Your guide to area dining.

Coffee Houses

Grounds For Celebration
Grounds For Celebration takes the old-world tradition of master gelato makers to provide the best, made-from-scratch gelato in town. With countless flavors, they're sure to satisfy every one. It's simply great gelato! Five locations. Windsor Heights, Beaverdale, Downtown, West Des Moines, Des Moines 255-4863

Bar & Grill

Wellman's Pub
Scratch soups, two-hand sandwiches and thin crust original pizzas! Kitchen Hours Monday-Saturday 11-3, 5-10. 2920 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines 245-9737

Cub Club
We're open to the public weekdays for breakfast and lunch. Cubs Club features daily lunch specials with lots of free parking. During games we're open for members only. Located in Principal Park. Come in an enjoy lunch with the best view in town.
350 SW First St., Des Moines 243-6825

BBQ

Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral
Come into Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral for delicious competition style BBQ and award winning flavors - ribs, brisket, pork, turkey and sausage and homemade sides. Cactus Bob's also offers Chuck Wagon Catering for your next lunch or get together.
5955 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston 331-0057

Diners/Cafès

Drake Diner
Breakfast from scratch. Custom blend coffee. Plentiful parking. Professionals and hangovers welcome. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. M-Sat. and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday.
1111 25th St., Des Moines 277-1111

Brew Pub

Raccoon River Brewing Co.
Next door to the Hotel Fort Des Moines. The perfect place to enjoy house-brewed ale, great food, live entertainment and good vibes as well as the city's finest pool hall. Children's menu also available. Open all day Monday-Saturday for lunch, dinner and late night.
Tenth & Mulberry, Des Moines 362-5222

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Stop in today to experience CABCO's award-winning cuisine, highly quaffable beer and inviting atmosphere. Known as one of the first brewery's in Des Moines, CABCO is known for it's tradition, ambience and an excellent dining experience.
309 Court Avenue, Des Moines, 515-282-BREW

Delicatessens

Jimmy Johns
World's greatest gourmet sandwiches. Jimmy Johns is also known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. Dine in, carry out and catering available. Seven locations in area.
Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny and West Des Moines www.jimmyjohns.com

South Union Bread Cafe
A great lunch menu that includes all of your favorite deli sandwiches and sides, ample seating and fresh, artisan bread. Brown bag it at South Union! The menus are available for meetings and events.
1007 Locust, Des Moines 248-1782

Family Restaurants

Champions Restaurant
Champions Restaurant at Prairie Meadows features breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets sure to please any appetite. Favorites include the Friday Seafood Buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. for only $13.95 and Pasta Nights every Sunday through Wednesday for just $9.95.
I-80 Exit 142, Altoona 967-1000

Clay's Restaurant
Clay's Restaurant offers casual, family dining with specials offered daily. Fresh soups, seafood, pasta, tender steaks cut in-house and homemade desserts and a full bar, there's something for everyone. Now open - large
party room for your next gathering.
4830 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill 262-7520

Chef's Kitchen
Located on the corner of 41st and Beaver in historic Beaverdale, Chef's Kitchen is the perfect spot for homemade soups, salads as well as full menu of traditional dishes.
1903 Beaver, Des Moines (Beaverdale),
515-255-4411

Italian

Boston's
Boston's the Gourmet Pizza is a full-service, pizza-themed, casual dining restaurant and sports bar, offering pizza, pastas and a wide variety of other dishes, such as appetizers, sandwiches, ribs and salads.
12401 University Ave., Clive 440-6051

Cafè di Scala
Contemporary Italian with a calabresse style served in a charming old Victorian home. The food is simple, yet elegant, based on recipes from the southern part of Italy and made from locally grown and produced ingredients.
644 18th St., Des Moines 244-1353

Christopher's
We've been serving the Des Moines community for over 40 years and our food and service reflects it. We prepare a variety of delicious entrees including prime rib, steaks and pastas. Book your private party in our party room. Catering also available.
2816 Beaver Ave., Des Moines 274-3694

Cosi Cucina Italian Grill
Celebrating our 12th anniversary, Cosi Cucina still brings you original Italian cuisine featuring homemade dishes and daily specials prepared with the finest ingredients while served in a casual dining atmosphere. We also feature an extensive wine list with over 30 wines available by the glass. Open for lunch and dinner.
1975 86th St., Clive 278-8148

Mezzodi's
The best Italian on the South Side. If you like Christopher's, you'll love Mezzodi's. We have a variety of entrees and serve fresh, homemade Italian cuisine. Call about our weekend entertainment and book our private party room for your special event. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
4519 Fleur Drive, Des Moines 287-3333

Sam and Gabe's Italian Bistro
Specializes in northern Italian cuisine. The menu also includes steaks, our signature dish steak Deburgo, fresh fish, veal dishes and daily specials. Sam and Gabe's opens at 11a.m. Mon-Sat for lunch and 5 p.m. Mon-Sat for dinner.
8631 Hickman Road, Urbandale 271-9200 www.samandgabes.com

Spaghetti Works
Des Moines signature Italian family restaurant. Located on historic Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Spaghetti works serves lunch and dinner, full salad bar as well as many different pasta and sauces.
310 Court Avenue, Des Moines, 515-243-2195

Trattoria
Escape to the intimacy of the Trattoria and Pasticceria where the food is simple and honest, reminiscent of old country dining. Join us for our monthly gourmet dinner and wine tasting.
310 Court Avenue, Des Moines, 515-243-2195

Wine/Liquor

Casa di Vino
Home to a unique selection of wines and accoutrements from around the world. CDV specializes in food/wine pairings with free recipes available. Easy to get to, distinctively eclectic. Open 10:30am - 7:30pm Mon. thru Sat.
8805 Chambery Blvd., Suite 250 Johnston, IA.
253-WINE (9463)

