Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Food & Drink in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit food & drink.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
24
Typical spend
$45
Typical visit
1.1 hr
Best neighborhoods for food & drink
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
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
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.
Downtown Des Moines
Buzzard Billy’s
Buzzard Billy's is a casual spot for Louisiana-style food, ideal for a family meal or watching a game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$35 per person for food and a drink.
Woodland Heights
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
This coffee shop is ideal for a solo work session, a casual meet-up, or a relaxed breakfast. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-$15 per person for coffee and a meal.
Food & Drink
Eatery A
Eatery A is a stylish spot for Mediterranean food and wood-fired pizza, suitable for a dinner outing. Expect to spend $30-60 per person and plan for a 1.5-hour visit.
East Village
Alba Restaurant
Alba is an upscale American restaurant and wine bar, best for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Expect a meal to last about 90 minutes with a typical spend of $50-$100 per person.
Drake Park
Mars Cafe
Mars Cafe is a good spot for a casual solo stop or a relaxed coffee date, offering coffee, light meals, and local art. Expect to spend an hour and around $5-$15 per person for a drink and a bite.
Downtown Des Moines
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey is suitable for a meal any time of day, offering Southern comfort food. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for an experience lasting about 90 minutes.
Bloomfield/Allen
7 Brew Coffee
7 Brew Coffee is ideal for a quick drive-thru coffee or energy drink run, perfect for a solo pick-me-up or a treat with kids. Expect to spend $5-10 per person for a visit of under 10 minutes.
Highland Park
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
This coffee shop is good for a casual solo stop or a quiet meeting. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-15 per person for coffee and a light bite.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 31 of the 110 analyzed Des Moines places fit food & drink.
- 0% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 32% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Quiet, Upscale, Romantic, Playful.
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