So you're hunting for restaurants in West Des Moines? Yeah, it can feel overwhelming with all those chains near Jordan Creek Mall. But let me tell you – this city hides some absolute gems if you know where to look. Last Thursday, I dragged my cousin to this tiny Vietnamese spot off EP True Parkway, and wow. We almost drove past it twice.
West Des Moines isn't just steakhouses and fast food. We've got family-run ethnic kitchens, chef-driven bistros, and cafes that roast their beans in-house. You just need local intel.
West Des Moines Restaurants: Breaking Down the Neighborhoods
Location matters here. The Valley Junction historic district? Totally different vibe from the Warehouse District. Here's what you'll find:
| Area | Restaurant Style | Parking Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Junction | Cozy bistros, wine bars, artisanal bakeries | Free street parking after 6 PM (hard before) |
| Jordan Creek Area | Upscale chains, quick lunches, dessert spots | Mall parking lots (avoid Friday nights) |
| Grand Avenue Corridor | Ethnic eats, hole-in-wall treasures, late-night bites | Usually easy lot parking |
Top 10 Restaurants in West Des Moines You Can't Miss
I've eaten at 40+ spots this year. These stand out:
| Name | What to Order | Price | Hours | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Basil 650 S 50th St |
Drunken Noodles (extra spicy) | $$ | 11AM-9:30PM Daily | Thai street food vibes. Their curry? Life-changing. |
| Tumea & Sons 412 5th St, Valley Junction |
Sunday Gravy Rigatoni | $$$ | 4-10PM Tue-Sat | Family recipes since 1982. Feels like eating at grandma's. |
| Malo 900 73rd St |
Short Rib Tacos + Jalapeño Margarita | $$ | 11AM-10PM Daily | Modern Mexican with rooftop seating. Always packed. |
Honorable mentions: Hadramph's BBQ for fall-off-the-bone ribs (cash only!), Roti + Rye for date night, and Fong's Pizza because crab rangoon pizza shouldn't work but totally does.
Full disclosure: I had a mediocre burger at The Copper Keg last month. Overcooked and $18. Maybe off night? Haven't gone back.
Best Bets for Specific Cravings
Breakfast & Brunch Spots That Won't Disappoint
- St. Kilda Cafe: Australian-style coffee + avocado toast (opens 6:30AM)
- Waveland Cafe: Classic diner pancakes (cash-only, expect wait)
- Brick & Ember: Wood-fired breakfast pizza (only Sundays)
Late Night Eats (Open Past 10PM)
- Jethro's BBQ: Monster pork sandwiches till midnight
- Cool Basil: Pad Thai cravings satisfied till 11:30PM
- Tasty Tacos: Drive-through breakfast burritos at 2AM (yes, really)
What Locals Know (That Tourists Miss)
Having lived here 8 years, here are my insider tips:
- Reservations: Book weeks ahead for Tumea's or Roti + Rye. Walk-ins? Forget Friday nights.
- Hidden Gem: Mi Patria Ecuador behind the car wash on Ashworth Rd. Best empanadas in Iowa.
- Seasonal Specials: Farm-to-table spots like Proof change menus weekly. Always ask.
Pro Tip: Most West Des Moines restaurants start happy hour at 3PM. Hit Malo for half-price apps before the crowd.
Navigating Dietary Needs
Gluten-free? Vegan? No sweat:
| Diet Type | Best Restaurant Options |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Fresh Cafe (dedicated vegan menu), Cool Basil (tofu dishes), St. Kilda (oat milk everything) |
| Gluten-Free | Proof (GF pasta), Malo (corn tortillas), Wasabi Chi (tamari sauces) |
| Kid-Friendly | Jethro's (loud & crayons), Fong's Pizza (weird pizzas distract kids), HuHot (build-your-own bowls) |
Restaurants in West Des Moines: Your Questions Answered
What’s the average entrée price at West Des Moines restaurants?
Most sit-down spots run $15-$25. Budget spots like Tasty Tacos keep meals under $10.
Where should I eat near Jordan Creek Mall?
Avoid the food court. Walk across the street to Wasabi Chi for sushi or Cool Basil. Both under 5 minutes.
Any good food trucks in West Des Moines?
Check Valley Junction farmers market (Saturdays May-Oct). Smokey D's BBQ Truck is legendary.
Funny story: My friend insisted we try "that fancy French place" last winter. Turns out she meant Le Jardin – actually a garden center cafe. We ate croissants next to potting soil. Still delicious though.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter vs summer matters here:
- December: Book holiday parties by October. Seriously.
- July: Patio seats at Malo? Get there by 5PM.
- Construction Alerts: Check 60th St road closures before driving to Grand Avenue spots.
Avoid chains near the mall on graduation weekends (May/June). Packed with families.
Final Thoughts From a Local Food Nut
West Des Moines restaurants? They’re way more diverse than people think. Yeah, we’ve got chains for quick dinners. But dig deeper – those family-owned spots in Valley Junction? That’s where the magic happens.
My last meal here? Probably at Cool Basil. Unless Hadramph’s has burnt ends that day. Or maybe...
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