Brick Road Gem guidebook

Nicole
Brick Road Gem guidebook

Food scene

A nice dinner out and a neighborhood favorite. Reservations are not required, but be prepared for a long wait on the weekends. LUNCH HOURS Tuesday - Friday: 11a.m. - 2p.m. DINNER HOURS Tuesday - Thursday: 4p.m. - 10p.m. Friday - Saturday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
10 locals recommend
Tursi's Latin King Italian Dining
2200 Hubbell Ave
10 locals recommend
A nice dinner out and a neighborhood favorite. Reservations are not required, but be prepared for a long wait on the weekends. LUNCH HOURS Tuesday - Friday: 11a.m. - 2p.m. DINNER HOURS Tuesday - Thursday: 4p.m. - 10p.m. Friday - Saturday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
I don't believe there's a person in Des Moines who hasn't been to Tasty Tacos. Cheap, fast and delicious. Be sure to get the flour taco shell. Open 11am-10pm Closed Sundays
Tasty Tacos Inc
5847 Southeast 14th Street
I don't believe there's a person in Des Moines who hasn't been to Tasty Tacos. Cheap, fast and delicious. Be sure to get the flour taco shell. Open 11am-10pm Closed Sundays
Cheeky and different. The have counter service or table service. As silly as it is, the food is actually good. HOURS OF OPERATION: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm / Fri + Sat: 11am - 11pm
44 locals recommend
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand Ave
44 locals recommend
Cheeky and different. The have counter service or table service. As silly as it is, the food is actually good. HOURS OF OPERATION: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm / Fri + Sat: 11am - 11pm
Pricey natural foods grocery store, but a great cafe attached. Family friendly. Counter service. CAFÉ HOURS: Daily: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
35 locals recommend
Gateway Market
2002 Woodland Ave
35 locals recommend
Pricey natural foods grocery store, but a great cafe attached. Family friendly. Counter service. CAFÉ HOURS: Daily: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This menu is more for grown ups, but kids can certainly go. My husband says it's a great breakfast spot. OPEN DAILY 8 AM – 4 PM
11 locals recommend
St. Kilda
300 SW 5th St
11 locals recommend
This menu is more for grown ups, but kids can certainly go. My husband says it's a great breakfast spot. OPEN DAILY 8 AM – 4 PM
Breakfast. Parking is better in back. Counter service. Laid back, noisy atmosphere. LA MIE BAKERY MON-SAT 7AM-3PM KITCHEN CLOSES AT 2PM
46 locals recommend
La Mie Bakery
841 42nd St
46 locals recommend
Breakfast. Parking is better in back. Counter service. Laid back, noisy atmosphere. LA MIE BAKERY MON-SAT 7AM-3PM KITCHEN CLOSES AT 2PM
Fong's is famous for their crab rangoon pizza. I don't even like crab, or rangoon, but I do love that pizza.
42 locals recommend
Fong's Pizza
223 4th St
42 locals recommend
Fong's is famous for their crab rangoon pizza. I don't even like crab, or rangoon, but I do love that pizza.
Ice Cream! Super close, and this place usually has a line. So, it must be good, right!? But for real, people love this place.
Dairy Zone
2219 E University Ave
Ice Cream! Super close, and this place usually has a line. So, it must be good, right!? But for real, people love this place.
More Ice Cream. New on the scene and always busy, they are known for their quirky homemade flavors. You can get a sampler of 6 different ice creams in an egg carton.
7 locals recommend
Black Cat Ice Cream
7 locals recommend
More Ice Cream. New on the scene and always busy, they are known for their quirky homemade flavors. You can get a sampler of 6 different ice creams in an egg carton.
Super casual, hang out for hours if you want, kind of place. Some board games and big hot cocoa mugs. They do a basic kid's meal on an old school lunch tray that comes with a toy. It's a win.
31 locals recommend
Smokey Row Coffee Co.
1910 Cottage Grove Ave
31 locals recommend
Super casual, hang out for hours if you want, kind of place. Some board games and big hot cocoa mugs. They do a basic kid's meal on an old school lunch tray that comes with a toy. It's a win.
If you're headed to West Glen, stop in at Hurt's. They have over the top doughnuts that actually taste good.
Hurts Donut
5513 Mills Civic Parkway
If you're headed to West Glen, stop in at Hurt's. They have over the top doughnuts that actually taste good.
They have such a following. Famous for their "lousy service" sign, they stay open late late. You order from the sidewalk and find a curb to sit on. Thursday 11AM–3AM Friday 11AM–3AM Saturday 11AM–3AM Sunday 2PM–2AM Monday 11AM–3AM Tuesday 11AM–3AM Wednesday 11AM–3AM
6 locals recommend
Big Tomato Pizza
2613 Ingersoll Ave
6 locals recommend
They have such a following. Famous for their "lousy service" sign, they stay open late late. You order from the sidewalk and find a curb to sit on. Thursday 11AM–3AM Friday 11AM–3AM Saturday 11AM–3AM Sunday 2PM–2AM Monday 11AM–3AM Tuesday 11AM–3AM Wednesday 11AM–3AM
If you're not from Iowa and like a good diner burger, here's a quick stop that has loyal fans.
9 locals recommend
B-Bop's
2205 SE Delaware Ave
9 locals recommend
If you're not from Iowa and like a good diner burger, here's a quick stop that has loyal fans.
Mostly an adult hangout. They have a root beer that is so good. If you're looking to be downtown in the action, this is a safe bet.
14 locals recommend
Madhouse Brewery
501 Scott Ave
14 locals recommend
Mostly an adult hangout. They have a root beer that is so good. If you're looking to be downtown in the action, this is a safe bet.
In the heart of things downtown. Great for families. Affordable and you leave full. They have a salad bar.
8 locals recommend
Spaghetti Works
310 Court Ave
8 locals recommend
In the heart of things downtown. Great for families. Affordable and you leave full. They have a salad bar.
Neighborhood restaurant favorite with long time staff. Casual and affordable. Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED
Now Or Later Restaurant
3750 East University Avenue
Neighborhood restaurant favorite with long time staff. Casual and affordable. Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED
Ice Cream! I've never been, but I'm told I should add it :)
Over the Top
955 NE 56th St
Ice Cream! I've never been, but I'm told I should add it :)
New! Plant based gourmet cinnamon rolls.
Cinnaholic
505 East Grand Avenue
New! Plant based gourmet cinnamon rolls.
More intimate dining and a bocce ball court. My other cousin loves this place.
8 locals recommend
Tumea & Sons
1501 SE 1st St
8 locals recommend
More intimate dining and a bocce ball court. My other cousin loves this place.

