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Des Moines Eats + Drinks
14
items A collection of the restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, and happy hour spots I keep coming back to!
Map
Sections
6
Dinner Spots 🍽️
Coffee Shops and Bakeries ☕️ 🥐
Happy Hour Spots 🍻
Take Out Favorites
Cocktail Bars and Breweries 🍻
Brunch 🥂
Dinner Spots 🍽️
Best places to grab dinner with friends or date night!
The best classic diner food in town! 🍔 Sit in the retro diner or hang out in their cozy cocktail bar, it feels like like your favorite local hangout. Burgers, fries, and plenty of creative spins on the classics make it a go-to for comfort food!
Lachele's Fine Foods
Best fries in Des Moines 😛 and a menu that never disappoints. Great spot for date night, family visits, or anytime you just want a reliably tasty meal!
Clyde's Fine Diner
If you’re ready for a food adventure, Harbinger is the place to go. Every dish is creative and unexpected, with flavor and texture combos that somehow just work. I love doing the chef’s tasting menu, it’s the best way to try a little bit of everythin...
Harbinger
Every year, I celebrate my birthday at Aposto, and it never disappoints. The restaurant is nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion in the Sherman Hill neighborhood. Their classics, like the cavatelli and polenta cakes, are always a hit. I...
Aposto at the Scala House
Coffee Shops and Bakeries ☕️ 🥐
My fav places for a cup of coffee or a sweet treat!
I dream of the day I could have a pastry from La Mie every single day! 🥐 There’s often a line on weekends (it moves quickly), but it’s totally worth it. If you’re new to Des Moines or just visiting, locals will tell you this bakery is a must. Beyond...
La Mie Bakery
A fun coffee shop with plenty to see, whether you’re a biker or not! 🚴♀️ Perfect for a solo study session, catching up with a friend, or a casual business meet-up. Their classic drink is a go-to favorite, and they have even better grab-and-go optio...
Chain & Spoke
If you’re seeking a unique twist or searching for a delicious black cup of black coffee, I recommend Horizon Line Coffee!
Their menu features classics like lattes as well as seasonal flavors! A standout feature is their dedication to sustainability. ...
Horizon Line Coffee
Happy Hour Spots 🍻
Hands down the best happy hour in Des Moines! 🍕 Half-off pizzas (only $10!) plus half-off beer and wine. Wood-fired pizzas with endless mix-and-match options, a huge wine selection, and local beers to explore. Perfect for a catching up with the girl...
Eatery A
Take Out Favorites
My favorite takeout spot, I never order less than two entrees! 🥢 Always get the Rangoonies (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Huge fan of the crispy rice wraps and spring rolls, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch! The drunken noodles are a must, a...
Lucky Lotus
Phenomenal Korean fried chicken — crispy, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. Perfect for takeout or a quick bite. Their Double Dunk sauce is my go-to, and the instant ramen salad is a must-try. The sides work for adventurous eaters and those who wa...
Basic Bird
Cocktail Bars and Breweries 🍻
One of the best breweries in the world — seriously, look it up! 🍺 Award-winning beers and a seasonal menu keep things exciting. Love the vibe with the garage doors open and plenty of patio space. Plus, they make the best smush burgers in Des Moines!
Lua Brewing
My favorite cocktail bar in Des Moines! 🍸 The space is cozy with just the right vibe, and the cocktails always deliver. Their Drink Up to Be Somebody is a classic, but I love trying their seasonal features, especially since they donate a portion of ...
The Bartender's Handshake
Is this heaven? Nope, it’s Paws & Pints. The ultimate spot to grab a drink and let your pup live their best life. The staff keeps everything spotless, spraying the turf after accidents, refreshing water bowls, and keeping the vibe calm when playt...
Paws & Pints
Brunch 🥂
My go-to brunch spot in Des Moines! 🥞 The menu is affordable, with something for everyone — sweet and savory options, plus seasonal specials that keep it interesting. The pancakes are my personal favorite. I usually take mine home, and it becomes my...
Motley School Tavern