JT's
Featuring a wide selection of wine, domestic & imported beer & liquors. Imported cheese and other gourmet items. Celebrating 11 years of excellence!
5010 EP True Pkwy., West Des Moines 224-2997

Wine Experience
The Wine Experience is Central Iowa's most complete, full-service fine wine and gourmet food center. We offer more than 2,800 wine labels, unique gourmet foods, hard-to-find fine cheeses, wine accessories and custom-made gift baskets. From free samples while you browse, to weekly wine education classes and dinners, discover for yourself why it's all about taste at The Wine Experience. 7696 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights 252-8798
Jordan Creek Mall, West Des Moines 457-8577

Mediterranean

Mosaix
Warm ocean breezes, savory food, hospitality, and fine wine. At Mosaix, we wanted to recreate the hospitable atmosphere and memorable meals we have enjoyed in our travels. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
5014 EP True Pkwy., West Des Moines 226-3450
Ethnic

King & I
Authentic Thai Cuisine with many new menu items from Thailand. Fine dining with beer and wine served. Select American menu items also available. Please come and enjoy with our Thai family!
1821 22nd St., West Des Moines 440-2075

Ohana's Steakhouse
American food cooked Japanese style. Hibachi style cooking served to perfection. Come taste and see the "greatest tasting show in town."
2900 University Ave, WDM. 515.255.3325

Bistros/Fine Dining

43 Restaurant & Wine Bar
Extensive wine list including over 30 wines by the glass. Enjoy a lively cocktail hour at the martini and wine bar. Private dining spaces for your special occasions. Cocktails from 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner at 5 p.m. seven days a week. Tenth Street, between Walnut & Mulberry, Des Moines 362-5224

801 Steak and Chop
The ambiance, menu, professionalism and service make 801 one of Des Moines' most prestigious dining experiences. Located in the heart of downtown, 801 is renowned for business lunches, receptions and holiday parties.
801 Grand Ave., #200, Des Moines 288-6000

Bistro Montage
Offering contemporary French cuisine and wine bar. View a complete menu and wine list at www.bistromontage.com. Urban. Distinctive. Ambiance.
2724 Ingersoll, Des Moines 557-1924

Centro
An Italian urban eatery featuring specialty pizza, picatta and everything in between - pastas, steaks, seafood and great desserts. Open for lunch and dinner. Think of Centro for your next private event or special occasion.
1007 Locust, Des Moines 248-1780

Chips
Indulge yourself with an oak-fired pizza at our lakeside location, or treat your friends and family to our world-famous rotissiere chicken and complimentary "chips." Party room available for special events. We serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.
2502 S.E. Tones Dr., Ankeny 964-2112

Fire Creek
Come in from the cold to Fire Creek! Located on the corner of Mills Civic and 50th in West Des Moines, we feature hand cut, aged steaks, fresh seafood, pastas, ribs, and more all in a smoke free enviornment! Sit next to one of our four fireplaces and enjoy fabulous food and stellar service. Reservations accepted, 224-0500. Banquet Facilities available.
800 S. 50th St., West Des Moines 224-0500

25th St. Cafè
Casual fine-dining establishment serving American-inspired cuisine. With nightly specials, Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday brunch. We also offer off-site catering and private parties.
1229 25th St., Des Moines 255-0535

Ranallo's
Pete Ranallo has owned Rannallo's on 3rd for little over a year and is quickly becoming known as one of the best chef's in the Metro area. Every item on the menu is prepared for the savory in mind. Full menu, full bar, open daily for lunch and dinner.
417 SW 3rd, Ankeny 515-964-9510

Trostel's Greenbriar
Enjoy four-star food with your friends and family at our fine-dining restaurant. Order from our "Wine Spectator" awarded wine list. Our live entertainment on the weekends and half-price bottles on Wine Cheer Mondays will keep your spirits warm. Private dining rooms available.
Lunch Wed., Thurs., Fri. at 11:30. Dinner Mon.-Sat. at 5.
5810 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines 253-0124

Iowa Room
We invite you to sample our blend of contemporary Midwestern cuisine and flavorful specialty items. Our unique selection of steaks, seafood and starters is sure to please the most discriminating diner.
401 Locust, Des Moines 244-2151

Local Products

Wallace Farms and
Nick's Wild Fish
Wallace Farms' grass-fed beef combines the superior health benefits of forage-raised animals with a rare promise of consistency in two critical areas - taste and tenderness. Nick's Wild Fish offers you wild Alaskan Sockeye salmon from the glacier-fed waters of the Cook Inlet.
P.O. Box 446, Vinton (319) 472-5638

Mexican

El Patio
Serving Des Moines for 64 years! Specializing in serving
Southwestern cuisine.
611 37th Street, Des Moines 515-274-2303

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican food. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Open daily at 11 a.m. Take out available.
9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive 334-9693

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican food. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Open daily at 11 a.m. Take out available.
8801 University Avenue #29, Clive 457-8900

Alternative Dining

Kitchen Collage
We take pride in offering the highest quality customer service and most extensive collection of culinary tools and tableware. Please come see us in the historic East Village -- Teresa and Molly. 430 E. Locust St., Des Moines 270-8202

What's for Dinner, Des Moines?
We are a fun place to come and custom-assemble 12 of 14 recipes in about two hours. It is not a restaurant, or a carryout service - it is a meal alternative for people looking to save time and money and enjoy a family meal at home.
800 S. 50th St. Ste.103, West Des Moines
440-6101 www.whatsfordinner.com

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