You know what they say: “All good things come in threes.” Just ask trilogies like “The Godfather,” “Lord of the Rings,” and, yes, “Shrek.” Now it’s time to round out the “Des Best” hidden gems trilogy with our final installment (or is it…?). These are the deep cuts, the tucked-away treasures, the places your cool friend with the mysterious Instagram stories goes to.
These hidden gems were nominated and voted on by locals who know what’s good. So grab your curiosity, your stretchy pants, and your GPS. Because the best of Des Moines isn’t always in plain sight.
*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*
Brew & You
Somewhere in the Middle Coffee Shop
Located in Bondurant, this coffee shop isn’t just somewhere in the middle – it’s smack dab in the middle of charming and cozy. With stylish vibes, scratch-made pastries, and a commitment to community, it's the kind of spot that makes you want to journal, people-watch, or at least pretend you’re writing your novel. Bonus: They also lowkey have one of the best smash burgers ever.
HiFi Brew Lounge
Nestled in West Des Moines' Historic Valley Junction, HiFi Brew Lounge is where craft beer, comfort food, and music nostalgia come together in perfect harmony. Housed in the former Fox Brewing space, it pairs supper club vibes and vintage flair with a second-floor lounge for live tunes. The menu drops hits like birria grilled cheese and bulgogi sloppy joes, backed by house-brewed tracks like “Jagged Little Pils” and “Ziggy Stardust.” Come hungry, leave humming.
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
Don’t walk – slow down and stroll into this relaxing retreat in Highland Park. With a Scandinavian aesthetic and a mission to create intentional spaces, The Slow Down makes every sip of your latte feel like a deep breath. Plus, they serve beans from local roaster Windmill Coffee, so you can literally taste the Iowa pride.
Café con Leche
Tucked away on Des Moines’ east side, Café con Leche is a hidden gem where bold flavors meet cozy vibes. Sip on a Horchata Latte or Chocolate Abuelita—like a hug in a mug—while diving into chilaquiles or huevos con chorizo that taste like abuela made them. It’s your new favorite breakfast spot... you just don’t know it yet.
Eats & Treats
Paris Banh Mi
Asian-fusion sandwiches in a strip mall in tiny Windsor Heights? Oui, chef! Paris Banh Mi delivers crusty baguettes packed with pickled veggies, cilantro, and savory meats. But the real twist? Their over-the-top boba tea creations and Vietnamese iced coffees that taste like a tropical vacation with a caffeine kick.
Roots 95
This Johnston hotspot from Chef Arturo Mora digs deep into global flavors with a chef-driven twist. The spicy tuna tostadas bring the heat, mango shrimp tacos bring the sweet, and every plate looks like it belongs in a gallery. It’s worldly, it’s local, and it’s worth every bite. With its cozy atmosphere and bold, beautiful dishes, Roots 95 is where comfort meets culinary adventure.
Cooper’s Central Table and Cocktails
In the heart of Norwalk, Cooper’s brings the charm of a neighborhood hangout with the polish of a date-night destination. Think comfort food with a twist – like filet DeBurgo and a bourbon-glazed burger – plus cocktails that know how to keep things interesting. It’s casual, elevated, and 100% worth the detour.
Arcadia
Polk City's dining scene gets a gourmet twist with Arcadia, a modern American restaurant that infuses Vietnamese and Latino flavors into its farm-to-table offerings. Helmed by Chef Mikel Nguyen, the nearly 5,000-square-foot space boasts soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a spacious patio perfect for savoring dishes like chimichurri tacos and Asian-inspired sticky ribs. Whether you're docking from Saylorville Lake or just seeking an elevated dining experience, Arcadia delivers peace, simplicity, and a dash of culinary adventure.
Lucca
A quiet, candlelit legend (yet still underappreciated) in the East Village, Lucca serves up prix fixe perfection and a killer lunch menu to boot. With fresh pasta, thoughtful plating, and a commitment to seasonal ingredients, it’s the kind of place where you whisper your order, sip something Italian, and wonder why you don’t eat here more often.
Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster Bar
From the fine folks who brought you Barn Town Brewing comes this cozy, Northwoods-chic hideaway in West Des Moines that’s equal parts rustic lodge and coastal raw bar. At Guesthouse, flannel is practically a flavor, and the vibe says “up north weekend” even if you only drove five minutes. Their Connecticut-style lobster roll is buttery bliss in a bun, the bacon & crab mac & cheese is shellfishly decadent, and the rotating oyster selection makes any hour feel like happy hour. Come for the food, stay for the fireplace – and the feeling that you just found your new favorite out-of-office office.
Papa’s Pizzeria
A Polk City staple since 1998, Papa’s Pizzeria is the kind of place that feels like a reward after a day of boating at Saylorville Lake or hiking through nearby Jester Park. Family-owned and full of small-town charm, it serves crave-worthy pan-style pizzas with crispy crusts and generous toppings. The Papa’s primo – loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers – is a local legend. Refuel, relax, and maybe grab an extra slice for the road – you’ve earned it.
Duck Donuts
Polk City’s go-to for sweet-tooth satisfaction, Duck Donuts serves up Des Moines' best build-your-own donut experience. You batter believe it. This (technically chain, but totally charming) spot cranks out warm, made-to-order donuts with more topping combos than there are hours in the day. Maple bacon, s’mores, and blueberry pancake are just the beginning. Pairs well with a scoop of ice cream at the delightful The Creamery down the road.
