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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 
Lunch/Dinner:
  • 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 
  • Noah's - classic Des Moines Italian-American food
  • Baratta's - Another Des Moines Italian classic (2 for $20 Monday to Thursday)
Drinks:
  • 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
Desserts:
  • Scratch Cupcakes - some of the best of the best.  Closed Sundays.
  • Creme - fun desserts and cocktails
Local Attractions:
  • 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.
Click here to contact us for your free consultation!