Over the past few months, the Des Moines area has had a ton of new restaurants open... and there are more to come!

Here are 14 of the new eateries to check out during your next visit to Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, or West Des Moines:

GALLERY INFORMATION

Bubbies BBQ

• 1225 Copper Creek Dr, Pleasant Hill
• Opened on September 8th

According to their Facebook page, "Bubbie's BBQ serves up mouthwatering, slow-smoked meats and homemade sides made fresh daily." They already have a popular location in Ankeny, but now you can order up ribs, wings, pulled pork, brisket, and mac & cheese in Pleasant Hill, too!

The Empire

• 223 4th St, Des Moines
• Opened on October 2nd

Located in the former home of Fong's Pizza, Business Record reports that The Empire's name is actually "a nod to a bar of the same name that opened in the building in 1905." The new bar & restaurant offers "quick counter service meals and beverages," with everything priced between $5 and $11. Some of the menu options include Coney dogs, chicken pot pies, sloppy joes, hot ham & cheese sandwiches, and chicken & noodles.

Faustinos Breakfast & Tacos

• 2800 University Ave, West Des Moines
• Opened on September 2nd

The folks behind Faustinos Taqueria in Des Moines' Beaverdale Neighborhood have opened up a brand new eatery that puts a big focus on breakfast. An article from the Des Moines Register says that "until 2:30 p.m., the new West Des Moines location offers a Mexican breakfast menu of omelets stuffed with fajitas, birria, or carnitas; chilaquiles; and breakfast tacos." Don't worry; you can still get their signature tacos for lunch or dinner!

Judges DSM

• 208 3rd St, Des Moines
• Opened on September 17th

With a theme that pays tribute to the courthouses in the neighborhood, Judges DSM is a craft cocktail lounge and restaurant that offers "elevated dining and judicial whimsy," according to the Des Moines Register. The small and carefully curated menu include entrees like the Double Bone Pork Chop, Salmon, and Quinoa Bowl, as well as burgers with names like The Public Defender, The Verdict, and The Cross-Examiner.

Masao

• 512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
• Opened on June 5th

Described on their website as "familiar but new," Masao's menu showcases "elevated French style cuisine," as well as sushi. The addition of sushi is a nod to the building's long history of sushi restaurants. Menu offerings include nigiri, sashimi, and both classic & specialty maki rolls, plus small plates like niçoise salad, lavender eggs, Lapin à la Normande (braised rabbit), and Foie Gras Napoleon.

Mee Mochi

• 772 West Hickman Rd, Waukee
• Opened on September 13th

Mee Mochi is a a family-run shop that recently opened in Waukee that specializes in unique flavors of mochi donuts, like Crème Brûlée, Strawberry Pocky, and Black Sesame. But, that's not all they serve! The menu also features Mochi malasada, a fusion dessert that combines mochi and Portuguese fried doughnut, and Taiyaki, which their website describes as "a traditional Japanese fish-shaped cake filled with sweet or savory fillings." And, don't forget to try a Korean Corn Dog, which can be topped with potatoes or Flamin' Hot Cheetos!

Palm's DSM

• 1905 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
• Opened on June 14th

If you're looking for a unique dining option here in Iowa, Palms DSM might be a good fit! The new restaurant's website says they serve "a unique blend of dishes influenced by Caribbean and West African flavors." Some of the menu options are Jerk Chicken, Braised Oxtail, Coconut Curry Wings, Jollof Rice, Fried Plantains, and Puff Puff, a deep-fried dessert tossed in cinnamon-sugar. There are also specialty cocktails and mocktails available.

Pizza Bar by Taste of New York

• 1225 Copper Creek Dr, Pleasant Hill
• Opened on September 22nd

Taste of New York isn't new to the Des Moines area. In fact, they already have two locations: one in Waukee and one in West Des Moines. But, the Des Moines Register says that Pizza Bar is a different concept than Taste of New York. The space offers more of a sports bar experience and features a game room and a patio. In addition to their award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza, the bar & restaurant also has a variety of appetizers, salads, wings, sandwiches, desserts, and New York-themed specialty cocktails.

