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 4–9 p.m. Tues – Thurs & 4-10 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. This lineup is anything but ordinary, with house cocktails like the Ruby Grapefruit Paloma and Blood Orange Margarita or classic cocktails like the Dirty Blue Martini or Aperol Spritz. These artfully crafted drinks are the perfect pairing for a summer night out in Downtown DSM.
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You can also grab seasonal drinks during the Downtown Farmers' Market at Grounded by The Collective, a new Filipino Cafe in Des Moines! Try an espresso or tea latte or the seasonal Strawberry Rhubarb Matcha.
2. HomeGrown Des Moines Seasonal Flavors
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 Key Lime Pop'd Heart, Avocado Fresco Salad and the Sweet Corn Honeycake French Toast — featuring sweet corn and honey poundcake with blueberry compote and local honey-laced whipped mascarpone. Pair your meal with refreshing seasonal sips like the Piña Lemonade, Vietnamese Coffee and Cold Brew.
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3. DSM Restaurant Week
Aug. 7 – 16, 2026
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 Alba, Bar Nico, Centro, Mulberry Street Tavern, Park Street Kitchen & Bar, The Purveyor, Tupelo Honey and several others.
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Hey! We think you might also be interested in The Stuffed Olive's new summer cocktails like the Peach Smash, Juice Box Martini and Oaxacan Heatwave and food items including Watermelon Salad, Lamb Kofte and Peach and Prosciutto Flatbread.
4. Seasonal Menu at Tupelo Honey
Open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat & 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun
The Summer Berry Salad, Berry Bliss Griddle and more are available for a limited time at Tupelo Honey in Downtown DSM, along with seasonal drinks like the Strawberry Lemondrop Mimosa, Strawberry Margarita and Strawberry Lemonade.
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Black Cat Ice Cream flavors like Lemon Raspberry and Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet are ever-changing at their location in the Historic East Village, and just outside of Downtown DSM, Nadia's French Bakery offers summery drinks of the month. In July, try the S'mores Iced Latte or a Blueberry Lemonade.
5. Secret Admirer's Summer Menu
4 p.m. – Close Mon – Fri & 2 p.m. – Close Sat – Sun
Cool off with creative cocktails on the patio at Secret Admirer in Downtown DSM. Secret Admirer's summer menu features drinks perfect for patio season. Try the Out of Office — bourbon, overproof rum, mango, orgeat and lime bitters or the Pistachio Cold Brew — vodka, pistachio liqueur, cold brew, demerara, cream and orange blossom. A Thelma's ice cream sandwich is also on the menu and is sure to hit the spot on a hot day.
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6. Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park
Weekly, 3 - 9 p.m. Wed & Thurs & 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri - Sun
Purchase a stein of beer and German-inspired eats at Des Moines Biergarten throughout the summer season.
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And don't forget World Food & Music Festival vendors will be serving up worldly flavors this summer Friday, Aug. 28 - Sunday, 30, 2026 in Downtown DSM.
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