Des Moines,
Iowa
I’ve lived in Des Moines on and off for 15 years, so I’ve seen versions of the city that don’t exist any more and versions that are just beginning. I’ve found places that feel like home and I’ve learned to find new ones when I begin to feel like a stranger again. I’ve learned that an idea is only as good as the people around it and beside it. I’ve learned that sometimes you have a whole community beside you and sometimes you’ve got to find yourself on your own. I’ve explored most parts of this city and lost people and years and myself and then found her again in the quiet. I have done most of my becoming in this place. I hope you become here, too.
Des Moines is a dark horse. She’s quiet and underrated and she lets her creativity and community speak for her rather than flashing lights or tourist attractions. If you visit Des Moines, this is a guide to the places I’d check out. Because I’m an artist and I don’t have lots of money to eat out at fancy places, most of my recommendations are under $15. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if I’ve left out your favourite spot, it’s not personal (but please send it to me so I can try it!).
This is my first city guide and the first one I’ve organized this way: by neighborhood. I love finding a neighborhood in a new city and wandering around and drinking coffee then getting food, then finding coffee again, and maybe stumbling on a vintage shop somewhere in the middle. So I organized my guide like that. Within each neighborhood, I’ve got sections like food, coffee, drinks, and shopping. I hope that you enjoy my recommendations, but if nothing else, I hope they land you in a neighborhood and that within that neighborhood you find your own spaces that feel like home.
parts of the city &
walkability
Throughout this article, I’m going to reference different areas of Des Moines and different neighborhoods. This section is your key to those neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are in Des Moines proper: the East Village, Western Gateway, Ingersoll Avenue, Highland Park, Drake, North of Grand. The East Village and Western Gateway are downtown. Ingersoll Avenue, Drake, North of Grand, Highland Park, and Beaverdale are bikeable distances (20-to-30-minute rides) from downtown. You can get to Valley Junction in closer to 40 minutes by bike, but I’d probably recommend driving. West Des Moines you’ll want to drive to.
Overall, Des Moines is a car city, though there is limited bus service with Dart. If you stay in a hotel downtown during the warmer months, you’ll be okay without a car. Otherwise, I’d recommend renting one. Once you’re in a neighborhood, you can definitely just park in one spot and walk around.
There are also rentable bikes in the downtown and Drake areas. I’ve rented them before and have enjoyed riding around downtown. You do have to check them in at a docking station every so often, so you can’t really take them out of those neighborhoods.
music
One of my favourite things when visiting a new city is to fully envelop myself in it. I want to eat where the locals eat, I want to find the most hidden vintage spots, and I want to listen to what people in that city are listening to. I tend towards pop or rock music and usually I can find a couple stations in the area with this vibe. So I’ve done all the legwork for you! These are the stations I saved on my dial in Des Moines.
88.7: a rock station out of West Des Moines, run by a local high school. I like this station because it’s younger rock like the 1975 and not “dad rock.” The only downside is because it’s a super small station, the signal sometimes isn’t great.
89.3: I found this station when it was already playing in a Uhaul I rented. It describes itself as “urban adult contemporary.”
99.9: top 40 songs, no dj's, and few commercials (that’s their whole thing—just playing the songs)
102.5: the local top 40 (with some throwbacks) station with local dj’s. It’s pretty family-friendly and you’re guaranteed to hear a song you know
107.5: all top 40 with national programming—the best spot for a solid pop bop
East Village
The East Village is the local small business hotspot for visitors. You’ve got a bunch of options all within a few blocks—it’s all walkable. If you’re not going to stay in an Airbnb, I’d recommend staying downtown, so you can enjoy the city on foot (my favourite way to enjoy any city).
My lists are in no way exhaustive, but they’re a starting point and they’re places I’ve visited. There are definitely some fancier restaurants in the East Village—I just haven’t frequented them because we’re on the artist budget here.
Parking: yes, paid
Parking is available and metered. Most meters take credit cards.
