Things To Do in DSM
30hop
Casual dining option with brews, cocktails, and great food!
Aposto at the Scala House
Aposto is great for an upscale Italian dish or for steak/salmon. The ambiance on the patio is the best.
Big Acai Bowl - Ankeny
My favorite spot to get acai bowls in Des Moines! I love getting a classic acai bowl with acai base, mixed berries, peanut butter, and honey added to the ingredients already included!
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Beer? Yes. Apps? Yes. Burgers? Yes. Try the Easy Eddy for an amazing hazy IPA (my dad's favorite!)
Bubba
Bubba is wonderful for Southern Comfort Classics. This is always one of our favorites for mint juleps and their chicken fried steak.
Cheese Bar
Cheese Bar is your place for wine and the best cheeses in the DSM area! They have a nice variety of charcuterie boards, fondue, and mac & cheese dishes.
Clyde's Fine Diner
Some of the best meals you can find in East Village! We love their sandwiches and appetizers.
Confluence Brewing Company
The Des Moines IPA is a classic. Love coffee stouts? Try their Coffee & Cream Milk Man Stout.
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
Did you know Des Moines has one of the largest farmers' markets in the US? The market represents farmers from 50 of the 100 counties in Iowa! Visit from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday mornings. Enjoy a breakfast or pastry at one of their many stands!
Django
Looking for upscale French dishes? Look no further! Django is a spot in downtown Des Moines where you can enjoy all the French classics (Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse, and our favorite Beef Bourguignon) and walk across the street to see the sculpture park!
East Village
My favorite area to explore local shops in downtown DSM! Some of my favorites include Leona Ruby (jewelry), AllSpice (food/spices), Marne (clothing), Eden (skincare), & Ephemera (stationary). Take a walk by the Iowa State Capitol while there!
Grays Lake
A perfect 1.8 mile loop to walk around when you're in downtown Des Moines. From the lake you can see the DSM city skyline as well as the Capitol! Have extra time? Rent a kayak or paddle boat!
Horizon Line Coffee
This coffee shop was started by two friends from SoCal who moved to Iowa to start one of the absolute best coffee shops in the area. Try their seasonal menu items - always so fun!
In Confidence
The coolest speakeasy underneath the Hotel Fort Des Moines! Consider trying the “Smoke(d) Break” cocktail.
Lachele's Fine Foods
Best burger in town!
Lua Brewing
If you enjoy sours, you must try Lua's sour beers! Their "push-pop" sours and slushie sours are phenomenal. Fun Fact: The chef at this brewery was previously at the Michelin-starred Plumed Horse in the Bay Area before heading to Lua to whip together delicious food items.
Main Street Cafe & Bakery
The salmon avocado BLT is amazing!
Northern Vessel
The cold brew latte is an absolute MUST.
Operating Room Ankeny
Enjoy this fun arcade/game bar blocks away from our wedding venue!
Outside Scoop
A local ice cream shop near our venue with the best flavors.
Republic on Grand
Alex & I would come to this rooftop bar within the AC Hotel often for cocktails. The Hook And Ladder (a smoked whiskey drink) and the Traveler (raspberry cocktail) are two classics we always enjoyed. Need food? The Bacon Jam Mini Sliders or Boards are an excellent choice.
Scenic Route Bakery
My favorite items here are the kale salad (pictured) and any of the scones!
Secret Admirer
Great patio bar for summer cocktails!
Smokey Row Coffee - Ankeny
I love to stop by Smokey Row for a voodoo chai (vanilla chai with espresso) and any of their muffins!
The Bartender's Handshake
Great cocktails and great vibes! They have a large outdoor patio you can enjoy in the summer.
Wasabi Ankeny
The brussel sprouts are a favorite of mine!