Des Moines, Iowa : The Weezle.io Ultimate City Guide 🌽 || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
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What is the wealthiest suburb of Des Moines?
What is a fun fact about Des Moines Iowa?
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, known for its five-domed State Capitol building and as the location of the nation's largest skatepark, Lauridsen Skatepark. The city's name comes from the French for "River of the Monks" ("Rivière des Moines"). Other fun facts include the former ban on dancing between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., the site of an Ozzy Osbourne bat-biting incident, and a high concentration of media personalities due to the city's clear pronunciation of English.
What are the main reasons people leave Iowa?
Job: 38%
Lifestyle: 24%
Retirement: 10%
Health: 8%
Family: 7%
How many people make $100,000 or more in Des Moines, IA?
Based on IRS data, the study shows nearly 21 percent of Des Moines metro tax returns reported income of $100,000 or more.
Key Takeaway: Des Moines in 2025 is a vibrant, quirky, and surprisingly cosmopolitan city where you can brunch like a champion, sip craft cocktails in hidden speakeasies, hike scenic trails, and catch a Broadway show—all before you’ve even finished your second cup of locally roasted coffee. Whether you’re a foodie, a family, a solo explorer, or a squad of fun-seekers, this Weezle.io guide is your ticket to the best eats, drinks, sleeps, sweats, and events—all within Des Moines city limits. Ready to spin the wheel of adventure? Let’s get corny (in the best way)!
🍽️ HUNGRY? Top Places to Eat in Des Moines
Des Moines’ food scene is a delicious surprise—think Midwest comfort with global flair and a dash of local pride. Here’s where to fuel up for your Iowa escapades:
🥞 American Food / Breakfast Spots
Name | Why Go? | Link |
HomeGrown - Des Moines | Top-rated breakfast/brunch, fresh ingredients, 1,000+ reviews, 4.7/5 | |
Early Bird - East Village | Creative brunch, vibrant atmosphere, 900+ reviews, 4.6/5 | |
Waveland Cafe | Local institution, classic American breakfasts, 1,200+ reviews, 4.5/5 |
🍜 Asian Food
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Lucky Lotus | Trendy Southeast Asian street food, 1,000+ reviews, 4.6/5 | |
A Dong Restaurant | Vietnamese favorite, large portions, 1,200+ reviews, 4.5/5 | |
Pho All Seasons | Authentic pho, friendly service, 600+ reviews, 4.6/5 |
🥙 Middle Eastern Food
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Open Sesame Cafe | Lebanese/Mediterranean, falafel & hummus, 800+ reviews, 4.7/5 | |
Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery | Turkish fare, fresh bread, 600+ reviews, 4.6/5 | |
Taza Mediterranean Grill | Generous portions, quick service, 500+ reviews, 4.5/5 |
🌮 Mexican Food
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Tasty Tacos | Local legend, homemade flour tacos, 1,500+ reviews, 4.5/5 | |
El Fogón | Authentic street food, 700+ reviews, 4.6/5 | |
Los Laureles | Traditional recipes, large portions, 600+ reviews, 4.5/5 |
🍕 European / Best Pizza
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Fong’s Pizza | Asian-Italian fusion, Crab Rangoon Pizza, 1,200+ reviews, 4.6/5 | |
Gusto Pizza Co. | Creative pies, 900+ reviews, 4.5/5 | |
Centro Restaurant | Upscale Italian, wood-fired pizza, 1,000+ reviews, 4.4/5 |
Pro Tip:Can’t decide? Spin the Weezle.io wheel and let fate (and your stomach) choose your next meal adventure!
🍹 THIRSTY? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails & Coffee
Des Moines’ drink scene is a choose-your-own-adventure of historic dives, speakeasies, and coffee shops that take their beans as seriously as their beards.
🍺 Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Bars
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Alpine Taproom | Classic dive, pinball, late-night tacos | N/A |
Greenwood Lounge | Historic, nightly live music, iconic murals | N/A |
The Blazing Saddle | LGBTQ+ staple, drag shows, open 365 days | |
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge | LGBTQ+ bar, drag shows, dance floor | N/A |
🎶 Best for Music
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Lefty’s Live Music | Premier local music venue, diverse acts | |
Wooly’s | Large venue, national/local acts | |
Noce | Jazz club, historic, upscale |
💃 Best for Dancing
Name | Why Go? | Link |
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge | Drag shows, dance floor | N/A |
The Yacht Club | Dance parties, live music | N/A |
🥃 Best Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Name | Why Go? | Link |
The Bartender’s Handshake | Speakeasy-style, craft cocktails | N/A |
The Haunt | Hidden bar, unique decor | N/A |
El Bait Shop | 200+ microbrews, live music | |
Bellhop | Tiki-themed, hidden entrance | N/A |
🏈 Best Sports Bars
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Waveland Tap | TVs, sports fans, legendary Bloody Marys | N/A |
High Life Lounge | Vintage-inspired, comfort food, retro vibe | N/A |
☕ Best Coffee Shops
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Horizon Line Coffee | Modern, high-quality beans, 4.8 stars | |
Northern Vessel | Specialty coffee, community focus, 4.9 stars | |
Scenic Route Bakery | Cozy, baked goods, breakfast/lunch |
Spin the Weezle.io wheel for your next happy hour or coffee crawl—because life’s too short for bad drinks!
