Your Guide to Date Night in Downtown DSM

Romantic Date Night in Downtown DSM

Steakhouse & Cocktails

Where You’re Heading: 801 Chophouse
For a classic date night, head to 801 Chophouse for prime steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list. The upscale atmosphere and downtown setting make it a popular choice for anniversaries, celebrations and special nights out.

Continue the evening:

• Sip handcrafted cocktails in the vintage-inspired atmosphere a Hello, Marjorie
• Share a cupcake, cookie or other sweet treat from Molly’s Cupcakes

Italian Dinner & Evening Stroll

Where You’re Heading: Centro
Share a wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and a bottle of wine at one of Downtown DSM’s longtime dining favorites. The warm atmosphere and classic Italian menu make it an easy choice for a relaxed evening together.

After dinner:

• Walk through the Historic East Village and browse local shops, like Storyhouse Bookpub, Eden and AllSpice
• Grab ice cream nearby at Black Cat Ice Cream

Romantic Dinner with a View

Where You’re Heading: The Republic on Grand
Located on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel Des Moines in the Historic East Village, The Republic on Grand offers handcrafted cocktails, shareable plates and panoramic views of Downtown DSM. In the summer, the space opens to a covered open-air patio, creating a relaxed setting for date night with the city skyline as your backdrop.

Keep the evening (and view) going:

• Stroll the Principal Riverwalk hand in hand
• Sip a cocktail or mocktail on the skyline-facing patio at Secret Admirer and take in views of the Downtown DSM skyline.

Active & Playful Date Night in Downtown DSM

Competitive Couples Night

Where You’re Heading: Up-Down
Challenge each other to classic arcade games, rack up tickets and embrace a little friendly competition at this Historic East Village favorite.

Afterward:

• Head to Zombie Burger + Bird for one of their legendary burgers and over-the-top shakes
• Keep the good vibes rolling with a vibrant cocktail at Bellhop

Axe Throwing & Drinks

After your activity:

• Grab a bite to eat at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
• Walk over to El Bait Shop for a craft beer and one of the area’s largest tap selections

Board Games & Friendly Competition

Where You’re Heading: The Rook Room
Trade screens for strategy and settle in for an evening of board games, card games and conversation. Whether you’re teaming up or competing head-to-head, The Rook Room offers a fun, interactive date night that’s anything but ordinary.

Keep the fun going:

• Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Royal Mile
• Celebrate the winner (and console the loser) with a stop at Hobnob Coffee & Wine Bar for coffee, wine and conversation

Casual & Low-Key Date Night in Downtown DSM

Tacos & Margaritas

Where You’re Heading: Malo
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, creative tacos and fresh margaritas, Malo makes for an easygoing date night with plenty of flavor. Share a few appetizers, sample different taco combinations and enjoy a lively evening in the heart of Downtown DSM.

After dinner:

• Grab a nightcap or mocktail at Revival House
• Finish the date with a sweet treat from Insomnia Cookies

Coffee & Bookstore Browsing

Where You’re Heading: Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Slow things down with a cozy date centered around books, coffee and conversation. Browse the shelves together, swap recommendations and settle in with a handcrafted drink before exploring the Historic East Village. It’s the perfect option for couples looking for a relaxed date that doesn’t revolve around a formal dinner reservation.

Extend your date:

• Grab dinner and a local craft beer at Iowa Taproom
• Browse the selection of witty Iowa-themed apparel and gifts at RAYGUN

Pizza Night Out

Where You’re Heading: Fong’s Pizza
A favorite Downtown DSM restaurant, Fong’s Pizza combines creative pizza combinations with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re splitting a specialty pizza or trying something completely unexpected, it’s a casual date option that never feels boring.

Nearby options to continue the date:

• Grab an ice cream cone from The Creamery East Village
• Grab a drink at Ernie’s Boondock and enjoy the patio atmosphere

Arts & Culture Date Night in Downtown DSM

Dinner & a Show

Before or after the show:

• Enjoy Southern-inspired favorites and a handcrafted cocktail at Bubba
• Take a stroll across the street for a walk through Cowles Commons before heading home

Art Gallery Evening

Where You’re Heading: Mainframe Studios
Spend the evening exploring galleries, artist studios and rotating exhibitions at Mainframe Studios. During First Fridays and special events, visitors can meet local artists, browse new work and experience one of Downtown DSM’s most creative spaces together.

Complete the night:

• Share a variety of tapas and small plates at RoCA
• Explore the outdoor artwork throughout Pappajohn Sculpture Park

More Arts & Culture Date Ideas

Keep an eye on the performance calendars for the Des Moines Symphony and Ballet Des Moines. From symphony concerts and pops performances to contemporary and classical ballet productions, both organizations offer memorable opportunities to build an evening around live performing arts in Downtown DSM.

Double Date or Group Date Night in Downtown DSM

Sports & Brews

Where You’re Heading: Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wild, Iowa Wolves or Iowa Barnstormers Game
Whether you’re cheering on the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wild, Iowa Wolves or Iowa Barnstormers, sporting events offer an easy and energetic group date-night. Grab a few friends, enjoy game-day food and drinks and spend the evening rooting for the home team together.

Before or after the game:

• Gather around a Das Boot and hearty German favorites at Hessen Haus
• Head across the river to Mullets for patio views and a laid-back atmosphere

Concert Night

Where You’re Heading: Casey’s Center
From major touring artists and comedians to special events and performances, Casey’s Center regularly brings big entertainment to Downtown DSM. Pair the show with dinner beforehand and you’ve got an effortless group night-out.

Make it a full evening:

• Gather the group for dinner at Buzzard Billy’s before or after the show
• Kick off the evening with a pre-show drink at Jethro’s All Stars

Festival & Foodie Adventure

Where You’re Heading: Downtown DSM Festival or Event
From the Downtown Farmers’ Market and Des Moines Art Festival® to World Food & Music Festival, seasonal celebrations and neighborhood events, Downtown DSM offers plenty of opportunities to build a date night around local experiences. Spend the evening sampling food, listening to live music and exploring the city together.

Keep exploring:

• Head to your favorite brewery (we suggest Big Grove or Lua) for a craft beer and appetizers to share
• Share a bottle of wine and a spread of tapas at The Cave DSM

Ready to plan your next date night?

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a laid-back night out or a fun group adventure, Downtown DSM offers endless ways to spend quality time together. Mix and match restaurants, entertainment, local shops and attractions to create a date night that’s uniquely yours.

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