Walkable: yes
Rental bike availability: yes
Bus system access: yes
Food
Zombie Burger:
Type of food: burgers, fries, and (spike-able) shakes
Price: $6-20 (depending on if you get sides or a drink)
Vegan options: yes; if you don’t eat meat, you can substitute a Beyond Meat or grilled portobello mushroom patty
This is where all the bands I’ve worked with go to when they tour through Des Moines. It’s a burger place, but I love their salads and fries. If you’re feeing more adventurous, try The Walking Ched, which involves fried mac’n’cheese. And you can’t go wrong by pairing it with a chocolate cake shake.
Clyde’s Fine Diner
Type of food: reimagined diner classics and cocktails
Price: $15-50
Vegan options: vegetarian options that may be modified for veganism, including a veggie burger, several salads, fries, and potatoes
This is one of my favourite newer Des Moines spots. Pro tip: their fries are excellent. I’ve also had their soup and a poke bowl they had as a special—both delicious.
Olympic Flame
Type of food: Greek
Price: not listed on their site, but I think I paid around $15 a meal
Vegan options: vegetarian (but not vegan) gyro, dolmathes, eggplant sandwich, and Greek salad
You may wonder why I’m including this place on my list because I’ve only been there twice and can’t even remember the pricing. However, I ate some of the best fries of my life here. They haunt me. (Yes, I really like fries.)
Coffee
You’ve got a few options. All of these are local!
Daisy Chain Coffee: this spot is in Raygun. It’s super convenient and owner Daniel has been a staple in the Des Moines coffee community for years. I’ve walked in and said, “I want something iced with oat milk,” and let him choose and his drinks don’t disappoint.
Scenic Route Bakery: Like the name implies, Scenic has pastries, but they also have coffee and lunch food (mostly soup and sandwiches). My go-to orders are the soup of the day with a side of bread or a mug of coffee for here with a chocolate chip cookie. Pro tip: put the cookie on top of the mug so it gets all melty.
DreiBerge Coffee: this is one of my favourite East Village spots to linger. The staff is super welcoming and it’s one of those places were I feel like I could show up in my coolest outfit or my sweatpants (literally I showed up this morning in basically my pajamas and later this afternoon to work in cargo pants and a vintage tee) and still be treated really well. I love places like that.
Nosh Cafe & Eatery: so, yes, Nosh does have food (averaging $8). But my food section is getting pretty full and they also have smoothies, which is what I usually get when I go there. If you want something pretty fast and pretty healthy, this is your spot.
Drinks
Bellhop: Bellhop is a tiki bar with super cool decor. It definitely feels like a destination and a fun treat. In the summer they had frozen drink pops and those were my favourite.
Clyde’s Fine Diner: Yes, this was already on the food menu, but their cocktails are delicious, too. Did I order the Shake it Off cocktail simply because of the Taylor Swift song? Definitely yes.
Up Down: This is downtown Des Moines’ locally-owned barcade. It’s perfect for a beer and giant Jenga with some friends. My personal favourite game and the only one I’ve ever made a highscore on is Fix-It Felix—yes, like the game from Wreck It Ralph.
Peace Tree Brewing: If you’re in the East Village and looking for a beer, look no further. Peace Tree also has a seating area outside, which is great in the summer.
Shopping
Marne
My friend Angela opened Marne a few years ago and she selects vegan and ethically-made womenswear and home decor to fill her store.
Raygun
This Des Moines staple has expanded across the Midwest and it’s worth stopping by the witty t-shirt store. The self-proclaimed “greatest store in the universe” also carries everything from books to candles from Midwestern makers.
Subsect
To be fair, I’ve only been in here twice, mostly because my attempt to learn skateboarding in 2013 definitely didn’t turn out well, but if you do skate, it’s the spot to go.
Fontenelle Supply Co.
If skateboarding isn’t your vibe, check out Fontenelle for a different genre of menswear. They carry brands like Redwing and Filson and make their own leather goods (I own a belt and wallet from them).
