This Restaurant In Iowa Used To Be A Firehouse And You'll Want To Visit
By Kim Magaraci|Published April 02, 2018
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Editor’s Note: The Des Moines Social Club has permanently closed since the publication of this article.
Iowans have always been proud of their history, and thanks to efforts from many citizens, countless historic buildings have been saved from demolition or abandonment. This is something our state can really be proud of – after all, do you remember how we all rallied to rebuild Breitbach’s Country Restaurant after their back-to-back fires? Well, just a few years ago, a group of Des Moines citizens gathered to save one of the city’s most historic buildings. Now, it’s a full social club with a cafe, bar, and one of the best Latin restaurants in the state!
When the historic Fire Station No. 1 was at risk for demolition in 2013, the Des Moines Social Club stepped up to save the building.
The Des Moines Fire Station was one of the last Art Deco style stations in the country, and the Club wanted to see it saved. The club purchased the space from the city, and it's now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since then, the renovated Fire Station has become a central part of Des Moines life! The DMSC hosts workshops, fitness classes, performances, art exhibitions and community enrichment activities year round. To suit its visitors, the DMSC has opened up a few places where you can drink and dine, no matter what time you arrive.
If you get there before the sun goes down, head up to the Rooftop for a drink and a view of the city from above.
Though the interior is bright and cheery, with heavy artistic influence, you can still see evidence of the old Firehouse everywhere! Check out the windows that face the street - these were once the doors that Firetrucks passed through on their way to help out Des Moines residents.
If you sit outside, the Firehouse architecture is absolutely evident.
Of course, there's more to find at Malo than super cool, historic architecture. The restaurant has become a go-to for anyone looking for delicious food.
Stop by Monday through Friday from 2pm to 6pm for half-price sangria and featured margaritas, or join them on Margarita Wednesday for half-price margaritas all day long.
After you've wound down from your day at work with some tasty drinks and flavorful food, check out the rest of the Des Moines Social Club!
The Basement offers live entertainment and a fun bar scene, where you can catch trivia night or just make new friends over a locally brewed beer. Capes Cafe is a Superhero Themed Cafe and donut shop that's open late for those after-dinner dessert cravings, or as a way to start your day with a fancy local donut.
Beyond great food, you can also participate in all sorts of classes and events at DMSC! Find out more about the events and offerings at Des Moines Social Club here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
