Discovering Local Favorites on 515 Day
515 Day (May 15) is a celebration of the places we love to support, explore, experience work and live across Greater Des Moines. It’s a chance to support the community we care about, whether that means grabbing coffee from your favorite local bakery, picking up dinner from a neighborhood restaurant or discovering a new go-to shop or place to experience.
If you’re looking for new places to try, we asked community members across the region to share their favorites using a simple formula: five top spots, one must-try item or standout feature from each, and five reasons they love them.
Angela Jiskoot's Restaurant Picks
From elevated comfort food to clean ingredients over brunch, Angela’s list is full of must-visit restaurants in Greater Des Moines.
Simon's
Must-try: The stuffed chicken with half red and half white sauce
Five reasons you should go:
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like you're hanging out with family
- Some of the best Italian food in the region
- The extra touch of dessert is a special surprise
- Perfect spot for date night, a girls' night or celebratory dinner
- Consistently great service that makes the experience feel personal
Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club
Must-try: Their chicken pot pie is everything you didn't know you needed in a dish
Five reasons you should go:
- The vintage wood-paneled interior gives major old-school supper club charm
- Live piano music creates an unforgettable atmosphere
- The menu feels nostalgic while still delivering high-quality food
- Great cocktails for a true "night out" experience
- It feels like you're hanging with your neighbors
Opa! Italian & Greek
Must-try: The gyro and pasta dishes make the perfect combination
Five reasons you should go:
- A unique mix of Italian and Greek flavors all in one menu
- Generous portions that are great for sharing
- Warm, family-style hospitality
- Comfort food with bold, flavorful ingredients
- A casual but lively atmosphere that works for almost any occasion
Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster
Must-try: Any of the desserts
Five reasons you should go:
- Elevated comfort food with creative flavors
- Stylish atmosphere that still feels approachable
- Great cocktails and an impressive drink menu
- Perfect balance of trendy and relaxed
- A fun experience and a little outdoorsy all in one
St. Kilda Collective
Must-try: Fresh brunch dishes and bowls
Five reasons you should go:
- Bright, modern atmosphere with amazing energy
- Fresh, clean ingredients that still feel indulgent
- Beautiful presentation that makes every meal feel elevated
- Great coffee and drinks to pair with your meal
- The perfect spot for brunch, lunch or a casual night out with friends
Sue Hudson's Greater Des Moines Favorites
Ready to take the family out for a day of fun? Sue has you covered with her favorites which include coffee, food, a getaway and a summer festival.
MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen
Must-try: Tea Leaf Salad
Why Sue loves it:
- Unique Burmese flavors you won't find anywhere else
- Beautiful, artistic dishes
- Family-owned and operated
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Perfect spot to try something new with family
Jester Park Nature Center & Cabins
Must-try: Stay overnight in a cabin
Why Sue loves it:
- Peaceful nature escape
- Cozy cabins surrounded by the woods
- Family-friendly activities (hiking, mini golf, nature center)
- Great way to unplug and recharge
- Feels like a mini vacation close to home
Porch Light Coffeehouse
Must-try: Hot latte
Why Sue loves it:
- Feels like sitting in your own living room
- Cozy fireplace and a relaxing vibe
- Perfect spot to catch up with friends
- Family-owned and operated
- Delicious drinks
Dough Co. Pizza
Must-try: A giant specialty pizza
Why Sue loves it:
- HUGE pizzas, perfect for sharing
- Tons of topping options
- Made fresh to order
- Family-owned business
- Great for feeding a crowd or family night
Summerfest in Ankeny
Must-try: Attend a concert, purchase food from vendors and watch the fireworks show
Why Sue loves it:
- Brings the whole community together
- Fun for all ages
- Great local food and shopping
- Live entertainment and energy
- Amazing fireworks show
Kalen Ludwig's Favorite Casual Happy Hours Spots Around the Region
If you’re looking for a relaxed happy hour with great drinks, inviting patios and a welcoming atmosphere, these five spots stand out across Greater Des Moines. Each offers something a little different, but all deliver on quality, service and an easy place to unwind.
Middlebrook Mercantile
Must-try: Capital Call Red Wine
Why Kalen recommends it:
- Cozy charm
- Great wine selection
- Frequent happy hours
- Live music
- Inviting patio
Wilson's Orchard & Farm
Must try: Cider Flight
Why Kalen recommends it:
- Relaxed outdoor seating
- Fresh cider
- Unbeatable scenery
- Wood-fired pizza
- Happy hours
Flamingo Lounge
Must-try: Norwalk Hots Moms Club
Why Kalen recommends it:
- Trendy vibe
- Colorful setting
- Great place to meet friends
- Great patio
- Fire table seating
Fine Creek
Must-try: Dirty martini with stuffed olives
Why Kalen recommends it:
- Great service
- Elevated atmosphere
- A patio you can stay on all night
- Extensive wine selection
- Great happy hour
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Must-try: Almond Sparkling Wine
Why Kalen recommends it:
- Wine O'Clock
- Consistent experience
- Extensive wine selection
- Great patio for groups
- Wine tasting
Perlla Deluca's Favorite Places to Grab a Bite
From traditional Italian dishes to authentic Cuban food, Perlla’s list of favorite restaurants reflects her love of exploring the Greater Des Moines dining scene.
