Best Cities for Food Lovers in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. D Smoke BBQ
Award-winning BBQ joint offering smoked meats and sides in a casual setting, solving the challenge of satisfying barbecue cravings.
- Unique Sauces: Offers a variety of house-made sauces for each meat dish
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Uses high-quality, locally sourced meats and produce
- Laidback Atmosphere: A relaxed and comfortable setting perfect for groups or solo diners
2. Jasper Winery
Family-owned winery producing award-winning wines in a scenic setting, addressing the challenge of finding excellent local wines.
- Wine Tasting Events: Hosts wine tasting events and tours for visitors to learn about winemaking
- Scenic Views: Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards
- Wine Club Membership: Members enjoy exclusive benefits like discounts and first access to new releases
3. Chef's Table by Krause
Fine dining restaurant offering innovative, farm-to-table dishes, tackling the challenge of providing a unique dining experience.
- Customizable Menu: Offers customizable tasting menus for a personalized dining adventure
- Seasonal Ingredients: Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms
- Private Dining Rooms: Has private dining rooms available for special occasions or large groups
4. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Popular burger joint and bar offering creative, over-the-top burgers and unique craft cocktails, addressing the challenge of finding a fun, exciting dining option.
- Creative Burgers: Offers a variety of inventive burger creations with unique toppings and flavor combinations
- Craft Cocktails: Serves artisanal cocktails made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups
- Unique Atmosphere: Themed dining experience with a zany, zombie-inspired decor
5. Vibrant Fall Festivals
Community events celebrating autumn harvests and food traditions, offering opportunities to sample regional specialties.
- Regional Food Specialties: Showcases traditional Midwestern dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches and fried pickles
- Live Music and Entertainment: Includes live music, performances, and family-friendly activities
- Local Craft Vendors: Features local craft vendors showcasing their work and unique products
6. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Race track and casino offering dining options featuring regional cuisine, addressing the challenge of finding entertainment with great food.
- Diverse Dining Options: Offers several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from steakhouse to Asian fusion
- Live Horse Racing: Hosts live horse racing events with simulcast wagering from tracks across the country
- Gaming and Entertainment: Features a wide variety of casino games, live entertainment, and promotions
7. Kum & Go Convenience Stores
Popular convenience store chain offering high-quality prepared foods, addressing the challenge of finding quick, convenient meal options.
- Made-to-Order Foods: Prepares made-to-order sandwiches, pizzas, and other meals using fresh ingredients
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices for convenience store food options
- Extended Hours: Stays open 24/7 to cater to late-night cravings or travelers on the go
8. Eatery A
Modern Italian restaurant with a focus on handmade pasta and creative cocktails, addressing the challenge of finding quality Italian dining.
- Handmade Pasta: Prepares fresh, house-made pasta dishes daily
- Creative Cocktails: Serves expertly crafted cocktails using seasonal ingredients and unique flavors
- Intimate Atmosphere: Romantic, intimate dining experience perfect for date night or special occasions
9. The Flying Mango
Caribbean-inspired restaurant serving flavorful dishes and colorful cocktails, addressing the challenge of finding exotic dining options.
- Flavorful Dishes: Offers a variety of authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and curry goat
- Colorful Cocktails: Serves vibrant, tropical cocktails featuring rum and fresh fruit juices
- Live Music Events: Features live music events showcasing local and regional talent
10. Wine Star Tours
Guided wine tours exploring Des Moines' vibrant wineries, addressing the challenge of navigating the city's wine scene.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Provides knowledgeable guides with extensive wine knowledge
- Transportation Included: Offers transportation to and from each winery, making it easy to enjoy responsibly
- Customizable Tours: Allows for customization of the tour based on preferences and tastes
11. Tacopocalypse
Mexican street food restaurant with a variety of creative taco options, addressing the challenge of finding great tacos.
- Creative Tacos: Offers unique and innovative taco fillings like elote (corn on the cob) or chicharrón
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for authentic flavor
- Casual Atmosphere: A casual setting perfect for quick meals or takeout
12. Django Italian Kitchen
Authentic Italian restaurant focusing on homemade pasta and pizza, addressing the challenge of finding quality Italian food.
- Handmade Pasta: Prepares fresh, handmade pasta daily
- Wood-Fired Pizza: Offers thin-crust, wood-fired pizza using fresh ingredients
- Intimate Atmosphere: Romantic, intimate dining experience perfect for date night or special occasions
13. The Bier Stube
German-inspired restaurant and brewery offering hearty dishes and house-brewed beer, addressing the challenge of finding great German food and drink.
- Traditional Dishes: Serves authentic German dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and dumplings
- House-Brewed Beer: Produces a variety of house-brewed beers, from lagers to ales
- Live Music Events: Features live German music events showcasing traditional songs and dances
14. Farmers Market
Weekly farmers market offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and food vendors, addressing the challenge of finding fresh, local produce.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers
- Artisanal Products: Features handcrafted items like soaps, candles, and crafts from local artisans
- Food Vendors: Includes food vendors serving a variety of dishes, from ethnic cuisine to sweet treats
15. Craft Beer Tours
Guided tours exploring Des Moines' vibrant craft beer scene, addressing the challenge of navigating the city's brewery landscape.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Provides knowledgeable guides with extensive beer knowledge
- Transportation Included: Offers transportation to and from each brewery, making it easy to enjoy responsibly
- Customizable Tours: Allows for customization of the tour based on preferences and tastes