The 48 best pet-friendly places and activities in Des Moines

Paws and pints was clearly created by dog lovers for dog lovers...and it shows. From their caring team of employees who put up with all kinds of furry friends-- (Including our pup who can be aloof and assertive) to their promos and amenities... BRING. YOUR. DOG(S). The backyard has so many incredible spots for dogs to chase balls, sniff, and be entertained. The turf is constantly getting cleaned and well kept. The inside is a welcome relief from inclement weather. The membership might seem high...but the value is worth it!

By far, the BEST Dog Bar / Dog Park that I have been to in the COUNTRY! And I have been to Many! I plan my travels across country based off of towns with dog bars, and then hopefully stay at local businesses that offer Harvest Host for our RV. Our Stop in Des Moines has by far been the best. We even skipped another town and stayed so we could go to Paws & Pints another night. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, especially (Kaylee?) The atmosphere is the absolute best place to have my dogs play and enjoy a drink. I can't wait to plan another trip to Des Moines and I live in Charlotte.

I love this place. On Sundays, we spend hours, like five hours, here. They have a massive TV so we can watch the game after church. Sometimes we miss church and go here. We have also been coming during the week in the evening, which is great. I have PTSD, so it is better for me to do that. But on Sundays, Milo's friends are there; I deal with it so Milo can see his friends. Not saying he doesn't play with other dogs when we are there; he just has a special group of smaller dogs his size.

What a gem! We stopped here for a quick lunch with our dog while on a family road trip. Good food! The chicken tacos and pulled pork were favorites. Good vibe place to take a break with your pup. Thank you Gabby for taking care of us! Thank you David for getting us a great spot on the patio!

They have a check in area. You will need your ID. They have a bar and resturant in side the building, then a patio with seating separate fro lm the two dog park. One is smaller with water features, and place for humans ro sit and relax while your dog plays. Then a larger gated area for your dog to run free, and you stroll behind them. Great place! 100% recommend!

Our first time at Paws and Pints and we didn’t know what to really expect! Our pup, Daisy-May is a pretty timid, but friendly girl. She’s a little over a year old, and she’s been in our lives only since this past September, but we thought to try and get her out of her comfort zone and see if socialization could benefit her. She was definitely a bit timid at first, but as the night progressed she truly came into her own! We were so happily surprised!!! The service at Paws and Pints is also wonderful. We arrived and unfortunately had forgotten Daisy’s immunization records, so we did have to drive back home and come all the way back to enter. We were so thankful the front desk rep was patient with us during this time. The attendants in Paws and Pints are also very attentive. Although it was our first time there, I thought it’d be best to have an extra eye on Daisy, but in the future, I feel like I could be laxer enough to let my dog roam without my extra supervision. The food was great too, a little pricey, but for bar food I was impressed. Overall, this place has a wonderful atmosphere. This is a place where if you love dogs and a cold drink, you’re absolutely in luck.

We were staying overnight at Walnut Woods on our road trip back home to IL. P&P was close enough for us to bring our 2 boxers for some fun. We really enjoyed it. Staff were nice, attentive, and have very clear instructions on how things operated. Grounds were very clean for such a large place - the occasional poop piles from inattentive owners in the larger grass area, but overall good. I have friends who go to places like this in the metro areas they live in and have always wanted to try one. So glad we did! I wish Peoria IL wasn't so behind the times and could support a business like this!

Top 2 things to do on a summer Saturday in Des Moines ! Lots of diversity in food, local products and music. Make sure you get a good breakfast sandwich. I took it to go for lunch and go early before it gets too crowded. Visiting from MA sorry I’m missing the state fair.

What a wonderful experience today. Tons of vendors from flowers to bakery goods to German Brat’s to soap’s. Also multiple live music musicians on multiple street corners. So much stuff.

I love the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market. I go every Saturday that I am able to, whether I plan on buying something or not. I have enjoyed getting a freshly made Sourdough every week, have found some delicious honey that reminds me of the Fynbos honey I get back home, as well as some lovely baked goods, fresh vegetables and there are always beautiful flowers to see to. Very sad this is ending soon, I believe it runs till the end of October and then closes for Winter.

It was my very first time being at the Des Moines Farmer's Market! Such a great experience! Lots of people! Lots of goodies to stock up on! I got the biggest cookie of my life! It's every Saturday from the first weekend of May to the last weekend of October! I'll definitely be back!

The Farmer's Market is always fun. The best advice is to go early. For 2 reasons. #1 it's less busy early. #2 you can park on the street for free until 9 am

Spectacular farmers market with a wide variety of produce, baked goods, cheeses, some meat vendors, wares, flowers and more. Loved the food trucks and ready to eat vendors such as the egg roll carts, pretzels, and all the samples !! Super easy parking, we chose a private garage but loads of free space available. Many accessible points of entry as there's a main drag with off shoots from closed streets. My hands were full for the hour we were there, only snatching this one shot at a flower vendor. May - October take a Saturday get up early and experience the market. Honestly reminded me of shakedown at a dead show. haha good times !! Great job Des Moines!

I absolutely LOVE the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market. The atmosphere is absolutely charged with hype and fun! There is something for everyone from purchasing goods and wheres to food for your fridge and pantry and food for immediate consumption! There are people galore; dogs and even some cats, too! Shop the tents/food trucks some Saturday morning during the season, purchase some goods, eat some food and enjoy your time outdoors people watching or listening to one of the performers!

A very popular brewery, especially with the cyclists. There is a bike path leading from the park directly to the brewery in the rear of the building. The entrance is easy to find. We didn’t have a problem with parking, but unless there is more parking elsewhere, the main lot would fill quickly. A new concrete wheelchair ramp was being installed and should be functional once rails are put on. You have to traverse a few hallways to get back to the taproom. They advertise new beers every week and it shows. There were 35 beers on the tap board during our visit. The flights are 4 sets of 5 oz pours. We visited at 4:30 on a Saturday. The staff was friendly and there was no wait to order with several seating options available. It’s family friendly with kids joining their parents. Unfortunately there is little sound dampening and the noise was loud enough that I had to use my outside voice to talk across the table. The atmosphere was friendly with cool wall art. Overall a good brewery. The flavor profile of the 8 beers my wife and I sampled weren’t to our tastes with only 1 each meeting “would order again” status. No real complaints, but not on my list to visit again.

In town for business and I asked a colleague what their favorite microbrew was in the Des Moines area and they said Confluence! Cool taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area has lots of tables, and outdoor bar, and tonight they were playing live music. Loves the chill vibes and all of the people walking and riding bikes along the trail and to the taproom. There is plentiful bike racks for safe keeping while you enjoy a beer and a break. I tried the Milkman Molk Stout and it was superb stout - they have an extensive selection and I wish I had time to go back and try more.

It's difficult to even put into words how much I love this place. Confluence isn’t just my favorite brewery in Des Moines — it might be my favorite brewery, period. It’s the only spot within walking distance of our house, and it’s become our go-to. It feels like "Cheers" in the best way: friendly staff, catching up with neighbors and an awesome patio overlooking Gray's Lake park. And that’s just the atmosphere. The beer itself is on another level. There’s probably a dozen I look forward to every year - there's a new release each Friday - which is wild, because I’m not the most adventurous beer drinker. They just know what they’re doing. If you’re local, you already know. If you’re visiting, make this one of your stops. You won’t regret it.

Great drinks! The inside smell I couldn’t tolerate but it’s okay because they have plenty of outdoor seating. Great place to bike to or walk over to if you are at Greys Lake.

Always a great time. Lots of different styles of their beers are always available. When it’s stout month you should go (mostly) dark! They have a gorgeous patio that is just a short walk away from Grays Lake park and the bike trails.

Amazing experience. Loved the patio and live music. So many beer options and they were all very tasty. Fun taproom, great art. Highly recommend. We came in from KC and are already talking about a trip back for Confluence

We recognize Chris for going above and beyond at Wasabi Waukee on September 23, 2025. We were facing an urgent issue with our keg cooler that was impacting draft service. Chris not only helped diagnose and repair the cooler on the spot, he also assisted with swapping in new kegs, confirming lines, pressures, and temperatures, and ensuring every tap was pouring correctly before he left. His professionalism, technical know-how, and willingness to stay until the job was truly complete prevented service interruptions during a busy period and saved us product waste. Please pass along my thanks—this is exactly the kind of partnership we value. Chris represented Confluence exceptionally well. Thank you, Rhiannon King General Manager, Wasabi Waukee

Snookie’s is the busiest place in Beaverdale during the summer. Cars wrap around the block for the drive-through, and there’s a crowd of people outside every night. It’s been a local favorite for nearly 40 years, and for good reason. Classic, traditional soft-serve ice cream. I tried their pumpkin ice cream the other night, and I understand now why it’s so popular. Five out of five.

An old fashioned soft serve ice cream stop in Beaverdale that is exactly what I was looking for on a hot day. Great service, easy menu, plenty of parking and seating. Iconic and it rocks.

Oh Snookies, I’ll always love you ♡ Even the simplest items are amazing. Everyone here is awesome & it’ll always be a staple!

I wish all local ice cream shops were like this one. Friendly staff and really fast service. Simple, yet delicious selection of flavors with lots of toppings to choose from, amazing shakes and malts. And the best of all, big portions at a reasonable price!

Best Ice Cream for us so far on this Summer. This maybe the goat for us to go on every summer now

A nice “mom and pop” shop, great service and cannot go wrong with any menu item. And , FREE puppy ice cream cone!

Yummy ice cream at a decent price. They have some unique flavor combos, but the classics are their strength. Try a chocolate banana malt with extra malt powder, you'll be glad you did.

This place has great beer. Their selection of styles was right on point, especially since they have lots of onsite and to-go options. Staff were super friendly and their attentiveness was top notch. The food options were nice with large portions with great flavor. The atmosphere was very relaxed and definitely made this a favorite place to visit. Overall if your looking for great beer to drink now or later check this place out, but if your staying for a draft get the food you won’t be disappointed.

Stopped by Lua for dinner since it was a lovely evening and they were one of the only places that allow dogs on the patio. Our server, Annie, was attentive, helpful with choosing sours and very kind. The food was filling and very tasty and fresh. I don't normally love croutons but these were fresh, salted and amazing. I couldn't stop myself. Try the Ghost sour; feels like summer when we drank it!

Loved the food, and the service was amazing. Every employee we spoke with was engaged and extremely attentive. Keep up the good work. Would not recommend the kimchi cheese steak sandwich greasy and very one note not in a pleasant way. Highly recommend the burger and caviar appetizer.

