Totally Famous Iowa Foods & Where to Find Them in Downtown Des Moines

Iowans are passionate about their favorite foods and the dishes we proudly declare as famous Iowa fare! That’s why we put together this comprehensive list of Totally Famous Iowa Foods and where you can find them in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Discover the delicious delicacies Iowans claim as their own and plan your Totally Famous Iowa Food tour across Downtown DSM to taste these specialties for yourself!

Find Famous Iowa Foods in Downtown DSM

Famous Iowa Food: Steak de Burgo

A signature dish in Des Moines with an avid following, this local specialty traditionally features beef tenderloin cooked to order and topped with a rich sauce made with ample amounts of garlic and Italian herbs. Some variations use a cream-based sauce for a slightly different take on the mouthwatering, flavorful dish. No matter which sauce style you prefer, you’ll want to head to one of these Downtown Des Moines restaurants to experience firsthand why this dish is so famous — and oh so scrumptious!

• Americana – The 10-ounce Filet de Burgo is a must-try menu item. The tender steak is served with classic de Burgo butter, complemented by rich white cheddar mashed potatoes and zesty lemon parmesan asparagus. This meal is satisfying comfort food at its finest (pictured below).
• 801 Chophouse – The famed Steak de Burgo is available at Downtown DSM’s premiere steakhouse exclusively on Sundays, featured as a main course option on the three-course Sunday Supper prix fixe menu. Wrap up the indulgent meal with a featured dessert crafted by 801 Chophouse’s own pastry chef.
• RoCA – A twist on the original, this shared plate version of Steak de Burgo Toast takes a classic dish to new heights. Served on toasted focaccia, the tender de Burgo steak tips, truffle mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms covered in signature garlic-herb sauce create a mouthwatering combination, perfect for sharing (…or not).

Famous Iowa Food: Breaded Pork Tenderloin

This Iowa menu staple can be found in restaurants across the state and throughout Downtown DSM — and for good reason! This popular Midwestern sandwich features a tenderized pork cutlet, breaded and fried to a golden, crispy perfection, then served on a bun. Toppings vary by preference, with classic options including (but not limited to) lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard and plenty of pickles. To get your pork tenderloin fix, check out one of these Downtown DSM favorites:

• El Bait Shop – The menu boasts a classic Pork Tenderloin sandwich, featuring an extra-large breaded pork cutlet, fried and topped with pickles. Pro Tip: Order an appetizer to enjoy while you wait for your pork tenderloin to come out! We recommend the Deviled Eggs or the Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies.
• Iowa Taproom – An appetizer rendition of the classic, the Tenderlings appetizer includes breaded pork tenderloin strips served with tangy honey-mustard sauce. Pair it with your favorite cold beer on tap or opt for the Flight of the Month if you’re in the mood for something new! The Taproom also has full-sized tenderloin sandwiches (pictured below) available, too.
• Jethro’s All Stars - Featuring pork, on pork, on pork, The Jethro is a massive sandwich including Jethro’s famous tenderloin topped with Carolina-style pulled pork, house-smoked pit ham and thick cut strips of bacon. Featured on The Food Network’s Man vs. Food, this mammoth creation is a pork lover’s dream come true!
• Mullets - The hand-breaded pork loin nestled on a toasted brioche bun is sure to make your mouth water. Topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, red onion, pickle and mayo, this sandwich is a hearty classic. Get yours with a side of potato salad or upgrade to a deluxe side of crispy onion rings for just a dollar more.

Famous Iowa Food: Sweet Corn

Iowa is THE place to grow corn and here in Downtown DSM, we definitely know a thing or two about buttery, tender and delicious sweet corn. Every year in July and August, we eagerly anticipate indulging in the best sweet corn the season has to offer. It’s a local favorite that’s as much about tradition as it is about flavor. Get your hands on the best dishes featuring sweet corn at these Downtown Des Moines restaurants:

• Alba DSM – The Iowa Sweet Corn Bisque showcases sweet corn as the star of the dish, delivering creamy, sweet flavors in a rich and comforting bisque (shown below). To complete your famous Iowa food meal, indulge in sweet corn ice cream for a unique and memorable dessert experience!
• Court Avenue Brewing Company - A hearty salad featuring a few Iowa favorites, the Iowa Salad includes grilled molasses pork tenderloin served over mixed greens, sweet corn, edamame, carrots and cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with honey mustard dressing. It’s a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy sweet corn goodness.
• Mulberry Street Tavern – On the appetizer menu full of enticing sharables, the Vegetable Dumplings are a standout dish full of sweet corn flavor. Made of Iowa sweet corn, chili crisp, cilantro and grapefruit-ponzu, these dumplings are so delicious you might find it hard to share. You might want to order two so everyone gets a taste!
• The Walnut – Whether you’re vegan or not, the Vegan Quesadilla should be on your must-try list! Featuring roasted sweet corn, red peppers, white onions, black beans and vegan cheese folded between a flour tortilla, it’s topped with Pico de Gallo and zesty vegan ranch. This flavorful dish is sure to have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking to create your own dishes at home featuring sweet corn, shop Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market for farm-fresh produce including local sweet corn. Vendors typically offer sweet corn starting around the Fourth of July through Labor Day.

