Des Moines, Iowa — a city of wide rivers and wider smiles, where the skyline is a patchwork of Art Deco, brick warehouses, and glassy new towers. Here, the air is thick with the scent of cornfields and ambition, and the streets hum with the energy of families, students, artists, and dreamers. It’s a place where Midwestern warmth meets a restless curiosity, where every block seems to hold a story, a mural, or a memory in the making.
Food here is more than sustenance — it’s a gathering, a celebration, a way to stitch together the city’s patchwork of cultures. From the farmers’ markets overflowing with sweet corn and honey, to the late-night diners where laughter lingers long after midnight, Des Moines is a city that eats together, dreams together, and welcomes the world to its table.
And when it comes to themed restaurants, Des Moines doesn’t just dabble — it dives in, heart-first. This is a city where you can sip cocktails under neon jungle lights, munch subs in a haze of counter-culture nostalgia, or battle pinball monsters while devouring pizza. The city’s themed dining scene is a reflection of its playful spirit — bold, quirky, and always inviting you to join the fun.
These 5 crazy themed restaurants capture the flavours, stories, and spirit of Des Moines — wild, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Monsterama Pubcade, Des Moines
It’s the kind of place where horror movie posters leer from the walls, where the clatter of pinball and arcade games is the city’s unofficial soundtrack, where pizza and laughter are served in equal measure. Monsterama Pubcade is a fever dream for the young-at-heart — a horror-themed arcade bar where you can challenge your friends to a round of darts, pool, or vintage video games, then refuel with a burger or a specialty cocktail. Try the Monster Burger, the Zombie Pizza, or a round of their signature shots — and don’t miss the pinball tournaments that draw in locals from every corner of the city. The atmosphere is electric and mischievous — you’ll find families on weekend afternoons, costumed teens on Friday nights, and regulars who treat Monsterama like a second living room. It’s Des Moines’ playground — loud, quirky, and endlessly fun.
Buzzard Billy’s, Des Moines
Step inside and you’re transported to a Cajun carnival — where alligator bites and zydeco beats mingle with the cheers of sports fans and the glow of neon beer signs. Buzzard Billy’s is a riot of color and flavor, a place where the menu is as bold as the décor. Start with the Alligator Gran Chenier, then dive into a plate of Cajun Fried Catfish, Jambalaya, or the legendary Chicken Fried Steak. The vibe is casual and nostalgic — think 70s sports bar meets Louisiana roadhouse — and the crowd is a cross-section of Des Moines: families, college students, and old-timers who know every server by name. It’s Des Moines’ bayou — spicy, rowdy, and full of stories.
Revival House, Des Moines
It’s a fever dream of modern mischief — where tiki torches flicker, neon glows, and every cocktail is a passport to somewhere wild. Revival House is Des Moines’ answer to the tropical escape, a bar where the drinks are bold, the décor is lush, and the energy is always just a little bit rebellious. Order the Jungle Bird, the Zombie, or a round of their signature punch bowls, and let the night unfold. The crowd is eclectic and vibrant — birthday groups, late-night adventurers, and locals who treat Revival House like a secret clubhouse. It’s Des Moines’ oasis — sultry, surprising, and unforgettable.
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs, Johnston/Des Moines
A haze of nostalgia, a wink to counter-culture, and a menu that’s as playful as it is delicious — Cheba Hut is a marijuana-themed sub shop where the only thing higher than the vibe is the stack of toasted sandwiches. Try the Midwest Best, the veggie-packed Power Plant, or the legendary White Widow. Don’t skip the Rice Krispy treats or the local craft beers on tap. The atmosphere is laid-back and cheeky — you’ll spot students, sandwich fanatics, and regulars who treat Cheba Hut like a clubhouse. It’s Des Moines’ mellow retreat — quirky, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
Malo, Des Moines
Housed in a renovated Art Deco firehouse, Malo is a riot of color, flavor, and Latin spirit. It’s the kind of place where murals bloom across the walls, where the salsas are as varied as the crowd, and where every meal feels like a fiesta. Start with the Seafood Nachos or Queso Fundido, then move on to the Pork Belly Pupusa, Shrimp Ceviche, or a flight of their house salsas. The vibe is vibrant and contemporary — you’ll find families, date-night couples, and locals who treat Malo like a second home. It’s Des Moines’ fiesta — lively, generous, and unforgettable.
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