2011 Top 100 Restaurants in Des Moines

[capitalcityguy]

Since we all like to eat, this topic seems relevant.

I'm a big fan of Centro and Django...glad to see them near at the top. Interesting Hickory Park makes the list of "Des Moines" restaurants. Tells me there are a lot of ISU grads livin' in the metro:


Des Moines Restaurants: Top 100 Restaurants in Central Iowa, Des Moines Iowa Restaurants | Metromix Des Moines

 

[RustShack]

Tasty Tacos #10? I had it once in Ankeny and wasn't a big fan at all. Might have just been the cheap taco my friend bought me though.

 

[dmclone]

How many people have been to #4?

 

[capitalcityguy]

How many people have been to #4?

No kidding. Shows that the poll isn't scientific...at all. That said and after reading about it, makes me want to take the 25 mile trip to Prairie City to check it out.

 

[capitalcityguy]

While not perfect, in the end I think the value of these polls it is helps inform people in central Iowa that there are great places to eat beyond corporate formula chains like Outback, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, TX Roadhouse, etc...etc...

 

[PabloDiablo]

Fong's representing the late-night pizza joint at #16! They could've made it on the strength of their Honey-Garlic Alfredo pizza alone.

Cool to see Great Plains make it from Ames too.

 

[SalzundPfeffer]

Disappointing the brew-pubs didn't rank higher (Raccoon and Court Ave.). Locally brewed, fresh and unique beer should get them in the top 20 at least. It's not like their menus are atrocious. I kind of question the rankings because of this.

 

[Die4Cy]

Des Moines has 100 restaurants?

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

Pazzesco debuts at 41. I really need to check that place out!

 

[capitalcityguy]

Des Moines has 100 restaurants?

Normally we wait for "that guy" for this, or similar, type of remark. Thanks for being the new "that guy". :sad:

 

[Senolcyc]

Normally we wait for "that guy" for this, or similar, type of remark. Thanks for being the new "that guy". :sad:

But he's got a good point. Des Moines is not 100-deep in "top" restaurants. A top 10 list? You bet. Top 20? Sure, but it's a reach. Top 100? That's like giving every kid a trophy.

 

[Illiniclone]

I know I'm gonna get a lot of shyte for this but Hickory Park is crap. Shows how garbage of a poll it is that they rank that high.

 

[Cyforce]

How many people have been to #4?

ate there last fall after a youth FB game in Colfax. I thought the T-loin was good but I've had much better. Now or Later on E University makes a great one.

 

[oldman]

The Urban Grill, burgers?? You can get full entree meals there, and quite good. In fact its a lot like Nick's, I think.

 

[Cyhart]

Disappointing the brew-pubs didn't rank higher (Raccoon and Court Ave.). Locally brewed, fresh and unique beer should get them in the top 20 at least. It's not like their menus are atrocious. I kind of question the rankings because of this.

Totally agree!!!
Court ave >>> Raccoon imo though.

 

[Cyhart]

But he's got a good point. Des Moines is not 100-deep in "top" restaurants. A top 10 list? You bet. Top 20? Sure, but it's a reach. Top 100? That's like giving every kid a trophy.

Do you live in the Metro?

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

I know I'm gonna get a lot of shyte for this but Hickory Park is crap. Shows how garbage of a poll it is that they rank that high.

Yeah but I've seen you stuff your face with it plenty of times.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

Pazzesco debuts at 41. I really need to check that place out!

Yes, you do! Excellent place --friendly, good food, good value and great little bar. Happy Hour 4:30 to 6:30 Mon-Sat, half price drinks and appetizers in the bar and on the patio.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

How many people have been to #4?

It was named #1 tenderloin in 2009 in the Iowa Pork Producers statewide contest. Nominations now accepted for Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest

Of course it isn't scientific. Duh. It's like any "favorite" or "top" contest. Those who really like something will vote. Those who don't really care won't.

 

[cybsball20]

But he's got a good point. Des Moines is not 100-deep in "top" restaurants. A top 10 list? You bet. Top 20? Sure, but it's a reach. Top 100? That's like giving every kid a trophy.

I disagree... I have been to almost all of the Top 100 and consider myself kind of a foodie, but there are places in the bottom 25 that I would probably put in my Top 25 (Mojo's, Open Sesame, South Union). There are even places that weren't metioned that kick out some great food (Tacopocalypse). We are VERY lucky in Des Moines to have some amazing culinary talent, great restaurants at crazy good prices...

Now, if people would only stop going to chains!