Mac and cheese: The universal language of comfort, and Greater Des Moines speaks it fluently. We asked our followers to vote for their favorite spots, and the results are in. These are the creamiest, cheesiest, most drool-worthy macs in the metro. From Southern-style to lobster-laden, classic comfort to BBQ fusion, these are the favorites, as voted by the people who know best: locals.
*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*
801 Chophouse
When the city’s top steakhouse decides to tackle mac and cheese, you know it’s going to be luxe. At 801 Chophouse, their lobster mac is drenched in cheddar, parmesan, and Mornay sauce, then loaded with tender chunks of Maine lobster. It’s creamy, buttery indulgence in every bite. You came here to treat yourself – mission accomplished.
Americana
Truffle mac and cheese and views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park? Yes, please. Americana’s take on this comfort classic is rich, cheesy, and ready for action at dinner – or during their iconic Bombshell Brunch. That’s where you’ll find not just a mac and cheese bar, but a mashed potato bar too. Double carbs, double happiness.
Barn Town
Barn Town isn’t just a brewery – it’s a full-on flavor factory. Known for their legendary sour beers and playful, chef-driven menu, they take mac and cheese to the next level. Creamy, rich, and made for customization. You can kick yours up a notch with buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, or house-made chorizo. Prepare for a food coma.
Bubba
Known for stick-to-your-ribs Southern comforts, Bubba serves up an unforgettable mac and cheese made with a rich house-made cheese sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs and melty white cheddar. Go whole hog by adding pecan-smoked bacon or shrimp. Or keep it snacky and Southern with their crispy mac and cheese bites – golden, gooey, and perfect for sharing (or not).
Cheese Bar
From the cheese geniuses behind The Cheese Shop comes Cheese Bar, where their cast-iron mac is bubbling, golden, and totally customizable. This was the number one vote getter for good reason. The base is rich and creamy, but the toppings are where it shines – think fig jam, Berkwood bacon, or caramelized onions. This is not your childhood mac, and we’re here for it.
Exile Brewing Company
Exile’s mac and cheese is what happens when comfort food goes all-out. Overflowing with four cheeses and topped with golden breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and savory herbs, it’s the kind of dish that turns lunch into leftovers (but only if you have superhuman willpower). Bonus: It pairs perfectly with their house brews.
Gateway Market & Café
Gateway Market does grab-and-go the gourmet way. Whether you’re swinging through for lunch or stocking up for a cozy night in, don’t sleep on their mac and cheese. Creamy, classic, and nestled among your favorite comfort food sides, this market mac is proof that even a quick bite can bring serious joy.
Jethro’s BBQ N’ Lakehouse
Barbecue may be the main attraction, but at Jethro’s Lakehouse in Ankeny, the smoke house mac-a-noodle steals the show. A cheesy medley of four different cheeses gets the VIP treatment with hickory-smoked bacon and cherrywood-smoked ham. It’s smoky, savory, and TV-famous for good reason.
Smokey D’s BBQ
At Smokey D’s, where barbecue reigns supreme, the mac and cheese doesn’t play second fiddle. It’s smoky, creamy, and rich enough to be a meal on its own – or the ultimate sidekick to your brisket and ribs. Pro tip: Grab the burnt ends and mix them in. You’re welcome.
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove’s Des Moines taproom brings the charm and the cheese. Their classic mac blends gooey nostalgia with modern pub vibes – perfect alongside a cold pint of Easy Eddy and good company. But if you really want to crank things up, try the buffalo fried chicken mac for a spicy kick, or the 1939 BBQ fried chicken mac for smoky, saucy comfort. One bite in and you’ll see why locals keep this one close to the vest.
Kue’d Smokehouse
This Waukee-based BBQ hotspot brings serious Southern swagger to their mac. Rich, cheesy, and smoky with just the right kick, it’s everything you’d hope for next to brisket or burnt ends. Or hey – just order it as your main. No one’s judging.
Prime and Providence
Doritos in your mac? Yes, and it absolutely works. Prime & Providence’s Dorito mac and cheese is bold, cheesy, and dangerously craveable. It’s comfort food with a twist – and a little crunch. Classy? Maybe not (that’s what the steak is for). Delicious? Every bite.
Central Standard
If your love language is brisket and cheese, Central Standard’s brisket mac and cheese is your soulmate. Gooey cheddar meets house-smoked brisket in a rich, smoky, savory masterpiece. Add a craft beer and consider your cravings handled. Located in Waukee, this spot is all about bold flavors, casual vibes, and comfort food that doesn't mess around.
The Chicken Orilla
Loaded mac and cheese is the name of the game at The Chicken Orilla in Cumming. It comes piled high with crispy chicken, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese – basically everything your comfort food dreams are made of. Just be sure to save room for their legendary fried chicken, because missing out on that would be a fowl mistake.
Destination Grille
For a mac that’s a little more luxe, try the lobster mac and cheese at Destination Grille. Tender lobster, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta come together in one decadent dish. It’s high-end comfort food that’s worth the splurge – especially when enjoyed on their spacious, elevated patio with a drink in hand and the sunset in view.
