The happy hour is unmatched! Half price pizza, beer, and wine. 2-6pm every day of the week. Delish! I always order the Chateau Gillet Sauvignon Blanc.
Eatery A
Dinner Spots
For a fancy night out - the Dirty Nasty is one of my fav cocktails in Des Moines!
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Clive, IA
Amazing happy hour! Dinner is also fantastic. I pick this a lot for my bday dinner 😍The Hanger Steak with goat cheese mashed potatoes is divine.
Fresko
Underrated spot in my opinion! Food and drinks are so good. Also, check out their happy hour!
Urban Cellar - Wine Bar, Grille, And Market
Such a Des Moines staple. If you haven’t been here yet, it needs to go to the top of your list!
Simon's
This place is so classic. It’s a must try - perfect for date night. Then hit up Winchesters across the street for a night cap.
Cooper's on 5th
The vibes here are perfect to get dressed up and get a dinner out. Love being downtown!
Centro
They are known for their southern comfort food but they are offer so much more! Great dinner spot but sometimes we will also just sit at the bar for a cocktail because it’s so cute.
Bubba
Malo gets mixed reviews and I’m not really sure why. We’ve always had a great experience here! My husband loves the burrito and I love the margaritas. It’s a win for me. Also, check out their happy hour.
Malo
This place is a must! The salad bar is what my 90’s childhood dreams are made of. I usually get a steak, my husband gets pasta, and we both leave completed stuffed.
Chicago Speakeasy
A Des Moines staple that you must try! Steak, pasta, pizza. It’s all good here.
Noah's Ark Ristorante
Such a charming spot!
Aposto at the Scala House
Cocktails + Drinks
They just know how to make a good drink here. One of my favs is Dude Abides, especially around the holidays because they add fresh nutmeg!
Winchester Public House
The vibes cannot be beat! One of the most recognizable drink spots in Des Moines! PS - they have a speak easy in the back during the holidays.
Hello, Marjorie
Such a good cocktail lounge! They also have a great patio for those warmer days you want to sit outside.
Secret Admirer
Yes, yes you need to try this. Cheese, wine, and catching up with your people. I like to go here in the afternoons after some shopping in East Village!
The Purveyor Des Moines
My favorite espresso martini in DSM but truly you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar - Des Moines, IA
Casual Restaurants + Bars
This Beaverdale classic is so cute and 90’s themed. Get the pizza, get a beer, and catch up with your people.
The Dam Pub
The burgers here are perfection - smashed and crispy around the edges. I prefer the tots because they are so darn crispy. Don’t forget the ranch!
Lachele's Fine Foods
Love the food here, love the casual vibes. Of course we order some of the spicy goldfish!
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
A classic restaurant and bar for a casual day or to watch a game. I love the buffalo chicken salad 🤗
The Chicken Coop - West Des Moines
If you’re a Chiefs fan, you’ve found your spot! And if you’re not, the food, drinks, and atmosphere is still worth going.
Truman's KC Pizza Tavern
Insanely good Mexican food, you have to try if you haven’t! Small on the inside but they still have tables. So so good.
Flame The Taqueria
Brunch, Lunch, + Bakeries
Perfect brunch spot. You must try the hash-holes. Pro-tip: reserve a spot on the waitlist via Yelp! It gets busy and the wait can be long.
Early Bird West Des Moines
Try the homemade poptart or coffee cake! Two locations - one next to Big Grove and one is in WDM off Jordan Creek Pkwy. Both delish.
HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent
It will likely be crowded with a wait list but it’s a fun brunch spot in WDM!
Home - Eggs + Jam
Love the vibe in this Beaverdale spot. If they have the Nashville hot chicken sandwich available when you go, my husband loves it!
Motley School Tavern
So chic. A few locations around the metro!
St. Kilda Collective
Love this to grab a fresh lunch by myself or with a friend. Bonus - amazing bakery items to take home for later! The prosciutto sandwich is one of my favs but you also can’t beat their fresh salads.
La Mie Bakery
You HAVE to try this spot - soo yummy, great variety. Meet a friend for coffee and a pastry here!
Nadia's French Bakery
A delicious bakery, it’s been around Des Moines since 1946!
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
Old school, cozy, and tons of menu options. Drake neighborhood!
Library Cafe
If you want the most home style brunch, this is it.