Phenomenal. Great service. Clean. Plenty of room. Food is next level and I found my new favorite sour in Candy Paint. I wish I could have it sent to me in Ohio. The breakfast burrito absolutely hit the spot and my wife said the strawberry salad was the best she's ever had. Well. Done.

Seems like a cool place! We came for the special of lobster rolls. Looks very pretty but unfortunately was bland and not worth the $30. Not staffed appropriately for this special event either. Took 20min just to get water. We will come back again when no specials are going on to give it another shot cause the regular menu sounds really good!

I was happy to find avocado toast on the menu. The description sounded great. I also added a side Caesar salad at the server's recommendation. Both were absolutely wonderful and full of flavor.

Great beers and bonus food was also exceptional 👌 (lunch special slaps) Adrienne (hope I have her name right) was lovely and the rest of the staff were friendly and hard at work. Can't wait to be back next time we're in town!

Game was amazing...Cubs won and amazing fireworks show. The customer service was definitely a spot that has much room for improvement. Most employees have a not interested in being friendly or have the least bit of customer experience.

What a beautiful and friendly ball park with a great atmosphere this is! It has two rivers around it behind the outfield and along the first base side that connect. If you are lucky and there happens to be a NASCAR race in town, perhaps one of your favorite Drivers might come to the game. Thank you Zane Smith for making my wife’s day and allowing her the photo op. 😃

Great family ball park for seeing baseball events. Really cool that it has a playground for kids.

Great park. Some good food options. September evening game with no weather issues

A fun team to watch. Good food and drinks.

Always a great day for baseball! Beautiful ballpark and great team!

Always a good time. Price is much better than a major league game. Food and vendors are reasonable. And Friday night fireworks are a real blast.

Visiting from out of town, was looking forward to letting our good dog play and stretch his legs.. Found out the gates are locked and permits can only be purchased m-f Office hours. The more we travel Iowa, the more it seems Iowa hates dogs.

All the things you’d look for in a dog park. Nice natural setting around large mature trees with shade. Waste disposal and restroom. Dedicated space available for smaller dogs. The general space available to all dogs is very large and you’ll always find your own spot in the park. Parking is convenient too. Located right on a wonderful trail to Easter Lake. Well maintained and clean.

My dog loves it here. Keeping squirrels properly stored in oak trees is a very important job.

Well maintained, close to trails and larger park. Separate areas for smaller and larger dogs. Rest rooms, poop bags, water, disposal, and parking. Plenty of trees and space for dogs to investigate. Picnic benches for people to relax and watch the pups.

Beautiful and spacious park. My dog loves it.

Park is big and open, lots of trees and also a fielded area. Smaller section for smaller dogs is nice. The latches to the entrance gate are usually broken which could let a dog out if you're not watching. They should have gated the dog poop drop inside the park, everyone bags their poop which is nice but they leave it laying on the picnic tables 🤢.

Nice sized dog park. My dog enjoyed running through some of the tall grassy patches. Has a restroom on site but did use it. Has a water fountain and plenty of bottles around for water. Has picnic tables available as well.

Very nice Brewery with a lot of good beer options! The Ruthie Exile is fantastic! I love the atmosphere and they had really good live music while we were there. We will definitely be back.

This brewery was nice to visit. They had a food truck available (Jethros BBQ) where I got me some smoked wings. The wings were terrible 😫. Even Flash fried, the meat was tough. Never doing that again. But other than that, the brewery was very nice with an outside patio. The view was great.

Stopped in on a visit after trying the pumpkin beer at a restaurant nearby. It was so good and we are from a total beer town so we had to investigate the brewery. We wish we could have taken some of the beer home! During our time there, they had a haunted house type area you could sit in-which after having to move inside from the patio (also nice). It was so cool and they also were super helpful in finding NA options.

We made reservations for a spooky date and the food, service and atmosphere were fantastic. Will definitely be returning! I definitely think this is the best Halloween pop up in the metro!

Really enjoyed this place. Very nice staff, the food was pretty good, and the place is really nice. Overall it is a great combination and I would go back to grab a beer and some food.

Had a lovely time here! I was 40 minutes early for an interview and the waitresses were very kind and offered samples while waited. They had excellent suggestions for my unique preferences in drinks and I settled on a Tico Time. Once my company arrived, we had split 4 meatball side which was steaming and had a nice spice kick to it. We chatted for a long time and I had an Exile Burger medium done with some fries and a mayo style dip. It was so juicy and flavorful with a little crunch from the included fried onion rings on it. I only give it a 4 for food since was my first time, but I'd gladly go visit and try my beer and food.

Great food and the Halloween decorations were next world. Only issue we had was the appetizer didn't come out till after the main dishes. Not our servers fault.

We came out for the weekend brunch & it did not disappoint! Most of the food is served family style where they bring out a big portion for the table to share. All the food was excellent & the service was good too!

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewery in Des Moines, Iowa is a great downtown spot for enjoying a drink in a relaxed, welcoming setting. On our recent visit, we stopped in for a quick drink and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and atmosphere. I ordered one of their house-brewed IPA beers, which was crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced for IPA lovers. My wife went with a grapefruit mule, which was refreshing, well-mixed, and had just the right amount of citrus zing. The brewery itself has a beautiful, historic building vibe with high ceilings, exposed brick, and warm lighting that makes it feel both cozy and upscale. The brewing area behind glass is a fun touch — it’s always interesting to see where the beer is actually made while you’re enjoying a pint. While we didn’t order food this time, the menu offers a wide range of pub favorites, burgers, sandwiches, and locally inspired dishes. Service was friendly and efficient, and despite the State Fair pulling most of the downtown crowd, the staff kept the atmosphere upbeat and welcoming. Court Avenue is also known for being a great gathering place for friends, date nights, or pre-event drinks before a concert or game. If you’re exploring downtown Des Moines, it’s worth stopping in to try their craft beer, cocktails, and hearty food in a unique, historic setting.

Worth every dollar spent here. Excellent customer service, they were all so very friendly, helpful and patient especially with the long line at the Farmers Market. Enjoyed the Steak, Egg, Gruyère cheese with garlic aioli sauce on a sesame bun, added avocado and tomato. Ooh this hit the spot for, perfection.

This was my first time at this restaurant. I went out for brunch after enjoying the farmers market with my friends for a weekend trip. One of my friends is very allergic to avocados and asked the waitress to leave them off of the dish she ordered because she couldn’t have them. When her plate arrived, the avocados were on the dish and she had to ask for it to be remade. Additionally, we ordered a pitcher of the blueberry Moscow mule. I am a Moscow mule fanatic and love trying new flavors when I’m out and about. Upon our first few sips, we all agreed that there was no blueberry flavor. When we asked the waitress if it was for sure blueberry and not another flavor, she said the bartender “definitely put blueberry in there.” Usually when a guest isn’t happy with their drink, they offer to remake it or add something to it to make it better. That didn’t occur. I was disappointed in how we were treated. It felt very transactional. I was overall pleased with my own food but the service was something that makes me not want to come back here again.

This experience wasn't quite what we had hoped for. The service was mediocre. The server was kind of crabby and uninterested in serving us when she found out we weren't ordering meals. We did order some french fries which were cold and she never offered us any utensils or napkins. The beer was hit or miss. Didn't stay and try them all because the service wasn't worth paying for. On a positive note to ambiance was fantastic, beautiful old town building. Wish we would have had a better experience.

Arrived for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon. The place was quiet, with only a few other customers. I was seated immediately, and the service was great. The turkey avocado club was excellent. 10/10.

It wasn't that busy, so I popped in for lunch, and I'm glad I did. The reuben with a side of coleslaw was extremely good. The bartender was exceptionally nice. I will have to come again when I'm in the area.

Great Lake to walk around. Parts are shaded, but it’s definitely sunny. A few tables scattered around the lake help provide areas to enjoy a picnic. There is a small beach my area where people can go swimming and there are some small facilities to change or use the restroom. Overall, excellent place to enjoy a morning or afternoon.

Nice wide walking trail around lake. Part of it is a bridge over the over for 300-400 yards. Often fairly busy b/c it is so nice. Great place to think, walk the dog, or bring children I suppose for those that have that joyful displeasure. Front parking lot often fills up, so just plan on rear parking to make it easier on yourself.

Very nice place to take the family. Quite casual. Great walking, running, and bicycle area. They have a rental area to rent canoes and paddle boats.

It's a nice lake with a nice trail that goes all the way around and it has access to the water if you want to get up close.

Such a nice little Lake kind of very close to town but they were doing construction right next to the concession stand which is a little annoying but I do appreciate any Recreation and all hiking and these photos that I got to take

A lot of people with dogs and infants walking around this very nice lake on a Wednesday morning in the heart of Des Moines. Great way to spend a morning.

I have always liked Grayslake it's a great place to go to walk run meet up with friends they keep making improvements to it like putting in new Walking pads and new Bridges and keeping up the Landscaping I will continue to visit

Good location. Nice clean space. Parking lot and metered parking. Phenomenal beer. They do a great job with all beer varieties. Sours are really good. Always have a good selection. There are also several restaurants near by if you need a bite to eat should there not be a good truck there at the time which there frequently is

What a great place. Airy, friendly atmosphere, a grassy outdoor expanse, comfy patio and so many beer choices if you want them. My wife and I visited the mother ship in Knoxville. This site is significantly bigger and offers a whole different take on the Peace Tree experience. They allow outside food so pick up your pizza from Fong's (just a short distance away but so worth the time) and enjoy your outing. Parking is limited on site so bring quarters or a parking card. The meters are off as far as time paid for so be prepared.

Since it was our first time here we each got a flight and the beers were super good! The vibe was very relaxed and we had a great time! 10/10 would go again. Plus the bartenders were friendly and even memorize which handle goes to which beer. Impressive!

Stopped in here last time I was in Des Moines. Highly recommend. There’s a few breweries in this area to make a mini brew tour out of. Peace Tree has a few solid stout style beers on tap. Great tap room also! Beer tenders were all super knowledgeable!

Always a good time/beer/service! Thanks for hosting Ibest after party...! Typically I stop here when in town. Will return soon

Awesome spot. Great selection of beers, nice outdoor patio. Really good service too, and I like how they have the option of doing a flight of 5 for $12.

The ambiance is great. We had a flight of beers from their IPAs to tarts, and can’t say any had exceptional flavor. More like sour bud light I’d say, very light. Tried the OG, Poptart, Apricot Hazy, Day at the Lake and Trail Ale.