AllSpice
Now that I’ve started cooking from scratch more, I’ve begun stopping by this little shop for fresh spices and recommendations. I know the quality will always be good and I enjoy supporting a local business! It’s a great place to wander around or to snag a gift (for yourself is a valid option).
Music Venues
Wooly’s
Venue size: 700
Indoor or outdoor: indoor
Parking: street, metered
Wooly’s is locally owned and the main spot I see shows in Des Moines.
Simon Estes Amphitheater
Venue size: 2,000
Indoor or outdoor: outdoor
Parking: street, metered
Simon Estes is my favorite outdoor venue in Des Moines. It backs up to the river, the lighted arch over the stage sparkling against the sunset. Pro tip: if you don’t want to buy tickets or if they sell out before you can snag some, you can hear pretty well from the surrounding bridges.
Activities
Botanical Garden
Admission: $10
Indoor or outdoor: indoor
Parking: lot and street, free
This is a cozy spot, especially in the winter. The dome is full of plants and you can wander around and warm up and absorb some green plants on a gray day.
Western Gateway
For this section, I’m basically listing anything that’s in the downtown area, but on the the western side of the river. This part of downtown is mostly food and drinks, so you won’t see as much shopping. However, the Sculpture Park is a unique highlight and worth a walk on a warm day.
Parking: yes, paid
Parking is available and metered. Most meters take credit cards.
Walkable: yes
Rental bike availability: yes
Bus system access: yes
Food
A-Dong
Type of food: Vietnamese
Price: $9-15
Vegan options: yes! They have a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu.
Just a few blocks from the Sculpture Park and a short drive from the Ingersoll Avenue area, A-Dong is centrally located and one of my favourite spots for carry-out in Des Moines. My go-to order is 8C from the vegetarian menu, which is vermicelli with shredded tofu and a vegetarian egg roll. It’s enough food for one larger meal or two smaller ones and always tastes refreshing, but filling.
Bubba
Type of food: southern, whiskey
Price: $14-50
Vegan Options: they offer a vegan black bean and quinoa burger
I’ve eaten here a few times, but don’t remember what I ordered. I do remember I had an amazing old fashioned, so I’d definitely recommend trying that.
Coffee & Drinks
Horizon Line Coffee
HLC is the spot for coffee in this part of downtown. They use reusable glass jars for all their drinks, which I’m a fan of. I would recommend either black coffee or anything iced with oat milk.
Hello Marjorie
With glowing pink neon reading “the prettiest girls in the world live in Des Moines,” vintage furniture, and floral wallpaper, Hello Marjorie is a whimsical spot to grab a cocktail.
Lua Brewing
Lua is right next to A-Dong, so you can grab Vietnamese food for dinner, then a beer after—or Lua also has a food menu. They have a great patio, too, for warmer days!
Exile Brewing Company
Exile is a Des Moines staple and, just like Lua, has food, beer, and a patio—perfect for a summer evening!
Shopping & Activities
Lauridsen Skate Park
This is the newest and coolest feature of downtown Des Moines. The largest skatepark in the country, it is hosted the only stateside Olympic qualifier in 2021.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Right in the middle of downtown is this beautiful green space full of art. It’s next to Kum & Go’s Krause Gateway Center, which is an architectural delight and fun to look at while wandering the park. This park is great for walking and picnicking and generally hanging out.
Gray’s Lake
Gray’s is only a short drive from downtown and has plenty of space for walking, biking, and hanging out. Certain times of the year, you can also rent canoes and kayaks to take out on the lake.
Waterworks Park
Waterworks is right across the street from Gray’s Lake and while there’s less water, there are trees and a new amphitheater, which will host live music all summer and fall.
Art Terrarium
I know, I know, if you’re traveling you might not want to buy a plant to transport home. I get it. But this spot is so cute and they’ve also got candles and local art. Plus, they’re plant experts and have definitely saved more than one of my plants with their advice.
Ingersoll & North of Grand
I’m combining these neighborhoods and the 42nd Street area because they’re in the same neck of the woods. All these spots are more or less walkable to each other (depending on how long of a walk you're into), but definitely within a 5-minute drive of each other.