Grocery store

A small grocery store, where you can run in and get out. You'll need a quarter if you want to use a shopping cart. Also, you bag your own groceries. Hours ALDI - E University Ave, Des Moines, IA Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
ALDI
8400 Douglas Ave
A small grocery store, where you can run in and get out. You'll need a quarter if you want to use a shopping cart. Also, you bag your own groceries. Hours ALDI - E University Ave, Des Moines, IA Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
We all know Whole Foods.
9 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
4100 University Ave
9 locals recommend
We all know Whole Foods.
Another natural food store if Whole Foods isn't your jam.
6 locals recommend
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
2900 University Ave
6 locals recommend
Another natural food store if Whole Foods isn't your jam.

Gas station

The best gas station nearby is just across from the Fairgrounds at the corner of E University and E 30th Street. It has the biggest slushy selection I've ever seen. Open 24 hours
QuikTrip
1000 East University Avenue
The best gas station nearby is just across from the Fairgrounds at the corner of E University and E 30th Street. It has the biggest slushy selection I've ever seen. Open 24 hours

Parks

A clean and friendly neighborhood park where there is a walking path around the lake. Amenities at Copper Creek include: Trails Playground Restrooms Good/Excellent Shorefishing Community Fishing Location
Copper Creek Lake Park
4390 East University Avenue
A clean and friendly neighborhood park where there is a walking path around the lake. Amenities at Copper Creek include: Trails Playground Restrooms Good/Excellent Shorefishing Community Fishing Location
Has a walking path around the lake and a playground. Fishing. You can also rent watercraft. Concession stand open sometimes. The following watercrafts rent for $8/half hour or $15/hour: 2-Person Canoes - (terrace) 3-Person Canoes - (terrace) Double Kayaks - (terrace) Stand-up Paddleboards (beach) 4 person Pedal Boats - (terrace) Row boat (terrace) Terrace Concession Hours*: May 1 - May 26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends May 27 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends Beach Concession Hours*: May 28 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
Grays Lake
Grays Lake
Has a walking path around the lake and a playground. Fishing. You can also rent watercraft. Concession stand open sometimes. The following watercrafts rent for $8/half hour or $15/hour: 2-Person Canoes - (terrace) 3-Person Canoes - (terrace) Double Kayaks - (terrace) Stand-up Paddleboards (beach) 4 person Pedal Boats - (terrace) Row boat (terrace) Terrace Concession Hours*: May 1 - May 26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends May 27 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends Beach Concession Hours*: May 28 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends

Sightseeing

During the winter, the Botanical Garden is a small refuge. And they have free parking. It's a great starting point to get out and walk south along the Des Moines river. Lots of fun sights to see as you walk towards downtown.
53 locals recommend
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Dr
53 locals recommend
During the winter, the Botanical Garden is a small refuge. And they have free parking. It's a great starting point to get out and walk south along the Des Moines river. Lots of fun sights to see as you walk towards downtown.
You'll be surprised to hear that I've never once met a person who said they didn't enjoy their tour of the Capital. Capitol Tour Information  Tours are provided at no cost. Schedule a tour by calling 515-281-5591. Tour guides strive to accommodate every tour request, even those without a scheduled tour.  Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday. Please call for tour times: 515-281-5591.  The tour guides and gift shop are located on the ground floor of the rotunda in the Iowa State Capitol.  Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour of the Capitol online at www.legis.iowa.gov.  Self-guided tours of the Capitol and Capitol grounds are available anytime during normal business hours. Capitol Building Hours  8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday  8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday  The Capitol is closed Sundays, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (and day after), and Christmas Day
56 locals recommend
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave
56 locals recommend
You'll be surprised to hear that I've never once met a person who said they didn't enjoy their tour of the Capital. Capitol Tour Information  Tours are provided at no cost. Schedule a tour by calling 515-281-5591. Tour guides strive to accommodate every tour request, even those without a scheduled tour.  Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday. Please call for tour times: 515-281-5591.  The tour guides and gift shop are located on the ground floor of the rotunda in the Iowa State Capitol.  Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour of the Capitol online at www.legis.iowa.gov.  Self-guided tours of the Capitol and Capitol grounds are available anytime during normal business hours. Capitol Building Hours  8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday  8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday  The Capitol is closed Sundays, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (and day after), and Christmas Day
Simple open "park". It's downtown and people love going there just to hang out. Kids can't climb on the sculptures, but there are some hills and running around to do. Starbucks is next door. If you walk a little ways east you'll find a water feature that runs along the sidewalk. Kids can play in there.
78 locals recommend
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Ave
78 locals recommend
Simple open "park". It's downtown and people love going there just to hang out. Kids can't climb on the sculptures, but there are some hills and running around to do. Starbucks is next door. If you walk a little ways east you'll find a water feature that runs along the sidewalk. Kids can play in there.

Shopping

This is the only real mall in the Des Moines area. The rest are slowly closing down. They have a food court, movie theater, play place and chain restaurants like Panera and The Cheesecake Factory. There is also a pond to walk around with ducks. Jordan Creek Town Center hours & location Individual store and restaurant hours may vary. Please contact tenants directly for their hours of operation. Thu, Jun 23:10am – 7pm Fri, Jun 24:10am – 8pm Sat, Jun 25:10am – 8pm Sun, Jun 26:11am – 6pm Mon, Jun 27:10am – 7pm Tue, Jun 28:10am – 7pm
51 locals recommend
Jordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy
51 locals recommend
This is the only real mall in the Des Moines area. The rest are slowly closing down. They have a food court, movie theater, play place and chain restaurants like Panera and The Cheesecake Factory. There is also a pond to walk around with ducks. Jordan Creek Town Center hours & location Individual store and restaurant hours may vary. Please contact tenants directly for their hours of operation. Thu, Jun 23:10am – 7pm Fri, Jun 24:10am – 8pm Sat, Jun 25:10am – 8pm Sun, Jun 26:11am – 6pm Mon, Jun 27:10am – 7pm Tue, Jun 28:10am – 7pm
If you love outlet malls, here's an easy stop.
16 locals recommend
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NW
16 locals recommend
If you love outlet malls, here's an easy stop.
If you're headed to the East Village, don't miss a stop at Raygun. Fun souvenirs and lots to look at. Known for their opinionated t-shirts.
20 locals recommend
RAYGUN
505 E Grand Ave
20 locals recommend
If you're headed to the East Village, don't miss a stop at Raygun. Fun souvenirs and lots to look at. Known for their opinionated t-shirts.
This is a classic "old town" that has blocks and blocks of shopping. Used to be lots of antiques, but it's been changing to more clothing, restaurants, knick knacks, etc. A good variety. They also do a farmer's market on Thursday evenings over the summer.
46 locals recommend
Valley Junction
46 locals recommend
This is a classic "old town" that has blocks and blocks of shopping. Used to be lots of antiques, but it's been changing to more clothing, restaurants, knick knacks, etc. A good variety. They also do a farmer's market on Thursday evenings over the summer.

Waterpark

The best bang for your buck is a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes), but totally worth it. Fair warning, the kids will not want to leave. Daily Admission GENERAL $8 SENIOR CITIZEN ADMISSION (60+) $5 CHILDREN AGES 2 & UNDER $1 FLOW RIDER Included w/admission *LAP SWIM/WATER WALKING $3 *Lap swim and water walking are available for guests 13 and older. Facility Features Heated water FlowRider surf machine - must be 42" or taller Zero depth entry pool Kiddie slide - no height requirement Floor geysers and water cannons Lazy river Lap pool Diving well and drop slide - must be 48" or taller 1 meter spring board and 3 meter platform diving - No height requirement Swirl Bowl slide - must be 48" or taller Lap swimming Water walking Concession stand Area for sunbathing In-pool shade
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
2350 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
The best bang for your buck is a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes), but totally worth it. Fair warning, the kids will not want to leave. Daily Admission GENERAL $8 SENIOR CITIZEN ADMISSION (60+) $5 CHILDREN AGES 2 & UNDER $1 FLOW RIDER Included w/admission *LAP SWIM/WATER WALKING $3 *Lap swim and water walking are available for guests 13 and older. Facility Features Heated water FlowRider surf machine - must be 42" or taller Zero depth entry pool Kiddie slide - no height requirement Floor geysers and water cannons Lazy river Lap pool Diving well and drop slide - must be 48" or taller 1 meter spring board and 3 meter platform diving - No height requirement Swirl Bowl slide - must be 48" or taller Lap swimming Water walking Concession stand Area for sunbathing In-pool shade