I'm really impressed! This was my first brewery in Des Moines and recommended to me by a friend. First, the ambiance is absolutely awesome. There's a ton of natural lighting indoor and the outdoor seating is also wonderful - you do not feel trapped at all. The food and drink are good as well. I went with a 7 oz citrus surfer lime and a summer jam sour for my drinks and the special of the day - Yakitori - for my food. I was surprised by how multicultural the menu was and just really impressed. Great spot.

My family and I enjoyed going here for dinner. I would recommend and would return. This Big Grove location is set up well inside with the classy yet fun decor style, as well as outside with the patio seating and fire pit. It is spacious with plenty of seating. I ordered the stir fry noodles, which were a little too spicy for my taste as someone who prefers mild on a spice level, but were very good nonetheless. I also enjoyed a fruity and sweet mocktail from their menu. Not to mention, the free parking lot right next to the building is appreciated and convenient. The staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, my family and I had a good experience. We enjoyed checking out the gift shop after dinner as well.

As a beer review I’d give them 2/5, the beer was drinkable. I was told it was a sister brewery to Lua and I honestly don’t know how because Lua makes amazing beer and Big Grove is sub par in comparison. Staff were friendly and service was attentive. They have good food which was nice, definitely order their fries both were great. Unfortunately it took two attempts to cook my burger to the proper temperature and still came out wrong. I tried all their beer just to make sure I didn’t order the wrong thing and each one left me disappointed. Overall if you’re looking for a place for food give them a shot, but if you want great beer skip it and go check out Lua.

If you’re in Des Moines and looking for a spot that blends great beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere, Big Grove Brewing is a must-visit! We recently stopped in and were instantly impressed by their outdoor patio area — it’s covered and comfortable, making it the perfect place to relax whether the sun is shining or there’s a light drizzle. The space feels inviting and well thought-out, with plenty of seating and a laid-back vibe. I ordered one of their IPAs, and it did not disappoint — fresh, hoppy, and perfectly balanced. The beer menu is diverse enough to satisfy any taste, from hop lovers to those who prefer lighter or more unique brews. For food, I had the Butcher Board, which came with a flavorful sausage and a warm, soft pretzel. Everything was fresh, well-presented, and paired perfectly with my beer. The service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. Staff members clearly take pride in making sure guests have a great experience. Between the excellent craft beer, tasty bites, and inviting patio space, Big Grove Brewing really nails the brewery experience. We’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends and family!

Food was ok. I didn’t get a photo of the pretzel but unfortunately it tasted like buttered bread and was missing the signature pretzel flavor. Further, the menu is fairly limited and the entrees we chose (Cubano and the Mac n cheese) were just ok. Won’t be coming back here again.

Friendly service. Generous samples. Great variety of beers! The salad I had was really good. Will be back when we visit our kiddo at uni!

Very cute restaurant! Both the inside and outside areas have great vibes. There was a special called the apple pie bratwurst which was very interesting and I appreciate the creativity! The Cubano was just ok. Lots of great beer options!

Our room could have used a good update, and the bed was really hard. The swimming pool had a bit too much chlorine in it we were going to go swimming but after walking into the pool area my eyes started to immediately burn so we just turned around and did not even attempt it. The front desk staff was amazing. This comfort inn and suites is in a prime location if you are attending a show at the events center in very close proximity so you can walk to your event. Overall it was an enjoyable stay and we would stay again if the opportunity presented itself.

This hotel is rough, to say the least. The rooms were definitely better looking than the halls and carpets. I've never been to a choice hotel that looked this unkempt, especially at the price we paid. I didn't personally have any contact with an employee, so I can not speak to that. However, they should definitely not cost what they do for what they have to offer.

This is by far the absolute most disgusting hotel I have ever stayed at in my life. I have video and photos of the hotel, but thought I'd spare it of the review. Wallpaper coming off walls, my room was filthy, especially underneath the bathroom sink - which was caked in black, assuming black mold. The carpet was dirty in the room; there was trash left over by a previous guest in my refrigerator and on the nightstand. At check in, the black lady working was a complete nightmare to talk to. She didn't talk to you, but at you, was very dismissive and rude of anything I tried to say and made me feel like I was less than nothing. Judging by other reviews, I'd say these are ongoing problems that the managers seem to not want to deal with. Based on the room being an absolute filth and how I was treated at the front desk I will NEVER return to this property. My brother works for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and referred me to them to make sure this hotel is up to compliance and standards. If the room I stayed in was this filthy, I can't imagine what the other rooms look like. This hotel is a joke. Stay far away from it and spend the extra $50 bucks at a better hotel.

We stayed on the top floor facing the river and it was a great view especially at night. Fun to watch the skaters at the park below, dads with kids, older people, teens, just having the best time. Good breakfast too! Lost a star because we had to wet a towel and wipe the entire window down it was really nasty and sticky when we got there.

was in town for the fair and had a horrible stay at this hotel. The bathroom was filthy, the beds were dirty with stained sheets and hair, and there was no ice machine or vending available. The entire place felt unsanitary and neglected. A staff member named Porscha was the only bright spot — she was kind, professional, and genuinely apologetic about the condition of the hotel. Unfortunately, her efforts couldn’t make up for how bad things were. I will be reaching out to the Department of Health to report these conditions. I do not recommend staying here.

By far my favorite hotel to stay at. They front desk people are amazing, fun to talk to, and treat me like family. I come here to Des Moines every week and I refuse to stay anywhere else! Also the view over the river is amazing!

We had a wonderful stay! It was a great place to go back to after a couple full days at the state fair. The rooms were clean, bed was comfy, and they had a nice variety of food for breakfast. We hope to make it back next year!

I would have given 5 stars except breakfast closed at 9:00 AM ... on a holiday! (Memorial Day). Breakfast should NEVER end before 10:00 AM ... 10:30 preferably. By the time we got down there just as it was wrapping up, the only thing left was cold cereal, muffins, oatmeal, and waffles. No protein of any kind. The rooms were nice and we had no issues otherwise. The pool room was fine, but a could use better ventilation (the ceiling tiles in the pool area were cracking and had seen better days). The location was very convenient. The beds were 7/10. 4/5, would recommend as long as you don't like to sleep in before breakfast!

To start, I have stayed at many Hyatt hotels as I always thought they were dependable. This was the worse Hyatt hotel that I have stayed in. Pros: staff was really nice from front vest to cleaning people. Good location. Parking was easy. Cons: The rooms (although a nice size) were so outdated. I think they were clean but so dingy that I couldn’t be sure. It was more what you expect from a motel 6! Scheduling was a nightmare. I had it booked but decided to add a night (easy right?). I spent so much time on the phone and in chats until I finally had to make a separate reservation for that night. Had to go to the desk and re-check in. Past the $50 deposit again! Does this really make and sense at all!? I am a Hyatt member which did not help in the least! I was driving through to Omaha the next day and had a room booked at the Hyatt there which was absolutely beautiful!

This hotel needs some updating, but it is not deserving of all of the 1-star reviews! Globalist recognition was excellent and the lady at the front desk in the evenings was an absolute delight. The carpet and furniture in my room were quite dated, but everything was clean. The mattress was a little creaky but comfortable. Breakfast was typical for a Hyatt Place. Parking was also perfectly fine -- 50+ spaces, less than half marked for compact cars, easy in/out with the key card.

Overall, this Hyatt Place is a bit meh. Came here for the marathon, so the location was great and the staff were friendly and helpful, but the hotel itself is seriously outdated and needs a complete renovation!!! Only 1 elevator working, the entire place smelt like a hospital, rooms were large but super dated, hot water would come in and out while showering and the shower head was tiny, there were tiles about to fall out of the ceiling in the pool area and at one point, even though the hotel is non-smoking and we were on the 7th floor, our bathroom reeked of cigarette smoke (not sure if someone was smoking on another floor and it came up through the exhaust vents). I will be back next year to run the marathon, but I will not be staying here, which is disappointing as Hyatt is my go to hotel brand!

Great location, but the outside noises are pretty loud. It was like having the windows open. The bed was very uncomfortable and made squeaky, crunch noises every time you moved. If you plan on sleeping at night, this might not be a good fit. The continental breakfast was really good. No fake eggs. The staff is awesome.

An unlikely place for such a great hotel. Located in the middle of downtown Des Moines business district, this hotel was created in a former office building. Great decor, friendly staff, well appointed rooms, and great bath. Don't expect great view of urban vista...but who needs that with such a great property and location! Highly recommended.

The couch has massive holes, and there were somebody else's shoes when we got there. Hyatt used to be my favorite hotel. One from ND in Minot was the best. It was 10/10, but the one in Des Moines is so disheartening. I regret that I was not able to read the sign about the 30 dollar charge for the parking that was said to be somewhere close to the paying machine according to the lady I spoke on the phone as I inquired about the 32 dollar charged from my bank. The website did not specifically state how much the parking fee would be. Again, THIS IS THE WORST HYATT EVER. The staff were friendly though.

I wish it was a bit more interactive. Only one sculpture didn’t say “no touching” some of them were cool and creepy all at once. A nice place to stop if you have some time to waste on a beautiful day.

8.18.25 I came across this place while visiting Des Moines for work. It says that this park is named after John and Mary Pappajohn, who are renowned art collectors. They donated the initial collection of sculptures—28 pieces valued at an estimated $40 million—to the city of Des Moines. Free to walk around and explore.

Nice area, we saw a family having a picnic there yesterday. It would be awesome if there was a drinking fountain and a small restroom available. I would like to see more art eventually as well or if they could bring in some seasonal sculptures on occasion that would be cool too.

Five year old loved it. He really liked finding the actual pieces of art in person of the map of the park they have available at random spots through out. All in all we had fun.

Is an absolute beautiful day lots of people just walking around taking pictures to some really nice quiet place

Nice park for walking through and looking at a few sculptures. It was a hot day. Some shade was helpful. Saw a few people using their lunch time to stroll around the park. Enjoyable park to slow the pace of the day.

Nice walk in the garden and there area some neat statues! Nice free attraction, but just make sure to pay for parking on the side.

I had the avocado toast with poached eggs. The description said “charred corn” but the corn was not charred. Tasted more like it just came out of the can… the salsa and pickled red onion added a great flavor and texture to the dish. Everything I ordered came out quickly! I liked the presentation :) Oat milk cappuccino was average, and it wasn’t very hot even though I had asked for extra hot. Server was cute and sweet.