Revelry Room Bar + Kitchen

• Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines
• Opened on May 30th

On the main level of Des Moines' Renaissance Hotel is a new Prohibition Era-themed restaurant, but the space doesn't look like your typical restaurant. According to the Des Moines Register, Revelry Room "has more of a lounge atmosphere with conversation areas set up with sofas and chairs." The cozy atmosphere lends to the menu, which consists of comfort foods with locally-sourced ingredients and craft cocktails. Options include new takes on old favorites, like Piggies in a Blanket, Devilish Eggs, and Bourbon Bacon, as well as shareable dishes like charcuterie and butter boards and cheese fondue.

Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe

• 300 SW 5th St, Des Moines
• Opened on May 31st

If you're looking for a little more fun with your meal, Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe is the place to go! The business' website says that they offer "700+ board games, puzzles, and TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games)," and host game nights, game-learning events, team trivia, jigsaw puzzle competitions, and other fun gaming events! As far as food and beverages go, Rook Room has all sorts of coffee and espresso beverages, a full bar, appetizers, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts.

Saffron Indian Cuisine

• 8769 Northpark Dr, Johnston
• Opened on July 4th

Saffron Indian Cuisine's website says that the new restaurant "celebrates the diversity of Indian cuisine," with both "comforting classics and bold regional specialties." The menu features vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, like biryani, curry, samosa, tikka masala, and tandoori, as well as "Indo-Chinese Specials" and desserts. There are also six different varieties of naan, including onion naan, garlic butter naan, and cheese-stuffed naan.

The Toasted Cone

• 9500 University Ave, West Des Moines
• Opened on September 15th

The Toasted Cone is more than just an ice cream shop... it's a bakery, too! The new business' Facebook page says that they offer "super-premium ice cream, fresh bakery treats, and artisan desserts." A recent article from the Des Moines Register reports that there are around 30 flavors of ice cream on the menu, with some of them rotating seasonally. Munchy Madness, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, and Zanzibar Chocolate seem to be early favorites. Other options include baked goods with an "Indian flair," and custom cakes for every occasion.

Tribute Eatery & Bar

• 1615 SW Main St, Ankeny
• Opened on September 4th

If the name Tribute Eatery & Bar sounds familiar, it might be because we have the original location here in the Corridor! Tribute first opened in Coralville's Iowa River Landing back in 2020, and now they've expanded to the District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. The restaurant's website says they are focused on "elevated classics, crafted cocktails, and a warm neighborhood welcome." The new Tribute offers sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads, and shareable sides, as well as a changing "Blueline Special" each day. For example, Wednesday's special is the Wagyu Meatloaf, Friday is Smoked Ribeye, and Sunday is Prime Rib. You can also stop in for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Triple B’s

• 5950 NW 86th St, Johnston
• Opened on July 26th

Triple B's is a restaurant with a purpose. According to the official Facebook page, "this all started as a dream with a 13 year-old with Down Syndrome who loves pizza, ice cream and people! Hugs are possible! When you meet Brenden 'Bubby' B you will understand, as he will make your heart melt. Empowering Special Needs friends is our goal!" The menu offers a wide variety of items, including sandwiches, smoked meats, salads, steaks, milkshakes, and breakfast. They even have a Cereal Bar!

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Coming Soon

Here are a few other new bars and restaurants that are set to open in the coming months, courtesy of the Des Moines Register and DSM Magazine:

• Bar Martinez - 515 Euclid Ave, Des Moines
• Chikin-Likin - Local Bites, Des Moines
• Des Moines Athletic Club - 604 Locust St, Des Moines
• Highland Underground - 3614 6th Ave, Des Moines
• Littleleaf Luncheonette - 405 6th St, Waukee
• Scoops by Beth - 523 Euclid Ave, Des Moines
• San Miguel Eatery - 2525 Grand Ave, Des Moines