Restaurant
SIMON'S
Simon's, also known as J. Benjamin's, is a local Des Moines restaurant located at 5800 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. It is a small Italian restaurant with a big menu. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes,…
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A starting point for exploring Des Moines
Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.
Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.
See your saved places →Local restaurants to get to know
Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.
Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.
Restaurant
Tullpa Restaurant | Colombian • Peruvian
Tullpa Restaurant serves Peruvian and Colombian cuisine in Des Moines, Iowa, at 3708 Merle Hay Rd. The menu includes traditional dishes like ceviche and empanadas, as well as Llapingachos, Tortilla de Yuca, Papa a la…
Restaurant
Restaurant
Lua Brewing
Lua Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa, operates at 1525 High Street, serving handcrafted beers and scratch-made smashburgers, along with a dog-friendly patio and a warm neighborhood vibe. The menu features smashburgers,…
Restaurant
Restaurant
Hessen Haus
Hessen Haus is a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, that recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The restaurant features imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and a…
Independent shops worth exploring
Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
Grocery store
AllSpice Culinarium
AllSpice Culinarium in Des Moines' East Village has a diverse selection of culinary spices, herbs, oils, vinegars, rubs, and gifts. The store's inventory includes flavorful salts and peppers, delicious spice blends,…
Thrift shop
Animal Lifeline Thrift Shop
Animal Lifeline Thrift Shop is a thrift shop located in Des Moines, Iowa, and it financially supports Animal Lifeline of Iowa, a special needs, no-kill animal shelter. The thrift shop is located at 3304 SW 9th St, Des…
Bicycle shop
Beaverdale Bicycles
Beaverdale Bicycles, a small bike shop, operates at 2706 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa, providing personalized service and sales, including custom bicycle design and builds, full repair services, and bicycle-friendly…
Bookstore
Beaverdale Books
Beaverdale Books has been in operation since 2006, selling new books in all genres, as well as literary-themed sidelines, greeting cards, and merchandise from the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association, from its store at…
Florist
Boesen The Florist
Boesen The Florist is a local Des Moines, IA florist that offers same-day delivery to Des Moines, IA and cities nationwide. The florist provides flowers and floral arrangements for any event or occasion, including…
Pet shop
Make a day of it
Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
Art gallery
Dot's Gallery & Frame Shop
Dot's Gallery & Frame Shop has been a staple on the Southside of Des Moines for over 50 years, specializing in custom matting and framing as a family-owned business in Des Moines, Iowa. The staff takes great pride in…
Art gallery
Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, Iowa, serves as a cultural destination where people connect with art, music, history, and each other. This venue features a theater with good sound, a historic mansion, and an art…
Art gallery
Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design
Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design features a collection of art from emerging and mid-career artists from around the world in Des Moines, Iowa. The gallery provides art advisory, interior design, and custom commissions, as…
Art gallery
Steven Vail Fine Arts Project Room
Steven Vail Fine Arts Project Room is a art gallery on The Fitch Building in Des Moines.
Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 186 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.