the hoagies taste better. Wish I could get my money back but they don’t answer their phone.

Manhattan Deli is a staple of the Des Moines area so I was glad to see nothing has changed since my last visit. They’re still slinging some of their classics like the Wise Guy and the Vito but have had some new arrivals that all sound delicious. I decided to give a new arrival a try, and since I am a sucker for all things Pastrami I went with the Classic New York Pastrami which is piled high on marbled rye. It was delicious and a great portion size for the price. By far the best sandwich shop in the Des Moines area so be sure to stop by!

I honestly would have given this a 5 out of 5 stars had it not been for the lack of service we received. When the server was at our table they were absolutely amazing! But after we were seated, we sat there for 20 minutes before our server came and nobody even brought us water during that time. We actually contemplated getting up and leaving. After he gave us our drink order and took our meal order we never saw him again. He didn't even stop by and check to see if we were happy with our food. Perhaps they were busy but I've never had this happen before anywhere else. The location was perfect for us as we were staying downtown and it was a block away, and we walked there. Loved the vibe of the entire restaurant. There were so many food items I wanted to choose, it was hard to decide. I still would recommend and would definitely go again! Word to the wise- I would definitely recommend getting a reservation.

This is our first time in Des Moines and we stopped here for lunch. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. We first shared a seared sesame tuna, and it was simply delicious. Then, my husband ordered the burger and he gave it 7.5/10 but he loved the potatoes accompanying the dish. I ordered the golden dragon street noodle dish. It was tasty but I was unable to finish. The creamy coconut/peanut dressing was overpowering. Since we are here for four days, we may come back and try other dishes.

Very cute spot for date night! My husband and I came here for our anniversary and absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is upscale but still cozy, with ambient lighting & modern design. I recommend the green velvet corner booth, if it's available. The staff were super friendly and attentive. We ordered a lot of food, so here's our quick rating breakdown: -crab cakes 10/10 -sensei sushi roll 10/10 -crunchy dragon roll 10/10 -vegan sushi roll 5/10 (needed v spicy mayo & was falling apart -golden dragon street noodle 9/10 (it was a bit more curry tasting than I prefer but still delicious) Loved seeing vegan options on the menu, I hope they expand these options so I can try new things when I come back. The espresso martini was excellent! They have soy milk, & mocktails! Definitely recommend for a romantic date night, a special occasion, or just grabbing cocktails & apps with the girls!

Boy oh boy, this is the place! From the delectable appetizers to the main course to the wine selection, you cannot go wrong. We had the octopus and the Brussels sprouts, both incredible. The rib eye next was incredible! We had the red schooner and the vin zant, both fantastic wines! Anne and Kyle were amazing in completing our evening, thank you!

Had a great brunch here. Excellent service. Good bloody marys. Huge variety on the menu. Very relaxing and no too noisy on a Sunday. Will return. Reservations are recommended.

We've been here twice now and each time has been wonderful! The food is absolutely delicious and you get what you pay for. We will keep coming back and trying more of the menu. It can be a bit crowded and noisy in some of the areas, so you may want to ask for a quiet spot if that's what you're looking for.

We had a wonderful dinner here last night! We started with the Margherita flatbread, which was perfectly crispy and full of flavor. For our mains, we ordered the half lemon chicken and the Sensei sushi roll—both were absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. The service was outstanding from start to finish, making the entire experience even better. Highly recommend for a great meal and excellent hospitality!

