Des Moines is the most populous city in the state of Iowa and naturally, it offers tons of things to do for the family. Take photos of interesting figures in John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park or learn about a thing or two at Science Center of Iowa. Naturally, there are also tons of food and restaurant options here. Taking the family out for dinner is always more pleasant when the establishment offers things such as an interesting but healthy menu (we all know how kids can be picky eaters), an inside or outside play area, or even some wallet-friendly promotions. And how about meals on the menu? This list offers places with all-time favourites, such as burgers, pasta, or chicken that everyone in the family will surely enjoy. Read below for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.
1. Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Aside from hickory-smoked ribs, fresh bread, or sauces that you can even buy and bring home, this restaurant thinks about the little ones as well as it offers tasty items for kids such as hot dogs, tender chicken, french fries and more. The kid’s menu also includes healthy picks such as beans. What makes this restaurant even better is that everything is freshly made from scratch. If you fall in love with Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, you can find them in three other states or you can also order online.
Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Address: 3707 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, United States
Website: Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
2. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
Head to West Des Moines and drop by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews. Adults will be happy and satisfied due to unlimited refills of a side dish of your choosing or signature Red Robin Bottomless beverages. The kids can go bottomless with Swirly Twirly Pasta, mac and cheese, and drinks and sides as well. They also offer kid-sized seating and free balloons. Plus, the staff sings if it is your birthday. What can be found on the kid’s menu? Anything from burgers, onion rings, wraps, tasty chicken wings, or soups. And for those with a sweet-tooth, there are shakes, smoothies, and desserts. This restaurant offers loyalty discounts and rewards too. It is a must-try for every family.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
Address: 6255 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States
Website: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
3. Spaghetti Works
With over 40 years of experience in the market, Spaghetti Works know what they’re doing. This family-owned establishment is known for tasty Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. Hungry as a wolf? Go for boundless bowls or pasta refills. They also have a full-service beverage bar and signature Coke Freestyle Machine with more than 100 different choices that will satisfy your family’s thirst. Cherry, vanilla, punch, and citrus twist are just some of the flavours that are offered. There are also hot chocolate, milk, or ice tea. Visitors particularly love staying on the outdoor patio and eating cheesy garlic bread. The best part is that kids younger than 11 can eat for free every Monday.
Spaghetti Works
Address: 310 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Website: Spaghetti Works
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
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4. Noodles & Company
There are three franchises of Noodles & Company found in Des Moines. Apart from the one on Douglas Avenue, the other two are located at 1551 Valley West Drive and 6630 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. They are all loved for their consistent quality, spicy and non-spicy options, and vegetarian dishes. Their meals also come with zero artificial flavours, colouring, and high-fructose corn syrup. Their food comes with a calorie count and you can customize it and remove or add an item as you please. Kid’s menu includes popular mac and cheese and chicken breast in marinara sauce. Kids will also receive an activity mat with crayons to keep them entertained. If you download the Noodles Rewards app, you can benefit from special offers too.
Noodles & Company
Address: 5840 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
Website: Noodles & Company
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10:30am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 10:30am - 10pm
5. Jason's Deli
Jason’s Deli, founded by the grandson of Italian immigrants, offers no artificial ingredients, MSG, high-fructose corn syrup in the meals. Instead, they offer high-quality and mouthwatering dishes. This restaurant is family-owned and family-focused. The kid’s menu, which is for children 12 years old and below, includes grilled cheese, pizza, and pasta with meatballs. They also offer free ice cream for everyone. There are certain days when kids can eat for free so keep an eye out.
Jason's Deli
Address: 3910 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States
Website: Jason’s Deli
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm
6. Clyde's Fine Diner
Located in the vibrant East Village district, Clyde’s Fine Diner opened only around late 2019 but it has gained tremendous popularity since then. Feast your eyes on the beautifully designed decor, big counter, and a U-shaped bar of this diner. It offers classics such as spaghetti with meatballs or grilled cheese, which is popular among adults and kids. At the same time, it reimagines some dishes and throws in a bit of “fusion-style magic” in form of fries made from scratch. There are dishes such as Fried Green Tomato BLT or Not Nashville Hot Sandwich that comes with fermented bean paste and kimchi mayo. Run by Chef Chris Hoffmann and named after his granddad, this place tastefully presents classic dishes in a new way.
Clyde's Fine Diner
Address: 111 E Grand Ave Suite 111, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Website: Clyde’s Fine Diner
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 4pm - 8pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
7. Americana
Americana in downtown Des Moines, which is famous for contemporary American dishes, caters to young customers as well. The kid’s menu includes a choice of a beverage and sides such as beans, pineapple, potatoes, and fries. All the classics are on the menu as well, including grilled cheese, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and more. If someone’s having a birthday, you can order a birthday cake too. There are parking slots and bike racks on site so you can come on an empty stomach any time and enjoy a lovely dish in a chic setting.
Americana
Address: 1312 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Website: Americana
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm
8. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Kids can get hungry just like little zombies. So, why not take them to the hip Zombie Burger + Drink Lab located downtown? They really take the concept seriously, with post-apocalyptic decor and menu items such as 28 Days Later or The Negan, which is a nod to famous pop-culture references. Kids can enjoy classics such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and more, accompanied by fries or a small salad and different shakes. This place does not accept reservations but you won’t have to wait in line for long.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Address: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Website: Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
9. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
#BaconLoversDay is a thing, and it's coming. Tag your bacon-obsessed friends to let them know.
Posted by Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on Sunday, 18 August 2019
Looking for a casual and kid-friendly place with Iowa hospitality? Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is a go-to choice anytime. They are open 24/7 and serve breakfast all day, which is perfect for sleepy heads. There are four locations in total in Des Moines, one in McKinley Avenue, one on Merle Hay Road, one on Hickman Road, and one in Euclid Avenue. All these places are great spots where kids can nibble on tasty mac and cheese, turkey, pancakes, chicken, and more. Plus, everything is made by the staff themselves, making it the ideal comfort food.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 2425 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, United States
Website: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Buzzard Billy’s
Who wants a cheeseburger from Buzzard Billy's?
Posted by Buzzard Billy's on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Buzzard Billy’s has locations in four states. The one in Iowa is popular among sports fans, gator-meet lovers, and Cajun and Creole foodies. Items such as gumbo, hoagie-style sandwiches, or specialties from the grill are a must. But what about your picky little eaters? Their kid’s menu offers American classics such as grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, and local meals. Most of the dishes come with a free side as well. There are free refills on drinks and free ice cream for every kid. Keep your eyes peeled for the next “Kids eat free” promo.
Buzzard Billy’s
Address: 615 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Website: Buzzard Billy’s
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
Make grabbing grub an easy task
Dining out with kids, all parents know the feeling of ease when they find the right place. Somewhere easy to park, with friendly and smiley staff, a good selection of kids’ meals, and colouring books or similar attention-grabbing activities on the spot. If the establishment offers high chairs or a special discount, you have hit the jackpot. So, if you are planning to visit Des Moines, Iowa, with your kids, use this list as your guide to dining out with family stress-free.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the restaurants may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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