Celebrate 515 Day in DSM: Food + Drink Edition

We always encourage you to visit your favorite restaurants, whether to celebrate a special milestone or catch up with friends, but have you considered trying something new? Around Greater Des Moines (DSM), new restaurant owners are diving into the dining scene — and what they have to offer is tasty entrees, stylish interiors and friendly service. Check out why these 11 new restaurants are on our list of places you just must try on 515 Day on Monday, May 15!

Bix + Co.

Community: West Des Moines
You’ll find Bix + Co. in the Historic Valley Junction district of West Des Moines. This sports bar offers plenty of sandwiches, pizza and apps to go around. It’s the perfect way to cheer on your favorite team at a family-operated local business.
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Cajun Belle

Community: Johnston
Off Merle Hay Road, Cajun Belle offers Southern food like gumbo and kolaches — from sweet to savory. Enjoy the “Cajun Belle Kolache” with homemade bread filled with boudin or the “Sweet Cream Cheese,” a pastry topped with Drobenka. Cajun Belle just celebrated their one-year anniversary on May 2, so there’s no better way to celebrate!
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Cooper’s Hawk

Community: Clive
Reserve a spot at Cooper’s Hawk for dinner or enjoy a walk-in wine tasting. There are menus for dine-in and carryout, chef recommendations, dessert, gluten-free, kids and more. Cooper’s Hawk is all about connecting and creating an experience for its patrons, so stop by and enjoy your picks from the 110-item menu!
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Dough Co. Pizza

Community: Ankeny
Located in the Plaza Shoppes at Prairie Trail, Dough Co. Pizza’s second location (the first opened in the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines), has an outdoor patio, New York-style dough and offers gluten-free and vegan crust options.
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DZO Korean BBQ

Community: Des Moines
DZO’s table top grill and bar selection make it a must-try restaurant in the region. Looking for something full of flavor? Try the “Shishito Peppers.” Craving tacos? The “Kalbi Steak Tacos” might be right up your alley … the creamy house salsa verde sauce adds a kick!
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Faustinos Taqueria

Community: Des Moines
Tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and, did somebody say salsa bar?! Stop by Faustinos Taqueria to choose between seven homemade salsas and the entrée of your choice.
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Mugsy’s Pizza House

Community: Pleasant Hill
This Irish sports bar is locally owned and offers favorites like “Gameday Nachos,” “World (Almost Famous) Mugsy Wings,” and pizzas made with a signature flavored homemade crust. Try the “Carnivore” featuring all the meats or the “Rolling Smoke BBQ” featuring Rolling Smoke BBQ sauce, smoked pork and mozzarella.
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Paris Banh Mi

Community: Windsor Heights
Paris Banh Mi is a sandwich shop that utilizes Vietnamese ingredients for its sandwiches. Opening this month, Paris Banh Mi’s menu includes “Pate & Pork Roll,” “Croissant Shredded Chicken” and more.
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Petite Café

Community: Winterset
Fresh-baked pastries, coffee, scones and lunch items like soups, wraps and salads make Petite Café a must-try restaurant in Madison County. This woman-owned local business is the perfect option for when you visit Winterset’s famous covered bridges.
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The Flying Elbow

Community: Marshalltown
Recently voted the best pulled pork sandwich in the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 6th Annual Pulled Pork Contest in 2023, this restaurant is known for its smoked pork featuring an in-house sauce. The Flying Elbow also won best burger in 2022.
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And if you’re looking for a few tried-and-true, long-time favorites, check out 801 Chophouse in Des Moines, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in Clive, Drake Diner in Des Moines, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in West Des Moines, The Urban Grill in Urbandale.

When you’re out and about on 515 Day this year, don’t forget to share your stops on social media. Wherever you choose to shop, dine or explore in downtown, highlight your purchases by posting them to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and don’t forget to include the hashtags #downtownDSMUSA and #515Day with your post! Local business owners will love seeing that you’re happy with your experience, and they will appreciate feeling the love during the 2023 515 Day celebration!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

When dining out — or in — in Greater Des Moines (DSM), locally-owned 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.