🛏️ SLEEPY? Top Places to Sleep in Des Moines
Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a history buff, or a budget traveler, Des Moines has a pillow with your name on it.
🏨 Luxury Hotels
🏛️ Historical Hotels
💸 Budget-Friendly Hotels
🛏️ Boutique / Bed & Breakfast
🏢 Trade Show / Conference Hotels
Need help booking? Let Weezle.io plan your stay—just spin the wheel and pack your bags!
🏃 BE ACTIVE: Best Fitness, Outdoor, and Adventure Spots
Des Moines is an active playground for all ages and fitness levels!
🏋️ Best Gyms
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Life Time Des Moines | 110,000 sq ft, pools, tennis, kids’ spaces | |
Wellmark YMCA | Olympic pool, bouldering, youth programs | |
Anytime Fitness (Downtown) | 24/7 access, full suite, affordable | |
Crunch Fitness | Group classes, “no judgments” philosophy |
⛳ Best Golf Courses
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Waveland Golf Course | Oldest municipal course, PGA pro, lessons | |
Bright Grandview Golf Course | Flat greens, ideal for all ages | |
A.H. Blank Golf Course | Driving range, GPS, lessons | |
Woodland Hills Golf Course | 18-hole & 9-hole executive, family-friendly |
🥾 Best Hikes & Trails
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Gray’s Lake Park & Trail | 1.9-mile paved loop, beach, playground | |
Neal Smith Trail | 26-mile paved trail, wildflower meadows | |
Walnut Creek Trail | Shaded, river views, connects parks | |
Meredith Trail | 5.2-mile paved, connects downtown to Gray’s Lake |
🌳 Best Outdoor Recreation Areas
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Gray’s Lake Park | Beach, boating, fishing, playground | |
Water Works Park | 1,500 acres, trails, fishing, events | |
Easter Lake Park | 4-mile trail, lake, playgrounds | |
MacRae Park | Scenic overlooks, trails, playground |
🧘♂️ Fitness Studios & Coaches
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Orangetheory Fitness | Heart rate-based interval training | |
F45 Training | 45-minute HIIT/circuit sessions | |
Club Pilates | Reformer-based Pilates, all levels | |
Pure Barre | Low-impact, total-body workouts |
Feeling lazy? Spin the Weezle.io wheel for a random workout or outdoor adventure—your future self will thank you!
🎭 GO 2 EVENT: Best Entertainment, Art, and History
Des Moines’ event scene is a choose-your-own-adventure of music, art, sports, and history. Here’s where to get your culture fix (and maybe a selfie with a lion):
🦁 Best Zoos or Animal Attractions
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Blank Park Zoo | Accredited zoo, animal encounters, major events |
🏒 Best Sporting Events / Local Sports Teams
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Principal Park (Iowa Cubs) | AAA baseball, affordable, city views | |
Casey’s Center (Wells Fargo Arena) | Iowa Wild hockey, Iowa Wolves basketball, concerts |
🎭 Best Plays / Music Venues
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Des Moines Civic Center | Broadway, symphony, ballet, family shows | |
Wooly’s | National/local music acts | |
Noce | Jazz club, historic, upscale |
🎨 Best Art Events / Locations
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Pappajohn Sculpture Park | 30+ world-class sculptures, free, downtown | |
Des Moines Art Center | Premier art museum, free admission | |
Des Moines Arts Festival | Top-ranked annual arts festival, live music, food |
🏛️ History & Must-See Attractions
Name | Why Go? | Link |
Iowa State Capitol | Gold dome, free tours, legislative history | |
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Tropical/temperate plants, outdoor gardens, events |
Don’t know what to do tonight? Spin the Weezle.io wheel or let us plan your next event, date night, or spontaneous adventure!
🏆 Des Moines Top Spots 2025: Quick Reference Table
Category | Top Pick | Why Go? | Link |
Eat | HomeGrown - Des Moines | Best breakfast/brunch | |
Drink | The Blazing Saddle | LGBTQ+ staple, drag shows | |
Sleep | Hotel Fort Des Moines | Luxury, historic, central | |
Be Active | Gray’s Lake Park | Trails, beach, playground | |
Event | Blank Park Zoo | Accredited zoo, family fun |
🤙 Final Thoughts & Weezle.io Call to Action
Ready to make your Des Moines trip legendary?
Spin the Weezle.io wheel, let us plan your next event, or DM us for a custom itinerary. Whether you’re hungry, thirsty, sleepy, active, or just want to soak up some culture, Weezle.io has your back. Are you a local business owner? Want to get featured or need marketing magic? Contact us at Weezle.com and let’s make your business the next big thing!
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide was crafted using the latest reviews, local guides, and official sources as of 2025. Weezle.io does not own or claim rights to any businesses listed. If you are a business owner and wish to update or remove your listing, please contact us. This post is for educational and entertainment purposes only—by reading, you acknowledge Weezle.io is not liable for any experiences, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners.
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