Parking: yes, mostly free
Walkable: Ingersoll is, the other areas are less walkable (as transportation), but pretty to walk around
Rental bike availability: no
Bus system access: yes
Food
La Mie:
Type of food: French brunch (think pastries and quiche)
Price: $12-20
Vegan options: limited, but items may be modified to create vegan or vegetarian options
I really like their macaroons, which I realize isn’t a whole meal, but they’re cute and delicious.
Eatery A
Type of food: pizza, charcuterie, and wine (among other things)
Price: $15-30
Vegan options: salads and some sides
My favourite meals here are the mushroom pizza (with an egg on top!) and the charcuterie boards. Pro tip: Hit up their happy hour from 3 to 6pm—all pizzas and glasses of wine are half off.
Cheese Bar
Type of food: charcuterie, grilled cheese sandwiches, wine
Price: $10-50
Vegan options: there’s a salad you could get without cheese, but other than that, nothing is really modifiable to being vegan (it’s a cheese place, so we aren’t too surprised)
When I feel like treating myself, I get one of their charcuterie boards. 10/10 recommend it.
Lucky Lotus
Type of food: South Asian
Price: $6-20
Vegan options: yes; most dishes can be modified to be vegan or vegetarian
My go-to order here is Pad Thai with tofu. The food tends to run spicy (and I enjoy spicy things), so I usually just get a 1 on a 0-5 spice scale.
Harbinger
Type of food: locally and seasonally focused small plates
Price: $25-80
Vegan options: possibly; the small plates vary seasonally, but the current menu has several plant-based options
This is one of my favourite “treat your self” spots. It’s cozy and feels like a little nook from a bigger city. The food is some of the best I’ve eaten in Des Moines and I haven’t had a bad drink either.
Gusto
Type of food: pizza
Price: $7-30
Vegan options: limited; pretty much everything has cheese
Gusto and Eatery A are both great options for pizza. As far as environment, Gusto is a little more casual and has kids’ menu options, so if you’re going for a family dinner or a more laid back evening, this is a great choice.
Coffee & Drinks
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is pretty much it in terms of coffee shops in this neighborhood. They roast their own beans and their interior has a cozy plant vibe. Their food is awesome, but it takes a while, so give yourself enough time to sit down and enjoy it. They don’t have wifi: it’s a great spot to read or meet with a friend.
Bartender’s Handshake
This is my go-to spot for to-go cocktails. The vibe is great, the staff is friendly, and I enjoy the drinks. Pre-covid, I enjoyed curling up in the booth or in a chair on a slow afternoon and drinking whiskey and writing.
Juice Company
This should probably go in the food section, but technically smoothies could be considered a drink and my food section was getting really long, so here we are again. I usually order the strawberry mango smoothie and add protein.
Shopping & Activities
Des Moines Art Center
Admission: free
The outside of the Art Center alone is worth the trip. There’s a beautiful wooded park, some cool art outside, and a rose garden. Inside the building there is, as expected, art. You can bring a camera, but can’t host a full-on shoot there (more details here).
Rumors Vintage
I can’t put a finger on it, but this store feels like Chicago to me in a good way. Rumors has a slew of amazing vintage in store and they do regular story sales on their Instagram. They also host semi-annual vintage markets with other vendors, so keep an ear out for that, too!
Preservation
Preservation was one of the first shops I remember going to in Des Moines. Nicole curates a combination of vintage pieces and small designers, in color palettes and styles that mesh well together. Her shop is basically next door to Bartender’s Handshake, so you can check out the shop, then grab a drink!
Drake & Beaverdale
Once again, I’m scooping two neighborhoods into the same section. These two don’t have the same vibe, but they’re in relative proximity. Drake is near Drake University (no surprise) and is a much more diverse neighborhood than Beaverdale, housing everyone from families to college students to single adults. I lived there for about 4 years. You’ll see the food area here is more sparse and that’s because I usually went home and ate there instead of going out.
Parking: yes, free street parking
Walkable: If you park on or near University Avenue, you can walk all over the Drake area. If you park on or near Beaver Avenue, you can walk all over the Beaverdale area.
