Guidebook for Des Moines
Food Scene
Skip's
4000 Fleur DrA Des Moines institution.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
6800 Fleur DrAn upscale restaurant with a 40's supper club feel.
The Wallace House is the best kept secret in the city! Located in an 1892 Victorian in historic Sherman Hill, the food is fabulous and ambiance warm and inviting. And it's only open Thursday nights.
The Wallace Centers of Iowa: Wallace House
756 16th StreetThe Wallace House is the best kept secret in the city! Located in an 1892 Victorian in historic Sherman Hill, the food is fabulous and ambiance warm and inviting. And it's only open Thursday nights.
Orlondo's On Park Bar & Grill
4337 Park AveGreat pizza spot and located right on the bike trail.
Court Avenue
Court AvenueRestaurants and bars galore. Very busy weekend night life.
Drinks & Nightlife
Francies
2100 Wakonda View DrOne of my favorites on the south side! Great food, service, and drinks.
Confluence Brewing Company
1235 Thomas Beck RdA great local brewery.
Exile Brewing Company
1514 Walnut StA great local brewery and restaurant.
Arts & Culture
Quaint theater that shows quality mainstream and independent films. And it serves homemade snacks, beer, and wine.
10 locals recommend
Fleur Cinema
4545 Fleur DrQuaint theater that shows quality mainstream and independent films. And it serves homemade snacks, beer, and wine.
Des Moines Social Club
900 Mulberry StThe Social Club is a unique arts and entertainment venue.
Everything Else
This 1,500 acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located along the Raccoon River, the park offers trails, picnic areas, grills, fields, and special events.
13 locals recommend
Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg PkwyThis 1,500 acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located along the Raccoon River, the park offers trails, picnic areas, grills, fields, and special events.
Gray's Lake is a 167 acre gem in the heart of the city. A trail encircles the lake and is lit for evening walks or bike ride. There is a swimming beach and you can rent watercraft.
10 locals recommend
Grays Lake
Grays LakeGray's Lake is a 167 acre gem in the heart of the city. A trail encircles the lake and is lit for evening walks or bike ride. There is a swimming beach and you can rent watercraft.
A fun local winery with concerts on the lawn every Thursday evening during the summer.
15 locals recommend
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg PkwyA fun local winery with concerts on the lawn every Thursday evening during the summer.
Great little boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Thursday nights in the summer you'll find the farmer's market and live music.
46 locals recommend
Valley Junction
Great little boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Thursday nights in the summer you'll find the farmer's market and live music.
Pappajohn Higher Education Center
1200 Grand AveThe Pappajohn Sculpture Garden is a gem.
A beautiful and historic theater offers great events in an intimate setting.
16 locals recommend
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland AveA beautiful and historic theater offers great events in an intimate setting.
Temple Theater
1011 Locust StOne of our many wonderful theaters.
Essentials
Hy-Vee
4605 Fleur DrLate night craving?
Shopping
Walgreens
606 Walnut StYou never know.
Filled with boutiques, restaurants, and night life, the East Village is a vibrant and diverse historic district at the foot of the capitol.
64 locals recommend
East Village
Filled with boutiques, restaurants, and night life, the East Village is a vibrant and diverse historic district at the foot of the capitol.
Entertainment & Activities
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th StOnly a few blocks away, our zoo offers something for everyone.