Visiting Des Moines – Advice Needed

Unless things have changed with them, avoid Olde Main, except for their Sodbuster.. Sodbuster is the only good beer I've gotten from them.

 

Actually a whole new thing coming from olde main. Cory O'Neel is the new dude there and they are basically rebooting the whole brewery.

 

Considering how much I like the Sodbuster, and how disappointed with their other beers I've been, that is good news.

 

This is a good thing! Their beers are very meh.... kinda blasé or mediocre. Whatever you want to call it.

 

West O CocO Stout. While I don't agree that it's better than 515's Passé, it does definitely belong in the discussion:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...egisters-beer-brackets-winning-brew/82472526/

 

As far as bottles, if I compare the states on SeekABrew there really isn't a lot that I would seek out. Maybe something from these two.

Prairie Artisan Ales
Schlafly TIPA

I'd be more inclined to fill a few bombers with stuff from 515 or the taproom.

 

They've made some pretty good one-offs over the years, but the core line up has been mired in mediocrity (except Sodbuster, which I enjoy as well).

Excited about the news of a reboot. It seemed like they were kind of stuck in 2005 in terms of what people wanted out of beer, and it's a great space with good food.

 

Minny gets Prairie now too, even at cheaper prices in some locations than in Iowa.

 

Ish If you hit or try any Confluence you'll have to let me know what you think. I've liked the couple I've had from them.

 

The bike trails in Des Moines are pretty awesome. Hopefully nothing is flooded while you're here (we've had a bit of rain recently and that happens sometimes). If you want to do some bike riding/beer drinking, 515 is literally ON the trail, and about 6-7 miles from downtown (and Confluence is almost directly on the trail too about 6 miles from 515). I'm not familiar enough with how to get to the other locales in town on the trail, but the system is pretty extensive and I'm sure you can plan something out.

 

im planning on spending a day or two in des moines soon myself - beer aside, what's the best place to eat in town?

 

In my opinion, Proof. Baru 66 is great too.

 

Depends on what you're looking for food wise, but I would always suggest Centro. Upscale (but not stuffy) Italian restaurants with fantastic Pizza, pasta, and entrees. They also have a great tap list and cocktail menu.

Malo is a great Latin themed restaurant. Love their tacos.

Guru BBQ has 6 iowa beers on tap and great BBQ.

Be sure to check out Iowa Taproom not only for 120 iowa beers on tap, but they have good food as well.

Outside of downtown I'd suggest Flying Mango (Caribbean BBQ), Tumea and Sons (italian), or one of the Jethros BBQ locations.

Depending on when you're coming, Bubbas Southern Food and Bourbon Bar should be open at the end of July.

 

This list is about perfect. The only one I would remove is Tumea and Sons, I've been there twice and both times have been disappointed. Flying Mango, Centro, and Django would be my top 3.

 

Italian: Sam & Gabe's, Centro, L'Italiano (lunch only M-F, but if you can make it...GO).
Seafood: Splash (flown in daily), Waterfront
Steak: Rubes (local grown beef & cook your own), 801 (pricey), aforementioned Centro, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
BBQ: Flying Mango (best brisket ever), Smokey D's, Jethro's, Guru
Thai/Lao/Asian: Cool Basil, Zuzap, Nut Pob, Lemon Grass
Pizza: Fong's, Gusto, Paesano's
Hidden local eats: Manhattan Deli, B&B Deli, Gerri's (best wings), PerKup Cafe (breakfast), Chef's Kitchen

 

If you're in Des Moines for multiple days, you need to be killing your hangover at Cooney's. Some of the best Bloodys anywhere, ever.

 

Manhattan and B&B all day, every day. I'd add Tumea & Sons for Italian.

I'll also be in DSM this weekend for the first time in a couple months, and I couldn't be more geeked. Not sure if we're going to get to 515 or Confluence, but there will be some lengthy Taproom and EBS sessions.

 

thanks for the reccs yall. one more Q - will 515 or el bait shop fill any growler or does it have to be their specific growlers?

i might actually just come up tomorrow, weather looks super nice

 

They'll fill any growler, as long as it's clean.