Had Angry Goldfish for the first time about a month ago, that was some good stuff! Another under-rated bar food place is The Library on University near Drake. Their burgers are great!
Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives - Des Moines metro
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Had Angry Goldfish for the first time about a month ago, that was some good stuff! Another under-rated bar food place is The Library on University near Drake. Their burgers are great!
He's 100% genuine too. At first I was like there is no way someone can be this 'on' as he is, but that's just him, he's not playing a character to people coming in. He works the door harder than any owner I've ever seen.
His mom is great as well, had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two.
Another owner that hustles is the lady at Coa Cantina. Drinks only but a cool place.
Flying Mango has actually been on DDD as as George the Chili King and Smokey D's. I think some place in downtown Des Moines has been too but can't recall the name of the place.
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I have not personally been there yet but have heard Watcha Smokin in Luther is a hidden gem too
Flying Mango has actually been on DDD as as George the Chili King and Smokey D's. I think some place in downtown Des Moines has been too but can't recall the name of the place.
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George the Chili King hasn't been open since covid started. Patton's closed their restaurant a while back. They were still planning on doing catering, I don't know if that's still the case. Tacopocalypse closed a while back too. Dirt Burger took over the location but now they're taking a break too.
If we are talking hidden gems, you can't sleep on Merle Hay Mall.
Tamale's Industry has the best tamales around for sure.
Vietnam Cafe is amazing as well, I go at least once a week. The owner is super involved too. Very funny, personable, and gets to know you. They have a ton of awards.
Tamale's Industry has the best tamales around for sure.
Vietnam Cafe is amazing as well, I go at least once a week. The owner is super involved too. Very funny, personable, and gets to know you. They have a ton of awards.
Now or Later on East University was pretty damn good last time I was there. Homemade onion rings. The only down side was the gal that sounded like she smoked at least a pack of Marlboro reds a day. Sounded and kinda looked like Marge's sisters from The Simpsons.
Never eaten there myself but I've heard by pretty much everybody I know in Des Moines that Chicago Speakeasy is as good as it gets.
If you like Thai food I really like zupzap in west des moines. Carryout only right now. Doesn't get the love of Cool Basil but I think it's better
Now or Later is a great place! No one knows about it unless you have a reason to come to the east side. Speaking of Thai, we get the Thai Flavors on E 14th and I like it better than Cool Basil and it is cheaper
Kued in Waukee for barbeque. It is better than Smokey Ds in my opinion. I believe the owner used to be part owner of Smokey Ds at one time but started his own place. He won Season 2 of BBQ Pitmasters.
Coopers on 5th in Valley Junction. It's really small, so I'd get a reservation. Really cool hole in the wall spot
cooperson5th.com
Cooper's on 5th - West Des Moines, IA
cooperson5th.com
Sam's Fine Egg Rolls on SW 9th. Check their Facebook page for hours.
Drake diner, seafood place east of the capital (can’t think of name.) barntown, Smokey D’s, Latin king.
Got lunch there earlier this year and was not that impressed. In fact I found their restaurant to be a little lacking on cleaning while I waited for my order, most noticeably the air vents looked liked they had not been cleaned in quite some time.