6 Limited-Time Summer Menus in Downtown Des Moines

These six Downtown Des Moines (DSM) limited-time menus with summertime features include fresh and locally sourced ingredients from around the region and Iowa. You’re going to want to taste these one-of-a-kind offerings before they’re gone!

Limited-Time Menus

1. Trellis Café August Menu
August Special; Open 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., W – Sun
Trellis is a lunch-only eatery located inside the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, offering diners a locally sourced and plant-based monthly rotating menu. The August 2024 menu features fresh and bright summertime foods including a tomato gazpacho and broccoli cheddar soup, Green Goddess hummus sandwich, quid ink gnocchi and avocado linguine, to namedrop a few items. Trellis also partners with local Downtown Des Moines dessert-maker, Doré Bakery, and August's desserts include a summer harvest torte and panna cotta. A kids’ menu is also available with meals priced right at $8.
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2. Weekend Features at Bubba
Open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. T – F; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat – Sun
At Des Moines’ restaurant known for Southern comfort, enjoy weekend features like a 12-ounce New York Strip, flame grilled, with bleu cheese grit cakes, roasted asparagus and topped with Cajun butter.
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3. DSM Restaurant Week
Aug. 16 – 25, 2024
DSM Restaurant Week is the perfect chance to sample restaurants you’ve always wanted to try and unique, often limited-time menu items at favorite eateries. Participating restaurants provide a prix fixe menu with lunch meals ranging $15 to $25 and dinner dishes ranging $40 to $80. A few of the Downtown DSM restaurants you’ll find participating in DSM Restaurant Week include Aposto, Bar Nico, Harbinger, Mulberry Street Tavern, Park Street Kitchen + Bar, Republic on Grand, Tupelo Honey and several others.
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Hey! We think you might also be interested in Good News Darling's featured menu available during August, where eight cocktails are themed around Iowa State Fair attractions.

4. Summer Menu at Alba Restaurant
Open 4 p.m. – Close, Sun – Sat
Located in the Historic East Village, Alba’s menu changes often! Their summer menu includes tried-and-true favorites while also highlighting Iowa foods including upscale deviled eggs, a ricotta and peach salad and the chilled tomato and rhubarb soup. Try the Summer Tagliatelle: basil pistou, seasonal veggies and cured egg yolk. Don’t miss your chance to savor this summer’s menu at Alba!
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5. Grand Tasting at Hotel Fort Des Moines
Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
WineFest Des Moines’ grand evening of food and wine is back! This intimate and enchanting event highlights high-end wines and DSM’s top-notch caterers serving up hearty hors d’oeuvres. VIP upgrades are also available including experiencing the Zenor Law Firm’s personal wine cellar.
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6. Progressive Dinner at The Plaza
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
A dinner party like no other! With co-hosts including Connie Wimer, Trudy Holman Hurd, Tom Smull and Liz Gilman, Rich Eychaner and Dr. Dick Deming, you’ll experience luxurious condos, cocktails and wine, refreshments and the best views of Downtown DSM! This special celebration is hosted by friends of Ballet Des Moines.
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Explore even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants and nightlife options, and plan your visit with these parking and navigation resources.