Panka is probably my favorite place in the Des Moines area... maybe anywhere. Everything that I've ordered (or tried from someone else's plate 🙃) has been amazing - even dishes I wouldn’t normally choose. Every ingredient ties in so perfectly together which makes each bite nothing short of divine! And the service is always incredibly welcoming, kind, and helpful! They've always helped at least one person at the table decide which dish to get and they're so genuine about their recommendations.. asking you questions and providing you with information about the dishes that you're curious about. They genuinely want you to enjoy your meal. This is a small, locally owned gem that deserves so much more recognition! 100/10. You need to try it! They also have a great happy hour! **We dug in too quickly for me to of gotten pictures of the appetizers and desserts. Appetizers: Choros a la chalaca Chicharron de pescado Drinks: Andean sour Pusco sour Entrees: Lomo saltado Arroz con mariscos Golden pepper wine mussels Pescado a lo macho de camerones Dessert: Tiramisu Suspiro a la limena

I visited Panka Peruvian Restaurant yesterday and was blown away by how authentic everything felt. From the moment I walked in, the warm welcome and date-night vibes set the perfect tone—even though I opted for takeout, I still felt pampered. I went with the Tallarín Saltado, a Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry loaded with tender sirloin beef, crisp veggies, and earthy bella mushrooms. Every bite was a harmonious mix of savory soy notes and Peruvian spices. It felt like a true fusion masterpiece. The total came to about $45, tip included, which felt more than fair for the quality and portion size. The tableware and silverware placement added a refined touch, and the staff was attentive without being overbearing. I’d highly recommend Panka to anyone who craves genuine Peruvian flavors. I’m already planning my next visit to explore more of their menu—there’s plenty left to discover!

This place is the best. GO EAT HERE! We went here to do a gender reveal for just my wife and I and they made it very special for us. The owner is so kind and our waiter Felipe is awesome too. Do yourself a favor and go support Panka. My wife loves the Grilled Spanish Octopus and I got the Lomo Saltado which was very flavorful.

The food is absolutely amazing. We had the fried fish and dumplings. And the octopus with potatoes & shrimp with veggies. It felt so hardy yet I didn't feel stuff. I will definitely be back.

This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to. I’m impressed with the food every time I go. Massive flavor and spiced well. I’ve gone here 4 times in total upon making this review, all this year. I couldn’t imagine this place not being here. First time I didn’t order my food right off the menu, I told our waiter that I’ll have what the guy next to me is having and it’s my favorite dish to have there; Aji de gallina. Which can also be in empanada form. I also recommend their purple corn drink, if you like refreshing yet spiced juices. This place deserves attention with its quality of food and I hope they stay here for a long time. Please support them!

While flipping through instagram today, I came across a post from Panka Peruvian Restaurant letting customers know that their restaurant had fallen on hard times and asking for support. With only a workout class planned, I decided that my Tuesday evening would be better spent at Panka. While I have only been there a few times, I have had only positive experiences and was introduced to Peruvian cuisine through Panka. I started with a Pisco Sour which was delicious and went down entirely too easily. For an appetizer, I order the Empanadas de Aji de Gallina. Perfectly fried, the dish came out with six empanadas that I was sure would provide me leftovers for the next day. As I started diving through empanadas, I quickly realized that this was a dish that had no hope for tomorrow, and was to be enjoyed fully in the present. The cheesy, slightly nutty filling with shredded chicken was a more complex variation to the typical beef pastries that I have enjoyed. Next, I gave the attentive and friendly waiter, Freddy, several choices that I was considering which were quite different from one another. Freddy must have known that I was seeking validation for wanting soup in 94 degree weather, because he suggested the Parihuela. This soup was extraordinary and everything I was craving: creamy, comforting, with a nice spice and full (I mean full) of shrimp, fish, octopus, and muscles. The experience was a 10/10. If you haven’t been, you are in for a true culinary experience. In addition to the food being outstanding, the staff and owner have always been kind and eager to share Peruvian food with the community. So get there, Des Moines, skip your weeknight workout and go support Panka.

Panka Peruvian knocks it out of the park. I had their Peruvian burger smothered in rocoto sauce with fries—🔥 delicious. The brunch menu has real Peruvian staples like tacu tacu with eggs and lomo saltado with a fried egg. Service? Outstanding. Friendly, fast, and they make you feel right at home. To my Iowa friends: it’s not scary food, it’s better food. Stop playing it safe—you’re missing out big time.

Went for a late lunch on a weekend. It was busy but not crowded. The staff are friendly. I was seated quickly. The menu is large with pictures and descriptions. I ordered crab rangoon and bahn xeo. The crab rangoon had an interesting filling. The bahn xeo came with two medium-large crepes with bean sprouts and sliced shrimp, as well as greens and herbs. The bahn xeo was crispy. The dipping sauce was flavorful. May return.

haven’t been here in a very long time. i remember it being one of the better vietnamese restaurants in the des moines metro. the other i would say tnt. the pho was absolutely delicious. super strong beefy and flavorful broth. they were quite generous with meat despite it being the small portion. and it was only $12! super great value. we also ordered fried tofu and my mom ordered banh canh (seafood soup). super delicious and would come again. the restaurant is pretty and cozy but they were extremely busy. looked like they only have 2 people running the dining area. we were patient with them and were in no rush. they did have a lot of dishes sitting around but you know what they say, is it really a vietnamese restaurant experience without dirty dishes? haha.

Amazing pho, have been looking for a place with good vegan pho and I finally found it! Great flavor, and very fresh. Loved all the herbs.

This restaurant is inside the C Fresh store, so if you don't want to cook after grocery shopping, here ya go. The Pho was phenomenal, and I love all the fresh options. I missed my crab Rangoon but tried the egg rolls and fried tofu. I'm not much on heat, but the red tofu is hot. The egg rolls are definitely homemade as unlike none other regular ones everywhere. I had to order to go and they were fast. Very friendly customer service. The worst part was closing time for a dinner is 7 pm yet understandable due to store hours.

Great restaurant, I go here every time I’m craving Pho. The service and atmosphere are always great, and the wait time is never too long. I got the Large Pho and ended up not being able to eat it all and took an entire container to go.

This is a nice place and the service was really great. The prices are really reasonable for the amount you get also. The only reason I took off a star is because I wasn't a fan of the brisket in the 515 Pho I got. It was really chewy and dry and tasted old or a bit freezer burnt. The broth has a nice flavor though and the rest of the ingredients were fresh. I would definitely try again, but maybe a different item.

Delicious pho! We came here for years… so much so that the staff recognized us. They serve delicious pho and other dishes. One of the few places in DSM where you can get vegan pho. 🌱 100% recommend this place!!

I was so happy to have my friends join me for dinner!! <3 We were promptly seated upon arrival even though we were missing a member of our party. Our server was kind and enthusiastic, and able to provide great recommendations. We started with delicious drinkies and some small plates. The brussel sprouts had shisito peppers and banana peppers but it wasn’t a spicy dish like I was looking forward to. The sticky wings were soooo yummy I would definitely recommend those! As for the steak, I thought the fat cap was pretty intense but it was cooked perfectly. The bone marrow butter on top was salty yet to die for!! The scalloped potatoes were super oily though. No matter how much I mixed there was always a pool of oil on top so I didn’t really enjoy that. The dessert menu was dropped off for us, but it felt like our server kinda forgot about us because he did not come back for at least another 15 minutes. At that point we weren’t really sure that we wanted dessert anymore, but our server recommended the peanut butter pie and it was just alright. Overall, the vibes were good, the service was decent, and the food was just good.

We were in town for a performance and needed a place to eat beforehand. I made reservations for 11:15am. We were seated at 11:17. Bloody Mary’s were very good. However, we ordered our food shortly after arriving and did not receive our food until 12:20. Much too long. We had a performance to be at at 1:00. I ordered the meatloaf eggs Benedict with eggs poached hard. The first meal that came out had no meatloaf but the eggs were correct. She brought me back out another plate and the meatloaf was there, however the eggs were runny and the whole dish was cold. I ate it anyway because we didn’t have much time. Beware that the “side of bacon” that you order is 2 strips (laughable). Several in our party received burnt bacon. Biscuits and gravy were just ok. None of the food was seasoned well, and there was no salt and pepper at the table (why??). As you can see from the photo the biscuits and gravy are to come with runny eggs and it did not. The best part of the whole meal were the breakfast potatoes. One of us also ordered pancakes and those were good. All in all, food was under seasoned and cold. Took way too long to come out. The restaurant was also not busy when we arrived. I’m assuming this is a staffing issue that the food took so long. I think this restaurant has a lot of potential but as you can see from the reviews the experience tends to be extremely inconsistent.