 

Famous Iowa Food: Food on a Stick

Iowans love their Iowa State Fair, held annually in August, and they REALLY LOVE their food on a stick! The Iowa State Fair is famous for its delectable and mouthwatering mobile food items, making it easy for fairgoers to walk, people-watch and eat while enjoying The Fair. In 2024, the Iowa State Fair featured more than 50 food items on a stick! Luckily, you don’t have to wait until next year to indulge — these Downtown Des Moines restaurants offer food on a stick menu items of their own to keep you happy until the next Iowa State Fair:

• The Breakfast Club – The Breakfast Corn Dogs are the perfect way to start your day — on a stick — at this breakfast and brunch hot spot in Historic East Village! This sweet and savory menu item features breakfast sausage dipped in maple butter batter and fried, served with maple syrup and a strawberry glaze for the ultimate morning treat.
• Olympic Flame Restaurant – Souvlakia (Shish Kabob) is a must-try menu item at this authentic Greek restaurant in Historic East Village. Choose between tender pork or chicken, seasoned with the finest Greek herbs and spices. The dish is served alongside traditional favorites like tiropita, spanakopeta, dolma and orzo, creating a true taste of Greece in every bite.
• RoCA – Share a plate of Grilled Ribeye Skewers with the table or savor the tender skewers of beef all for yourself. These hoisin ribeye skewers are perfectly paired with daikon slaw, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s hard to resist.
• The Stuffed Olive - Enjoy Chicken Skewers marinated in a mix of house spices, served with mixed greens and garlic aioli. Perfectly pair your appetizer on a stick with a specialty martini — we suggest the Sidecar martini followed by a Tiramisu martini for dessert.
• Taqueria 3 Hermanos – At this Downtown Farmers’ Market vendor since 2010, be sure to seek out their booth to enjoy fresh mango on a stick while browsing The Market (shown below). The juicy, sweet fruit is the perfect refreshing snack to munch on as you explore Downtown DSM’s Historic Court District.
• Paleteria La Michoacana - Find this sweet Mexican treat on a stick just outside Downtown DSM! These delicious paletas are a frozen dessert made with fresh fruits, similar to a popsicle, but with a creamy, gourmet ice cream texture (shown at the very top of the page).

 

Famous Iowa Food: Deep-Fried Appetizers

Speaking of the Iowa State Fair, Iowans also can’t get enough of the deep-fried goodies featured at The Fair. You can get your fried food fix at any of these Downtown Des Moines restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious fried treats all year long:

• El Bait Shop – Get your hands on some crispy fried potato goodness wrapped in yummy, salty bacon with an order of these Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots! Fluffy, potatoey tater tots and pickled jalapeños wrapped in thick-cut bacon, then fried and topped with cheddar and jack cheese. Served with ranch (duh!) because what’s more Iowan than dipping your delicious fried goodies in ranch?! And, this item was also featured on The Food Network’s Man vs. Food.
• Iowa Taproom – This appetizer menu is full of fried morsels, including fried pickles, fried cheese curds and Taproom Poppers (pictured below). That last one is a must-try with shredded smoked chicken, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese and Sriracha, nestled in half a jalapeño pepper and fried to perfection. And again, dip all these in a side of ranch, because everything’s better dipped in ranch!
• Mullet’s – Another Downtown DSM favorite serving up an array of mouthwatering fried appetizers! Warm donuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar, Sweet Po-tator Tots available in a savory or sweet style, pickle chips and cheese curds just to name a few! After you finish eating, you might want to hop on the Meredith Trail for a lap or two on your bike around Gray’s Lake to burn some of that off.
• Truman’s – Get yourself down to the Market District for all the fried appetizers! From funnel cake fries and deep-fried cauliflower to more classic fried favorites like onion rings and cheese balls, there’s no shortage of deliciously fried options to satisfy your craving!

Famous Iowa Food: Pie

It’s a big draw for the tens of thousands of bike riders of the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). And with a state full of Iowa Nice people, nothing says hospitality like a big ol’ slice of pie and a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can’t go wrong getting your next slice of pie at one of these Downtown DSM gems:

• Bubba – Enjoy a taste of Southern comforts right here in Downtown DSM! Choose a delectable slice of pie from your choices of Caramel Apple Crumble Pie, Whiskey Pecan Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. There is no wrong choice!
• Molly’s Cupcakes – That’s right, they serve more than just cupcakes! Get yourself a baked from scratch homemade pie in the flavor of your choice, including apple, cherry, French chocolate silk, pecan or pumpkin (shown below).

Looking for more pie? Here are several other spots to get your fix in Downtown DSM.

More Totally Famous Iowa Foods

If all that wasn’t enough, check out Palmer’s Deli Scotcheroos, Fong’s Crab Rangoon Pizza and Iowa Taproom’s Iowa Ham Balls. We could go on and on about delicious, totally famous Iowa foods.

You might also be interested in Where to Source Food Locally For Your Table in Downtown DSM.

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