Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Birthday ideas in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit birthday.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
24
Typical spend
$35
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Downtown Des Moines
the LiFT
This is a good spot for evening drinks, particularly specialty martinis and craft beer, in a dimly lit setting with local art. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-35 per person.
Sherman Hill
Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place is ideal for an evening out to see a performance or visit the art gallery. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$100 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Tipsy Crow Tavern
Tipsy Crow Tavern is a casual bar & grill serving American fare and drinks, often bustling, particularly on its patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for food and drinks, costing around $20-$50 per person.
Food & Drink
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Cooper's Hawk is ideal for a dinner date or a special occasion, pairing well with a relaxed evening out. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and roughly $35-$75 per person, not including wine tastings.
Westwood
Either/Or
Either/Or is a casual restaurant, suitable for a meal as part of a solo outing or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food.
Downtown Des Moines
Cowles Commons
Cowles Commons is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor break, potentially featuring public art. It works as a quick stop to pair with downtown activities, typically lasting an hour with no cost.
Merle Hay
The Slime Kitchen Des Moines
The Slime Kitchen is a hands-on activity for kids, suitable for a 1-hour visit. It's a low-cost, playful outing, ideal for pairing with a meal or shopping nearby.
Downtown Des Moines
Hello, Marjorie
Hello, Marjorie is a '70s-themed cocktail bar, ideal for an evening drink after dinner or as a standalone social outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.
Wellness
Lympha Spa & Massage
Lympha Spa & Massage is suitable for a solo wellness break or a special occasion. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $80-$150 for a typical service.
Wellness
Maple Spa & Massage
Maple Spa & Massage is suitable for a relaxing solo treatment or a shared wellness experience. Expect a visit of about an hour, costing roughly $70-$150 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Bubba
Bubba is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly for southern food and whiskey enthusiasts. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for food and drinks, with potential for patio seating in good weather.
Food & Drink
The Coffeesmith
The Coffeesmith is a good spot for a casual solo or small group visit, ideal for a quick coffee break or light snack. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $5-15 per person.
East Village
Daisy Chain Coffee
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$10 per person for a drink and a light snack.
Oak Park
Chicago Speakeasy
This steakhouse and supper club offers a Prohibition-era ambiance with live music, suitable for a 2-hour evening outing. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for food and drinks, making it a good choice for special evenings.
Downtown Des Moines
801 Chophouse
This fine dining chophouse is ideal for a celebratory dinner or a formal date night, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $100-$250 per person for a full meal and drinks.
Food & Drink
Harbinger
Harbinger is an upscale American restaurant best suited for an evening meal or special occasion. Expect a focused menu, craft cocktails, and a meal lasting about 1.5-2 hours, with a per-person spend of $75-$150.
Beaverdale
Christopher's
Christopher's is a solid dinner spot for Italian and American fare, suitable for a relaxed evening meal with family or friends. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-60 per person for an entree and drinks.
Downtown Des Moines
Horizon Line Coffee
This is a good spot for a quick coffee break or a quiet solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 on a drink and perhaps a small bite.
Downtown Des Moines
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a casual British pub, good for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person on pub fare and beverages.
Food & Drink
Lachele's Fine Foods
Lachele's is a casual spot for burgers and hot dogs, suitable for a quick meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-25 per person on food and a drink.
Downtown Des Moines
Northern Vessel
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink and a light bite, or a relaxed solo session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Beaverdale
Grounds for Celebration
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a drink and snack, perfect for a solo break or casual meet-up, costing around $5-15 per person for about 30 minutes.
East Village
Scenic Route Bakery
Scenic Route Bakery is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and pastries, or a quick stop to pick up baked goods. Expect to spend an hour and $10-25 per person.
East Village
The Iowa Taproom
The Iowa Taproom is a good spot for a relaxed evening meal or drinks, offering a wide selection of local beers and New American food in a historic setting. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $20-45 per person for food and a couple of drinks.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 110 analyzed Des Moines places fit birthday.
- 18% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 47% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Quiet, Upscale, Scenic.
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