The Library: Love the atmosphere of this place, really comfortable and low key. Nothing great on tap but when I'm tight on cash after visiting Mayhem this place always hits the spot. University Tap: cheap bar food that's really satisfying. Large variety in beer so each visit is always interesting. Rock Bottom in West Des Moines: I know it's a chain, but I've never had even a mediocre meal here and the bartenders are a cut above most of the others in the area. If you work downtown, come in from 4-6 on the weekdays to pick up $1 tacos. They serve spanish food and everything is basically great. Malo's: Best Sunday brunch I've had in the city in addition to having the best tacos. I recommend the weinerschitzel and the wild boar sausage. Most people just come here to drink and are missing out on a unique menu. Ingersoll location has daily specials, WDSM location has taco tuesday specials. Perfect as a counter-balance to a long night out drinking, and they make the best breakfast burritos I've ever had. Some additional Des Moines spots I frequent since I live off of Court Ave:Ībelardo's: Really good TexMex cheap and quick. I've lived in Des Moines 26 years and this is my go to list for the metro area. I'm sure I've missed or left out some great places completely unintentionally. Expert wait staff and chefs, truly different cuisine in a good way Tacopocalypse:: late night tacos, unique ingredients and menu, younger crowdįlying Mango:: combo Jamaican/bbq in a quiet neighborhood. Gateway Market:: health food grocery store with attached restaraunt, great for eaters with dietary guidelines, good variation in menu

Zombie burger:: zombie themed eatery, whacky burger toppings, long wait times, people either love it or hate it - very polarizing Miyabi 9:: simplistic sushi served correctly, small building, wait times expected Welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, word of mouth marketing High Life Lounge:: wood panelling and shag carpeting, Midwestern classics served connected to a bar with 100+ beers on tapī&B's Deli:: in the back of an old grocery store. An ideal late night stop for the bar going crowd More traditionally French as wellįong's Pizza:: dive bar slinging crab Rangoon pizza and fruity cocktails. Imo the menu is a little more hearty than centro. It's like what Panera Bread should beĭjango:: French cuisine, white table cloths. South Union Bread Co:: bread company owned by formaro, owner of centro, django, gateway mkt, zombie burger. Great bar, open ambiance, knowledgable staff. Proof:: minimalist decor, modern menu all seasonal and locally sourcedĬentro:: my go to date restaurant. Great sauce selection, decent drink prices

Jethros:: the place for barbecue in DSM, multiple locations with varying menus. Star Bar:: located on ingersoll, simple bar food with good prices prepared in an open kitchen In a refurbished car dealership, art & music are quite contemporary, views of pappajohn art park Alright, I suppose I'll run through the majors in Des Moines.Īmericana:: italian-american pub food with a modern twist.

Kalmes breaktime dubuque