Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives - Des Moines metro

JP4CY

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Had Angry Goldfish for the first time about a month ago, that was some good stuff! Another under-rated bar food place is The Library on University near Drake. Their burgers are great!
AG also owns Dam Pub.
 
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theshadow

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Had Angry Goldfish for the first time about a month ago, that was some good stuff! Another under-rated bar food place is The Library on University near Drake. Their burgers are great!

I believe "Cheap Eats" featured The Library on its Des Moines episode.
 

Farnsworth

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Apr 11, 2006
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Des Moines, IA
Simon is one of the chillest dudes on the planet.

He's 100% genuine too. At first I was like there is no way someone can be this 'on' as he is, but that's just him, he's not playing a character to people coming in. He works the door harder than any owner I've ever seen.

His mom is great as well, had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two.
 
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JP4CY

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He's 100% genuine too. At first I was like there is no way someone can be this 'on' as he is, but that's just him, he's not playing a character to people coming in. He works the door harder than any owner I've ever seen.

His mom is great as well, had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two.
Another owner that hustles is the lady at Coa Cantina. Drinks only but a cool place.
 

CYdTracked

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Mar 23, 2006
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Grimes, IA

I have not personally been there yet but have heard Watcha Smokin in Luther is a hidden gem too
 

cyclonespiker33

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Flying Mango has actually been on DDD as as George the Chili King and Smokey D's. I think some place in downtown Des Moines has been too but can't recall the name of the place.

Screenshot 2021-12-27 111305.png
George the Chili King hasn't been open since covid started. Patton's closed their restaurant a while back. They were still planning on doing catering, I don't know if that's still the case. Tacopocalypse closed a while back too. Dirt Burger took over the location but now they're taking a break too.
 
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Farnsworth

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Des Moines, IA
If we are talking hidden gems, you can't sleep on Merle Hay Mall.

Tamale's Industry has the best tamales around for sure.

Vietnam Cafe is amazing as well, I go at least once a week. The owner is super involved too. Very funny, personable, and gets to know you. They have a ton of awards.
 

cycloner29

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Dec 17, 2008
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Now or Later on East University was pretty damn good last time I was there. Homemade onion rings. The only down side was the gal that sounded like she smoked at least a pack of Marlboro reds a day. Sounded and kinda looked like Marge's sisters from The Simpsons.
 

CyState85

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Anybody ever eat at Patton’s on the east side when it was open? I miss the Sunday buffet with soul food (fried chicken, Mac and cheese, collared greens, fish, red velvet waffles). It was also a DDD segment.
 

GoHawks

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If you like Thai food I really like zupzap in west des moines. Carryout only right now. Doesn't get the love of Cool Basil but I think it's better
 
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dawgpound

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Now or Later on East University was pretty damn good last time I was there. Homemade onion rings. The only down side was the gal that sounded like she smoked at least a pack of Marlboro reds a day. Sounded and kinda looked like Marge's sisters from The Simpsons.
If you like Thai food I really like zupzap in west des moines. Carryout only right now. Doesn't get the love of Cool Basil but I think it's better
Now or Later is a great place! No one knows about it unless you have a reason to come to the east side. Speaking of Thai, we get the Thai Flavors on E 14th and I like it better than Cool Basil and it is cheaper
 

cyclonespiker33

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Fawn's is really good for asian food. It's on University east of the river. They're still doing carry-out only right now but worth it.
 
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scyclonekid

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Feb 13, 2008
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Drake diner, seafood place east of the capital (can’t think of name.) barntown, Smokey D’s, Latin king.
 
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CYdTracked

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Grimes, IA
If you like Thai food I really like zupzap in west des moines. Carryout only right now. Doesn't get the love of Cool Basil but I think it's better

Got lunch there earlier this year and was not that impressed. In fact I found their restaurant to be a little lacking on cleaning while I waited for my order, most noticeably the air vents looked liked they had not been cleaned in quite some time.