Des Moines

cyclonenum1 · 06-06-2008, 09:54 AM

I have a good friend that is going to be in Des Moines for the 2008 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships at Drake with his 18 year old son next week.

He has asked me for some recommendations of places to eat and things to do in Des Moines since he knows I am from Iowa. Unfortunately, since I haven't lived there for 20 years, I'm sure things have changed.

I am hoping some of you can give me some ideas to pass along to him. Thanks for your help!

drmwevr08 · 06-06-2008, 09:55 AM

Big Earls Goldmine...

Knownothing · 06-06-2008, 09:59 AM

Places to eat.

Latin King
Berrata's
Tumea and Son's

There are no better than those 23.

Big Earls is a great suggestion though

dmclone · 06-06-2008, 10:09 AM

I'll post this again.

Google Maps

blue=places to eat
red=places to drink

jtaconutz · 06-06-2008, 10:09 AM

I would send them downtown. There is the farmers market on Saturday AM and the dining/bar scene is becoming fairly decent and diverse. There is also the IMAX/Science Center.

I am sure Drake will be providing entertainment around the stadium as well.

AIT · 06-06-2008, 10:49 AM

There are a few places to eat around Drake. There's a new barbecue place and some fast food on Forest a couple blocks west of the stadium. There's DuBay's and the Drake Diner a couple blocks south of the stadium. There's also a pizza place, coffee shops, and sandwich shops along University south of the stadium too. Where will he be staying?

cybsball20 · 06-06-2008, 10:58 AM

Just north of Drake there is Chef's Kitchen, B&B, Christophers, Flying Mango and Michaels which are all great.

ISUFan22 · 06-06-2008, 12:03 PM

I heard Greg McDermott cooks a mean steak...

ajsp · 06-06-2008, 12:05 PM

If they are looking for something really nice, try Centro for dinner.

mramseyISU · 06-06-2008, 12:19 PM

I was a big fan of the Chicago Speak Easy on Euclid.

TxCycloneFan · 06-06-2008, 12:36 PM

I haven't lived there in over 20 years as well, but The Latin King and the Iowa Beef Steak house were some of my favorites. Felix and Oscars and Scornavacca's for pizza and the best tacos on earth are at Tasty Tacos.

If it were fair time, that would open up a whole bunch of possibilities!

cybsball20 · 06-06-2008, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by TxCycloneFan

I haven't lived there in over 20 years as well, but The Latin King and the Iowa Beef Steak house were some of my favorites. Felix and Oscars and Scornavacca's for pizza and the best tacos on earth are at Tasty Tacos.

If it were fair time, that would open up a whole bunch of possibilities!

I think the fact that they are all still around speaks volumes...

agcy68 · 06-06-2008, 12:38 PM

Try one of the grill your own steak resteraunts. Kind of unique in the US (Rube's / Iowa Beef Steakhouse (?)).

Try Hickory Park in Ames

cys_av8r · 06-06-2008, 12:41 PM

Rubes is the B-O-M-B. People complain about cooking their own steak. I love doing it and having a beer with my friends. Plus, if the steak isn't cooked right it is your own fault.

cybsball20 · 06-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by cys_av8r

Rubes is the B-O-M-B. People complain about cooking their own steak. I love doing it and having a beer with my friends. Plus, if the steak isn't cooked right it is your own fault.

It's great for couples type nights, leave the girls at the table to chit chat and the guys hang out around the grill and have some beers...