Touted to be biggest of the big in Des Moines, Waveland Coffee Shop enjoys a huge clientele. Forever full, the 'shop' is a misleading name. With eggs, pancakes, chops and crispy meats as well as a wide range of great beverages, Waveland has a great menu. The service is quick and prompt and the food is always fresh. One of the best breakfast options in the city, you should also drop by if you want a quick and light afternoon lunch.
The interiors as well as the food at Smitty’s take you back to the 50s. Known for their large servings and succulent tenderloins that are crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, Smitty's Tenderloin Shop has been satisfying meat lovers since 1967. Pair your steak with some homemade crispy onion rings and wash it down with a deliciously smooth seasonal milkshake.
Established in 1947 and situated in east Des Moines, Tursi's Latin King Restaurant is one of the best dining establishments around. There are pasta specialties galore at this Italian joint, as well as an extensive and reasonably priced wine list. A favorite among regulars, the chicken Spiedini never disappoints though none of the restaurant's homestyle delicacies ever do. Known for its authentic fare, relaxed ambiance, and well-trained staff, it's no wonder why locals love Tursi's Latin King Restaurant.
The typical Thai dish is well known for its hot taste, indeed the chili is the most important and most frequently used ingredient in many Thai dishes. But foreigners who are not used to hot food need not be afraid, because not all dishes are explosively HOT! Some are mild and most are tolerable. And when dining in a Thai restaurant, you can always tell the waiter in what way you want your food cooked... Unlike commercial prepared food, Thai dishes are prepared daily and require a skilled and patient hand to season and cook the ingredients in the proper sequence. Because of this, some dishes require a little more time to prepare, but definitely worth the wait
Buzzard Billy's large restaurant is the perfect place to go before a show, or to watch the game on one of our many large TVs. The extensive menu features gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp Creole, and many other Cajun favorites. This high energy restaurant and bar is located near Wells Fargo Arena and the Iowa Event Center with great views of Capitol City from the second floor patio deck. For something wonderfully different, try the Armadillo Eggs or Fried Gator Fingers. From the bar, try a Category 5 Hurricane or one of the many craft beers on draft or in bottles. The restaurant also features a private back room that is available for rent.
Founded by Jesse Roush in 1963, Jesse's Embers is a veteran when it comes to steaks and seafood. Now owned and run by a different management, it still holds true to its roots where food is made as per order and you can catch the chef in action grilling your dishes. The aroma of grilled meat will tantalize your appetite. Whet your palate with appetizers like the Cajun Shrimp and Sautéed Mushrooms. Dig into their Emberburger, London Broil, Smoked Loin Back Ribs, Beer Battered Shrimp and Orange Roughy Florentine. Though the place is small and the wait time can be longer, their friendly service and delightful food will make up for it, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