Went to Mulberry Street Tavern with some friends and had such a fun time! I rarely find myself at this side of downtown so it was nice to try something new. We got: • COSPLAY drink (N/A — cute presentation and super tasty) • Brussel sprouts • Sticky Wings (so delicious, loved them!) • NY strip x3 • Pot pie • Peanut Butter Pie I really liked my NY strip, I thought it was cooked just to my liking and I appreciated that it was already sliced for me. To be honest, I didn’t care for the scalloped potatoes. They came out nice and hot but they were just too oily for my liking. The broccolini was a good addition- I always like to have some type of vegetable with my meat. Service in the beginning was great, however towards the end it seemed so slow. By the end of the meal, we were left stranded for awhile after being given our dessert menu that we were hesitant to order it anymore. We ended up getting the peanut butter pie and it was OK. It was enough to fulfill my sweet tooth but it was pretty underwhelming in my opinion. I think I would return but would come back to trial more appetizers, drinks, and sides!

Right... so I came here to get an easy burger for dinner after a poor experience at Bubba. The host wasn't too sure about two questions about the smash burger. Went with it anyway. First a smash uses smaller amounts of beef, smashed to get a nicely crusted brown sear. Neither of my patties were this way. I would call it more of a sloppy burger. Medium Rare, regular cooked or at best, unbound patties wet from all the toppings. Same with the bun. A soggy mess in spots. Fries were so salty the ketchup didn't even help. Send help Des Moines. Do I need to stick to soy beans?

New York strip was overcooked . I ordered medium rare and got medium well. The steak itself was seasoned well although. The waitress did offer to send it back but I was very hungry . Broccolini was overcooked and only one piece . The scalloped potatoes were delicious. I added salt and pepper and they were amazing . The drinks were blended well and the wait staff was amazing . The seats at the bar are very comfortable with a pleasant open air feeling .

I had so been looking forward to going and having brunch in their courtyard, after driving past it one day and seeing the trees. I waited weeks for a decent day. I was sadly disappointed. Even though it was humid out, I wanted to sit under the trees and not trapped indoors as one is here. Outside it turns out is where smokers are allowed. Even though we moved tables, I had to constantly breathe in disgusting smoke as a guy chain smoked 5-6 cigarettes. Where I come from this is not allowed, even an outdoor area is considered a public space and you aren’t allowed to smoke 200m from an entrance. This ruined the outdoor experience for me. When breakfast came, after paying extra for smoked salmon, we had expected beautiful ribbons of fish. Instead, what arrived on our avo toast, looked like and tasted like salmon out of a can, flaked onto the avo. For the price, this was daylight robbery. What a disappointment overall. We live so close and I was hoping this cute place would be a weekly outing, but alas, I’m very put off.

