Where to Buy Local in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM

For one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops, and cozy coffee shops, head directly to Des Moines Historic East Village. Whether you’re planning a date night or looking for a unique shopping experience, the Historic East Village has something for everyone. The Greater Des Moines Partnership recommends taking a walking tour of the area and discovering your own favorite #DSMlocal spot.

Downtown Des Moines Historic East Village Attractions

Brenton Skating Plaza

Featured Item: Open Skate
Description: Skate at Downtown DSM’s outdoor ice-skating facility located on the Principal Riverwalk.
dsm.city/departments/parks_and_recreation-division/places/brenton_skating_plaza/index.php

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Featured Item: Signature Events
Description: From Botanical Blues to the Annual Symposium to the upcoming Champagne and Chocolate holiday event, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers signature events throughout the year.
dmbotanicalgarden.com/events/signature-events

Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater

Featured Item: Live Music
Description: With the city skyline and river in the background, this is the most scenic outdoor concert venue in the city. Check back frequently for the latest upcoming shows.
simonestesamp.com

Find more attractions in DSM here.

Downtown Des Moines Historic East Village Restaurants + Bars

Bellhop

Featured Item: Fall Cocktail Menu
Description: Visit Downtown DSM's neighborhood tiki bar Monday through Sunday to try out the fall cocktail menu and the newly launched THC-infused drinks.
bellhoptikidsm.com

Coa Cantina 

Featured Item: Tacos + Burritos
Description: Try the slow-roasted beef, carnitas, chicken or chorizo tacos or a burrito at Coa Cantina. Or enjoy specials like half-priced drafts during Happy Hour.
coacantinadsm.com

HOQ

Featured Item: Seasonal Dishes
Description: HOQ showcases Iowa ingredients and supports local farmers using grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, as well as organic, chemical-free produce. Menu changes almost daily.
hoqtable.com

Peace Tree Brewing

Featured Item: East Village IPA
Description: The East Village IPA from Peace Tree Brewing is a hoppy, piney, citrus and floral beer. Try this or the Red Apple Harvest beer cocktail or made-in-Des Moines wine from Jasper Winery.
peacetreebrewing.com/des-moines-taproom

Purveyor

Featured Item: Tapas
Description: Tapas items are available at The Purveyor Des Moines, a charcuterie, wine and cheese restaurant in the Historic East Village.
purveyordsm.com

Find more restaurants in DSM here.

Downtown Des Moines Historic East Village Shops 

A-D Distributing Co., Inc.

Featured Item: Iowa Flag
Description: Show your state spirit by purchasing an Iowa flag. Various sizes available.
adflags.com

AllSpice

Featured Item: Fresh Spices
Description: Shop for the foodie in your life at AllSpice, where you'll find a wide variety of high-quality spices and herbs.
allspiceonline.com

Ephemera

Featured Item: Stationary
Description: Find one-of-a-kind cards and gifts. They also design and create custom invitations for weddings, baby showers and more.
ephemeradesign.com

Fleet Feet Des Moines

Featured Item: Running Shoes
Description: Find running shoes for men and women through Fleet Feet's Fleet Feet Outfitting Process.
fleetfeet.com

MARNe

Featured Item: Vegan Beauty
Description: Try Wild Lather soaps rich in antioxidents to soothe the skin, or try Sisters Body products, including the hand wash, body wash, scent oil and more.
shopmarne.com

Storyhouse Bookpub

Featured Item: Bestsellers
Description: Browse in-store or online at this darling independent bookstore in the Historic East Village.
storyhousebookpub.com

Find more business services in DSM here.

Downtown Des Moines East Village Coffee Shops 

Daisy Chain Coffee

Featured Item: Honey Latte
Description: This specialty coffee shop features Iowa honey that you can purchase separately or sample in a hand-crafted coffee drink.
daisychaincoffee.com

Scenic Route Bakery

Featured Item: Whole Bean Coffee
Description: You won't be able to resist walking by the case of fresh-baked pastries. Scenic Route also features espresso and drip coffee. Pick up some whole bean coffee to enjoy at home. 
scenicroutebakerydsm.com

Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen

Featured Item: Coffee and Sandwiches
Description: Choose from a wide range of espresso drinks crafted from house-roasted beans, colorful and refreshing energy drinks, hot and iced teas, chai and smoothies.
vibrantcoffeehouseandkitchen.com

Find more retail shops in DSM here.

The original #DSMlocal Buying Guide offers gift ideas for a variety of recipients from bookworms to pet lovers and more. Throughout the year, The Partnership will continue to add even more buying guides to encourage buying local, curated with DSM shops, restaurants and service providers in mind for shoppers like you! If you’re a business owner and Member of The Partnership interested in being featured in one of the buying guides, sign up here.