Rental bike availability: limited
Bus system access: limited
Food
Drake Diner
Neighborhood: Drake (pretty obvious)
Type of food: diner food (also pretty obvious)
Price: $12-20
Vegan options: limited (sweet potato fries are your best bet)
With pink neon and cool booths, this diner fits every stereotype in the best way. I love the mugs of coffee and, of course, the fries. (The photo above isn’t Drake Diner, but believe me: it’s got a similar vibe.)
8 Degrees Ice Cream & Boba
Neighborhood: Drake
Type of food: ice cream and boba (self-explanatory)
Price: $5-7
Vegan options: they do have a non-dairy milk tea option
I have not tried their ice cream yet, but I’ve tried their milk tea and it’s excellent. If I’m craving it—which happens about once a month—this is my favourite spot to get some.
Gateway Market
Neighborhood: near Drake
Type of food: a little bit of everything, but mostly pretty healthy
Price: $10-15
Vegan options: Yes! They have three items on their plant-based menu section: a beyond meat burger, tofu bahn mi, and a BBQ jackfruit sandwich.
Gateway is sort of between Drake and downtown and the Ingersoll area, so take your pick! Their menu also has a lot of options to pick from (see what I did there?). While you’re there, pick up some fresh flowers to take with you!
Coffee & Drinks
Mars Cafe
Neighborhood: Drake
Mars Cafe is the spot for coffee in this part of town and my most common photo editing spot outside of my couch. I’m also a huge fan of their chips and fresh salsa and their breakfast quesadillas. I usually pair one of those meals with a mug of black coffee and find a cozy spot to edit for a while.
Cooney’s
Neighborhood: Beaverdale
If you’re looking for a local place to drink beer and eat popcorn, look no further. Tucked away just outside of the main part of Beaverdale, you likely won’t find this place unless you’re a local (or unless you’re reading this, which you are).
Shopping & Activities
Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo
Neighborhood: Drake
I’ve gotten many of my tattoos here, mostly as walk-in’s and mostly with Ace. Right now, with Covid, they aren’t taking walk-in’s, but if you’ve got time to plan ahead, you can get a quality piece here.
Iron Heart Tattoo
Neighborhood: Beaverdale
I’ve only been to Iron Heart twice, but I have multiple friends who have also gotten pieces there and I’ve never seen a bad one. This spot and Yankee Doodle are the two places I’d recommend if you’re going to get a tattoo on your trip.
Highland Park
I will admit that Highland Park is a neighborhood that I haven’t fully explored, which is why our list here is super short. However, don’t let the brevity deter you. These spots are so good that I made an entire section just for them.
Parking: yes, free street parking
Walkable: yes! Park and walk between these two places and explore the other shops in the neighborhood.
Rental bike availability: no
Bus system access: (I’m not 100% sure about this)
Food & Coffee
Slow Down Coffee
Slowdown is cozy and so welcoming and one of my new favourite spots. Admittedly with the pandemic I haven’t visited as often as I’d like, but I’d definitely recommend stopping by. They also have pastries and carry some plants from Art Terrarium.
Shopping & Activities
Des Moines Mercantile
Des Moines Mercantile is still pretty new, but I’ve frequented it pretty often. Things I’ve found: a handmade broom and a cute white dustpan; a handmade cribbage board; and I’ve definitely been tempted to buy fresh flowers there from Pepperharrow Farm.
Rayna Art + Co.
I may be a little biased, because Rayna is one of my dearest friends, but I can also give you firsthand experience of both her work and her work ethic. I met Rayna when she was a henna artist, and she’s expanded her skillset into tattooing. I have 4 tattoos from her and can tell you that she makes sure her clients feel safe, confident, and comfortable during their appointments (male tattoo artists, takes notes!). When she opens her books, they fill up quickly, so keep an eye on her social media for those dates!