In the sweltering, corn-syrup haze of a Des Moines midday—September 18, 2025, etch it in the ledger of lost afternoons, for the flatland demons were howling—I careened into that fever-dream speakeasy called Mulberry Street Tavern, hunkered at 206 6th Ave like a banker’s ghost risen from the trolley tracks of yesteryear.  Five stars, you corn-fed heathens, five bloodshot stars ripped from the hide of the prairie sky, because to score it lower would be to spit in the eye of the open-hearth gods who stoke its fires. Kenny—yes, Kenny, that grinning apparition at the zinc bar, going by Lil Dicky in the shadowed hours when the whiskey whispers names—unleashed a soup and salad that struck like a combine harvester laced with lightning and holy water from the Raccoon River. The soup? A cauldron of primordial elixir, steaming with root vegetables that clawed their way from Iowa’s black earth, infused with herbs sharp as switchblades and a broth so rich it could bribe a senator or dissolve the chains of a bad divorce. And the salad! Mother of mercy, the salad—a riot of greens plucked from forbidden truck-farm patches, crisp as the crack of a .38 in a cornfield ambush, tossed in a dressing of vinaigrette that sang of elderberry sins and the tears of ambitious cicadas. It wasn’t mere sustenance; it was a ritual gut-punch, a chlorophyll-fueled exorcism for every mile of monotonous interstate that led me here, belly full of regret and radiator fluid. But the mixed drinks, oh you sons of the soil, the mixed drinks were the real heart-attack revelation, sorcerer’s brews muddled in shakers of hammered tin by Kenny’s callused, clairvoyant mitts. One gulp of that rye-fueled monstrosity—dub it the “Trolley Phantom,” why not?—and I was airborne over the Des Moines skyline, hallucinations of top-hatted tycoons waltzing with feral hogs, the ice rattling like loose change in a politician’s pocket during a filibuster. Another, a vodka vortex with bitters bitter as a betrayed harvest and a lemon twist that seized the sinuses like a twister in July, hurled me into paroxysms of cackling hysteria that bounced off the leather-upholstered walls, where mounted antlers from long-dead bucks judged me with eyes like boiled marbles. These weren’t libations; they were mutagens, man, chemical grenades lobbed into the trenches of temperance, exploding into visions of endless amber waves under a blood-orange moon. I lurched out into the muggy gale, tab settled but psyche swollen with the riot of it all, swearing a blood oath to this agribusiness Atlantis amid the feedlots and fairgrounds. Five stars? Christ, I’d mortgage the family silo for more. Kenny, you outlaw alchemist, keep ladling that lunacy—Lil Dicky’s saga swells with every shaken drop. 

Just tried Lachele’s for the first time and it was a decent place. We sat down and were told to move so another group could sit down. Which was rude. I had already paid for my food and I tipped. The burger was decent. Only thing I wished was that they didn’t put ketchup and mustard on the top and bottom bun. It makes it super soggy and gross. I wish they used short rib. The patty was dry but overall decent little spot. I would absolutely go again, just would ask for only ketchup and mustard on one side of the bun and light. The mac and cheese was too creamy for me (cheese was more sticky than i like). Tater tots were food, and fries were good too!

We used Lachele's as one of our food truck vendors for our rehearsal dinner at Jasper Winery. They were very kind, professional, and their service was fantastic. They even through in snow cones when we asked about a dessert option! We received compliments from multiple guests about how great the food was. We will 100% wanting to use them in the future.

Legit smash burger. I can’t say id call myself a smash burger person, but this place has me questioning. Really tasty burger, lot of fixins, and a ton of good flavor. Loved the crispy edge on this. The tots were great too. My only complaint was that it was sort of hard to eat, with lots of the burger being without bun at the end. Maybe it’s the intended effect? Either way, 5/5.

This is my second time coming to Lachele’s and, YUM! First I tried their Philly; although it looks small, it’s incredibly filling and the bread is amazing! Today I had their cheeseburger. The burger was FANTASTIC. I will say the house sauce is a little mustard-y (not that that’s a bad thing!). Also the fries are beautifully seasoned. 10/10.

We had a wonderful brunch on this past Sunday afternoon. We had been wanting to try this new East Side location since they opened across from Chuck's. Everything about our meal was very positive. We were greeted with enthusiasm and our server, Echo was a breath of fresh air. My wife had the small pot pie and " one friggin pancake" (vanilla bean). The pot pie was a cup of pot pie soup with croutons and the pancake was plate sized. Both were delicous. I had the Uncle Denny smashburger wlth the pepper jelly, 2 fried eggs and breakfest fries. Ate it all in an instant. Our plates were clean when we left. We'll be back (soon) and I'd say it's definitely worth the drive. $25 for brunch and worth every penny.

Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had—and I’ve had a lot of burgers in my life. The Lachele burger and tots with a side of cheese is perfection every single time. I’d go every week if I could. Highly recommend!

Lachele’s Fine Foods is the place to be. This spot has a true local feel—no frills, just ridiculously good food and warm, friendly vibes. Their smash burgers are on another level: perfectly seared, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to their high-quality meat. You can tell they care about what they’re serving. Every time I visit, the staff is genuinely welcoming, which just adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, but once you’ve been, you’ll keep coming back. If you’re serious about burgers, Lachele’s is a must-visit

I have nothing bad to say about blackcat other than it's often super busy but that's with good reason. Their ice-cream is some of the best I've ever had, and I don't mean just in Iowa. I mean in the US & Europe. The staff are kind, the space is nice and the flavours are wild and unique and they're always swapped around meaning you get to try something new every time you visit. I've been coming here for years now, since they were at their previous location and if you're in the area and have been living under a rock, or just passing through you should stop by immediately and try some. You won't be disappointed. On my last visit, I did something a little different from usual. Usually I'll snag two scoops in a cone, but this time- I tried their ice-cream nuggets. The special this week had Lemon Ice-cream dipped in white chocolate and breaded in honey nut breadcrumbs before being flash frozen into delightful shapes and they were delightful and delicious. That honestly applies to everything I've tried here. I've been dozens and dozens of times and I'm never disappointed. I really can't think of anything I'd like them to improve. They do one thing and they just kill-it.

Such a cool place! First off, this place is so cute and in a super beautiful part of the Drake neighborhood. The ice cream flavors are so unique and tasty. Some flavors I would never imagine for ice cream but were delicious. Definitely a spot for more adventurous eaters as there isn’t a guaranteed “normal” flavor like chocolate or vanilla always available. Love that the menu seems to change so frequently. Definitely a spot I’d come back to.

Fun welcoming ice cream shop. Interior is a comfy café style lounge. Staff is polite, pleasant, and helpful. The walls inside are used as a shrine for adorably cute and mischievous black cats of course. The menu regularly has a couple gluten free or vegan/dairy free options at least it has had the handful of times I've been here. I love all their unique and creative flavor names. Once you taste you'll be on cloud 9, i promise. Highly recommend merely for the variety of delicious flavors alone. Oh and they also have a playful Black Cat patio you can enjoy your treat out on weather permitting.

We were in Des Moises for 3 days and went here everyday! Unfortunately, they are closed on Monday - but everyone deserves a day off... But my guess is, they are making ice cream on that day. I especially loved the Red Velvet ice cream! The Lemon Cheese Cake and Raspberry Cheesecake was super yummy too. I had to get a few t-shirts to represent the love I have for Black Cat ice cream back home in Salt Lake City. I'm forever ruined on other ice cream - Black Cat is simply the BEST! Loved the vibe, the staff, the mural of various black cat photos and the outdoor patio is charming!

One of my favorite places to go & worth the wait! I expect a wait at peak times and last time at the new location I noticed the sign regarding no samples during busy times. Ppl trying something before they decide is something I EXPECT to be a substantial part of the wait. Black Cat has the most unique flavors & combos out there and sometimes...you just don't know. My son got the movie theatre flavor last time and it wasn't great. 😩 I went w yuzu white chocolate bc I'm familiar w the flavor profile and I'm very sorry to say that it was disappointing. Doesn't deter me at all; I appreciate the originality! That said I really think that samples should be available anytime & I believe most customers would be ok w that if they appreciate Black Cat like we do. Great new location, btw!

I had the homemade pumpkin spice ice cream with chucks of some baked goodness and it was the creamiest ice cream ever. The pumpkin spice flavor was strong but not overpowering. The serve was great and the seating area was nice.

