Trailside Restaurants in Downtown DSM

When you’re biking in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), sometimes a spot to kick back, relax and have a sandwich or drink is just what you need to get you through the rest of your ride. Here are some convenient — and satisfying! — Downtown Des Moines restaurants along the trails to let your legs rest and refuel with a beer or a bite to eat.

Downtown Des Moines Restaurants Along the Trails

Hessen Haus

At Hessen Haus, a restaurant in Downtown Des Moines with proximity to the trail system, the German fare will taste even better after a long bike ride. Take a detour just north of the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail to 101 SW 4th St. and try out the authentic German menu items like the “Knock-Out Currywurst Burger” or, for something lighter, the “Hessen Salad.”

Jasper Winery

Time the end of your ride to finish at Jasper Winery, just outside of Downtown Des Moines (2400 George Flagg Pkwy.) and see a free outdoor concert during the winery's summer concert series. The series goes through Thursday, Aug. 3 and supports local musical acts like The Maytags, The Nadas and Decoy.

Mullets

Take in the views of Downtown Des Moines as you try out an all-new menu at Mullets, 1300 SE First St. #1253. The “Strawberry Gouda Turkey” sandwich or the new “Impossible” burger, best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer on the double decker patio overlooking the Iowa Cubs’ Principal Park. Once you’ve finished eating, hop onto the Meredith Trail to go through Gray’s Lake Park to continue your Downtown Des Moines bike ride.

Rita’s Cantina

Located in Downtown Des Moines' Historic East Village at 401 E. Fifth St., Rita’s Cantina is just off the bike path. Bikers can try out the tacos, enchiladas or tostadas and chill out with a margarita flight after their ride.

St. Kilda Café

It was sure to become a lunch destination for bikers due to its location at 300 S.W. 5th St., but St. Kilda Café in the Harbach Lofts is also great for those early risers. If you like to hit the trails early, stop in at this tried-and-true Downtown Des Moines brunch place, serving breakfast all day, and trytry the “Chili Scramble” or the daily selection of housemade pastries. Lunch options include the “Chicken Schawarma Bowl” or the “Salmon BLT,” among others.

Other Regional Trailside Restaurants

Riding outside of Downtown DSM? No problem! Try out Trailside Tap (and a second Mullet's location!) in Ankeny, Founders in Bondurant or The Chicken in Orilla near West Des Moines. Each of these locations is just off the bike trail and offers a casual dining experience that’s perfect for a pitstop.

For more information on restaurants in Downtown Des Moines, check out some of the best places to eat here. You can also find everything you need to know about Downtown Des Moines' trails here.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.