There are so many great restaurants in Iowa. More specifically, there are some really unique places to eat in Des Moines. Here are seven fun restaurants where you’ll have a meal you’ll never forget.

1. Zombie Burger
Flickr/Michael McLean
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Matt Johnson
Zombie Burger, in the trendy East Village of Des Moines, is decked out with zombie-themed decor, making it a seriously unique place to eat in Des Moines. They serve up amazing and very unique burgers. A perfect example of that is the Walking Ched: breaded, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bun, bacon, cheddar, caramelized and raw onions, more mac and cheese, and mayo. Wow. Learn more about Zombie Burger and its offerings.
2. Fong’s Pizza
Fong's Pizza, 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Facebook/Fong’s Pizza
Fong's used to be a Chinese restaurant. When the new owners bought it, they decided they didn't want to change the decor; hence, Fong's Pizza. This fun restaurant in Des Moines serves all kinds of interesting, inventive pizzas coupled with Asian flavors, like crab rangoon and hunan pork pizza. Read up further on Fong's Pizza.
3. El Bait Shop
Flickr/Sean Kimmel
El Bait Shop, 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Sean Kimmel
This unique restaurant in Des Moines serves delicious Mexican-American food and has a huge selection of beer on tap, ranging from local craft brews to more classic beers. Their eclectic decor only adds to the uniqueness of the experience. Discover all there is to know about El Bait Shop.

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4. Alba Restaurant
Alba Restaurant, 524 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Facebook/Alba Des Moines
This colorful American restaurant features a wine bar and reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling as part of its decor. This unique place to eat in Des Moines adds a unique twist to classic American dishes, making the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about Alba restaurant and other mouthwatering restaurants in Iowa.
5. Drake Diner
Drake Diner, 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
Flickr/Jeff Gitchel
Drake Diner has been a fixture since 1987. This fun restaurant in Des Moines is a 50s-style diner serving classic American fare, shakes, beer, and wine in a setting that hearkens back to a different time. Check out this article to learn more about Drake Diner and its offerings.
6. Centro
Centro, 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Todd Mundt
Centro is in an ex-Masonic Temple. It is a beautiful, high-ceilinged space that is both upscale and casual. This unique place to eat in Des Moines serves Italian-inspired foods and other delicious and inventive dishes. Read up more on Centro and what you can expect dining here.
7. Flying Mango
Facebook/Flying Mango
Flying Mango, 4345 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
Facebook/Flying Mango
This quirky and trendy restaurant serves barbecue, Cajun, and Caribbean food in a lively setting. With an open kitchen and live music, you'll definitely have an entertaining and unique experience eating at this fun restaurant in Des Moines. Find more reasons why a visit to Flying Mango is necessary.

Have you been to any of these unique places to eat in Des Moines? What are some of your other favorite restaurants? Tell us in the comments!

For more unique restaurants within the state, check out these 11 unique restaurants in Iowa.

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More to Explore

Iowa Fun Facts

Rachel Raimondi | October 02, 2022

What are the most popular foods in Iowa?

Like any other state, there are several popular dishes in Iowa. Aside from corn, which is a big one, there is also sour cream raisin pie, Scotcheroos, a no-bake peanut butter Rice Krispie Treat, and Snickers salad, a dessert made with the chocolate treat. And don’t forget Steak De Burgo, beef tenderloin in a cream or butter sauce, and Maid Rite sandwiches, a loose meat sandwich. 

What is Iowa known for?

Aside from unique places to eat in Des Moines, there are a lot of other things that Iowa is known for. Aside from corn, the state provides about 16 percent of it in America, there’s also the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the U.S. It has been running since way back in 1854 and is currently held in Des Moines. Among its attractions and events include rides and vendors as well as an extensive agricultural fair featuring an assortment of animals like rabbits, boars, dogs, swine, and llamas.

Are there any animal encounters in Iowa?

If you are looking for animals in Iowa, the very best place to head is Blank Park Zoo. Located in Des Moines, this 49-acre zoo is the very only accredited one in the state. It opened up in 1966 as a children’s zoo complete with a castle and moat and a miniature railroad. In 1982, it closed for renovations and was reopened in 1986 with upgrades, such as themed exhibits. Since then, it has continued to add exhibits and buildings periodically. Today, you can expect to see an assortment of interesting animals, like red pandas, golden-headed lion tamarins, Eastern black rhinoceros, red-necked wallabies, dromedary camels, African lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and a whole lot more.

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