Murals
Only of these murals is in Highland Park, but they’re both in relative proximity to downtown (Des Moines isn’t a large city). These two murals are by two of my favourite Des Moines artists: they both have unique styles and perspectives. They’re the kind of artists whose pieces I hope to someday have in my home, but for now, I’m enjoying their public pieces around town—and you can, too!
Zet Gold’s mural called Birdwatching is on the front of University Laundry: 1215 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
b. Robert Moore’s mural called UpLiFt Black Girls is on 2nd Avenue and Euclid Avenue across from CVS: 215 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
Find a more extensive list of Des Moines’ murals here.
Valley Junction & West Des Moines
Technically Valley Junction is part of West Des Moines, but when you visit you’ll see that it’s its own little entity, full of walkable cute shops, antique stores, and boutiques. If you’re here on a summer Thursday night, they have a cute farmer’s market.
West Des Moines itself is much more suburban and you’re more likely to find a Chipotle than a mom and pop shop. However, my favourite thrift store and my favourite Thai place are in West Des Moines, so I’ve got to include it.
Parking: yes, free
Walkable: Valley Junction is walkable after you park; WDM is not walkable
Rental bike availability: no
Bus system access: minimal
Food
Big Bowl Acai
Type of food: acai bowls and smoothies
Price: $6-13
Vegan options: yes!
Pro tip: you can get peanut butter instead of granola if you ask for it. My usual order is an acai bowl (which comes with a banana and granola and one topping of your choice): I substitute peanut butter instead of granola and get the mixed fruit option as my third topping (my goal is to get as much fruit as possible). You can always pay for more toppings, but I’m on a budget, so I usually just do the included ones. Sometimes on Tuesday they allow unlimited toppings, so keep an eye out on their social media for that!
Cool Basil
Type of food: Thai
Price: $10-20
Vegan options: yes!
A few years ago I ordered the special yellow curry and never looked back. It’s on the “noodle dishes” page and is sort of similar to a noodle soup but also sort of similar to a curry and if you’re into things like that, I’d definitely recommend it.
Viva Mexican Restaurant
Type of food: Mexican
Price: $10-20
Vegan options: limited; there are multiple pescatarian options and you may be able to modify them into vegetarian or vegan meals
This is my favourite Mexican restaurant in Des Moines. First of all, their frozen margaritas are great. Secondly, I’m a sucker for good menu photos and I love theirs. I wish I was kidding, but I’m not. Part of the reason I’ve kept eating at this spot is not only the good food, but the great menu photos (check out their site to see what I’m talking about!).
Activities
Smash Park
I’m pretty sure Smash Park’s main thing is pickleball, but I’ve taken a dance class there, done Bachelor trivia nights with themed drinks, and gotten a burger with an Impossible Burger patty to go. Check it out if you’ve got a free afternoon and a few friends and nothing to do!
The Foundry
So this is a food place, but also an experience. It’s a giant hall, with a bunch of beer on tap and food, tv’s, and sometimes trivia or bingo or live music. It’s not a place for a quiet conversation, but for a good time with friends.
Thrifting & Vintage
Salvation Army
This is my favourite thrift store in the whole city. I tend to find my best vintage pieces here. Overall, if you’re into thrifting, where you’ve got to really dig into racks and hunt for the treasure, the Salvation Army’s are going to provide that experience. The Goodwills tend to be a little tidier and places like Atomic Garage are much more curated.
Atomic Garage
This is a vintage store and I have found some sick 70’s pieces here. We are talking about a shirt that looks like it’s out of Harry Styles’ closet and a vintage polo tie with a picture of Harry Styles on it (this is not a joke).
Goodwill
If I’m going to go to a Goodwill, it’s usually this one. They have a good selection of newer and vintage pieces and get new items often.
the end
It’s not really the end though. Because I’m always learning. There’s always old places closing and new places opening and places that have always been there that I just haven’t seen yet. If you’re wondering where to start exploring, your own city is a good place to begin. Thanks for visiting mine.
If you have recommendations of other places in Des Moines or other cities to check out, email me! I don’t have an email address for this site yet, but I’ll link the contact page of my personal site here.
