Caucus 2020 Part I: 5 New Restaurants in DSM Since 2016
Since 2016, Greater Des Moines (DSM) has continued to flourish in more ways than one. This post is the first in a series highlighting some of those changes. Find out about a few of the new restaurants in DSM 2016 since your last visit to DSM, and if it’s your first visit to the region, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to try these local favorites.
316 Court Avenue, Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/BlueSushiSakeGrillDesMoines; Instagram: instagram.com/bluesushisakegrill
Hours: Sunday Noon – 9 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is one of Court Avenue's newest and hottest spots. Known for it's sushi, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of specialty drinks including sake and craft cocktails. With a diverse menu of Asian-inspired dishes, their sustainably sourced seafood includes fresh maki, sashimi and nigiri alongside larger plates, as well as plenty of vegan, vegetarian, keto and gluten-free options. The décollage inspired Godzilla mural and interior blue lighting make for an environment as tasty as the food.
Bubba Southern Comforts: bubbadsm.com
200 10th Street, Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/BubbaDSM; Instagram: instagram.com/bubbadsm
Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday 4-11 p.m.
Opening not long after the last Iowa Caucuses, Bubba offers Southern comfort food like Cajun Crawfish Fritters, Shrimp & Grits or the Southern Catfish Skillet. You can’t go wrong with a traditional Po-Boy. The chef-inspired sandwich changes each week. Round out your meal with the Bourbon Bananas Foster, served with a brown butter waffle, caramelized bananas and vanilla bean ice cream.
6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/SmashParkDM; Instagram: instagram.com/smashparkdm
Hours: Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon
Smash Park offers pickleball, cornhole, bocce ball and more! But Smash Park isn’t just an entertainment spot. You can also enjoy tasty menu items at its Court 7 Munchery. Try the Buffalo Chicken Nachos or Chester’s Waffle Sliders, featuring the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Fried Chicken.
401 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/TheRepublicOnGrand; Instagram: instagram.com/therepublicongrand
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
High up on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel, The Republic on Grand overlooks Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The Republic on Grand strives to partner with local DSM businesses on various entrees and apps, like they do for their Italian sausage flatbread featuring Graziano Brothers world-famous sausage.
Teddy Maroon’s: teddymaroons.com
2301 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/teddymaroons; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddymaroons; Twitter: twitter.com/teddymaroons
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Teddy Maroon’s, named for the local Dowling and Roosevelt High Schools, is a neighborhood bar and grill, serving up delicious food options that support local businesses. Sandwiches boast hoagie or ciabatta buns from South Union Bakery. Try the Corn Flake Chicken Sandwich or the Teddy Brosevelt. Burgers reflect familiar names for those from around DSM, each served on a South Union Bakery sesame bun.
Learn more about other DSM dining options.
Watch for our next Caucus-inspired blog post, Caucus 2020 Part II: New Bars + Brews in DSM.
As first in the nation, the Iowa Caucuses welcome national media and politicians every four years. Find out about the 2020 Iowa Caucuses, as well as the Iowa Caucus Consortium, an initiative of Catch Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Courtney Shaw
Courtney Shaw is Chief Communications Officer for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.