Spend the perfect day in Des Moines' East Village with restaurants, bars and shopping
One in an occasional series of neighborhood guides in the Des Moines metro.
Approach the Historic East Village on Locust Street and be beckoned by the shining, golden dome that belongs to the Iowa State Capitol, a reminder that the neighborhood’s history spans back more than a century.
With the Des Moines River to its west and the Iowa State Capitol to its east, the East Village in Des Moines is a retail and dining destination in addition to being an area many call home.
A portion of the East Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Known as the East Des Moines Commercial Historic District, it was first platted in 1854. Some of the district’s commercial buildings have historical associations with European immigrants, including Scandinavian and Eastern European Jewish immigrant communities.
Throughout the year, the East Village hosts Capital City’s annual PrideFest to patriotic concerts to celebrate the 4th of July with the Iowa State Capitol for its backdrop. Find out about some of the places to eat, drink and shop in Historic East Village with this sampling of businesses.
Where to eat in the East Village of Des Moines
For an ever-changing menu: Alba
Alba opened under Jason Simon in 2008 with contemporary American cuisine served in a modern and eclectic space with accents of reclaimed wood, including doors hanging from the ceiling. Seasonal menus define the restaurant, named for the white oak trees at the front. Request a seat in front of the kitchen to watch the chefs conjure up their dishes. The cocktail program and house burger are must-tries.
Location: 524 E. Sixth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-244-0261; albadsm.com
More: A comprehensive guide to finding James Beard Foundation-nominated chefs, restaurants in Iowa
For gluten-free Mexican fare: Bar Nico
Chef Matt Small relies on heirloom corn as the centerpiece for many dishes, including tetela, a potato and cheese stuffed crepe, and the masa “olé,” an ode to Taco John's potato olés with queso fresco and salsa verde. Tacos here come stuffed with braised short ribs, mushrooms, carne asada, shrimp, carnitas, Berkshire pork, queso fresco, or grilled arctic char. The bar leans into tequila, mezcal and bourbon. Look for a new brunch as well on this menu that is all gluten-free.
Location: 428 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-0611; barnicodsm.com
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For Cuban sandwiches: Ceviche Bar
Owner Tanya Suarez channeled her Cuban heritage to create dishes she grew up making and eating. Feast on ceviche, of course, Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, arroz con picadillo and bistec de palomilla. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Sip on mojitos, smashes, mules, Cuban-inspired cocktails and martinis. Or just enjoy a simple Cuba Libre (rum and cola with lime). Sit out on the patio in warmer months.
Location: 223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-770-9795; cevichebardsm.com
For elevated diner food: Clyde's Fine Diner
Clyde's Fine Diner owner and chef Chris Hoffman moved to Des Moines from Chicago to make the most of classic dishes that he adds his own spin to. Steak frites come with creamed spinach and pickled mushrooms while the CB & J features cashew butter, smoked apple jam and raclette on house-made whole grain bread for an adult version of a childhood favorite. Be sure to try the seasonal soft serve, which often comes in funky flavors like Lucky Charms cereal, as well as the zero proof drinks.
Location: 111 E. Grand Ave. Suite 111, Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-3686; clydesfinediner.com
More: 33 of the best places to eat in Des Moines: 2022 edition
For a taste of New Orleans: The Continental
The stylish Continental returned to the East Village with its dark interior, contemporary artwork on the walls, weekly jazz and tapas. Favorite dishes from the old menu return, including melon and prosciutto crostini, truffled mushrooms, pomme frites, a roasted pear salad and blackened chicken sandwich. Much of the menu is a tribute to New Orleans, from the beignets and blackened tilapia. But cocktails were always a staple at The Continental, and many favorites such as the all day bloody mary or maria are on the menu as well.
Location: 407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-528-2300; continental-lounge.com
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For farm-to-table food: HoQ
Chef and co-owner Suman Hoque serves Iowa-focused fare at his restaurant in the East Village. The constantly changing menu adapts as ingredients come in season so those bright, fresh flavors shine through. Look for dishes such as local grass-fed steak, salmon en papillote, lamb shank, and a vegetarian dish that can become vegan upon request. Gluten-free and vegan options available as well. Head here on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon for a pop-up breakfast market outside the restaurant.
Location: 303 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-244-1213; hoqtable.com
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For Italian: Lucca
James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest in 2009 Steve Logsdon serves his elevated four-course prix fixe that changes weekly at Lucca. A pasta course and mains such as salmon, eggplant, scallops or a New York strip steak anchor the menu. During lunch, spiced chicken sandwiches, light salads and ricotta and spinach rigatoni lead the way.
Location: 420 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-1115; luccadsm.com
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For vegan fare or breakfast: Railroad Bill's Dining Car
This quirky little spot offers breakfast and lunch dishes such as biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, burgers and sandwiches. Do try a hash brown platter or corned beef brisket hash. A full line of classic sodas are available as well as a separate vegan menu, and there's a sizable kids' menu to boot. After filling up at Railroad Bill's, take a spin around the attached antique store.
Location: 621 Des Moines St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-0247; raccoonforks.com/railroad-bills-diner
More: Here are 16 of the best restaurants in Des Moines' East Village
Where to drink in the East Village of Des Moines
For 100-plus Iowa beers: Iowa Taproom
This ode to Iowa beers features 120 brews on tap in a beer hall setting replete with a bar top from the 1880s salvaged from a bar in Jewell, reclaimed barn wood, historic signs, grain bins, machinery parts, salvaged furniture and more. Customers can swill beer with Iowa ham balls, fried cheese balls, or wings swaddled in one of nine sauces.
