Des Moines blends farm-driven ingredients with Midwestern comfort—think pork tenderloins spilling over buns, scratch pies, and modern diners that polish the classics.
These five favorites are where locals go to warm up and wind down.
The Machine Shed
Part restaurant, part ode to Iowa agriculture, The Machine Shed dishes out portions that mean business.
Chicken-fried steak with creamy country gravy, pot roast that falls apart, pork chops with apple compote, and cinnamon rolls the size of softballs set the tone.
Sides—stuffing, green beans with bacon, thick-cut mashed potatoes—bring the Sunday-supper vibe any day.
It’s family-friendly, bustling, and reliably consistent.
Centro
When comfort needs a little elegance, Centro delivers Italian-American staples with style.
Wood-fired pizzas with chewy edges, chicken parmesan that lands just right, ricotta gnocchi that’s pillowy, and a robust Bolognese anchor the menu.
The Caesar salad and meatballs are must-starts, and the vibe hums from happy hour through late dinner. It’s a downtown staple for a reason.
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli
Home of Des Moines’ famed “Killer” sandwiches, B&B is an old-school market where the deli counter turns out towering comfort.
The pork tenderloin sandwich—pounded thin, breaded crisp, and stacked on a bun that struggles to contain it—is essential.
Cold-cut combos, hot roast beef, and classic sides like potato salad round it out.
It’s cash-register casual, full of local character, and pure satisfaction.
Mullets
Perched near the riverside with a rooftop patio, Mullets is easygoing and breakfast-forward.
Expect biscuits and gravy, loaded scrambles, and chicken and waffles that balance sweet and savory.
Lunch leans into burgers, wings, and hearty sandwiches. It’s popular on game days, keeps service friendly and quick, and is exactly where you want to be on a sunny weekend morning.
Tasty Tacos
A Des Moines original, Tasty Tacos is all about fluffy, house-made flour shells stuffed to the brim.
The flour taco with seasoned beef or chicken, lettuce, and cheese is simple and comforting, and you can amp it up with hot sauce and a side of refried beans.
Add cinnamon crispos for dessert and you’ve got nostalgic comfort in a bag.
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