Celebrate 515 Day in DSM: Food + Drink Edition

We always encourage you to visit your favorite restaurants, whether to celebrate a special milestone or catch up with friends, but have you considered trying something new? Around Greater Des Moines (DSM), new restaurant owners are diving into the dining scene — and what they have to offer is tasty entrees, stylish interiors and friendly service. Check out why these new restaurants are on our list of places you just must try on 515 Day on Wednesday, May 15!

Basic Bird 

Community: Des Moines (Beaverdale Neighborhood) 
Beaverdale’s new gluten-free friendly restaurant, Basic Bird, offers an array of sauces to accompany your Korean Fried Chicken, including the Dry Rub, Sweet Honey Butter, Spicy Gochujang and Double Dunk (a sweet and spicy mix). Try the Bacon and Kimchi Fried Rice bowl or Honey Butter French Fries, too. Open Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
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Best Day 

Community: Altoona 
This Altoona coffee shop serves up hot drinks, including seasonal drinks, alongside menu items like lemon blueberry muffins, scones, sandwiches and more. Open Wednesday from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Chelsie's Courtyard Diner 

Community: Des Moines (Near Principal Park) 
Chelsie’s is right off the bike path and a prime location to grab a bite before an I-Cubs game. Try an entrée or an all-day breakfast item like the Marry Me Benedict or Biscuits and Gravy. Open Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
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Chickin Lickin

Community: Waukee 
Try the new Korean Fried Chicken location in Waukee, too! Chickin Lickin serves Korean beer, Soju and other drink options alongside their wings, tenders, platters and Bibim Bowls.  Coming soon.
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Crisp & Green

Community: West Des Moines
This offers signature salads like the Pesto Parm Perfection and Wild Wild Southwest options. Try a grain bowl — the Crispy Teriyaki features roasted chicken, cabbage, broccoli and more — or grab an acai bowl, the Big Island smoothie or Lemon Raspberry Fresca. Open Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
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Curbin' Cuisine

Community: Ankeny
In January 2024, Curbin’ Cuisine moved from the Beaverdale neighborhood to Ankeny to better serve customers. Try the Thai Chicken Peanut Bowl, the Boss Burger or the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich. Open Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
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Grimaldi's

Community: Ankeny (Prairie Trail Neighborhood) 
Visit Ankeny's The District at Prairie Trail Grimaldi’s location for brick-oven pizza, including chef selections like Bacon & Asparagus with Hot Honey Pizza, the Brooklyn Bridge, featuring red peppers, ricotta cheese and Italian sausage, or the Prosciutto Arugula Pizza. Open Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
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Izumi Japanese Restaurant

Community: Clive 
All-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi awaits at Izumi in Clive. Try the Japanese Lunch Special or an authentic Japanese dinner. Open Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
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Prime & Providence

Community: West Des Moines
Prime & Providence, featuring menu items by Chef Dominic Iannerelli and a 10-seat oyster bar, is an upscale addition to the West Des Moines restaurant scene. Coming soon.
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And if you’re looking for a few tried-and-true, long-time favorites, check out Drake Diner in Des Moines, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in West Des Moines, Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio in West Des Moines, The Latin King in Des Moines and The Urban Grill in Urbandale.

When you’re out and about on 515 Day this year, don’t forget to share your stops on social media. Wherever you choose to shop, dine or explore in DSM, highlight your purchases by posting them to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and don’t forget to include the hashtag #515Day with your post! Local business owners will love seeing that you’re happy with your experience, and they will appreciate feeling the love during this year’s 515 Day celebration!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

When dining out — or in — in Greater Des Moines (DSM), locally-owned restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.