Hands down amazing! The combination of flavors in each dish is unique. It’s a great menu with even better service. I think we will go here again this weekend. If you need breakfast, it’s worth the 1 mile walk from the Hilton. Absolutely delicious!

Visited this cool cafe while visiting Des Moines for a business meeting. I was very impressed. Big open space for ordering, great atmosphere and vibe, helpful and attentive service, phenomenal food!! I wish I could visit more and try more menu items and I’d definitely recommend this place for locals and visitors!

Definitely a staple for us on the south end of downtown. My first meal when I moved to DSM was here and it's a place that I continue to visit to meet friends or have a brunch date. The food is always perfect at this location and the coffee always hits the spot. It's definitely my favorite St. Kilda overall!

Such a unique modern hip cafe! I loved how worldly the menu was. The atmosphere was really nice, presentation of food was simple, and the place was clean. It was easy to find and when we got inside the restaurant was super busy, but they still accommodated quickly. I enjoyed going with my family. Points for having a changing table in the bathroom! We ordered a hot chocolate, chai tea, veggie sandwich, and I forgot the name of what my boyfriend got (sorry).

I have been here several times recently for brunch. This place knows what they are doing and they are really good at it: the atmosphere, the decor, the food, the service. The lattes here are the best in the area, hands down. Even the cups and saucers are beautiful and add to my enjoyment of the coffee drinks. I want the exact cups for my own home. The seasonal latte flavors are creative and never overly sweet. I do love a pumpkin spice latte, and St. Kilda has the best. I was interested in a seasonal mocha and was hesitant to order it for fear it would be too sweet, but the server told me more about it so I decided to try it. It was the best mocha I’ve ever had with the perfect balance of flavors and just the right amount of sweetness. Everything that’s a part of the Big Aussie Breakfast is prepared to perfection: thick cut bacon, delicious blistered roasted tomatoes, perfectly crispy house-made bread. Even the gluten-free bread is excellent. Last week my boyfriend got a hashbrown on the side and it was the best hashbrown I’ve ever had - a lovely soft texture on the inside and perfectly crispy all the way around on the outside. The last 3 times I’ve eaten there, we’ve had the same server. I love her! Very friendly, relatable, and a bit quirky in the best possible way. After our last visit, I decided St. Kilda in Valley Junction is my favorite place for brunch.

In town on vacation, place looked cool so we stopped in. We sat near the kitchen window and bathrooms. Nice place, nice bathrooms. Food was pretty good! Baby changing table in the large one room bathroom was convenient. We would try it again. Not sure the girl working wanted us there but she cracked a smirk by the end. Also, loved the bacon. They were thick strips for once! 👍🏼🥓🍳

I ate here for the first time with my coworkers for lunch after volunteering. The food was okay and a little messy to my liking. The portion sizes were large and seemed reasonably priced. The food wasn’t too long of a wait. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here on my own.

My friend and I took our kids to Fuzzy’s for lunch yesterday. If you’ve ever taken four toddlers out to lunch with only two moms, you know how brave we were. The staff at Fuzzy’s were amazing. They took care of us quickly and checked in on us frequently. They even took the extra care to bring our trays of food over to us without us having to ask, just because they know it’s difficult to leave a table of kids. 100% will go back. It’s a great kid-friendly place with excellent service, food, and staff.

Here for the night and had to come here since it was recommended to me, I must recommend it to you. The food is fantastic!!!! So much flavor and great taste. The drinks are amazing, you must come for happy hour. And the service by far is the best! I highly recommend their surf and turf tacos and peach margarita!!!

Everything about this place is fun, family friendly, and all around an entertaining place to spend a Sunday Funday after an Iowa Cubs game, rain or shine!!❣️Love the owners!!! 🫶🏼

Absolutely loved the food and also Arron made the best margaritas. And the young lady upfront was very kind absolutely love coming to fuzzy

I frequent Fuzzy Taco Shop and they give me the best service out of any restaurant in the DSM area. The food is always great and you can tell the place is clean, including the kitchen. The staff is always friendly and goes out of their way to make sure you have a good experience. One of the few restaurants that I would give 5 stars.

Such a neat vibe and unique drinks! Food is always a hit, and breakfast burritos offered all day

Have stayed here many times for army reunions. Always felt welcome and very comfortable here especially after our long haul flights from Australia 🇦🇺. All Staff couldn't do enough to assist us during our stay. Conference facilities and catering are excellent and are all world-class . Excellent self laundry on site.

Booked through Expedia and paid upwards of $160 for a king bed room, drove 3 hours to get there for a concert, they did not have my already paid for reservation, the guy up front said he seen the one I cancelled (a double bed) and will just uncancel that but I still had to pay another $150 something to get in there to get ready for the concert, the hall to the room had a separate door and smelled like it was a previous smoking wing, the vent in the bathroom didn't work, the window opened but if any cooking was going on that big round vent thing was blowing it right into the window. Plus the towel rack was inside the shower (a new one for me) and had 4 toilet paper roll holders all right next to each other (another new one) and when pulled the drying line across to hook to the other side, the metal cover to it popped off. Also had to plug the 1 cup coffee pod maker into the lamp because no open outlets but for the TV, micro, mini fridge, and lamp. Went to 3 different floors for a drink, all of them out of order. Layout is a bit confusing as well.

Way overpriced for the quality of the property. We checked in. Got a key and drove to the back side of the hotel took our luggage walked to the closest entrance and our key didn't work. Back to the lobby to get a workable key and wound our way through the hotel trying to find our room. When we finally found the room the air conditioner wasn't working. It was ninety degrees outside. This an 80.00 a night room. No more. We canceled our stay drove two blocks down to the Hampton. Same price for ten times the property of the Holiday Inn.

I am very well traveled, I really enjoyed the openness of the indoor area under the dome. The hotel itself is a little bit dated but overall it was pretty cool to stay here for a few days and I found that the rates were a reasonable, you can get breakfast included with your stay for a couple dollars extra, it'll save you a little bit extra if you go that route and plan on having breakfast. They have several options to choose from for the breakfast, the country skillet is the best one in my opinion. The staff was nice.

Very nice IHG hotel and very convenient to the airport with a free shuttle. Despite its proximity to the airport - my room which faced the pool and courtyard - was quiet. Although not free - breakfast at the restaurant was reasonably priced and good.

I would highly recommend this hotel. The staff was nice, helpful, and accommodating. Our room was very clean! Beds were comfortable. Water pressure in the shower was awesome! We left feeling refreshed and well rested!

Becca at the bar is amazing. Was staying at the hotel for the work week and she made me feel welcomed and at home while relaxing after long days of work. The hotel is lucky to have her!

We stayed here less than 4 hours. I will never go back. They had a loud, obnoxious ( wedding? ) party there that they refused to control. We went to ask for a refund and were denied, all while the party continued in the halls, parking lot and everywhere else throughout the hotel. terrible service. Stay at the Holiday Inn right up the road instaed.

This hotel has been a disappointment from the moment I paid $30 for an early check in for a room that was already ready. The front desk staff barely speaks English and doesn't care about the fact that the hotel lobby and hallways are about 105 degrees. Thank goodness the air in our room worked. However, the bathroom ceiling was in desperate need of repair. None, I repeat none, of the ice machines work in the building. The trashcans outside are overflowing. I'm not quite sure what my overpriced bag of chips is paying for. It's certainly not on hotel maintenance or breakfast. I had to use a fork to eat my yogurt. We went down to breakfast at 730 and everything was running out. The pool is newly renovated, but the machines in the weight room are mostly broken. Rooms are way overpriced for what you are getting. This hotel has an amazing location and has tremendous potential if the owners would pay for upkeep.

I had a late flight into Des Moines with a business meeting the next morning. Checked in past midnight. Room was covered in construction dust. Heat was turned completely off (in 34° temps), so room was cold. Heating unit ran constantly, sometimes blowing warm air and sometimes cold air. I was up 4 times adjusting the temp just to not shiver in bed. When I talked to management in the morning they gave me a $10 credit. Said that they were under construction, so dust is to be expected. Um. No. If you are under construction, you best be working that much harder to ensure the rooms are clean. I will not stay there again. I do not recommend that others stay there either.

Was a quick night for an early morning flight. Room was clean but the hotel just has a sketchy feel to it. Paid the desk clerk cash for 2 bottles of Pepsi and he never brought me back my change.

Horrible experience. Website lists daily housekeeping as an amenity but for my 3 night stay they didn't clean the room once. According to staff due to Ramadas green policy they service rooms every 4 days unless you request sooner. They don't even come in to take the trash or wet towels out. I had a mountain of wet towels in the bathroom just stinking and growing mold along with the 3 days worth of trash. Speaking of towels I had to call the front desk everyday to get new ones. I got them but after waiting 4 hours. There were no towels in the pool area so we couldn't use the pool. And to top off the Horrible experience for some reason they thought 7pm was a great time to change the locks. All of the extremely loud drilling woke my 6 year old up and scared her. Idk why they couldn't have done this during the day when we weren't in the room or just waiting till the next day when we checked out. So far staff has not been helping in finding a resolution just sent out a generic we apologize for any inconvenience email. Do not waste your money here, you can get a better experience down the street at the holiday Inn for a comparable price.

Where to start? Missing light bulbs in light fixtures? No sheets on bed? No shower curtain? Pee stained sheets? A room with no beds in it? No hot water coming from what looks like a dollar store shower head? Yes all of this was experienced by our group this weekend at this establishment. Ramada should be ashamed of this place and really reconsider putting their brand on this steaming pile of fecal matter. The staff, however, were very helpful and polite......hahaha NOT! This should be a $49.99/night hotel. Do not stay here!

Stay somewhere else if you can. Very loud, there never seemed to be anyone at the front desk. I understand not changing towels out everyday, but our coffee or toiletries were not even replenished the whole time we stayed. It’s very loud in the hallways so you can hear every single thing anyone says or does. They recently renovated and our window did not face outside, but it faced the lobby/breakfast area, which means we heard anything that went on out there. There was trash and lots of dust and dirt under the beds. We ended up leaving a day early because we were not sleeping well.

We stayed here one night. Our room was fantastic! Everything was clean and well maintained. They have free laundry for guests, a nice pool and fitness center. Complimentary breakfast is included. The hotel is in a great location downtown. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely stay here again.

Very nice and clean hotel. First time to downtown and it felt safe and secure here. Staff were super friendly and helpful. The manager gave our kiddo a bag of chips just because he made her laugh during check in. Will definitely be back!

