Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines Farmers Market
A vibrant outdoor market offering fresh local produce, artisanal food products, and unique crafts. Connect with local farmers and artisans.
- Seasonal Variety: Experience a wide variety of seasonal produce and products
- Local Interaction: Engage with local farmers and artisans for an authentic Des Moines experience
- Unique Finds: Discover unique food products, art, and crafts not found elsewhere
2. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Famous for its gourmet burgers and innovative cocktails in a fun, horror-themed setting. Enjoy creative dishes like the Dead Elvis burger.
- Creative Cuisine: Experience inventive, delicious burgers and cocktails
- Theme Dining: Dine in a unique horror-themed environment with fun décor and service
- Local Favorite: Join the locals in enjoying this beloved Des Moines eatery
3. Vibrant Downtown Des Moines Dining Scene
Explore a diverse range of dining options in the vibrant downtown area, featuring local and international cuisine.
- Cultural Mix: Savor various cultural dishes from around the world
- Urban Atmosphere: Enjoy dining in a lively, modern downtown environment
- Local Flair: Experience the unique culinary offerings of Des Moines' local chefs
4. Jethro's BBQ
A famous spot for authentic Kansas City-style barbecue. Slow-smoked meats and homemade sides will satisfy any craving.
- Barbecue Variety: Taste a variety of slow-smoked, mouthwatering meats
- Traditional Techniques: Enjoy barbecue cooked in traditional Kansas City style
- Friendly Service: Experience warm, welcoming service from the Jethro's team
5. Tasty Tacos at La Mexicana
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on delicious tacos and fresh salsas. A Des Moines institution.
- Mexican Specialties: Savor traditional Mexican dishes made from family recipes
- Authentic Tacos: Experience tasty, authentic tacos made with fresh ingredients
- Friendly Environment: Enjoy a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
6. Downtown Des Moines Wine Walk
An annual event where participants sample wines from various vendors in downtown Des Moines. A great opportunity to discover new favorites.
- Wine Tasting: Taste a variety of wines from around the world
- Community Experience: Join locals and visitors alike in this popular event
- Unique Venues: Sample wines in downtown Des Moines' unique venues
7. Des Moines Social Club
A multi-disciplinary arts and cultural hub that offers a dynamic dining experience in addition to performances, classes, and exhibitions.
- Artistic Atmosphere: Dine in an artistic, culturally rich environment
- Performance Opportunities: Attend performances or take classes in various art forms
- Local Collaborations: Support local artists and performers while enjoying delicious food
8. The Bender Bar & Restaurant
A classic Des Moines eatery offering comfort food classics with a modern twist. Known for its extensive whiskey collection.
- Comfort Food: Savor traditional comfort foods with a contemporary twist
- Whiskey Selection: Discover a wide variety of whiskeys from around the world
- Historic Ambiance: Dine in an historic, beautifully restored building
9. Eatery A Trois
A farm-to-table restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Farm-to-Table: Experience dishes made from fresh, local ingredients
- Contemporary Cuisine: Enjoy innovative, contemporary American dishes
- Seasonal Menu: Savor a seasonally changing menu that showcases the best of Iowa's produce
10. Iowa State Fair Foods
Experience the unique culinary offerings at the world-renowned Iowa State Fair. Taste famous dishes like pork chops on a stick and elephant ears.
- Fair Favorites: Taste iconic fair foods like pork chops on a stick
- Cultural Exchange: Discover food from various cultures represented at the fair
- Food Competitions: Witness culinary competitions and see who will take home the top prize
11. Café d'Bolla
A cozy European-style café offering coffee, pastries, and light lunches. A great spot for relaxation and people watching.
- European Atmosphere: Relax in a European-inspired café environment
- Quality Beverages: Savor high-quality coffee and tea beverages
- Light Fare: Enjoy delicious pastries and light lunches
12. Proof Bakery & Pizzeria
A popular spot for artisanal breads, pastries, and wood-fired pizzas. A true culinary gem in Des Moines.
- Artisanal Breads: Taste freshly baked artisanal breads
- Wood-Fired Pizzas: Savor delicious, wood-fired pizzas made from scratch
- Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the ambiance of a traditional bakery and pizzeria
13. The Continental
A stylish restaurant offering modern American cuisine with global influences. Known for its impressive wine list and craft cocktails.
- Modern Cuisine: Enjoy innovative, modern American dishes
- Global Influences: Taste dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world
- Impressive Beverages: Savor expertly crafted cocktails and a wide selection of wines
14. Wine Star Tasting Room
A unique wine tasting room offering tastings from various Iowa wineries. A great way to discover Iowa's burgeoning wine industry.
- Iowa Wineries: Taste wines from a variety of Iowa wineries
- Knowledgeable Staff: Learn about the wine-making process and each winery's unique offerings
- Tasting Opportunities: Sample a variety of wines in a fun, educational environment
15. Des Moines Culinary Crawl
A self-guided food tour that takes participants to various restaurants and eateries in downtown Des Moines. A great way to discover the city's culinary scene.
- Culinary Discovery: Discover a variety of dining options in downtown Des Moines
- Food Sampling: Sample dishes from various restaurants along the crawl
- Historic Buildings: Explore downtown Des Moines' historic buildings while enjoying the food