DES MOINES Your Neighborhood Guide to the Hartford of the West Table Of Contents
Welcome 3 City Map 4 East Village 5 Western Gateway 6 Historic Court District 7 Sherman Hill 8 Historic Valley Junction 9 Places to Visit 10
StayFrontdesk.com 2 Welcome to the Neighborhood JMKE Photography Hi there!
My team and I are so happy to welcome you to our apartment! We also love to travel and have stayed in more than 100 Airbnb’s in more than 50 countries. Inspired by many of the wonderful stays we had, we began hosting people professionally in Des Moines in 2019. We believe new experiences build character and community, and we take pride in the personal touch we give each of our properties and guests.
In this guidebook, we’ve compiled all the information that we’ve found valuable on our travels. We’re also just a call or text away if you’d like other personalized recommendations. It would be our pleasure, we want you to enjoy Des Moines just as as much as we do! If there is anything at all that we can help you with during your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warmly, The Frontdesk Team
PHONE (text or call): 515-309-2543 • EMAIL: [email protected]
MEDICAL EMERGENCY: 911 POISON CONTROL: 800-222-1222
StayFrontdesk.com 3 Neighborhood Map
East Village • Page 5 Easily wins the coolest kid in school award. Dubbed “the closest thing to Brooklyn that Iowa has ever seen,” the area boasts over 200 shops and services, including award-winning restaurants, loft-style apartment living, and independently-owned boutique shopping.
Western Gateway • Page 6 With its eclectic blend of history, modern architecture, green space, corporate hubs, and percolating nightlife, it’s the heart of downtown DSM. Western Gateway Park is instantly recognizable. The 13-acre green space is home to the famous John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a 4.4 acre outdoor museum.
Historic Court District • Page 7 The Historic Court District is downtown DSM’s go-to hub for all things entertainment. Some of the area’s old-timers will remember when Court Avenue was where to find a “Hot Naked” (and you still can!), but today it’s also home to family-friendly activities, art, and culture.
Sherman Hill • Page 8 Sherman Hills is downtown DSM’s oldest residential neighborhood. It’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and it’s positively brimming with character. The district was named in the spirit of Hoyt Sherman Place, originally a mansion but now a theater, art gallery, and special events center – the jewel of this charming neighborhood’s crown.
Valley Junction • Page 9 The Historic Valley Junction neighborhood has the kind of charm and small-town feel that’s hard to find in urban areas. Chock-full of quaint shops and restaurants, it’s a perfect weekend destination.
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PLACES TO EAT
Lucca Olympic Flame 420 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 514 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 Delicious lunch menu with handmade pastas, Serves delicious, authentic Greek food, including sandwiches, salads & soups. Dinner features a four vegetarian options, healthy Mediterranean meals, and course prix fixe with changes occurring weekly. american favorites.
The Rooftop Miyabi 9 525 E Grand Ave 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309 512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 Burgers, gourmet bar bites and weekend brunch in a Sushi, bento boxes and Japanese entrees served with casual al-fresco setting with a patio bar. beer and sake in a small, artsy storefront.
PLACES. TO DRINK
AJ’s on East Court Trumans KC Pizza Tavern 419 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 400 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Upscale bar in East Village serving top shelf drinks and Full bar with specialty cocktails, and 24 craft and more than 80 bottled beers. Great friendly service, bar domestic beers. Great happy hour, and nightly specials, games and happy hour. along with nightly and monthly events.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab The Republic on Grand 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 Step into the Drink Lab for a full-service meal, cocktails Cocktails, craft beer and global plates in a 6th-floor hotel and famous spiked milk shakes. lounge with city views and stylish decor.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Plain Talk Books & Coffee Railroad Bill’s Dining Car 602 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 621 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Features organic coffee and locally-sourced food, a Feature a classic diner breakfast and lunch menu, with sophisticated selection of new and used books, and live fresh eggs and produce from nearby Raccoon Forks entertainment and events.Very friendly staff and great Farms as ingredients. Menu highlights also include food and coffee. innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes.
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PLACES TO EAT
Django Americana 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 1312 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Casual brasserie dishing up French standards crafted Casual place with modern decor serving steaks and with seasonal ingredients. Great food and service. chops, plus Asian-inspired sharing plates.
Malo Bubba 900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309 200 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Stylish restaurant and bar in a renovated Art Deco Southern favorites and a large array of whiskies offered firehouse with Pan-Latin dishes and cocktails. in a relaxed, stylish setting with a patio.
PLACES TO DRINK
Proof Restaurant Des Moines Social Club 1301 Locust St C, Des Moines, IA 50309 900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Modern, minimalist Mediterranean-style restaurant and Cool Place to get connected to the community through bar that's casual by day and intimate at night. Great spot Art, Food, Music, Theater, and all kinds of Special for drinks. Interest Classes, Events, and Galas.
Tipsy Crow Tavern El Bait Shop 102 SW 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 A fun local bar with games, late night food, happy hour Offbeat hot spot featuring myriad craft beers, creative and dancing. Mexican-American eats and live music.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Ritual Cafe La Mie Elevate 1301 Locust Street STE. D, Des Moines, IA 50309 601 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Homey cafe featuring live music, local artwork on the Great local place for breakfast or brunch. Good food walls and a great coffee menu. and service, also has a delicious bakery!
