Best spots within walking distance
Music Venue
Wooly's
504 East Locust StreetGreat music venue and quite cheap. Check out woolysdsm.com for shows.
A little further out by walking/biking, but cool spot on the river and has music Fridays and Saturdays. Decent grub.
Captain Roy's
1900 Saylor RdA little further out by walking/biking, but cool spot on the river and has music Fridays and Saturdays. Decent grub.
Bar
Beechwood Lounge
416 E Walnut StGreat rowhouse bar and patio. Free pizza on Friday's sometimes.
Alleged Lee's
510 East Grand AvenueGood cocktails and excellent pool table / darts.
85 Bar
432 East Locust StreetGreat Sports Bar, NFL package, etc. Decent hot dogs for late night hunger.
Up-Down
500 E Locust StFun retro arcade and decent slice of pizza for late night hunger.
Saturdays after the Farmers Market (8-2) they have music typically and for sure the games during college football season.
Annie's Irish Pub
206 3rd StSaturdays after the Farmers Market (8-2) they have music typically and for sure the games during college football season.
300 Craft & Rooftop
300 W Martin Luther King Jr PkwyAwesome view, usually hopping and sometimes music.
Great place to watch the world go by. If the food truck is there, many say the curds are really good.
Ernie's Boondock
Great place to watch the world go by. If the food truck is there, many say the curds are really good.
Bellhop
440 E Grand AveTiki bar! Really good, a little pricey, but cool.
The Garden Nightclub
525 E Grand AveNice rooftop and good drag show.
Grab a microbrew and watch the sunset on the lawn.
14 locals recommend
Peace Tree Brewing Company - Des Moines Branch
317 E Court AveGrab a microbrew and watch the sunset on the lawn.
Cool old hotel bar with stiff drinks and nice decor. Some appetizers.
The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar
321 East Walnut StreetCool old hotel bar with stiff drinks and nice decor. Some appetizers.
Great little bar in a switching station with big patio and view of downtown looking up.
Secret Admirer
110 Southwest 5th StreetGreat little bar in a switching station with big patio and view of downtown looking up.
Food scene
Open Sesame
313 E Locust StBest Lebanese food in town and funky digs.
Purveyor
505 E Grand AveBest and cheapest charcuterie in town and great wine.
One of the best sushi spots in town. A bit pricey, but good. Akebono on the other side of the river by Malo is good too and cheaper.
16 locals recommend
Miyabi 9
512 E Grand AveOne of the best sushi spots in town. A bit pricey, but good. Akebono on the other side of the river by Malo is good too and cheaper.
Olympic Flame Restaurant
514 E Grand AveGreat Greek! An East Village classic.
All Day breakfast, but lately the kitchen sometimes closes early. Very good food and beautiful views of downtown.
16 locals recommend
Mullets
1253 1300 SE 1st StAll Day breakfast, but lately the kitchen sometimes closes early. Very good food and beautiful views of downtown.
My favorite food in town. Sit on the patio with a no-corkage fee, 2 bottles per person allowance and get the curry mussels, charcuterie, oysters or steaks. Best smelling kitchen in town.
18 locals recommend
Django
1420 Locust StMy favorite food in town. Sit on the patio with a no-corkage fee, 2 bottles per person allowance and get the curry mussels, charcuterie, oysters or steaks. Best smelling kitchen in town.
Best gourmet bar food in town. Delicious and nice outdoor seating. Order on app at table and pay by app as well.
13 locals recommend
Lua Brewing
1525 High StreetBest gourmet bar food in town. Delicious and nice outdoor seating. Order on app at table and pay by app as well.
Coa Cantina
425 East Grand AvenueTequila! and usually a DJ. Nice patio. Great tacos.
This place is delicious and very reasonable. Lots a food, full bar, authentic if not small.
Pho Real Kitchen and Bar
200 4th StThis place is delicious and very reasonable. Lots a food, full bar, authentic if not small.
If you are craving British food and pint of Guinness or just want to catch the soccer match, this is your spot. Belgian place upstairs as well.
14 locals recommend
The Royal Mile
210 4th StIf you are craving British food and pint of Guinness or just want to catch the soccer match, this is your spot. Belgian place upstairs as well.
The Breakfast Club
212 East 3rd StreetLoud brunch with 80s music and decent food.
RoCA
208 Court AveGreat tasting food in a hip atmosphere.
The Iowa Taproom
215 E 3rd StMicrobrew heaven, food hell?
Coffee
Daisy Chain Coffee
505 East Grand AvenueLocal Coffee Shop
Grocery Store
The pantry has many things. There is also the Oriental Store on Grand mid block between 5th and 6th that has great produce, frozen meats, and Asian treats.
10 locals recommend
East Village Spa
300 E Locust StThe pantry has many things. There is also the Oriental Store on Grand mid block between 5th and 6th that has great produce, frozen meats, and Asian treats.
Major grocery chain with instore-made food like pizza, sushi, chinese, deli sandwiches, etc.
22 locals recommend
Hy-Vee
420 Court AveMajor grocery chain with instore-made food like pizza, sushi, chinese, deli sandwiches, etc.
Parks
If it is hot and you want a lake swimming area, this is the best in Des Moines.
16 locals recommend
Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand AveIf it is hot and you want a lake swimming area, this is the best in Des Moines.
Grays Lake
You can also swim here. But I think Raccoon River Park is better.
Adventureland Park
305 Adventureland DrGreat park and waterpark. Can be crowded but fun.
Very pretty. has a swimming area, but I haven't been. Nice bike ride around. You can bike there from here.
Easter Lake Park
2830 Easter Lake DriveVery pretty. has a swimming area, but I haven't been. Nice bike ride around. You can bike there from here.