Rooms are a comfortable size but holy wow do they need an update and much better cleaning! The dishes and cookware all had a massive amount of food left on them. The AC unit was absolutely caked in dust as though it hadn’t been cleaned in over a year. When I arrived, my room smelled of mildew because the shower curtain was in desperate need of being replaced. The washer/dryers in the hotel need to be cleaned as well as they wreak of mold/mildew. No cleaning service for multiple days and “they don’t do service on weekends unless specifically requested”… Breakfast is your standard spread with nothing over the top or extra. Beds were comfortable.

Central location in downtown Des Moines. room said it slept four. That was with a fold out bed. There is nothing nice I can say about the fold out bed and I usually try. Very thin mattress and not comfortable at all. Dangerous even to get in and out of with the metal edges. I can’t imagine two people trying to sleep in it. Everything else about the place was fine.

We walked in with no reservation since another hotel in the area did not meet our expectations. We were welcomed by Kat with a warm smile. She was very sweet and helpful assisting us getting a room and explaining details of the Iowa State Fair. This hotel definitely met our expectations. Would stay there again :)

We recently stayed here over Labor Day holiday. Everything was good as usual since this was a repeat visit. Only DOWNSIDE was the pool area was completely closed and were unaware of this when booking. Always call ahead to make sure everything you need will be available.

6/5! I almost don't want to tell anyone so that I can keep this gem to myself. The front desk, singing and happy! Even recommending places to eat. The suites, fresh. Step outside, turn left is clean downtown. Turn right, glistening state capitol! Great eateries nearby

When we arrived Friday night at 10:00 the lobby was full of people ( lounging and relaxing) and there was nobody at the desk. Phones were ringing and alarms were going off. We stood there for 20+ Min. before someone showed up to silence the phones and check us in. Get to the room and there's only 15 minutes of hot water. There were three of us that needed to shower so that's not a great thing... The bathtub takes 35 min. to drain the water out of it after a regular shower. The breakfast starts about an Hour later than most places.. No free WiFi...... P.S. The inside of this hotel is newly renovated and looks good. The direct access to a parking garage is nice. The appearance in the room is good.

Bedsheets felt damp. Room was very humid. I visited twice, about a month in between, and this was the case both times. I happened to overhear another guest talking about the unusually high room humidity. It's hard to ignore that issue, because it makes it harder to sleep. But if I ignore that issue, it's otherwise a very nice hotel. Free breakfast! Very nice selection of fresh foods. Employees are very nice. One came to help us when we had some elevator trouble.

This Marriot has a free breakfast, which is great. Street parking is free overnight and seems safe. The rooms are pretty run down. My thermostat was broken and it was 56 degrees in my room all night even with the heat on. Quiet hotel. Not a terrible experience, but not the consistent quality expected of a Marriott.

Raniya is the absolute kindest employee. She has compassion and integrity that went beyond the front desk. Rooms are comfortable and the third floor was quiet.

I booked a room back in February for my son's travel baseball through the hotel for a room in June at the price of $211. I received an email with the confirmation number and the confirmed price. The day before our stay, I noticed a pending charge for $440 from the hotel. I called and they decided to raise the price for the room to almost double. I was never notified nor did I give permission to charge my card for that price. I called the hotel and the only option they gave me was to cancel. I am now left the day before his tournament scrambling trying to find another hotel room and my son will no longer get to stay in the same hotel as his team mates. I am a Bonvoy member and have never been treated this poorly by staff and not to mention the deceitfulness of it all. Even though I have an email confirming they did not care. I would give 0 stars if I could.

Unless you’re ok with trains running by your rooms throughout the night I wouldn’t stay here. Rooms are clean, pillows terrible. Pool environment isn’t great, particularly for parents. Continental breakfast is good. I wouldn’t stay here again.

Downtown is great loaction. Parking is big issue in Downtown though. Rooms are big and lavish. Kitchen is good. All the utensils were clean. Room service can be better. Great riverside view from rooms.

First time ever to a dog park (I'm a new pet owner). People there were very helpful and the dogs were great playmates for my 1 year old ball of energy.

Great riverside dog park, don’t mind the construction on the new bike and walking trail. Part of the parks closed off to allow trucks to drive back-and-forth other than that a great dog park.

The Riverwalk Dog Park is one of the best dog parks to take your dog to that is part of the city pass system. It definitely is worth the $20. I take my dog to this park regularly and she loves it. It is not separated like the other parks and so little dogs and big dogs play together, but there is usually a good group of both. There is also an obstacle course and long grass and short grass area. Definitely worth it!

Permit dog park, Not for travelers. That being said, this is one of the best and well maintained dog park in Des Moines area. I take my dog there every day. It has wide open grass area and plenty of trees for shade. There are benches spread across for seating and water bowl is available. You have to bring your own water. Potty bags are available across the park. This doesn’t have partition for small/big dogs. Its 3 acre open space with lot of activity stuff and open space. For travelers, suggest visiting Windsor Heights dog park which doesn’t require a permit.

Looks nice too bad we can't play;( from out of town driving across the country and trying to find good parks. So sad

What a lovely dog park. Gets a little muddy in the rain and it's a little noisy next to the highway, but it's so close to downtown it outweighs the negatives. My dog loves it.

Public, but not free. Please call before going to make sure you pay the fees necessary.

Drake University was the best choice our kids could have made for their college education. Their alumni mentorship program gives students an upper hand in the work force.

5 stars but I'm pretty biased as it's the best and most highlighted part of my life.

It's a great place for an education

Good leadership in the environment and sustainability programs

Beautiful campus. Go Bulldogs!

It is a beautifully kept campus

My band director graduated from here and graciously offered to give me a tour of all the places where he got hit by a car on campus. Also we saw like 20 emergency vehicles so 5/5 for keeping us safe! Go bulldogs!

Nice new dog park, need to do some tall grass removing as they left it higher that 6 inches in back, and sticks are protruding from the ground like spears there. I do no there has been a storm go through, and it did do a lot, of damage to the trees, so parts of trees are in piles/ everywhere. This place has the ability to be top notch, hope they make it so. (08/26/2020) Update, they have removed the piles of limbs they had from our storm. Thank you guys or gals that did that, dogs are glad especially to. Still have limbs scattered here and there, or around the place, but a big improvement in all. Thank you, things are looking up. Best dog park of them all that I know or go to with my dogs. Update to this place for dogs. My 2 older Samoyeds are no longer with me, it must of been there time to leave this world. Miss them a lot. So I have returned here with my 7 month old Samoyed, as he has so much energy that needs places like this to go to. Park is really gotten better since then, when I use to come. I will try to bring him lots of times to here, seems to love it so much... 10/20/2024

This is a large dog park and has paved walkway long the fence great for getting a nice walk or jog in while your dog is having fun. An amazing place with nice people. No problems with any pups there so far!

Great park, great dogs and great people. Most low star reviews are due to the cost ($20 for a year for 3 different area parks). All I can say is my dog loves it and I'm sorry to the folks who showed up not knowing you need a permit. There is a perfect bike path right next to it to take your dog for a walk if you can't get in!

Awesome place to take your dog. Paved walkways along the fence. Disposable stations and running water when weather permits. Highly recommend checking it out. Does require yearly fee from City Hall.

Visiting from out of state. My dog was upset that we aren't allowed in due to needing a permit. This review is on behalf of letting him down and to help anyone else from falling into the same predicament.

We use this dog park almost daily! We like being able to walk while our dog gets fun time with his friends. City doing much better job of mowing this year! Free would be nice but $20 annual fee worth it for local folks.

My dog loves coming here. She has plenty of space to run and play, and I don't have to worry about her accidentally getting out of the park. I appreciate the Doggy Bag Stations placed throughout the park, as well as the Water Stations, and seating just in case I get tired.

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.

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.

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!

Tasty Tacos is a must-try! From the moment I walked in, the service was warm, welcoming, and fast—just the way you hope it will be when you're hungry and craving something amazing. The food? Absolutely delicious. Every bite was packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and that authentic homemade taste you can’t find just anywhere. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy a full meal, Tasty Tacos delivers every time. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and you can tell they truly care about their customers. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop in. You won’t regret it. Tasty Tacos has officially earned a spot on my go-to list!

I grew up in Des Moines and have been apart of this amazing tradition for as long as I can remember. I am a huge fan! After moving in 2010, each time I’m back home, I MUST get Tasty Tacos. Amazing Five stars Always hot and fresh and with great customer service. Those shells! 😃

It's tacos. Which can almost never go wrong but can sometimes. I had the wakey wakey eggs n bakey which was really good my second taco was a filet mignon taco was delicious and I could not put it down. My wife had the al pastor and the old school tacos which she enjoys greatly. Overall we will definitely eat here again.

I’ve been to sooo many Mexican restaurants all over the USA and this is OKAY. It’s not the best. When they say authentic, think more American authentic as they don’t even use the Spanish words for their food. Beef is asada, Pork here (I had to ask) is carnita meat not pastor sadly. My husband and stepdaughter love it here. I personally after being married to a Hispanic male for near 18 yrs and ate at a lot of authentic places/trucks…it’s okay like I said. Salsa was good, medium hot, the guacamole could use some lime/salt (asked for lime wedges…not here), yet the tater tots were decent & they have one menu item I’ve never tried or seen before…flour puff chips. Oh my goodness, THOSE are amazing! Would highly recommend that for sure! Yet the other food…if it’s your thing I guess, I would only go back for the chips.

It’s all in the name. Tasty Tacos, reasonable prices quick order at the counter service. Always friendly. I got a cheese quesadilla too it was something like you would make at home but wouldn’t be as good. The tacos are the star of the show! A must stop when I’m rolling through town around lunch.

Chicken flour taco and onion rings fresher made and fast service. I've been a customer since they had their small location downtown Des Moines IA in the 1980s.

LOVE THE FOOD - LOVE THE PRICE- LOVE THE CONVENIENCE & CUSTOMER SERVICE IS ALWAYS TOP NOTCH!!

I LOVED this place! This was a spur of the moment, ordered tickets online. Very easy to do. $10 plus tax, total was $22 plus change. Used gps directions. Beautiful inside and out. Well manicured and tended garden and lawn in early September. Indoor had AC throughout. Main floor and 2nd floor was open to walk in and look around after showing my ticket pass. If we had any questions a VERY knowledgeable person at the entrance was available or I could scan a QR code at the entrance that would answer questions. I chose to run back to the person when I had questions. The next time I will choose a guided tour. There is so much to see. Who knew such a gem was right here in Des Moines? I will be back, more than once! I highly recommend everyone see this.

