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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Iowa

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OpenTable
Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Iowa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Martini's Grille restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1115)
$31 to $50
Steak
Burlington
About the restaurant
Martini's Grille is the Great American Steakhouse featuring top quality Midwest beef and pork, fresh seafood daily, and world-famous Chicken Lips! The cocktail list includes over 50 classic and designer cocktails. The panoramic view of the Mississippi is perfect for casual dining or upscale private parties and wine dinners. In addition, Martini's features a patio during the summer months and an upscale venue for private events.
Top review
Mary
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
The food was amazing. All cooked to perfection. Beautiful view of the river. We all had a really good time.
A photo of Fresko restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1173)
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Des Moines
About the restaurant
“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.

Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

Top review
Kris
Dined 5 days ago
It was a rainy Wednesday, so the restaurant was not crowded. Our server was outstanding -- pleasant, helpful, prompt. The food is very good (pasta, noodles, chicken sandwich and tacos). The Brussel sprout appetizer is very good, too. Our table split a couple of chocolate desserts which were also delicious.
A photo of Bar Nico restaurant
4.8
4.8 (75)
$30 and under
Mexican
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.
Top review
Kim
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
Great food choice's for everyone, I’m vegan . Not your typical items. Nice atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
A photo of Eatery A restaurant
4.7
4.7 (532)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.
Top review
Kaylee
Dined 2 days ago
The food was wonderful and we had a lovely dining experience. The food was out quickly and delivered in a good pace between courses. The drinks were good but I wish there had been more martini or fruity cocktail options. We had a snaffu with dessert and the manager and waitress immediately remedied the issue and offered beyond what I would have asked for. Incredible customer service.
A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant
4.7
4.7 (771)
$30 and under
American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!
Top review
Eric
Dined on Oct 23, 2024
Great atmosphere! Apps and food hit the spot. Service was great as well.
A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant
4.7
4.7 (556)
$31 to $50
American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.


Top review
Steven
Dined on Oct 19, 2024
Great place, Server was fantastic as well as the food
A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
4.7
4.7 (673)
$50 and over
Global, International
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.
Top review
Gregvip
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious food! Great Iowa pork in the state of pork
A photo of Wasabi - Waukee restaurant
4.6
4.6 (54)
$30 and under
Sushi
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Wasabi is located at 9500 University Avenue in West Des Moines. Chefs at Wasabi serve the highest quality New York style sushi, Japanese fusion dishes. Unique custom cocktails and more.
Top review
Joseph
Dined on Aug 16, 2024
Always love going to Wasabi Waukee! Great for date nights, friends, even families. By far My favorite sushi restaurant in the DSM Metro!
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1820)
$30 and under
American
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.
Top review
Bobvip
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent drinks, appetizers and main courses in an upscale relaxing environment.
A photo of Bravo Italian Kitchen - Jordan Creek restaurant
4.4
4.4 (842)
$30 and under
Italian
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Bravo Jordan Creek is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant in West Des Moines, perfect for those seeking authentic pasta, wood-fired pizza, and signature entrées. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and wine in our inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by stunning Roman-ruin décor. Planning a holiday party or Thanksgiving celebration? We offer catering services and easy reservations to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Bravo Jordan Creek is the place to eat in West Des Moines, IA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!
Top review
William
Dined on Oct 5, 2024
The food and service was excellent. Their AC was broken so hot inside.
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