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PLACES TO EAT
RoCA Pho Real Kitchen & Bar 208 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 200 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Casual eatery serving New American entrees, small Asian restaurant serving Pho with vegetarian broth and plates and craft cocktails. Keto noodle options. Enjoy the selection of wine, cocktails, spirits and beer! Fong’s Pizza 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Wasabi Chi Funky mash-up of an old-school Polynesian cocktail 5418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 lounge and a red-sauce Italian joint. Diverse Asian offerings, including Chinese and Thai dishes and an array of sushi. PLACES TO DRINK
Court Avenue Brewing Co. Hessen Haus 309 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 101 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Casual, polished brewpub serving specialty beers plus a Festive German beer hall featuring over 175 types of menu of steak, seafood, pizza and burgers. German and Euro brews plus global comfort eats.
Beer Can Alley The Royal Mile 216 Court Ave 3rd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309 210 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Great fun atmosphere featuring fantastic food, service, Beer, Scotch and British-style pub grub served in a and happy hour selections. Also offers a great number of casual space with a fireplace and soccer on TV. cocktails and beer on tap.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Hy-Vee Market Grille Java Joes Coffeehouse 420 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 214 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Casual spot with a varied American menu, a full bar with House-roasted coffee plus snacks and vegetarian fare in a large craft beer list and a fantastic brunch menu. an artsy cafe with live music and poetry nights.
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PLACES TO EAT
Aposto at the Scala House Harbinger 644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314 2724 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Candlelit dinner spot serving modern, wine-paired Harbinger is a vegetable focused small plates concept Southern Italian fare in a Victorian mansion with featuring flavors inspired by the chef’s trips through SE great friendly service. Asia and beyond.
A Dong Restaurant Gusto Pizza Co. 1905 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309 Casual pizza joint serving craft beers, pasta and Low-key spot serving Vietnamese and other Asian thin-crust pies with unconventional topping combos. cuisines. Great food and vast menu options.
PLACES TO DRINK
Vines to Wines Lua Brewing 684 20th St, Des Moines, IA 50314 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309 A great experience from understanding the grapes, the Lua Brewing is a microbrewery and restaurant with process and even how to bottle wine. You will have a seating first come first serve. Fantastic drinks and great learning experience along with great wine! friendly service.
Juniper Moon Carl’s Place 2005 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 Des Moines premier cocktail bar serving craft beers, Great local bar with good happy hour options, beer great cocktails and food that pairs wonderfully. selections, and friendly service.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Smokey Row Coffee Palmers Deli & Market 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 2843 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Local cafe featuring fresh-roasted coffee, diner-style eats Palmer’s Deli is about community, family, and quality and ice cream in an industrial-chic space. food. Quality products and quality ingredients, freshly made bread and food daily.
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PLACES TO EAT
Coopers on 5th Chuck Celsi’s Tavern 227 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 205 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Old-school neighborhood bar and eatery serving Relaxed family-friendly grill offering thin-crust and sandwiches and elevated American comfort food. deep-dish pizza, drinks and other Italian dishes.
The General Store Eatery Heavenly Asian Cuisine 206 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 225 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Lunchtime cafe offering deli sandwiches, soups and Casual, brick-clad eatery and lounge for Gansu & housemade desserts amid antiques and curios. Sichuan-style fare plus teas, wine, sake and cocktails. PLACES TO DRINK
G Migi’s 5th St. Pub The Longest Yard 128 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 122 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Easygoing neighborhood nook with American Local bar with good happy hour options, beer and staples, specialty beers & wines, plus TVs showing cocktail list, and even some nights of karaoke and other sports. bar fun.
Vino209 Wine Bar & Bistro Fox Brewing 209 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Sophisticated, cozy atmosphere and casual upscale Brewing company serving a great list of craft beers, dining. Offering an exceptional wine list. cocktails and friendly service.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Railroad Bil’s Dining Car Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure 621 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA 50309 2723 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Gluten free and vegetarian options combined with time Enduring, local art-filled coffee shop with in-house honored classics at this welcoming diner. roasting and all-day breakfast in cozy surrounds.
9 StayFrontdesk.com Places to Visit
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 Enjoy a fun day of creativity at Hoyt Sherman Place. The art gallery and performance venue for dance, music, comedy and more in a grand 19th-century manor.
Science Center of Iowa 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309 The Science Center of Iowa features hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters and unique programming to encourage learning and fun for all ages. A great day of fun for the whole family.
Principal Park 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 Home to the Iowa Cubs, this ballpark has standard amenities and also stages concerts and fireworks shows. Enjoy a day outside enjoying a ballgame or featured event.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 With a mission of exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden inspires and engages visitors through education, experience and exploration.
State Historical Museum 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319 Discover Iowa's rich heritage through a variety of exhibitions, tours, collections and unique programs and events throughout the year. The museum exhibits over a thousand items related to Iowa's history, from cannons to bicycles.
Simon Estes Amphitheater 75 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 On the banks of the Des Moines River, the Amphitheatre is a 2,000 capacity outdoor entertainment venue. With a beautiful setting, it’s the perfect place to see your favorite band under the stars!
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