Incredible 1923 Gothic/Tudor styled mansion with features imported from England, including the White Cliffs of Dover, 1600s German statuary, English wood beams, stone fireplace, and stones from Greece. The 28,000 foot mansion is home to art and historical pieces such as: suit of armor, tapestries, European paintings, religious art, sculptures, a Buddha statue, Native American art, original furniture, a vase from Cyprus dating to 1000 BCE. Gorgeous gardens. Interesting history on the Weeks family wealth and the Armand cosmetic business that they started. Impressive art collection that symbolizes Edith Weeks’ vast knowledge of history and art. Beautiful old growth woods, outdoor spaces for music festivals. Knowledgeable docents that can answer all of your questions. It was definitely worth the trip and we spent 2 hours touring the mansion and the grounds.

Very interesting and informative. David Ross was our tour guide and very involved with the restoration and preservation of the house. Definitely was worth having a tour guide.

Salisbury House made for a lovely afternoon visit! The docents are knowledgeable and the home is certainly a hidden gem here in Des Moines. The architecture alone is worth the visit but also learning the story of the family that once called the property home is well worth it. Definitely recommend and an easy visit - recommend about 1.5 hours to read and do everything on an initial visit.

While in Des Moines visiting my mother we heard about a local house tour near her in Urbandale. So glad we looked it up and went for the tour. Dick was our tour guide and was fabulous!! He went into great detail and made the entire tour a great one. Mom is elderly-90, and she was using her walker-he was very kind and helpful when we needed it in the elevator and small steps throughout the house-it was very doable. We enjoyed our talk so much that at the end of the tour Dick helped Mom into our car. Thanks for a lovely day. The house inside and out is a treasure.

Our wedding at the Salisbury House was absolutely magical! The venue’s historic charm, lush gardens, and stunning architecture created the perfect backdrop for our day. The staff was incredibly helpful and professional, making the planning and day-of experience seamless. Every guest commented on how breathtaking and unique the setting was — truly a five-star experience from start to finish!

This place is so beautiful and has such an interesting history in the heart of Des Moines. Getting a guided tour is well worth it. We've been here a handful of times and David is the best tour guide we've ever had. He is so immensely knowledgeable and passionate. There are many events, but you have to act fast if you want tickets. We bring anyone who visits us in Des Moines to tour the Salisbury, because it's just such an amazing European castle feel in the middle of the city

As much as I love Smokey row coffee the attitude of the staff ruins it. The food is terrible. It’s hard to get my drink order correct every time I go. I don’t order anything crazy but for some reason it always seems like a chore to them. They usually do not make it the way I request it and I always leave a 20% tip. Don’t expect tips when you have an attitude and don’t want to make the drink the way it’s ordered. Even after something was said very nicely to the staff. This place has gone down hill for sure.

I usually love smokey row, but I had never been to this location. They did not seem to pay much attention to the non-drive thru customers, either that or they couldn’t see me over all of the displays at the register. I was the only one in line, but I waited nearly 5 minutes before I was acknowledged. Once I got home and opened my sandwich, I found a long dark hair. (I am blonde, so there is no way it could be mine). I am incredibly disappointed in this location and would not recommend it, there are much better options in the area

This Smokey Row location is one of the best area choices for meeting friends or to use as a co-working space. There are all kinds of seating, including booths, high tops, private rooms, and outside patio—those are the reasons I come here. I've only had coffee and the occasional scone, which are both okay. But the people who serve it are nice, and you do get coffee refills.

We stopped here for coffee and dessert. Love the atmosphere of this coffee place and the tiramisu was delicious. I was surprised that the clerk had never heard of a « cortado » before. She was able to make it after I explained to her what it is.

Purchased a bowl of Chili today, but do to the change in supplier it is not recommended. Giving the soup 1 star but if I could give 0 that would be the correct answer. Wish they would bring back the old supplier.

Love that this place is open until 9! Sometimes I have a hankering for a nice latté after all the other places close and don't feel like making one at home. The coffee is always good here. I just have to be careful with the specials because some of them are pretty sweet. The staff is always super cool with me modifying the amount of sugar in my drinks. The food here is also always good. I tend to go for the Pick Two with a sandwich and soup. This is a great neighborhood staple. My friends and I love meeting here! Ample seating, great place to do work/study, dine, whatever.

Yesterday was my first visit here. Nice atmosphere, staff, and not tooling a wait for our order. We were there around lunch time, so I'm not upset about the slight wait as the staff handled drive thru orders at the same time as our orders inside. There was some noise in there as the other customers were talking and the machine for making the food and drinks were going but not too much as we could easily hear each other talking.

Sweet tooth begging for attention? This local cafe in the East Village downtown DSM will fill your cravings. If looking for healthier grub grab a yummy salad, sandwich or coffee and take time to relax in their bright, open space. Perfect location for shopping, visiting the capital or just hanging out downtown.

What an amazing spot. The monkey bread was amazing. Super crisp but still extremely soft with the perfect balance of textures. I really loved the caramel bottom that added an incredible toffee like texture. I also really loved the blueberry pinwheel. Amazing layers and the filling was perfectly balanced in sweetness. The coffee was perfect. I got the honey bee and it was everything I hoped it would be. Normally I have to add more espresso to make it less sugary but this was perfect as is. Still had that bold flavor I love. The staff was nice and got everything out to us quickly. I left a tip and made sure to let them know how great the experience was. I highly recommend this place. Truly a gem in the Des Moines area.

Scenic Route Bakery is one of, if not, THE BEST bakeries in Des Moines. Their pastries were flaky with a good crunch and their fillings were flavorful but not diminishing of the wonderful pastry they were presented within. Additionally, if you have a nice home cooked dinner ahead of you, the buttermilk buns are spectacular and I would highly recommend buying a pack or two. Finally, the setting and staff are extremely friendly and willing to answer any and all questions you may have about their process.

Loved it! Went to check it out before a business meeting coming up. Very nice! Appreciate the in and outdoor seating options. Also appreciate the industrial mixed vibe. I had a chocolate pinwheel which was drool worthy. So fresh, so tasty, so flaky, so chocolaty! Also had a diet coke cause I am not much for coffee. They had a great selection of pastries and coffee and sandwiches and more. Order at the counter and find your own seat. I sat outside since it was gorgeous. Can see the capital right around the corner. Open Monday- Saturday, closed Sunday. I think my total was $8 or something. I wasn't paying attention when paying! Too much to look at. In the heart of the East Village so plenty of other things to do nearby as well.

SUCH a gem! Went here unsuspectingly not knowing I was gonna have a life altering experience. Type of food that has you holding back a moan. The brown sugar Cuban was DELIGHTFUL. A seamless blend of what coffee should be and indulgence. The perfect muse to my chocolate almond croissant. Speaking of, I usually don’t cave to croissants. I’m a snob with no credibility, but I find most croissants to be lackluster. I only caved because I’ve been starved from the joys of almond pastries. This croissant is the ONLY exception to my hatred. Feathered layers of heaven swaddling chocolate and almond essence. The type of pastry you’d see in an anime. Love this place :) go if you can!

I can not say enough good about this place. Always so friendly and the food is top-notch. Vegan and vegetarian options. The patio is nice to enjoy a coffee on. You have to try their rosemary lemonade.

Ordered their Iced Chai Latte and let me say it was absolutely delish. I love that it’s in walking distance from where I work and the staff are friendly as well; I recommend this spot a 10 just cause it’s also a good place to just sit and relax maybe catch up on some work or just enjoy the day on their outdoor patio.

Loud because it is right next to the interstate and a dam in the river, which takes away from the peacefulness of it. there was also a lot of bugs, and the path is not very handicap friendly. Looks cool from a far though.

Was easy to find and tons of parking to walk around and see everything the garden has to offer.

I recently visited the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden while in Des Moines for a former friend’s wedding and was completely charmed. Nestled along the Des Moines River, this peaceful garden feels like a hidden sanctuary right in the middle of downtown, an ideal spot to relax between wedding festivities. From the graceful koi pond to meandering pathways and its iconic red bridge, every corner feels artfully designed and thoughtfully maintained. I found myself unwinding on a bench just before the rehearsal dinner, soaking in the tranquil ambience, the gentle trickling of water, lush plantings, and seasonal blooms creating a perfect urban escape. Whether you’re pausing for wedding-day photos, casually strolling, or simply taking a breather before or after an event, the garden offers a moment of calm and reflection. The volunteers and staff keep the space impeccably clean and welcoming, and its central location makes it easy to pair a quick visit with a walk or bike ride to nearby reception venues. I absolutely loved how this garden adds a picturesque and meaningful backdrop to a wedding weekend in Des Moines. It elevated my experience, between ceremony, dinner, and dancing, it was the perfect escape. If you’re in town for a wedding or just need a tranquil spot to unwind and enjoy nature, the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden is an absolute must, highly recommend!

8.18.25 Clean, peaceful, beautiful views, a place to visit, sit, walk around. And it's free.

A very quick sight seeing spot. And nice walk along the lake.

Perfect place to take a nice relaxing slow walk and snap some photos!

I had no idea the information I’d discover here. I do wish people would just admire more instead of leaving their tags… can’t we just enjoy other cultures?!

Felt like I was in Key West at a local Cuban restaurant. Great food, happy hour specials, and friendly service.

Ceviche is one of my favorites to go for date night. Best restaurant in Des Moines to get plantains (maybe the only place) you also can’t go wrong with their happy hour.

