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Where You Should Eat and Drink in Des Moines❤️
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Sam Melz
Born and raised in Des Moines. If you’re new in town, or just stopping through, here are some of my favorite spots in and around DSM.
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Looking for a Meal! Restaurants and Eateries.
 
Where to Find a Drink! Coffee & Cocktails.
 
Need a Treat! Desserts & Speciality Spots.

Looking for a Meal! Restaurants and Eateries.

My favorite restuarants around Des Moines!

 
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I dream about their cheese sticks. Also the OG crab rangoon pizza.
Fong's Pizza
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Steak - delicious. Pasta - delicious. Appetizers - delicious. Red velvet cake - delicious. Never had a bad bite here! Get there early!
Simon's
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DELICIOUS! Great sushi, curry, Chinese entrees, and apps. My favorite crab rangoons.
Cool Basil Clive
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Obsessed with their Souvlaki Platter with steak. Great appetizers and Italian food as well.
OPA! Italian & Greek
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Love their peel and eat shrimp and their sushi. Very fresh fish and seafood.
Waterfront Seafood Market
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Des Moines' authentic Italian. A hidden gem that has nothing but amazing food.
Tumea & Sons Restaurant
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Favorite breakfast spot. I'm a Drake grad so I'll always have a spot for this diner!
Drake Diner
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Where to Find a Drink! Coffee & Cocktails.

Looking for a light bite, coffee, or cocktail? Here's a few to check out!

 
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If you like martinis, this is the place.
The Stuffed Olive
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CBL or the Spanish Latte. Spectacular. Give me 14 of ‘em. Great local, small coffee shop.
Northern Vessel
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A little hole in the wall with great martinis and other libations. Down on Court but a different vibe than the other bars down there.
The Lift - Des Moines
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One of my favorite patios! Great cheese curds too.
The Pelican Post Bar & Grille
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Need a Treat! Desserts & Speciality Spots.

Places to go for a sweet treat or a more specific food.

 
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Homemade ice cream with different flavors every day. My favorites are sugar cookie, strawberry shortcake, and bubblegum.
Home Sweet Cone
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Love their bowls. Go on Tuesday for free toppings!
Big Acai Bowl - West Des Moines
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Love their paletas! Lots of options and toppings.
Monarca Paletas | The Art of Ice Cream | Clive, Iowa
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Eat, drink, and play games! Pickleball, outdoor games, and more. Great signature cocktails!
Smash Park Des Moines
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