Posted August 06, 2025in Belly Up To...
Corn dogs. Fried Twinkies. Grinders. If you think that sounds like food from the Iowa State Fair, you are correct. But fair food goes beyond a porkchop on a stick. Each year, the Iowa State Fair offers dozens of new foods, including 67 tantalizing treats for 2025. This year, I
Read More →
Posted July 02, 2025in Belly Up To...
Step into the Guesthouse Tavern+Oyster and you might think you’re in a lodge, alongside a lake or river located in northern Wisconsin or bordering Minnesota. But you’re not. Instead, you’re in West Des Moines in a strip mall bordering Waukee. The Guesthouse Tavern+Oyster opened in February 2024 and was established
Read More →
Posted June 04, 2025in Belly Up To...
“Where’s the door?” My Belly Up companion asked this as we wandered into Hotel Fort Des Moines, inspecting possible entryways to an alleged secret speakeasy. The hotel concierge pointed to the nearby Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar. Close to the bar area, the waiter directed us to a clear glass
Read More →
Posted April 30, 2025in Belly Up To...
“GOAT” doesn’t just refer to a hay-eating, climbing, hooved domestic animal. It is also an acronym — Greatest Of All Time — often referring to sports icons. Yet there is another GOAT in town. This one refers to a bar, The Smoking Goat Pub. Located at 3015 Merle Hay Road,
Read More →
Posted April 02, 2025in Belly Up To...
When walking into a new bar, patrons often experience an instant vibe. The vibe at Doug’s Pub & Grub is friendly and welcoming, a neighborhood bar feel that many patrons crave. With a name like Doug’s Pub & Grub, one would logically expect to find a guy named Doug as
Read More →
Posted March 05, 2025in Belly Up To...
Iowa’s state bird is the American Goldfinch. While they are uncommon, some pelicans also make the Hawkeye State their home during the summer months. Des Moines metro diners and drinkers find their own pelican sanctuary at The Pelican Post Bar & Grille. The Pelican Post opened in March of 2023
Read More →
Posted February 05, 2025in Belly Up To...
When entering the Striking Sparrow Lounge, it is like taking a step back in time. Setting the vibe are vintage beer signs such as the Hamm’s Beer flowing lake, which suggests the beer was born in the land of sky blue waters. Wood-paneled walls and orange-green wallpaper are reminiscent of
Read More →
Posted January 01, 2025in Belly Up To...
One of West Des Moines’ newest restaurants is NOT a sports bar. At least that’s what it says on the back of the servers’ T-shirts. Take a peek into Shirley’s Bar & Grill, located at 9250 University Ave. in West Des Moines, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere, good food
Read More →
Posted December 04, 2024in Belly Up To...
At the HiFi Brew Lounge, a wall of records, stacks of albums, a disco ball and photos of musicians might signify a dance supper club where A-list celebrities drink martinis and mingle among humming background music. But wait. There’s more to the place than its music theme and drinks. A
Read More →
Posted November 06, 2024in Belly Up To...
From food-truck fare to a fusion of tempting bites, Roots95 in Johnston is a must-visit for foodies. Roots95 Craft Kitchen & Bar is located at 8705 Chambery Blvd. in the previous Wasabi location. The owner, Arturo Mora, named the place Roots95 after he immigrated to the U.S. in 1995. He
Read More →
