Eat|Drink|Architecture: Where Design Meets Delicious in Downtown DSM

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) offers no shortage of ways to explore the city — but few experiences combine history, design, food and community quite like Eat|Drink|Architecture, returning Sunday, April 27, 2025.

This isn’t your average Sunday stroll. It’s a progressive walking tour that fuses the stories behind some of Downtown DSM’s most iconic buildings with tastes from local favorites like Ken’s Speakeasy, Royal Mile, Hessen Haus and the brand-new Historic East Village location of Fong’s Pizza. Oh, and did I mention the beer? Because there’s definitely beer.

Whether you're a design lover, a casual urban explorer or someone who just enjoys a cold pint and a slice of something amazing in a cool space — this tour is for you.

What Is Eat|Drink|Architecture, Anyway?

Eat|Drink|Architecture is the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s signature spring fundraiser, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a celebration of good design, great drinks and even better company.

This year’s event kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025 with a “shotgun start,” meaning you'll choose your launch point when you register — options include Ken’s Speakeasy, Royal Mile, Hessen Haus or Fong’s Pizza — and rotate through all the locations along a curated route that weaves architectural storytelling into each stop.

Along a route across the Market District and Historic East Village, you’ll hear the stories behind the buildings, guided by local experts who know their pilasters from their parapets — but don’t worry, this isn’t a lecture. It’s informal, social and fun. Think of it as a mobile cocktail party where the city is the star.

Eat Local. Drink Local. Explore Local.

One of the coolest things about this tour? It’s hyper-local. All food and drink stops are generously sponsored by Full Court Press, a group of Des Moines restaurants and pubs known for their distinct vibes and loyal followings. And the settings are as flavorful as the food:

• Ken’s - A Not-So-Secret Speakeasy (Iowa Taproom): Tucked beneath the Iowa Taproom, Ken’s Speakeasy offers a hidden, Prohibition-style experience in the basement of a former 19th-century factory. With exposed brick, low lighting, and vintage decor, it’s the kind of place that feels like a secret — perfect for a classic cocktail in a space full of character.
• Royal Mile: A British-style pub nestled into a historic brick building on 4th Street, where cozy corners and dark wood finishes make you forget you’re in the Midwest for a moment.
• Hessen Haus: Located in a former train station freight building, this German beer hall is the kind of place where stories echo off the brick walls and giant steins clink under antique tin ceilings.
• Fong’s Pizza: This tour features the new Fong’s location in the Historic East Village, and if you’ve ever experienced the original, you know to expect the unexpected.

Why It Matters

Sure, Eat|Drink|Architecture is a great way to spend a spring afternoon, but it also supports a worthy cause.

Proceeds from the event support the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s statewide educational efforts — including programs like Architecture in the Schools and Architecture in the Community — which help Iowans of all ages understand how design impacts our daily lives. From introducing students to the built environment to helping communities appreciate architectural history, IAF is on a mission to make architecture accessible and inspiring for everyone.

Insider Tips

• Buy Tickets Early: This event will sell out. At $50 a ticket (which includes all food and drink tastings), it’s an unbeatable deal and a super popular outing. Grab yours here: EDA2025.eventbrite.com.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is a walking tour, after all! The route is doable and Downtown DSM-friendly, but you’ll want to be comfortable for the stroll between stops.
• Bring a Crew — or Fly Solo!: It’s great with friends, but also a fantastic way to meet fellow Des Moines explorers if you come on your own. The vibe is welcoming and casual.
• Stay Curious: The real magic happens when you start noticing the little details — like the way a building was repurposed, or the story behind a façade you’ve passed a hundred times without realizing its history.

Let the City Surprise You

Eat|Drink|Architecture is one of those events that reminds you why you love where you live. It gives you permission to slow down, look up, taste something new and see Downtown DSM through a fresh lens — literally and metaphorically. Whether you're a longtime local or new to town, you’ll walk away from this tour with a deeper appreciation for the buildings around you, and probably a few new favorite spots.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.