Super cool spot we always meant to try but couldn't. Very nice decor & layout. We took advantage of the Mojito special. We also had Yuca fries, Cubano, Pan con Lechon, Ropa Vieja & Flan

I have ordered takeout here and eaten outside with friends another time. I was disappointed both times. I was craving ceviche and this was the first place that came up. I ordered ceviche to-go the first time with tostones. It was really underwhelming. The ceviche here is salmon and shrimp that is barely marinated or seasoned with avocado and cilantro. Fatty salmon with fatty avocado in a "citrus" marinade that can barely cut through the oils. It tastes like there's not enough acid or spices. The salmon and avocado take over the whole dish. I felt like I was just eating Crisco lard. The salmon just does not work. It's not the ceviche you would think of if you've ever been to Central or South America. Ceviche is normally made with shrimp and whitefish and/or squid/octopus. The combination of these firm, mellow proteins soak up the tangy, citrus marinade which normally renders an exciting dish teeming with explosions of flavor. That's not what I experienced at Ceviche either time. Not only that but the Cuban bread I got with the "ceviche" the second time was thick and soggy. This place is a no go for me. I love to support local, and I tried to give them another chance, but no. Just no. The other two entrées we tried are also over-priced and unremarkable. If you want large servings of real ceviche that is cheap, go to Isla del Pacifico by the capitol building! UPDATE TO OWNER: No one is asking you to sell cheap food. If you go through all of the negative reviews your diners are saying that the quality of food +/ service doesn't match the prices. If you actually go through my reviews like other restaurant owners you can see that I'm happy to pay hundreds of dollars for good food. Making a slight against one of your competitors by saying that you won't use fish from China shows that you lack emotional intelligence. And, in reading your response to other reviews that also shows. Being a restaurant owner requires you to be able to take criticism and use it to your advantage. People aren't asking you to sell cheap food. People are asking you to do better. Not everyone is going to like your food. I eat, I leave reviews. I am not responsible for your actions or emotions. You are.

In the past this has been so good, maybe a year ago. But the last two times we went were disappointing. Last time the rice was so dry and seemed old. The burger we had was overdone, everything was bland and dry. The drinks were good! But for the price, it was a lame meal.

If you’re a paella lover, like us, check out Ceviche’s Cuban seafood (or vegan) paella! Tuesdays is a $10 special on paella. It was delicious, so much so that we ordered 4 of them. Different than a Spanish paella (not in concept but overall flavor), but still amazing. Served with awesomely seasoned plantains and bread slices, plump shrimp and a mix of other seafoods, this dish was fantastic. Definitely something worth not skipping out on, and would be great as take out, too. Ropa Vieja: shredded beef and vegetables was very flavorful. Hard to beat the paella but we still loved it and all tried a bite. Flavor was on point. Diablo Shrimp: spicy shrimp with tons of capers, if I could combine this with the paella I would be in heaven. Very different flavors, but the diablo shrimp was sooooooo good. The latter two dishes came with an option of rice and beans or a salad. We opted for salad but they both came with rice and beans. No worries, a salad was brought out anyhow, which I loved but the others did not; tons of green olives, onions, avocados and peppers, this was definitely a “Jessica-style salad”! Espresso martini was awesome. Really really good (wasn’t mine but I tried a sip and it was fab).

Ordered the lobster roll to go. Upon arrival the place was a ghost town on a Thursday at 6:30pm, should have been a sign the place sucks, as just across thw street the iowa tap room was packed to the gills. Was told it was $20 with 1 side but tried to charge me an extra $5 for mixed veggies that were obviously similar to the frozen mixed veggies you get from hyvee, the were gross! The lobster mix in the sandwich was ok but the bread was old, stale, dry and hard. Also the bread to meat ratio was like 5 to 1 bread. On a lobster roll, even the cold ones need a butter toasted bun at the right proportion. Worst lobster roll by fare that I've ever had and I've had alot of them. I don't see this place lasting too much longer.

We decided to stop in off the bike path and explore this cute little brewery. Friendly people and a wide selection of beers. If you're biking along in Des Moines, a great place to stop and have a tasty beverage with your friends.

Amazing selection of great tasting craft beers. Would definitely visit again from CR

Beer on tap was barely working so didn’t really had the chance to try anything

515 Brewing Company in Clive, Iowa is a fantastic stop for craft beer lovers in the Des Moines metro area. We recently stopped in for just one drink, but it was memorable enough to make me want to come back soon. I ordered their OJ IPA, a juicy, citrus-forward India Pale Ale that delivers bright orange and tropical fruit flavors with a smooth, clean finish. It’s the kind of beer that’s refreshing but still packed with enough hop character to keep IPA fans happy. The brewery has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating options and a relaxed local vibe. The décor is simple yet inviting, and you can tell it’s a place where both regulars and first-time visitors feel at home. There’s a small but comfortable bar area and plenty of tables, making it great for groups or solo visits. Service was friendly and quick, with the staff happy to offer insight into their beer selection. While we didn’t try any other drinks or food on this visit, the rotating tap list looked creative and well-curated, with something for every taste. If you’re in the Clive or West Des Moines area and want to enjoy a fresh, locally brewed craft beer, 515 Brewing is worth the stop. Highly recommend the OJ IPA if you’re into citrusy, flavorful IPAs. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of their lineup.

In West Des Moines? Get your beer here. Good selection of locally brewed as well as other Iowa beers. Good service and atmosphere.

Easily my favorite brewery in Des Moines, consistently pumping out excellent beer. Their pale ales are delicious, and they have other winners too like their Puppy Jake Porter, which is a Peanut Butter Porter. Awesome place, awesome beer.

Great beer. Get to the tap room while their supply lasts. Sad to see them close.

This is a huge waterfront park with tons of parking and areas to use for sports, walks, dogs, etc. There’s a cute little beach and paved trails running through out. The only downside is the dog park is not free, you need to scan a code and app to pay $5. I didn’t feel like going to all that when there were plenty of other areas I could walk my dogs.

Took my daughter there to compete in here first USA Triathlon. The park is excellent. Clean with an open feeling, yet safe. The lakeside is beautiful. Peaceful. Clean bathroom facilities and covered areas by the picnic areas.

This park is excellent! We were here during the Raccoon River festival, which was awesome for kids. The new playground has a healthy mix of equipment and the rubber ground. My kids especially enjoyed the myriad of climbing ropes along with the big slides. There is ample parking, a nice swimming beach, and plenty of trails around the water.

Amazing urban park for the region. The infrastructure is in top shape and there were many people happily using the park in various ways when we visited yesterday.

We spent the weekend at the raccoon River Park baseball fields, which were very nice, very clean, the staff was present on site. You saw them in the bathrooms and changing the trash. They did a great job. The concession stand had lots of options, including adult beverages.Overall a great place to spend the weekend playing baseball.

Absolutely beautiful and brilliant park. The equipment is all ability inclusive. My 10 month old and 2 year old had a blast. So much for them to do and to climb on. Had a great time. The restrooms are closed for the winter but there is a portable potty there if you need it.

Playground! The new all inclusive playground is finished! I love that there’s an area that’s geared towards crawlers! My 12mo isn’t walking yet and he had so much fun. They used a fake grass for the little area and then that bouncy flat surface for the other areas. There’s a lot to do! I like and don’t like how spread out it is. I like that you don’t feel like you’re on top of people because it’s spread out but that does make it difficult to keep an eye on your kids. There is the best rope climbing center I’ve ever seen, the slide is big enough to be fun but not so big like other parks that get almost too high for little kids comfort. The bathrooms are still there and the shelters with lots of picnic tables. Regular swings in the swing area and 2 bucket swings over in the little kid area. It’s a really pretty view with so many trees and being raccoon River beachside. Cons making this 4 stars that I understand are relative. Bigger kids kept coming to play in the little kid area, I had to have my head on swivel and quick reflexes to make sure my little ones fingers aren’t stepped on or that he was knocked over. It’s spread out in a way that I can’t see all areas from a single point, I just told my kids to keep checking in with me as they played or I went and found them to check in. It was busy, I know as the newness wears off it will be more “normal”. My kids had a lot of fun! It was just a little more stressful than I was anticipating because of how busy it was. Make sure you check it out and if crowds stress you out plan your visit during slow times if you can. (Early morning / during school hours)

DJ BRAD, the best music. Can you play Scooter more? HOW MUCH IS THE FISH. The hockey team was great, people of Des Moines were great. Cow bells were loud.

I have received over a dozen phone calls and emails from them about a season membership and I only went to two games. I never gave them permission to call or email me. I asked them numerous times to remove from their call list and email list which they obviously never did. I never game them permission to put me on those lists either. I would understand if I went to more games but when you only go to two and they feel that's enough to warrant harassment on their part. They get your email address through the Wild store because they claim they need an email to send a receipt instead of printing out one. I have filed a complaint with the FCC, FTC, and The Iowa Attorney General's Office. The next step will be to contact an attorney and see what I can do about this constant harassment.

First time attending a game was this year & I fully intend to make it to more going forward! Worth the drive from Omaha!

LOVE going to see Iowa WILD! We happened to get almost free tickets a while back and it has turned in to a family event for us!

Great place to watch hokey.

Great family fun. Arena is great and games are priced right. Will return for more!

Love this team! Always a fun time at the games. Their mascot, Crash, is super friendly and always around. He's my favorite part of the whole experience 😻

Beautiful trails, clean facilities, and absolutely stunning scenery. Some sections are so fragrant they smell like wildflowers in bloom. I love walking the loops here — it’s peaceful, well-maintained, and a great way to recharge. Just don’t forget the bug spray, especially in the warmer months!

This is a pleasant, mostly level trail through the woods. The main trail forms a meandering circle around the property that's a little over 2 miles in length, but there are turn-off opportunities not shown on the map that provide for shorter hikes if so desired. It's biggest downside is the persistent noise pollution from the nearby road, at least on the eastern edge.

Beautiful walking trail. Good maps throughout. Very muddy in spots, but that's how nature trails go. Just be careful after it rains, 2 hills are slick.

A great trail for a peaceful hike through the woods! The path is mostly shaded, offering a cool and relaxing atmosphere even on warmer days. I completed the longest loop, which was just over 3 miles, in under an hour at a leisurely pace, also saw a couple of people trail running. The trail is well-maintained with a few benches for breaks. I visited on a Sunday afternoon and practically had the trail to myself – perfect for a quiet nature escape. There's convenient parking at the trailhead, and Walnut Woods is another nearby trail option worth exploring.

A very nice walk in the woods, felt very serene even though we were close to major roads. Trails are well labeled and maintained. The outer long loop has several fairly steep sections, but the shorter loops are easier.

A most gorgeous place. The best trails to get lost in nature for a bit.

Nice dirt trail. Smooth and easy on the feet. Went in the middle of the day on a somewhat windy day and it wasn't horribly buggy but for sure walked quickly to avoid bites. Very weedy but we were able to stay on the trail without getting brushed with weeds too much. A bit of mud but easy to walk around. I'd compare this trail to the trail at Margo Frankel Woods. Could hear road noise on half the loop. Trail decently maintained and gave the distance we were looking for.

Fun place for our grown-up birthday celebration! The blue Porch Punch was fun and fabulous. Great variety on the menu. My BLT was LOADED with a lot of candied bacon and fresh lettuce & tomato. Pretzel appetizer was HUGE and had delicious dips alongside. Fun arcade games after dinner. Highly recommend.

