Downtown Des Moines Restaurants & Nightlife
Best Places to Eat in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a city bursting with flavor. Featuring farm-to-table eats and unique, locally owned breweries, nightlife and restaurants, Downtown DSM is the perfect place to dine, no matter what you’re craving.
With the importance of staying socially distanced, more and more restaurants are extending their patio season with outdoor heating. See a list of restaurants who received heaters through the Extend the Season Grant.
Nationally Recognized Restaurants - Downtown Des Moines
In addition to numerous James Beard-nominated chefs and local Downtown Des Moines restaurants featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel, the city also has many hidden treasures. If you’re a fan of the show Food Paradise, the episode featuring Downtown DSM staple Fong’s Pizza may have caught your attention. New restaurants are popping up all the time, and many of them are getting attention for their inventive menus.
Brunch and Breakfast – Downtown Des Moines
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day right at some of the best Des Moines brunch locations found Downtown. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink mimosas at Americana’s weekend brunch or the fresh vegetarian fare at Ritual Cafe. More great Downtown Des Moines breakfast options:
Lunch – Downtown Des Moines
If you work in Downtown Des Moines, you’ll need to know all of the best places to get a good lunch. Grab soup and a sandwich at South Union Bread Cafe, Palmer's Deli or give Basil Prosperi a try. Try some popular Downtown Des Moines lunch spots:
Date Night Dinner – Downtown Des Moines
When you need somewhere special for that special someone, Downtown DSM offers fine dining with a view. Be amazed at Alba or get a taste of Italy at Lucca. Other popular places for couples include:
Need more food for thought? Visit Catch Des Moines for more inspiration.
Pizza Places – Downtown Des Moines
Whether your pizza craving hits over the lunch hour or late at night, you’ll be covered by all of the great pizza options at Downtown Des Moines restaurants. As mentioned above, Fong’s Pizza may be the most famous Greater Des Moines pizzeria, but there are many more places to grab a slice:
Seafood and Sushi – Downtown Des Moines
When it comes to Des Moines restaurants, it seems everyone has strong opinions about their go-to place for seafood and sushi. Why not try them all and see what you think?
Roving Restaurants
Need something more on the go? See a list of all the best food trucks in DSM.
Best Places to Grab a Drink in Downtown Des Moines
Bars & Breweries – Downtown Des Moines
A more recent addition to the Downtown DSM scene is the quickly growing collection of craft breweries. Peace Tree Brewing, originally from of Knoxville, Iowa, recently opened a new location in Des Moines’ Historic East Village. And Exile Brewing Co. serves delicious food and beer out of their location near Western Gateway Park. Other all-star additions to the brewery scene in Downtown DSM include 1717 Brewing Co., Confluence and Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Other great places to visit to grab a beer include:
Cocktails & Wine – Downtown Des Moines
All of the date night locations mentioned above have a bar area with an excellent list of fine wines and fancy cocktails. Some other local favorites include:
Speakeasys – Downtown Des Moines
These not-so-secret speakeasys are quickly becoming staples in Downtown DSM. Explore Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar, Ken's — featuring classic prohibition drinks and themed cocktails — and Black Sheep, providing an underground private-club feel where all are welcome.
Additional Nightlife Options
Still haven’t found your spot for a night out? Check out these bars and nightclubs in Downtown Des Moines, often featuring DJs, dancing and more:
Bakeries & Coffee Shops – Downtown Des Moines
Need caffeine or a sweet treat instead of a cocktail? Whether it's to meet up with a friend, for a business meeting or grabbing something to-go, you can find coffee shops and bakeries of every kind in Downtown DSM: