Things to do...
Breakfast:
- La Mie Bakery (closed Sundays) - French pastries and more
- Drake Diner - classic diner fare with great coffee
- Americana - amazing brunch spread on Saturdays and Sundays
- Waveland Cafe - another classic diner, hole-in-the-wall style
- Mullet's - sit outside on the top deck for a great view of downtown
- Django - A Des Moines favorite. French/American with no corkage fees!
- Fong's Pizza - try the Crab Rangoon Pizza. You're welcome.
- Jethro's - famous BBQ featured on Man vs. Food for the Emmenecker challenge.
- Centro - Italian. Fantastic dining environment.
- Zombie Burger - crazy burger creations and alcoholic milkshakes
- LaMie Bakery - sandwiches, salads and more on their homemade breads.
- Tumea & Sons - a South Side staple for authentic Italian that is ridiculously delicious with a fun atmosphere
- High Life Lounge - a throwback to the 70's where you won't find any Bud Light on tap. Try the bacon-wrapped tator tots!
- El Bait Shop - connected to High Life Lounge, their menu is Mexican-inspired
- Drake Diner - greasy burgers, fries and milkshakes.
- Gateway Market - Great for on the go places to grab a salad, sushi or order off the cafe menu.
- The Continental - tapas style lounge with great drinks in the East Village
- Alba - constantly changing menu featuring fresh, local ingredients and excellent cocktails
- Miyabi 9 - a small spot for some delicious sushi in the East Village
- El Bait Shop - love beer? This is a must-visit in Des Moines with over 120+ beers on tap
- Stuffed Olive - they have a 10 page martini menu.
- The Lift - another great martini place. Wednesdays 2/$8!
- Hessen Haus - Why not share a boot while here? Make sure you follow all the rules!
- Louie's Wine Dive - the featured wine is always a great choice to pair with an appetizer
- RoCA - The Iowa Bachelor went on a date here. There's a mural to prove it. They also have wonderful food and craft cocktails.
- Royal Mile - You can usually find a soccer match on TV here like you would in any English pub
- Up/Down - bar + arcade = barcade. Throwback arcade games and good beer on tap
- Scratch Cupcakes - some of the best of the best. Closed Sundays.
- Creme - fun desserts and cocktails
- Iowa State Capitol Complex - free tours Monday-Saturday
- Iowa State Historical Society - go learn why Iowa is so cool
- Principal Riverwalk - along the Des Moines River
- Iowa Cubs - catch the Chicago Cubs' minor league team in a game at Principal Park. General admission tickets are usually under $10 and there's fireworks on Friday and Saturday home games
- Gray's Lake Park - South of downtown, a great place to run, bike or just relax
- Western Gateway Park - outdoor art
- Adventureland - if rides or waterparks are your thing, go for it!
- Des Moines Art Center - free admission always to some pretty famous pieces of art
- Jordan Creek Town Center - for the shopping enthusiast in all of us (Scratch Cupcakes are very close!)
- The East Village - just down the hill from the State Capitol, this neighborhood boasts some amazing places to eat and shop locally.