Downtown Des Moines Dining Guide | Unique Food & Drink Flights

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is quickly becoming a haven for adventurous food and beverage enthusiasts. You’ll find unique flights that go way, way beyond the usual beer and wine pairings here. From indulgent breakfast flights that let you sample everything from French toast to eggs benedict, to creative food and dessert flights showcasing local flavors, this sprawling city is chock full of tasty surprises. Join us as we explore the best spots to sample these exciting food and beverage flights in the heart of the city!

Downtown Des Moines Breakfast Flights

The Breakfast Club

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
Elevate your brunch experience with the irresistible Crêpe Flight at The Breakfast Club, perfect for anyone who loves variety. This unique offering allows you to sample three different crêpes, each filled with delicious flavors. Ideal for sharing or for those who can’t choose just one flavor, this flight is a standout on The Breakfast Club’s inventive menu.
thebreakfastclubusa.com

Mullets

Neighborhood: Market District
A go-to spot for breakfast lovers, thanks to its creative and delicious breakfast flight options. Offering more than just your typical morning fare, Mullets serves up flights that let you sample several flavors in one sitting. Their Avocado Toast Flight features different takes on the trendy classic, while the Eggs Benedict Flight offers multiple variations on the beloved dish, from traditional to unique twists. And keep your eyes peeled for pop-up specials, like their French Toast Flights! With these breakfast flights, Mullets delivers a fun, shareable way to kickstart your day and experience the best of their menu.
mulletsdm.com

Food Flights in Downtown Des Moines

Django

Neighborhood: Western Gateway
Django in Downtown DSM brings a touch of sophistication with their Classic Scotch & Oyster Flight, pairing fresh oysters with expertly selected scotch for a refined taste experience. This is a top pick for those who enjoy bold flavors, with a unique combination of briny and smoky notes. For cheese lovers, Django’s Cheese Flight presents an assortment of artisanal cheeses, carefully curated to highlight a variety of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
djangodesmoines.com

Rita’s Cantina DSM

Neighborhood: Market District
Indulge in the ultimate queso experience with the Queso Flight, featuring four specialty varieties. Served with chips and salsa, this flight includes the indulgent Loaded Queso, creamy Corn Queso, flavorful Birria Queso and the fiery Spicy Queso. Each dip brings its own unique twist to enjoy all during one delicious occasion.
ritascantinadsm.com

Downtown Des Moines Dessert Flights

The Republic on Grand

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
The Republic on Grand serves up a decadent Crème Brûlée St. Germain Flight, with three indulgent variations: the floral and aromatic St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, rich and velvety Dark Chocolate, and the tart sweetness of Raspberry. Each crème brûlée is carefully crafted to offer a unique and delightful tasting experience, making this flight a standout dessert option.
therepublicongrand.com

Beer Flights in Downtown Des Moines

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Neighborhood: Sherman Hill
Big Grove Brewery has a fantastic beer flight that lets you sample a few of their handcrafted brews. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing lager, a hop-forward IPA or a rich stout, their customizable flight allows you to explore different flavors and styles. Perfect for beer lovers looking to experience Big Grove’s brewing craftsmanship, it’s a great way to discover new favorites.
biggrove.com

El Bait Shop

Neighborhood: Near Historic Court District & Principal Park
Known for its impressive selection of craft beers, El Bait Shop offers a beer flight for people looking to explore a variety of brews. With more than 260 beers on tap, make it how you like it with a customized line-up from sweet to sour to savory, and everything else in between. It’s an ideal way to discover new flavors and enjoy the best of the craft beer world!
elbaitshop.com

Photo of El Bait Shop beer flight is courtesy of Somos Studios.

SingleSpeed Brewing

Neighborhood: Market District
Indulge in an exceptional beer flight that allows you to sample a range of expertly crafted beers. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and bold stouts, each flight is customizable, giving you the chance to explore different flavors and styles. Perfect for both beer enthusiasts and newcomers, a flight showcases the variety of SingleSpeed’s locally brewed offerings.
singlespeedbrewing.com

Downtown Des Moines Cocktail Flights

The Breakfast Club

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
Get your drank on at brunch with a mimosa flight from The Breakfast Club! Pick any four craft mimosa flavors to make up your unique mimosa flight. From fruity blends like berry and tropical options to citrusy spins, each bubbly glass offers a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s an ideal choice for brunch-goers who want to sip and savor a range of vibrant, sparkling combinations.
thebreakfastclubusa.com

The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar

Neighborhood: Near the Market District
A unique selection of Gin & Tonic Flights, The New Northwestern allows guests to explore new and oldie-but-goodie gin cocktails. Choose from the American Rail, Imported Rail or Custom Rail options, or hand-pick three gins to craft your own personalized flight. Each selection is paired with a perfectly complementing tonic and garnish, or you can ask the knowledgeable bartender for a recommendation to enhance your tasting experience.
thenewnorthwestern.com

The Republic on Grand

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
“Something Old, Something New, Something Local,” perfectly embodies the The Republic on Grand’s Bourbon Flight offering. This flight is made for bourbon enthusiasts and includes the classic Knob Creek, the innovative Penelope Four Grain and Iowa’s own Cedar Ridge. Each selection lends to a unique flavor profile, allowing guests to experience the depth and variety within the world of bourbon, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore quality spirits.
therepublicongrand.com

Rita’s Cantina DSM

Neighborhood: Market District
Refreshing Margarita Flights, just right for sampling creative takes on this classic cocktail. Flight options include Frozen Flight, Yuzu Pretty, Tropical Basic Beach, Bubbly Margmosa and more. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, tart, bubbly — or all of the above! — Rita’s Cantina Margarita Flights lets you explore a range of vibrant and refreshing flavors in one fun experience.
ritascantinadsm.com

Wine Flights in Downtown Des Moines

The Cave DSM

Neighborhood: Near Western Gateway
A carefully curated Wine Flight for those craving a range of unique and flavorful wines. Each flight has a selection of reds, whites or a mix of both, allowing you to try out the distinct characteristics of various varietals. If you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, The Cave DSM’s wine flight provides a delightful and educational tasting experience in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
thecavedsm.com

The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar

Neighborhood: Near the Market District
Hey winos! Give the Cabernet Flight a go here. It showcases a range of bold, full-bodied reds, while the Pinot Flight gives a taste of light to medium-bodied wine with flavors of red fruit, such as cherries and raspberries, and sometimes floral or earthy notes. For those who prefer lighter options, the White Wine Flight features a crisp selection of refreshing whites, making it an ideal choice for any palate. Bottoms up!
thenewnorthwestern.com

The Republic on Grand

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
Three cheers to this: The Republic on Grand’s Bubbles flight features La Marca Prosecco, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and JCB No 21, letting you sip your way through Italy, Spain and France. The Rosé flight is perfect for a refreshing experience, featuring Abito, Summer Water and Fleur De Mer La Jolie. For a bold, complex taste, the Reds flight includes Honoro Vera, Quinta Sardonia and Ancient Peaks, offering rich, layered notes. There is truly no wrong choice. And bonus, the view of the city from the patio here is incredible!
therepublicongrand.com

Find even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants, including breakfast and brunch hotspots. Follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more ideas, and mouthwatering photos too!