Best Bites in Polk County, Iowa

Go for: Creative beers, serious food, and a neighborhood brewery that feels like a destination.

Must-order: Smash burger and fries, plus a mixed flight of their hazy IPAs and lagers.

Lua Brewing sits in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood and somehow manages to be both relaxed and a little bit fancy at the same time. The beer list changes often, but you’ll usually find hazy IPAs, lagers, and a few wild or barrel-aged options. The food isn’t an afterthought either — think elevated bar snacks, really good burgers, and shareable plates that feel more like a restaurant than a taproom. It’s the kind of place where you can post up for a long afternoon and call it “research.”

Details: 1525 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 · luabeer.com

Go for: A “we live in Iowa but it feels like vacation” kind of night.

Must-order: A prime cut or handmade pasta, plus a glass (or two) from their wine list.

Tucked inside the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, Proudfoot & Bird leans into old-school glamour: marble, brass, a grand circular bar, and lighting that makes everything feel like date night. The menu leans on locally sourced beef, seafood, and seasonal dishes, plated with the kind of care that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you’re eating. It’s a splurge kind of place, but a very worthy one when you want to celebrate something or just pretend you’re on a city getaway without leaving Polk County.

Details: 1000 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 · proudfootandbirddsm.com

Go for: Pastries, strong coffee, and the kind of bakery case that makes choosing almost impossible.

Must-order: A croissant or fruit tart and whatever looks good in the case that day.

La Mie is one of those places locals bring out-of-town friends to prove that yes, Des Moines absolutely has a legit pastry game. Expect crusty breads, buttery croissants, tarts, sandwiches, and salads that are way better than “just” lunch. It’s a perfect starting point for a day of exploring — fuel up here and then wander your way through Polk County.

Details: {{Current address / Art Center Café location if you prefer}} · lamiebakery.com

Go for: A calm, modern space to caffeinate before you start hopping between neighborhoods.

Must-order: Pour-over or seasonal latte, plus a pastry if they have them.

Polk County has no shortage of good coffee, and this is one of those spots where you can actually slow down with your drink. Think clean design, friendly baristas, and coffee that tastes like someone really cares about it. It makes a great “home base” stop between meals or a quiet place to scroll maps and decide where you’re eating next.

Details: {{Address}} · {{Coffee shop name}} website

Go for: Ending your Polk County food crawl with something sweet and very local.

Must-order: Whatever the shop is locally famous for — cronuts, long johns, or a seasonal special.

Des Moines takes its sweets seriously, and the donut and ice cream options prove it. Work one of these spots into your route when you need a sugar reset between breweries and restaurants. It’s also an easy win if you’re traveling with kids or just want something handheld you can eat while wandering around downtown.

Details: {{Donut or ice cream shop name + address}} · {{Shop website}}