Pictured: Early Bird
Independent restaurants add flavor throughout the city.
Pubs and Grub
Barn Town Brewing
Try a hazy IPA or the Iowa Gold, an easy-drinking ale, with apps such as poutine and roasted Brussels sprouts. Weekend brunch includes true-to-farm fare such as biscuits and gravy and buttermilk pancakes.
Charlie’s Filling Station
Just on the border of Des Moines at 63rd Street, this West Des Moines institution is one of those local hangouts where you’ll find avid cyclists, seniors and pretty much everyone in between. Grab free popcorn to snack on with a sudsy brew or a salty dog made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
Fox Brewing
Meet friends for fun and games at this brewery southwest of Valley Junction. Play board games while sipping a pint of Belgian wheat. Find special events such as trivia night, Saturday morning yoga and film viewing.
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
A pet-friendly patio topped with string lights makes this Eighth Street restaurant a popular hangout. Come for live music, bourbon drinks, family-style brunch on the weekends, plus gluten-free and vegan dining options.
G. Migs 5th Street Pub
The brick-and-mortar version of the popular Iowa State Fair food stand offers tasty sandwiches and wraps including the Pride of Iowa (a fair winner). It’s a great spot to catch a game on one of the many TVs.
1908 Draught House
Located on 50th Street just east of Interstate 35, this sports bar (one of four as part of the Greater Des Moines franchise) serves burgers, sandwiches and hearty apps. Snag a table outside if it’s a sunny day.
Sully’s Irish Pub
Right across the street from the Filling Station, this is another West Des Moines classic. Established in 1977, it’s the oldest Irish pub in the region. Find comfort cuisine — patty melts, fried curds (made with local Picket Fence squeaky cheese) and wings, plus a large variety of Irish whiskeys and popular beers.
The Hall
Sited in an 1890s rail car barn and iron foundry, this beer hall is the place to meet friends (including some new ones) just south of Valley Junction. Try a cocktail or one of the tap brews, and choose from German, burgers, pizza and other pub fare. The kitchen is a training ground for area disadvantaged youths in the culinary industry, so you’ll be contributing to a good cause with that currywurst order.
Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop
The West Glen version of the popular Des Moines bar and restaurant features ample indoor and outdoor seating. Happy hour is every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. Discover specials throughout the week, including Wednesday wing night.
Winchester Public House & Eatery
Upscale cocktails are part of the appeal of this speakeasy-style spot in Valley Junction. Try flatbreads (pear and walnut) or shared plates with a seasonal cocktail.
Upscale Eats
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
With a focus on seasonal flavors, this upscale establishment on University Avenue offers monthly chef’s specials, seafood and steak, as well as classic and signature pasta dishes. Find wines from Italy, California and the Pacific Northwest.
Cooper’s on 5th
Port-braised short ribs, seafood ravioli and gun powder rib-eye are among the tasty offerings at this Valley Junction eatery.
Fire Creek Grill
Bring your own bottle of wine ($15 corking fee — it’s waved on Mondays) to enjoy with a seafood, steak or pasta main dish. Specials throughout the week include happy hour and martini night on Wednesdays.
St. Kilda Collective
Step inside the airy dining room in this Valley Junction restaurant for some thoroughly modern, beautifully plated food. Order the creamy, cherry- and pistachio-topped hummus with homemade pita or a lobster roll.
Urban Cellar
This cozy bistro offers an eclectic mix of comfort foods with a twist. Case in point: crab Rangoon-flavored dip with wonton chips, garlicky de Burgo sauce served atop chicken, and a gumbo-inspired sausage and seafood dish on a bed of pasta instead of rice.
Waterfront Seafood Market
Fresh seafood is the story here. If you’re looking to make your own sushi, find ahi or salmon. Or let the pros at the restaurant prepare a market entree starring the freshest of fish.
Ethnic Options
Eat Thai
Spicy curries and other Thai favorites such as satay, tom yum soup, lettuce and pad thai are affordable, fresh and fast at this 22nd Street casual spot. Lunch specials Tuesday through Friday include a main dish, salad and rice.
Heavenly Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Serving authentic dishes from Sichuan and Gansu provinces in China, the Valley Junction eatery preps dishes such as Shanghai steam buns filled with pork and soup and crispy barramundi, a whole fish served with sweet and sour sauce.
Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant
Try seafood (the ceviche dishes are delicious), carne asada and apps such as empanadas and fried plantains at this 22nd Street casual dining destination.
Ohana Steakhouse
Get ready for an entertaining experience at this Clock Tower Square establishment. Your personal chef trained in teppanyaki cooking will cook your meat or seafood of choice (there’s also a vegetarian option) right in front of you.
Pad Thai Garden
Fresh Southeast Asian flavors permeate from the dishes at this Eighth Street business. Order fresh spring rolls, noodle dishes or curries and save room for a dessert of sticky rice with mango.
Persis Biryani Indian Grill
The Jordan Creek restaurant prepares a large variety of vegetarian apps and mains, as well as classic Indian meat dishes such as vindaloo, tikka masala and tandoori.
Breakfast & Sweet Treats
Early Bird
Cinnamon roll pancakes, biscuits and gravy-inspired pot pie, and avocado toast with whipped ricotta and poached eggs are a few of the options that satisfy every diet and breakfast craving.
Mahalo’s Coffee
Known for its mini doughnuts in island flavors such as Coconut Cove and Cinnamon Lava, this 50th Street coffee shop is a sweet spot for a caffeine or sugar rush.
PerKup Cafe
The coffee shop also serves teas and prepares tasty sandwiches, including their pecan chicken salad on a croissant.
Scratch Cupcakery
Decadent treats are the story here. Pick up a variety of baby cakes — bananas foster, banana split and Boston cream pie are just a few of the tasty varieties.