Sip Happens
The Waiting Room
Situated in Ankeny's Uptown District, The Waiting Room is a chic cocktail bar that redefines upscale nightlife. With its sleek black aesthetics and ambient blue lighting, it offers a sophisticated backdrop for innovative cocktails crafted by world-class mixologists. Patrons can also enjoy gourmet bites from neighboring Mullets, seamlessly delivered to enhance the experience. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Vesper or an adventurous Hawkeye Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita, The Waiting Room invites you to sip, savor, and stay awhile.
The Contrary
Tucked into the East Village, The Contrary is a cocktail bar and listening lounge that flips the script. Created by local artist B.Well, it’s got a velvet conversation pit, moody lighting, and weekend DJ sets spinning hip-hop, jazz, and funk. Add in seasonal bites and inventive cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect spot to chill, vibe, and sip something unexpected.
Purveyor
Part wine bar, part gourmet grocery, and part "I-wish-this-was-my-living-room," Purveyor in the East Village is the ideal place for an afternoon cheese board or a glass of something new. Bonus: Their knowledgeable staff won’t judge if you pick a bottle by the label.
Arts & Artifacts
Mainframe Studios
This nonprofit workspace for artists is more than just art – t’s a movement. With over 100 creators of all mediums and a First Friday open house each month, it’s a kaleidoscope of talent under one massive roof. Walk in, wander, and maybe even walk out with a new painting or print.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Located at the foot of the Capitol building, this museum is where Iowa’s past comes alive. Dinosaurs? Covered. Civil War? Yup. A “Field of Dreams” display? If you build it, they will come. And the best part? It’s completely free. Your wallet and your inner history nerd will both thank you.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
One of downtown Des Moines' most jaw-dropping buildings, this Beaux-Arts beauty is more than just a pretty façade. Inside, it honors global food heroes and champions of sustainable agriculture. It’s free to tour (yes, free!) with guided tours available for those who like a little extra storytelling with their sightseeing. Oh, and if it feels like a fairy tale venue – it is. The Hall is also a hot spot for weddings and swanky events.
Play Dates (For Adults)
Ironside Axe Club
Looking to let off a little steam? Grab an axe and channel your inner lumberjack at Ironside. Whether you’re competing in a league or just looking to bury the hatchet (in a target), it’s cathartic fun with a sharp edge.
The Culinary Annex
Nestled in West Des Moines' Valley Junction, The Culinary Annex is your go-to for hands-on cooking classes without the culinary school price tag. Whether you're rolling sushi, mastering dim sum, or diving into global cuisines, Chef Cass and her team make learning both fun and flavorful. Beyond classes, this communal kitchen space offers rentals for budding chefs and culinary entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their food ventures.
Parks and Rec(ommended)
Buxton Park
Indianola’s Buxton Park is a tranquil oasis with manicured gardens, walking paths, and seasonal blooms galore. Whether you’re picnicking, meditating, or just pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel, it’s an easy place to get lost in beauty.
Denman’s Woods
Tucked between industrial pockets and bike trails, Denman’s Woods feels more like a secret forest than a city park. Winding dirt paths, towering cottonwoods, and an “off-the-grid” feel make this a favorite for mountain bikers, trail runners, and nature lovers alike.
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Located just south of Des Moines near Carlisle, Banner Lakes is a repurposed coal mine turned scenic park. The lakes are glassy, the trails are inviting, and the stargazing is some of the best around. Bonus points if you spot the hidden murals on the bike trail.
Quirky & Off the Rails
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
All aboard for nostalgia! Located in Boone, this vintage train ride gives you sweeping views of the Des Moines River Valley and a chance to cross the dizzying Bass Point Creek High Bridge. Pro tip: Book the themed rides for the full experience (looking at you, Pumpkin Express and Santa Train).
Little House on Main
Nestled in Bondurant, Little House on Main is a family-owned boutique that has been charming visitors since 2018. Located at 111 Main Street Southeast, this thoughtfully curated shop offers a delightful mix of home décor, gifts, clothing, and vintage treasures. Beyond its unique finds, the boutique is committed to giving back, with a portion of every sale supporting charitable causes within Iowa.
Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club
Tucked beneath West Des Moines' iconic Val Air Ballroom, Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club is a nostalgic nod to the golden era of live music. This supper club blends history, community, and refined classic dining, honoring the legacy of music visionary Tom Archer. Adjacent to it is Work in Progress, a minimalist bar offering a casual vibe with snacks like fried pickles and deviled eggs, as well as more substantial fare like house-made pasta. Whether you're in the mood for an elegant dinner or a laid-back drink, this duo offers a harmonious blend of past and present.
Revival House
Located on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines, Revival House is a tropical daydream with a downtown zip code. This cocktail oasis serves up reimagined island classics like the Strawberry Daiq Slushy and Baby Mai Tai, alongside bites like mango Crab Rangoon and fresh Ceviche – all under the warm glow of neon and good vibes.
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Just a short drive from Des Moines in Cumming, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm offers a delightful escape into nature's bounty. Beyond apple picking, visitors can enjoy fresh-pressed cider, savor scratch-made baked goods from the on-site bakery, and explore the farm market filled with local treasures. The farm also hosts seasonal events, making it a vibrant destination year-round. For those seeking a hearty meal, the on-site Ciderhouse Restaurant & Bar serves farm-to-table dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're indulging in a warm apple turnover, attending a summer festival, or dining at the Ciderhouse, Wilson’s provides a wholesome experience for all ages.
That’s a wrap on our hidden gem trilogy – unless we go full Marvel and release a surprise sequel next summer. Until then, keep exploring, keep voting, and keep loving the lesser-known, most-loved corners of Greater Des Moines.