Lucca
Must-try: Any of the food
Why Perlla recommends it:
- Awesome service
- Great atmosphere
- Perfect spot for special occasions
- Great value
- Extensive wine list
El Patio
Must-try: The patio
Why Perlla recommends it:
- Great service
- Amazing queso dip
- Great patio
- Affordable
- Authentic food
Aposto
Must-try: come for the amazing atmosphere
Why Perlla recommends it:
- Awesome food
- Chef is amazing
- Exceptional wine list
- Good for special occasions
- Reservations required
Ceviche
Must-try: Any of the specials
Why Perlla recommends it:
- Great service
- Authentic Cuban food
- 2 for 1 mojitos on Wednesday
- Mouth watering lobster rolls
- Great patio
Nadia's French Bakery
Must-try: The croissants
Why Perlla recommends it:
- Pastries are amazing
- Easy to bring to the office
- Freshly made everyday
- Exceptional service
- Great value
Casey Harms' Favorite Places to Volunteer
Giving back is a big part of how Casey spends time, regularly volunteering with organizations across the region.
The FreeStore (Hidden Gem)
Why Casey loves volunteering here:
- It supports a powerful mission – the FreeStore helps individuals and families leaving a domestic violence shelter
- You can see the direct impact – you help furnish a home so families can walk in and feel right at home
- There's a real need – what began by serving just seven families in its first year now serves hundreds of families annually
- Hands-on way to help – volunteer opportunities include loading and delivering furniture, setting up living spaces, organizing the warehouse and building or repairing donated items
- The community comes together – local organizations, donors and volunteers all play a role in supporting these families
The Des Moines Playhouse
Why Casey loves volunteering here:
- You get to be part of the theater experience – volunteers help create a welcoming environment by welcoming patrons when they walk in
- Volunteering supports the local arts – every volunteer shift helps keep the theater community thriving
- A variety of volunteer roles – from photography to scanning tickets, there’s always something different to do
- You meet new people – it's a great way to connect with volunteers or theatergoers
- Watch the performance – volunteers often get to enjoy the show during their shift
Dress for Success
Why Casey loves volunteering here:
- An empowering mission – every task contributes to helping women prepare for success in the workplace
- Rewarding and hands-on – whether maintaining the event space or helping prepare for events, you can see the impact of your work
- You help create a welcoming space – organizing the showroom ensures clients feel confident and supported
- There are many ways to be involved – from setting up the annual pop-up sale to landscaping, there’s lots of meaningful work to be done
- You're part of something meaningful – volunteers play an important role in supporting these programs that empower women in Greater Des Moines
Polk County Conversation
Why Casey loves volunteering here:
- Hands-on-work – from removing invasive species to planting trees, the work benefits the local ecosystems
- An opportunity to learn – through the volunteer activities, volunteers learn about Iowa’s flora
- Networking – meet other Iowans interested in conservation
- You help care for local spaces – parks, trails and waterways are preserved for the community to enjoy
- A deeper connection to nature – spending time outdoors makes the volunteer shift refreshing and meaningful
Young Women's Resource Center
Why Casey loves volunteering here:
- You're supporting moms in a meaningful way – meal and personal items donations create a sense of care and community
- You can see the impact right away – your work directly benefits participants attending events
- Simple ways to make a difference – providing food, baby items and personal care items like shampoo and conditioner are accessible but impactful ways to support the mission
- Several ways to volunteer – from item donations to working in childcare during events, are great ways to volunteer
- Every contribution feels personal – whether donating meals or setting up for events, you know exactly who you’re supporting
Megan Grandgeorge's Can't Miss Restaurants
If you’re in the mood for everything from a classic diner experience to rye crust pizza, Megan’s list of favorite restaurants highlights some of great spots to check out. Each offers something a little different, but all stand out for their flavor, quality and memorable dining experience.
Harbinger
Must-try: Happy Hour
Why Megan loves it:
- Top-tier cocktails
- Energetic yet polished vibe
- Creative small plates
- Unbeatable value during happy hour
- Ever-changing seasonal menu
Green Olive Mediterranean Grill
Must-try: Gyro Plate
Why Megan loves it:
- Generous portions
- Fast and friendly service
- Consistently flavorful
- Great for lunch or casual dinners
- Crowd-pleasing menu
Orlando's
Must-try: Rye Crust Pizza
Why Megan loves it:
- Nostalgic Des Moines favorite
- Unique crust you can't get elsewhere
- Classic pizza flavors done right
- Locally loved
- Proof that a comeback can be delicious
Adong
Must-try: To-go: 8c | Dine-in: 20 | Always add: 89 (Tom Chin)
Why Megan loves it:
- Authentic flavors
- Insider-favorite menu items
- Perfect for both takeout and sit-down meals
- Unmatched consistency
- Beloved local staple
Waveland Café
Must-try: The hashbrowns — go all in and smother them with onions and cheese
Why Megan loves it:
- A true Des Moines institution
- Classic diner experience
- Hearty portions
- Loyal regulars
- Might run into Jason Momoa (might)
Celebrate 515 Day
Whether it's volunteering or trying out a new happy hour spot, make the most of 515 Day and support the Greater Des Moines region.
Looking for more ideas to support local? Explore DSM Local guides.