The Walnut

Buildings constructed nearly a century ago don’t generally survive, unless it was a quality build. For The Walnut, a bar and grill located at 1417 Walnut, it’s like time stood still. The tall, unique windows, heavy, wooden doors and solid brick interior and exterior create an architectural treat and an enjoyable place to sip a cocktail or enjoy a meal.

The place, built in 1928, was formerly the Walnut Tire and Battery Co. It’s nestled halfway between the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and M.L. King Parkway. You won’t find tires or batteries here, but you will find a full cocktail bar with a kitchen.

The food concept comes from one of Des Moines’ first food trucks called “The Spot.” Owners traded in their wheels for a more permanent location in 2018. The vibe is bustling, yet with a volume low enough to carry on a conversation with friends. There are a few televisions, but they are not the main focus. The brick walls, cement floors and simple décor lend to a classic, old-school ambience.

The Walnut does practically everything right. A solid food menu won’t bust the budget,  although it’s not cheap bar food. The cocktail and beer menu offers something for everyone.

Happy hour includes $1 off drinks from 3-6 p.m. every day. If you missed the cut-off, stop in for another daily special. On Wednesdays, you can get a $5 Moscow mule (regular $8). Or try a few house wines by the glass, starting at $7. An expansive beer list includes five different beers from their neighbor, Exile. They also serve Big Grove, Toppling Goliath and other beers. For all you Busch Light fans, it’s just $2.50 for a can.

For the Wednesday night special, a pound and a half of hot chicken wings cost just $7, regular $14. The buffalo chicken dip included chunks of chicken with soft pita bread triangles for $10. Plus they’ve got tacos, sandwiches and burgers with no entree more than $16.

There are several vegan options besides a plain salad. They include veggie tacos, veggie Philly and vegan spring rolls. A vegan quesadilla includes vegan cheese, roasted sweet corn, red peppers, onions, black beans and pico de gallo for $12.

Don’t worry, meat eaters, there are a couple dozen options on the menu. A Saturday brunch starting at 11 a.m. gets you breakfast egg rolls, sunrise tacos, vegan blueberry pancakes and more. 

The place is closed Sundays and Mondays. It opens at 11 a.m. the rest of the week for lunch or brunch. A patio outside is relatively quiet. You can hop in for a drink or meal just before hitting Teehee’s Comedy Club a few doors down. 

Curiosity nearly got the best of me when I noticed a trap door in the center of the floor. It practically begged for me to open it up and take a look into the 100-year-old basement.

Instead, I licked the buffalo sauce off my fingers and washed it down with my Moscow mule. I’m putting The Walnut on my list of places to return to. And, maybe next time, I’ll see what’s under that trap door. ♦