Des Moines’ East Village is full of history, culture, and unique things to see and do. If you love shopping in unique boutiques, you’ll enjoy checking out Uglytree and Raygun. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love seeing the Capital. And if you’re a foodie, well, you’re in the right place. Some of the best Des Moines restaurants are found on Locust Street, which runs from the East Village through downtown.
Des Moines’ Locust Street is one of the best known streets in Iowa. This historic spot is known for being a blend of old and new, and home to some of the best food you’ll find in Iowa.
Facebook / South Union Bread Cafe
If you start in the East Village, you’ll quickly find an Asian Taco fusion restaurant - Tacopocalypse.
Facebook / Tacopocalypse
Facebook / Tacopocalypse This quirky spot at E 5th & E Locust serves up burritos and tacos with a twist - like this sesame sriracha chicken fritter burrito with bok choy and nappa cabbage slaw.
The swanky cocktail lounge at the Continental is a true Locust Street landmark.
Facebook / The Continental
Facebook / The Continental Try their tapas while you listen to jazz and sip cocktails inspired by old fashioned tastes.
Centro, or Lucca, are both spots where you’ll find delicious Italian food.
Facebook / CentroDSM
Facebook / CentroDSM Centro is located at 10th and Locust, while Lucca is between E 4th and E 5th on the East side of the historic street. Both restaurants serve up some of the best homemade Italian dishes you’ll find in the entire city.
One of the most colorful and unique experiences on Locust Street is dining at Open Sesame
Foursquare / Slakingfool
Tripadvisor / Mike S. When it comes to Des Moines Restaurants, you don’t get any more fun than this. Open Sesame is an authentic Lebanese restaurant that’s decorated like you wouldn’t believe! The food they serve is just as incredible as you would expect. Open Sesame is located on East Locust, between E 3rd and E 4th Streets.
You could really spend all day exploring the East Village along East Locust Street, but to really appreciate this restaurant mecca, you’ve got to cross the Des Moines River and visit the west side, too.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Splash, which is just over the bridge at Locust and 3rd, takes the honor of being Iowa’s first Oyster Bar.
Facebook / Splash Seafood Bar
Facebook / Splash Seafood Bar This incredible seafood restaurant actually flies their seafood in daily, from places like Maine, Boston and even Hawaii!
Sometimes, though, you’ve got just enough time for a quick lunch - that’s when you need to visit Big City Burgers.
Facebook / Big City Burgers and Greens
Facebook / Big City Burgers. Don’t let the name fool you - Big City Burgers is the place to go for sliders, wraps, tacos, salads and yes, of course, burgers. This is a quick casual restaurant, so you get the convenience of fast food without all of the fake, processed junk. You’ll find this unique spot right across from Cowles Commons, between 3rd and 5th on Locust.
You can also grab a quick lunch at the nearby South Union Bread Cafe.
Facebook / South Union Bread Cafe
Facebook / South Union Bread Cafe Their soups, sandwiches and seemingly endless salad bar makes South Union a great place to warm up on a chilly or rainy day. South Union is hidden by the Central Library, near the corner of 10th and Locust.
There’s so much to find on Locust Street, and in Des Moines in general! I love exploring the East Village – don’t you? It was named one of the 10 Beautiful, Historic Neighborhoods In Iowa That Are Full of Charm, and I think the neighborhood is one of the best places in the world.
Facebook / South Union Bread Cafe
Facebook / Tacopocalypse
This quirky spot at E 5th & E Locust serves up burritos and tacos with a twist - like this sesame sriracha chicken fritter burrito with bok choy and nappa cabbage slaw.
Facebook / The Continental
Try their tapas while you listen to jazz and sip cocktails inspired by old fashioned tastes.
Facebook / CentroDSM
Centro is located at 10th and Locust, while Lucca is between E 4th and E 5th on the East side of the historic street. Both restaurants serve up some of the best homemade Italian dishes you’ll find in the entire city.
Foursquare / Slakingfool
Tripadvisor / Mike S.
When it comes to Des Moines Restaurants, you don’t get any more fun than this. Open Sesame is an authentic Lebanese restaurant that’s decorated like you wouldn’t believe! The food they serve is just as incredible as you would expect. Open Sesame is located on East Locust, between E 3rd and E 4th Streets.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Facebook / Splash Seafood Bar
This incredible seafood restaurant actually flies their seafood in daily, from places like Maine, Boston and even Hawaii!
Facebook / Big City Burgers and Greens
Facebook / Big City Burgers.
Don’t let the name fool you - Big City Burgers is the place to go for sliders, wraps, tacos, salads and yes, of course, burgers. This is a quick casual restaurant, so you get the convenience of fast food without all of the fake, processed junk. You’ll find this unique spot right across from Cowles Commons, between 3rd and 5th on Locust.
Their soups, sandwiches and seemingly endless salad bar makes South Union a great place to warm up on a chilly or rainy day. South Union is hidden by the Central Library, near the corner of 10th and Locust.
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