Haley was excellent even gave me a sample of beer on tap. Food was great and awesome atmosphere. Diffinately will be going back. The have specials too to make more affordable. I had a chicken quesadilla and deviled eggs…the deviled eggs were great but be careful they’re spicy but they’re supposed to be!!!

We ventured out Sunday for a bit to have lunch and some fun for a bit. Arcade was a good time, prices are at your own choosing of course. A few machines had problems but the staff was wonderful about fixing them promptly. We had a little lunch, kids Mac and cheese was to die for! House made cheese sauce and the kids meals come with a $5 gift card (at least that day). It was recommended to try the prime rib grilled cheese. It was good, but after that Mac and cheese, I’ll be back for Mac! We played darts after and played pool outside. A great few hours of fun! We will be back!

We came in around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. We had 3 kids & 6 adults - pure chaos! Our server took such amazing care of us. She told us it was her first day - Amanda we think - she was right on top of our drinks & all other needs. The food came out quick, hot & delicious and the bar made drinks like they knew us. The kids had a fantastic time playing games. Just 10/10 - no notes! Highly recommend.

The food was mediocre. I got a burger and it was pretty greasy. The fries were good. My daughter got the kids pizza and she did not eat all of it and she loves pizza and is always hungry if that says anything. My son got BBQ wings. They looked dried out and just tossed in BBQ sauce but he said they were good. Theres not a lot of games but kids had fun. Its a good place for kids but I was not impressed.

Normally I would rave about gameday as we frequent there often, but when we went in on a Saturday and it looked pretty dead in there, the manager could’ve cared less that there was 2 customers in there wanting to sit down. Told him we had 2 for a table and he just threw his hands up and said well there’s room at the bar and walked away… not very good customer service for people that frequent this establishment a lot…

Not just for the kids! Killer happy hour, specials that include free tokens, and the food is great. If there is a food special get it!

The rooms have lots of space, although the pull out couch isn't exactly the most comfortable bed ever. I love the little kitchenette space in the room, the bedroom with a door you can close, and a nice shower (but they need to work on the glass so everything doesn't get wet). The best part is the communal spaces on the main level. Happy hour with drinks and snacks, tasty breakfast, a gym with machines and space, and a pool to splash in are great. Everything is humid with the water features but they are pretty. Overall, the rooms are a little tired but the stay is good.

We recently stayed at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines and overall had a really good experience. The breakfast was amazing, the staff was so friendly and helpful, and the parking was easy to navigate. The space in the suite was perfect for our family—our kids had room to play in the mornings before we left, and having a separate living room meant we could relax while they napped in the bedroom. The late checkout was also a lifesaver, giving us just enough time to let the kids rest before hitting the road. That said, there were a few downsides that stood out. It seemed like the carpets had just been cleaned, but they were still damp when we arrived, which made the whole room feel muggy throughout our stay. We also noticed what looked like cat puke on the curtain by the door and the bathroom door was really scratched up, almost like a pet had been locked inside. I think a lot of this is tied to the hotel’s pet-friendly policy, which is great for some guests, but it did take away from the overall feel of cleanliness for us. All in all, it was a comfortable stay with great service and plenty of perks for families, but a little extra attention to room conditions would really make it excellent.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Spacious Room, Needs Update: Stayed one night at the Des Moines Embassy Suites. The hotel is a bit old and could really use new furniture and a facelift, especially the carpets. Parking seemed limited and there’s no valet. We had a unique 2-bedroom suite — one bedroom with a king, one with two queens, a large living room with a pull-out couch, and one bathroom. The room was very quiet and spacious, though a bit dusty. The shower was frustrating — very hard to turn on/off. The suite technically sleeps six (not counting the pull-out couch), but only provides four towels, which was inconvenient. The staff were very nice and attentive, and the mini fridge not having a freezer wasn’t a big deal. Managers’ happy hour was nice, and breakfast was typical Embassy Suites — decent option. Bonus: a great coffee shop just a few blocks away. I’d return, especially if the furniture and carpets get updated. Overall, 3.5/5 — would give higher, but it’s old, a little dusty, and the shower was annoying.

Stayed at this property this past weekend for an event. Location is unmatched! Easy walking distance to anything downtown Des Moines. If you don't want on property valet parking there is a very affordable public garage directly across the street and free on street free on the river bridge less than 1/2 block away. Hotel felt very safe at all times and there was additional late night security guard presence. Breakfast and happy hour snacks were amazing and on point. Staff were accommodating. An eclectic mix of guests who were respectful of each other. As mentioned before the property is older and the suites do show a little wear, however my suite was clean, properly accommodated, my AC worked fantastic (pro tip: change the fan from Auto to High) and I had no issues with water pressure or temperature. Overall a fantastic stay and I will absolutely keep this property in my rotation.

Negin did an excellent job making sure my stay here was perfect! She has really great customer service skills. I can tell that she was raised by good parents as she knows exactly how to host guests. She had a huge part of why I’m am writing this review. The hotel is very very nice and I like how everything is well cleaned and organized. If I am ever intown for work again I would definitely book my stay here again. Thank you again Negin for the great experience and hospitality you offered.

House man stole property and lied about it when confronted at a residence in Des Moines. This is even when offered no charges pressed and no job contacted upon return of stolen property. The presence of the property (AirPods) at the residence was confirmed by police officers on site via findMy gps and the sound feature. Yet Staff were incredibly helpful and respectful in trying to find lost/stolen property. Will change to improved review when house man is fired.

Great Hospitality. Reasonably priced rooms. Excellent space for room sizes. Incredible breakfast options, clean pool and perfect location for downtown attractions. Staff were helpful!

Room was in less than ideal. Tv, fridge, and phone did not work. Ceiling above the toilet leaked water. No extra pillows upon request. Pull out couch was worse than a normal pullout (I realize they are all bad). Walls had drywall mud all over but not painted. Breakfast was passable. We were also told when we arrive the pool was having maintenance done but found out it has been like that for years. Will not stay again.

This is not a very good or well maintained hotel. I was suppose to stay 2 nights and only staying 1 and went to a different hotel. The room was just very small and gross. I paid for the room online we get there and they want a deposit. I still have not receive my deposit back spoke with someone and he said he issued it. We'll I haven't received anything. The hot tub was not working and the pool had nasty green stuff floating in it. When we were leaving one of the housekeepers got a rude attitude and got really rude.

You get what you pay for. Room had actual roaches in it, toilet was backed up before we got there and the pool has been out of service probably forever, not that they would tell you that ahead of time. Staff were nice but after providing my phone number at check-in I'm now getting solicitation calls from Indian call centers on behalf of Choice Hotels. Room was decently clean but in relatively rough shape, scuff marks all over the walls and that sort of thing. Again, you get what you pay for.

Travelling a lot and seeing many hotels, this hotel was far from clean. Mold in my shower, lot of brown dust on lamp covers, no cleaning during my 4 night stay. Lots of paint missing on walks, doors and shower/bath tub was not connected to wall anymore. Breakfast very minimal and all chairs/tables are sticky due to maple sirop. This hotel needs a strong renovation and much better cleaning. People working in the hotel were very kind.

Common area and the room was clean. Newly remodeled in the last year or so. Everything worked well and the bed was very comfy. Even the breakfast options surprised me for an Econolodge. I will return !!

We walked in and all we could smell was vomit in the hallway. Not much for a selection for the breakfast other then toast, cold cereal, and cold biskets and cold gravy. Coffee was cold. Our room smelled like a wet dog. Not very inviting for our stay.

Room was bearable but it seemed to thrown together. Breakfast was god-awful. Looks like they've been using the same gravy for biscuits and gravy for the last week and a half. There was nothing available except for the gravy at 8:00. A.m..

If I could give this Zero stars I would: I was a guest at this Holiday Inn when a package I ordered from Amazon was delivered to another location nearby. I personally retrieved it and brought it back to my hotel room. Not long after, the package—along with the travel boxes I use regularly—went missing from my room. I immediately reported the issue to the front desk. I was told by the night auditor that the general manager had spoken with housekeeping and confirmed that no box was ever in my room. Despite the fact that the night auditor saw me bring the box in, my concerns were dismissed, and I was essentially accused of being dishonest. I filed a formal complaint and waited for a response from corporate. After no one contacted me, I followed up again three weeks later. Eventually, a customer service representative from Guest Relations read me a response from the general manager that continued to deny any wrongdoing or responsibility. This experience has been deeply disappointing. No guest should have to worry about their personal belongings or be treated with such disregard when raising a legitimate concern. If you value integrity, accountability, and peace of mind, be cautious. If you stay at this location, make sure your items are secure and that housekeeping only enters your room with your knowledge and permission.

We used this hotel for our wedding block, and Karla was superb to deal with!! Quick to answer any questions we had and super friendly! Our wedding guests enjoyed their stay, and REALLY enjoyed the fact that the shuttle bus would take them to and from Jasper Winery, where our wedding was held. They all said the driver was fun and informative as well when they would go other places during their stay. Highly recommend staying here!

The mattresses are so bad we both have backaches and trouble sleeping. The sink doesn't drain right. The AC is very loud when running and drowns out the TV unless you blast the volume. The wifi was so bad we had to launch a hot spot. The sound insulation allows steps from above to be clearly heard. The towles are hard, only two were issued, and only one can be hung to dry so the other stays damp. Although it's in downtown, very few places are within walking distance. The breakfast is just basic and okay, with the same weird nasty eggs. Google lists this hotel as 3 stars, but i see no difference over the 2 star hotels.

Really liked my stay here for a few nights! Staff was super friendly even though I checked in around midnight. Room was very clean. Bed and room was comfortable. Breakfast was solid.

Stayed for the weekend for the nascar race. Good location, though you’d be better driving to downtown for more eating options. Lots of parking and front desk staff were extremely helpful.

The chair lift for wheelchair users was not working for the pool or the hot tub. Staff was clueless how to use it, turns out they had not been working for some time (4 years was stated by one staffer.) This is an ADA violation. I am very disappointed with the treatment of this issue and staff not taking it seriously. Instead they complained of having to try to get it working by attempting to put in dead batteries that would not charge and ultimately learning they would have to buy new equipment. It is not optional, you MUST have this equipment, check it daily for functionality. It is the law. And it is important for folks with disabilities to be able to utilize your facilities. Deplorable.

Mike G was professional courtesy and very informative on the area and events. I forgot we were on a shuttle , made all 6 of us feel like family. HIGHLY RECOMMEND...