Restaurants in Des Moines

Tasty Tacos is the hit of Des Moines. It is consistently in the favorites for the area and good luck finding someone who doesn't like it. It's not a big steakhouse and they don't serve alcohol but that's most of the charm. It's good food, cheap. Not "fast food" food although service is speedy. Just a tip: If it's a busy time of day (noon or early dinner time), call ahead to your favorite location to place your order or be prepared to wait in a line. Locals love this place.

My favorite food here is the original beef flour taco. It has freshly shredded cheese and lettuce (extra cheese for .50 more!) and the shell is amazing. They're big, but get two...you'll want the second. 2 tacos with extra cheese and a pop will run you about 8 dollars. The mushrooms are also very good!

Theme: Mexican

Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter

Comparison: less expensive than average

Address: Several locations--look on www.tastytacos.com

Directions: All over town

Website: www.tastytacos.com

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	Big Daddy's BBQ Satisfaction:

By frankcanfly

on July 6, 2004

by frankcanfly
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I should also list this tip under "Warnings & Dangers" category........

Big Daddy produces a BBQ that is overly hot. Now I love intense spice in food, but this stuff will burn for days.

Big Daddy himself will come to you with a plastic spoon of his hot sauce, and convince you to try it.

Don't

He also provides a homemade conconction, made from Mountain Dew & Castor Oil, to settle your stomach.

Once the burn was reduced, I felt like I had swallowed concrete.

Big Daddy has been on the David Letterman show, highlighting his restaurant.

Theme: Local

Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Just North of the Capitol, just ask.

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	Art Center Cafe: If Matisse were a chef, he'd cook here Satisfaction:

By yooperprof

on July 7, 2004

by yooperprof
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Man does not live by Art alone

The Art Center Cafe has a limited menu, but it all looked good when I was there. Upscale and delicious - it seems to attract many people in Des Moines who just come for the restaurant. On pleasant days, there is outdoor seating by the reflecting pool; there are about ten tables inside, so if you want to be sure of a table, get here early.

Theme: Eclectic/International

Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter

Comparison: more expensive than average

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	Buzzard Billy's Flying Carp Cafe: Buzzard Billy's

By Jimma

on January 13, 2003

by Jimma
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Great atmosphere and food. I understand they have a few of these restaurants scattered throughout the U.S. The place is decorated with musical memorabilia.

The Bayou Platter (you can split it with your dining companion if you're not a big eater)

Theme: American

Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter

Comparison: about average

Address: In the Court Avenue District

Phone: (515) 280-6060

Directions: Buzzard Billy's Flying Carp Café 100 Court Ave. - Lower Level Des Moines, IA 50309 Fax (515) 280-3815

Website: http://www.buzzardbillys.com/

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	Smitty's Tenderloins: The best tenderloins Satisfaction:

By gover

on September 24, 2007

by gover
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Tenderloin and onion rings
(photo from website)

Tenderloins are a true Midwest sandwich and no one does them better than Smitty's. It's a casual family-run restaurant that has been in business for 40 years. The tenderloins are thin, tender and HUGE. If you can't eat much you may want to split one (I never seem to have a problem eating a small King Loin by myself!) The onion rings and fries are very good as well. The place is clean and the counter staff are friendly. They also have burgers but I've never ordered one.

I always get a small King tenderloin with onion rings. It hits the spot when you have a craving for some fried food.

Theme: American

Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter

Comparison: about average

Address: 1401 SW Army Post Rd

Phone: 515-287-4742

Directions: Near the airport. Closed Sunday and Monday

Website: http://www.smittystenderloins.com/index.html

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	Waterfront Seafood Market and Restaurant: The Waterfront

By Jimma

on January 13, 2003

by Jimma
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I've never been disappointed with my meals (but then again, I love seafood). My wife even enjoys the food and she's not much for seafood. Also, the market is attached to the restaurant so you can pick up something fresh to go.

Halibut Royale - $16.95 Fresh halibut steak marinated in a chardonnay white wine and topped with sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions and seasoned bread crumbs. Baked to perfection. A house favorite!