6 Limited-Time Summer Menus in Downtown Des Moines

These six Downtown Des Moines (DSM) limited-time menus with summertime features include fresh and locally sourced ingredients from around the region and Iowa. You’re going to want to taste these one-of-a-kind offerings before they’re gone!

Limited-Time Menus

1. Table 128 Seasonal Cocktails
Open 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tues – Sat; open until 10 p.m. Fri – Sat
Sip into summer with Table 128's seasonal cocktail menu, where each drink is thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the season. Featuring locally inspired ingredients and unexpected flavor pairings like sweet corn soda, kiwi celery shrub and even a milk-clarified "Chips & Garden Salsa" cocktail, this limited-time lineup is anything but ordinary. These artfully crafted drinks are the perfect pairing for a summer night out in Downtown DSM.
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2. HomeGrown Des Moines Seasonal Specialties 
Open 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mon – Sun
At Des Moines’ go-to daytime eatery for locally sourced dishes, enjoy seasonal specialties like the Lemon Pop'd Heart, Limoncello French Toast and the Summer Market Salad—topped with roasted sweet corn, crumbled feta, avocado, fresh strawberries, grapes and ciabatta cheese toast. Pair your meal with refreshing seasonal sips like the Peach Basil Iced Tea, Strawberry Lemonade, Vietnamese Coffee and more.
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3. DSM Restaurant Week

Aug. 15 – 24, 2025
DSM Restaurant Week is the perfect chance to sample restaurants you’ve always wanted to try and unique, often limited-time menu items at favorite eateries. Participating restaurants provide a prix fixe menu with lunch meals starting at $15 and dinner dishes at $40. A few of the Downtown DSM restaurants you’ll find participating in DSM Restaurant Week include Aposto, Big Grove, Centro, Mulberry Street Tavern, Republic on Grand, Tupelo Honey and several others.
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Hey! We think you might also be interested in Good News Darling's new summer cocktails made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. 

4. Summer Menu at Alba Restaurant
Open 4 p.m. – Close, Sun – Sat
Located in the Historic East Village, Alba’s menu changes often! Their summer menu includes tried-and-true favorites while also highlighting Iowa foods including upscale deviled eggs, seasonal sauté vegetables, summer corn chowder and Alaskan halibut cakes. Don’t miss your chance to savor this summer’s menu at Alba!
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5. Secret Admirer's Summer Menu
4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Mon & 4 p.m. – midnight Tue – Fri
Cool off with creative cocktails on the patio at Secret Admirer in Downtown DSM. Secret Admirer's summer menu features drinks like the Cold Brew Martini for a caffeinated kick, the Garden Party—a savory-sweet mix of cucumber, basil, tomato and lemon—and Socks & Sandals, a silky blend of apricot, lemon and cashew orgeat.
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6. Grand Tasting at Hotel Fort Des Moines 
Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
WineFest Des Moines' grand evening of food and wine is back! This intimate and enchanting event highlights high-end wines and DSM's top-notch caterers serving up hearty hors d'oeuvres.
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Explore even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants and nightlife options, and plan your visit with these parking and navigation resources.