If I was independently wealthy and not lactose intolerant, I would eat here almost every single day. I came in today and tried the crème brûlée ice cream and the honey cornbread as well in a sugar cone. It was the perfect little treat I needed to get me through the day. I want to come back and try every new flavor they roll out.

We had the pleasure of decorating for a graduation party at St. Kilda Collective this past weekend, and it was the perfect way to kick off grad season! The event space is stunning—filled with natural light, beautiful textures, and an atmosphere that just feels special. And let me tell you, the aromas coming from the kitchen are absolutely intoxicating. When I returned later that evening to clean up, I brought my family along for dinner—and it was a fantastic decision. The owner, Alex, was working the floor as head of house and went out of his way to help his team and make us feel welcome. He even made sure our kids’ meals came out quickly, which any parent knows is a game-changer. The burgers were a hit with the kids, and we tried the pizza—which was delicious. Between the food, the ambiance, and the outstanding hospitality, St. Kilda Collective is a true gem in Valley Junction. We’ll definitely be back!

I took my parents and significant other here yesterday for brunch and it was outstanding! The staff was great, the food was amazing, and the venue very chic! It was really fun when I looked at my photos only to see our waiter (do not know his name but he's awesome!) had not only taken pictures of us, but also of himself! LOL! I definitely recommend this venue and will definitely go back!

St.Kilda is a modern, sleek restaurant. There are no tvs instead focus is on the food, which for Iowa seems to be a rarity. Not many places in the state offer high class food at approachable prices. A mixture of many cultures, the collective portion in the name stands out. A space where you can get the fusion and best portions of everything that makes Iowa so great! Highly recommend visiting and trying when you are in Des Moines. It’s worth the drive and the area is quiet, quaint and feels cozy!

I was really excited to try this restaurant. The atmosphere looked fantastic and the menu is impressive. Unfortunately, the service really ruined our experience. We were seated for about 10 minutes without being acknowledged. I had to flag someone down to take our order. The food came out in a decent amount of time and was top notch, but nobody ever came back and checked on us. We had to go find somebody to give us water and drink refills. I ordered another coffee from who I think was our server, but he never brought it. I had to ask someone else, and it took another 10 minutes. The name on our check was Connor-But if that’s the person who took our order, he walked by our table at least a dozen times, but didn’t acknowledge us ever again. And then we had to wait another 12 minutes for our check, which was brought by somebody else. We were really disappointed because the food is really good. But I don’t know if we’ll be back. We came on at 2 pm on Aug 31.

Brea is the funniest and most personable server i have ever had. Super welcoming and helpful and tbh she might be psychic bc she knew my order before I even told her. She also gave me ton of ketchup for my ketchup addiction. LOVE THAT DIVA!

Delicious brunch!! Highly recommend their salmon & eggs dish. Love their lattes as well!

We were so happy to learn about this location. Whenever visiting Des Moines, we went to the one downtown, but this is closer to our family. I love the menus they have! This time I ordered the Salmon with vegetables and was delighted with the crunchiness of the fish and how flavorful the dish was. The pictures are for the other dishes ordered. All food was superb, a signature from St Kilda. We shared a tiramisu that was super light and so yummy. To accompany it, we had hot chocolate and Australian coffee. We will be back for more!!

My husband and I went in to order take out. Sat the bar while we waited. Disappointed when we got home and saw burnt pizza or at least more than it should have been. It did taste good, but I was unable to eat the crust which I normally love as it left an aftertaste of charcoal. We also ordered a salad and we had to wait longer for it to get remade once server realized it was a misunderstanding. The server could've checked on it while our pizza was cooking instead of watching cars drive by. Eventually chatted with us once we weren't in conversation. They honestly were both great and very attentive. They did send us home with the extra salad. It would have been nice to have been shown our pizza before we left and asked if that was okay. Just a lot of money to spend on pizza. I will go back but I won't be anytime soon.

Holy smokes this pizza is epic! Everything from the sauce to toppings and crust were on point. Bread sticks were a great way to start and the drink menu has quite a few options. Restaurant has great vibes and everyone was very friendly. Awesome all around!

Good food and friendly service! Owner took time to personally check on us. Nice beer and wine selection. Pizza is 'authentic Neopolitan' fired in a brick oven. Desserts, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and pizza.

Service was amazing, the atmosphere is chill and the food was great, the spicy Italian is truly spicy 🌶️

Great pizza! About half are white sauce and half have olives. I heard a rumor the flour is imported from Italy. It does tasted like Roman pizza. Reasonably priced. Was about $48 for two, a beer and dessert. Staff was very friendly. We ordered the grasshopper ice cream dessert. The ice cream melted fast but the fudge was delicious. Worth the drive.

I had the margherita pizza, I came here with the intention of having authentic Neapolitan pizza. The pizza was okay, but it was lacking in areas. The pizza could have used some more basil, the bottom could have been cooked a little longer as it didn't have much color however still had remnants of a little burnt flour. The waitress mentioned that they were having trouble starting the fire earlier so I assume the oven had not gotten up to temp yet causing the top to cook faster than the bottom. The other issue was the edge of the crust, it was pretty doughy, and I don't mean it was undercooked. When the dough is stretched for traditional Neapolitan pizza, you push the gasses that have built up in the dough towards the edge of the pizza resulting in a light airy crust that is still soft inside, the crust I had was dense and chewy but not the good kind of chewy. I noticed the staff making the pizzas were pretty young, like high school age so it could be a skill issue. Neapolitan pizza is probably the hardest pizza to make after all and takes a lot of skill and technique to make and cook properly. The service was great and had great atmosphere, but It's hard for me to recommend the pizza considering what I got and the cost. I came on a Tuesday right after opening so I may come back at a busier time on the weekend to give it another shot.

Very nice small town Pizza restaurant. Locally own small business. They serve Napoletana Pizza baked in a wood burning brick oven. We had the Average Joe Pizza and this was very good. Restaurant was clean, staff was friendly. Wait service just need to pick up beverages by the middle of the we glass or bottle of beer, so not to put their fingers on the rim. We will be back for another pie.

I first had Pie Bird Pies during one of their pop up events at Storyhouse Bookpub for Pride month. The best strawberry rhubarb pie (let alone pie) I’ve ever had. The dough was perfectly sweet, very buttery, and flaky paired delightfully with the tartness of strawberry rhubarb. I told myself I have to get another pie from them so I ordered their Pride Strawberry Rhubarb Pie! Immaculate design, bright rainbow crust, and absolutely delicious…tasted as good as it looks! Thank you Kristen and Andrea for bringing delicious pies to Des Moines! Your love for each other shows through the pies you make.💜

Whole pies, slices, and hand pies are all delicious. We've tried many different ones and love everything we have gotten. Amazing crust and fillings! We will continue to order, give them a try.

Second time I’ve been on a pike, and it won’t be the last! The company is great; the WanderWomen are welcoming and knowledgeable! BUT THE PIE. Kristen is a magician and you will dream about it long after you eat it!

These are some of my favorite pies! I've preordered them for Thanksgiving the past two years with no regrets! One reason I love them is the weight -- they're so heavy!

I usually think crust is just a container for pie filling, but this pie crust is magical. I can see why they have been sold out at every other event. I'm glad I finally got to try this and I don't want to know how many calories I just consumed. Next time I hope to get a smores hand pie before they sell out, but raspberry was excellent!

Pie Bird Pies are the best pies in the metro — truly can not eat them fast enough whenever I'm lucky to snag them. Kristen and Andrea are so talented...there's a reason there's a line out the door whenever they pop up!

Great people. Great pies. Catch them if you can at the beaverdale farmers market :) these pies are worth the hunt!