Location: 215 E. Third St., #100, Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-0827; iowataproom.com
For a tiki experience: Bellhop
Head to this tiki bar for daiquiris, Mai Tais and Painkillers in a setting with South Pacific vibes. The bar recently started selling THC-infused drinks as well.
Location: 440 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: bellhoptikidsm.com; 515-635-0131
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Other options for bars include Coa Cantina (425 E. Grand Ave., coacantinadsm.com) for margaritas, Pura Social Club (660 E. Fifth St., Suite A, purabardsm.com) or Republic on Grand (401 E. Grand Ave., therepublicongrand.com) for great views, The Blazing Saddle (416 E. Fifth St., theblazingsaddle.com) or nightclub The Garden (525 E. Grand Ave., grdn.com) for LGBTQ crowds, The Locust Tap (434 E. Locust St.) for a dive bar, and many more.
Where to shop in the East Village of Des Moines
For antiques: Reclaimed
Let your eyes wander inside Reclaimed: A Junklady’s Philosophy so you don’t miss a thing. The store is filled with goods from antique furniture and wall hangings, vintage home decor, kitchenware and more.
Location: 500 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-288-1580 or reclaimeddsm.com
Another option: Explore numerous antique furniture and home decor at Raccoon Forks Trading Co., 621 Des Moines St., which is attached to restaurant Railroad Bill’s Dining Car. Inside, find original heavy wood-beam flooring and roof, which dates back over a century and home to the American Railway Express Co.. In addition to unique antiques and collectibles, explore an array of vintage vinyl records.
For women’s fashion: Aimée
Owner Amy Hassebrook opened the women’s boutique 19 years ago in the East Village. Inside the chic shop with its chandelier and vintage accents, find dresses, blouses, outerwear and bottoms. Aimée also has a small selection of men’s apparel and a small lower level with additional goods.
Location: 426 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-229-4264
Another option: Shop women’s fashion and accessories at Marnē, 350 E. Locust St., which carries vegan goods only. The intimate boutique carries brands built around sustainability and being ethically made.
For men’s apparel: Fontenelle Supply Co.
Fontenelle Supply Co., established in Omaha, Nebraska, sells menswear that skews toward an outdoor aesthetic as well as custom leather goods.
Location: 524 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: fontenellesupplyco.com
Another option: Subsect Skateshop, 309 E. Walnut St., describes itself as being “skater owned and skater ran.” Find sneakers, hats, hoodies and more.
For your home: Indie House
Find rugs, wall décor, candles, a small selection of furniture and other items to make your home look exactly the way you want it at Indie House. Or, step inside for the purpose of full interior design services to craft a beautiful space.
Location: 516 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-9188 or indiehousedesign.com
Another option: Find kitchenware, decorative pillows, throw blankets, wall art and more at She Home & Decor, 400 E. Locust St. In addition to household items is a small selection of women’s apparel.
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For unique goods: Kin
This woman-owned mystical shop sells ethically sourced crystals, custom jewelry, candles, perfume, books and more.
Location: 333 E. Grand Ave., Suite 106, Des Moines
Contact: 515-805-4616 or kindsm.com
Another option: Porch Light, the charming shop at 526 E. Grand Ave., sells a bit of everything, including kitchen items, greeting cards, soaps, home decor, women’s apparel and more.
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For gifts: Raygun
Sharp, witty phrases and graphics about pop culture, the Midwest and politics cover the apparel at Raygun, the company built by Iowan Mike Draper that now has several locations across Iowa and the Midwest. Find apparel that connects with people’s beliefs — or tests their tempers — and taps into their hometown pride. Get that same kind of wit branded across kitchenware, wall art, stationery and other products.
Location: 505 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-288-1323 or raygunsite.com
For cooks: Kitchen Collage
Barware, bakeware, cookware and just about every piece or item you’ll need for your kitchen can be found at the store that opened in the East Village in 2004.
Location: 430 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-270-8202 or mykitchencollage.com
For an independent bookstore: Storyhouse Bookpub
The cozy bookstore next to Raygun is owned by Abbey Paxton, who opened in 2021 after hosting a holiday book market in her garage at the end of 2020. Shop popular titles and find books to add to your to-read list. Be sure to keep an eye out for Storyhouse Bookpub’s author events throughout the year.
Location: 505 E. Grand Ave., Suite 102, Des Moines
Contact: storyhousebookpub.com
Things to do in Historic East Village
Head over to the Iowa State Capitol, which is perched on a hill and offers stunning views of Des Moines. Tour the building that’s more than a century old and see its grand interior. Learn about Iowa’s history inside the capitol building. Then, wander around the capitol’s grounds to see various monuments and sculptures from wartimes to memorial sites.
Continue sight-seeing with the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, a visual treat of exotic flora in its indoor and outdoor gardens.
Art lovers will want to step inside Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design, 111 E. Grand Ave., Suite 110. The Des Moines art gallery was named one of America’s 70 top small businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in September. The gallery, which opened in 2019, focuses on making art accessible for everyone, she told the Des Moines Register in September.
At night, catch live music at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., the 683-capacity venue that welcomes nationally and regionally recognized acts.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Have a dish she should try? You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Historic East Village's best places to eat, drink and shop
