10 Downtown DSM Places with Romantic Vibes for Your Valentine’s Date

Love is in the air this month in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and we’ve got a list of 10 great places to cultivate a little romance with these restaurants and nightlife options perfectly suited for you and your Valentine.

Small Plates with Romantic Downtown DSM Views

Dine and drink in style at Pura Social Club, with a bird’s eye view of Downtown DSM. This traditional cocktail and tapas bar is among the newer spots to experience, located in the Lyon Apartments building. Learn more about their Puraly Romantic offerings for Valentine’s Day.

Another restaurant towering over the city is the Republic on Grand, overlooking the Historic East Village on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott. Spoil your loved one with a three-course V-Day dinner taking place on Monday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 14, including choice of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. seating times.

Restaurants Newer to the Scene in Downtown DSM

Bar Nico is a new restaurant from Jason Simon, who you might recognize from Alba, Eatery A and Parlor. Also located in the Historic East Village, this eatery specializes in Mexican fare paired with Mezcal, tequila and bourbon drinks. A special prix fixe menu is available for the February holiday.

As the house restaurant of the Surety Hotel, Mulberry Street Tavern serves up chef-inspired, traditional fare in a vibrant setting. A special Valentine’s Day menu is available for $70 per person and a $40 wine pairing add-on. The dessert trio — chocolate covered strawberry, a dark chocolate + vanilla bean + hazelnut Swiss roll and a roasted marshmallow macaroon — sounds decadent and delicious!

The elegant Proudfoot & Bird is another great venue for a dressy and romantic evening downtown, with menu items ranging from handmade pastas to prime-cut beef, seafood and chicken dishes with perfect wine pairings to accompany any meal.

Valentine's Day Drinks Please!

Make it an extra special night out with a pre-dinner cocktail or an after-meal nightcap at one of these Downtown DSM nightlife destinations.

With a robust menu of unique creations, classic cocktails and the traditional beer, wine and selzer offerings, Hello, Marjorie is a great stop while celebrating Valentine’s Day. Be sure to snag a photo of your special someone beneath the iconic neon sign! And located directly behind Hello, Marjorie is the companion cocktail parlor Good News, Darling, where you’ll find intricate cocktails featuring fresh ingredients and premium spirits in a cozy setting.

The newly opened in 2023 speakeasy bar, In Confidence, is housed in the Hotel Fort Des Moines with a secret entrance giving it extra special flair for V-Day. The Prohibition-era feel will have you savoring the handcrafted cocktails and curated wine collection while glancing over your shoulder a time or two. No password or secret code is needed for entry.

Juniper Moon also provides an intimate feel for drinks, and Revival House is a go-to tiki-themed spot in Downtown DSM with ideal ambiance for the holiday of love.

Looking for places to shop local in Downtown DSM to gift to your Valentine? Or perhaps needing some family-friendly things to do surrounding the Valentine’s Day holiday? We’ve got you covered!

And find additional Downtown DSM restaurant and nightlife options, as well as tips on Downtown DSM parking and navigation. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.