Location: Des Moines
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Where to eat Pub food in Des Moines: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best Pub food in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
Things to do in Des Moines
10. The Stuffed Olive
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Featuring a well rounded Tapas menu and one of the largest Martini menus you'll ever find, The Stuffed Olive is already proving itself to be a top contender in the downtown nightlife district while keeping it classy, charming and comfortable Larger groups
Reviewed By amyjuneh
We arrived very late, and the bar was winding down. We enjoyed buy 2 get one free martinis....and we got to chose the olives, and the stuffings!!I discovered I don't like martinis, but the server was nice enough to add grapefruit juice to make it more manageable for me...
9. The Angry Goldfish
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By RVIDI
I am an old curmudgeon, so please take this with a grain of salt... I felt The Angry Goldfish was a little loud. Now, truth in advertising, it is a neighborhood bar/grill. The atmosphere is really fun. The wait staff is wonderful and the food is easily a step above bar food. Gotta love a place that has bathrooms marked, "Sausage" and "Eggs."As mentioned, the food is above the bar food level. There are some really great takes on some of the meals. I had the meatloaf, which has Graziano's sausage worked in. Really good. The meal comes with real mashed potatoes. Loved them! Everyone enjoyed their meals. One other had the meatloaf. One had pot roast and the last had the pork tenderloin.The Angry Goldfish is off the beaten path a bit, as there is not much else around it. Take the time to go, though. The atmosphere is great. They have a full bar and the food is good (and reasonably priced). Give 'em a try!
8. Mullets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By TPinDC
Was in town for Navy business, so made a rushed visit and sat at the bar for a quick late breakfast. Packed place and each person I spoke to swore by the place. Both indoor and outdoor seating next to the river. I had the breakfast burrito, which was amazing. Other peoples's food and drinks looked great, too. I'd say of 10 restaurants I went to on that trip, add this to the top three if you like fun.
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7. High Life Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
Sort of an "off the beaten path" location and throwback atmosphere BUT outstanding place to go and feel "cozy".
Reviewed By beverlys271
We were in Des Moines for another doctor appointment. We were looking to try some place new to eat lunch. We all decided to try the High Life Lounge. The decor is old school, which is so cool. Brought good old memories back. The food is outstanding, and you should bring backup. You really get your moneyâs worth here. We ordered Onion Rings for an appetizer. They are lightly breaded and fired perfectly. My hubby ordered the smothered burrito, it is huge, but he dived into it and almost made it through the entire meal. Big Brother ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. It was huge and smothered in gravy. He almost made it through. I ordered the Chicken Wings. I got nine huge wings fried to perfection, served with Ranch Dressing. I had to bring some with me. They were even better cold. Service was fantastic, the server was very nice. This is definitely a place that will require a Roadtrip on the bikes this summer. They have a great beer selection. If you are looking for good food, reasonably priced, then this is the place to go. Be hungry when you go.
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6. Francie's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By CowboyJoe-IA
In town for the DSM art show and asked the locals for a good place to eat. Francieâs was named. Relatively small seating area, but we didnât have to wait long. (Outdoor seating available too). French dip sandwich was great. Only complaint was it has a loud atmosphere. Would not necessarily take small kids there, but good for couples and families with older kids. Overall good experience!
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5. Hessen Haus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin R
While I gather this is a generally great place for German food (came recommended at the hotel where I stayed), it happened to be Oktoberfest when I walked over! The street in front of the restaurant was blocked off. The restaurant itself was extremely crowded and loud -- no surprise given the ongoing celebration! The staff was all dressed in traditional German garb. While it was a fun time, I'd perhaps recommend going there during a quiet, normal time!
4. Exile Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By Sjwiden
Came here solely because of the TripAdvisor and Open table. This brewery didnât disappoint and the food was exceptional. The curds were a good starter and had the Chicken sandwich which was perfect. If back in DM in the future would like to come stop back again.
3. Iowa Taproom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Warren J
Went for dinner on a Friday around 6pm, place was packed. Nearly impossible to walk up to the bar to get beers...at least nearly impossible to get noticed. The standing around the bar tab couldn't be rolled into my dinner ticket, so ended waiting a long time for someone to take my card...twice....that sucked.On a different note, the meatloaf sandwich was recommended and was very good.
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2. Royal Mile
Overall Ratings
4 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By James F
This British/Irish/Scottish pub looks like the real thing (I was in England last fall). The drinks and menu are nice; the food is good. If you want to step out and feel as if you walked into another country, this is the place.
1. El Bait Shop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By nailuj110
For craft beer lovers, elBait shop is the place for you. With 262 beers on tap. Every thing from light-easy drinking to dark- roasted creamy beers, & everything in between. They carry beers from all over the US. The bar staff are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. (As you would expect when your serving such an extensive selection.) There beer menu is updated weekly, with the taps changing on a regular basis. If your not into road tripping to hunt down craft breweries. This is the place to go.
