One Post-Grad's Quest to Try New Restaurants in Greater Des Moines

When the new year rolled around, my roommates and I were looking for a new activity to do together, something to get us out of our apartment in the cold weather. We had lived in Des Moines for college, but now in our post-grad lives, we were looking for something more sophisticated and still budget friendly. We wanted something casual and flexible that wouldn’t require a lot of preparation and would accommodate our busy schedules. After some brainstorming, we landed on an idea that we very creatively named “One New Restaurant a Month.”

Since January, we have visited countless new restaurants around Greater Des Moines (DSM). Our criteria for picking a restaurant are simple; it must be a local restaurant and one that none of us have visited before. Reflecting on our first restaurants of the year, it is clear that we’ve gotten more out of our monthly outing than just trying a new spot from being introduced to new foods, supporting local businesses and strengthening our sense of community.

Trying New Restaurants

I was a bit apprehensive when we started this journey. I had already found a handful of favorite restaurants, checking off my go-to burger, Asian, breakfast and taco places and was content with my list. I mean, who can pass up a burger and shake from Zombie Burger or pancakes from Drake Diner? I didn’t think anything was missing from my DSM restaurant experience.

Once we got out of the bubble of being in college, I realized just how many places there were to still explore. DSM has hundreds of local restaurants. I would have never found new favorites like Basic Bird and Judges if I just stuck with the Des Moines staples. Even with these new restaurants, there are still so many yet to explore.

Supporting Local Businesses Supports the Local Economy

When you go to a local restaurant, you are helping to provide a livelihood for a local DSM resident. Many local businesses are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and are eager to have new customers in their door. Spending at Des Moines-owned restaurants helps to recirculate money in the local economy more times. It allows small businesses to grow and oftentimes in turn, they are able to support their community in impactful ways.

Finding an Enhanced Sense of Community in Greater Des Moines

When going to a new restaurant, we are always impressed by the curated atmosphere of the restaurant. The mom-and-pop shop feel at Waveland Cafe and Baratta’s Italian Restaurant, and the reinspired classics like Clyde’s Fine Diner (pictured above) enhance their dining experiences in a way you can’t replicate at a chain restaurant. Whether it be the smell of hot coffee or freshly baked bread, these restaurants welcomed us with warm smiles and open arms.

Looking around at these restaurants, it was common to find regulars being invited back to their spot, laughing with the servers like family. Local restaurants have a unique ability to bring their community together to share a drink, a meal and a laugh. As our world has become increasingly technology-focused, it is easy to forget to share life’s simple moments with those around you. Taking an hour or two out of my day to share a meal has quickly become the highlight of my month. From trying new foods, supporting local businesses and intentionally making time for my community, this restaurant journey has brought me more than I realized was possible.

When dining out in Greater Des Moines (DSM), local restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.

Looking for opportunities as a young professional in Greater Des Moines (DSM)? The DSM Fellowship Program is the preeminent professional development initiative attracting, developing and retaining a diverse community of top-tier graduates to the region. You can also connect with other young professionals and emerging leaders through Young Professionals Connection (YPC) events and committees.