Ever found yourself in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, with a rumbling stomach long after most folks are tucked in for the night? Perhaps you’ve just landed at the airport, caught a late show downtown, or are simply burning the midnight oil and need a delicious refuel. The good news is that while Des Moines might not be a sprawling metropolis, it does offer a surprising number of options for finding food open now to satisfy your late-night cravings. Unlike some cities that completely shut down after a certain hour, Des Moines has a selection of establishments ready to serve you, whether you’re after a full meal, a quick snack, or a comforting cup of coffee.
This guide is your comprehensive resource for discovering restaurants, bars with food, delivery services, and other hidden gems that keep their doors open late, or even around the clock. We’ll explore a variety of culinary styles and atmospheres, ensuring you can find the perfect spot to match your mood and your appetite. Before we dive in, a friendly reminder: restaurant hours can be subject to change due to holidays, staffing, or unforeseen circumstances. It’s always a good idea to double-check online or give the restaurant a quick call to confirm they are indeed open before heading out. Now, let’s get to the delicious details!
Round-the-Clock Cravings: Des Moines’ Always-Available Dining Spots
Let’s start with the holy grail of late-night dining: restaurants that are open all day, every day. These twenty-four-hour establishments are a lifesaver when hunger strikes at the most inconvenient times. While the landscape of around-the-clock dining is constantly evolving, it’s worth highlighting potential options that traditionally offer this service. Remember to verify their current status, as hours can change:
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins is a classic American diner known for its extensive menu, featuring everything from breakfast favorites to hearty entrees. Whether you’re craving pancakes at three in the morning or a comforting pot roast after a long shift, Perkins provides a familiar and welcoming environment. They often have special deals and discounts, making it an affordable option for a late-night meal. Their bakery section is also a major draw, with freshly baked pies, muffins, and cookies tempting those with a sweet tooth. Located conveniently off the interstate, it’s easily accessible for travelers passing through Des Moines.
Hy-Vee Market Grille (Select Locations)
While not all Hy-Vee grocery stores have twenty-four-hour Market Grille restaurants, select locations within the Des Moines metro area may offer this amenity. These Market Grilles provide a surprisingly robust menu, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and even more upscale options like steak and seafood. The advantage of dining at a Hy-Vee Market Grille is the convenience of being able to pick up groceries or other essentials while you’re there. It’s a one-stop shop for all your needs, even in the wee hours.
Late-Night Bites: Restaurants and Bars Open Past Midnight
When the clock strikes midnight, many restaurants call it a night, but thankfully, some establishments in Des Moines keep their kitchens open a bit longer to cater to the late-night crowd. These restaurants and bars with food offer a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres, ensuring you can find the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or kick off a memorable evening. Here are a few examples, keeping in mind that hours are subject to change:
Buzzard Billy’s Armadillo Bar & Grill
A Des Moines institution, Buzzard Billy’s is known for its Cajun-inspired cuisine and lively atmosphere. Located in the historic Court Avenue District, this spot often stays open until around two in the morning on weekends. Their menu features a variety of Cajun classics, including jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish etouffee. It’s a great place to grab a late-night bite with friends, enjoy some live music, and soak up the vibrant energy of the Court Avenue area. Price range is generally moderate.
Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop
With multiple locations throughout the Des Moines metro, Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop is a popular choice for late-night eats and drinks. Select locations often keep their kitchens open until midnight or later on weekends. Their menu features a wide range of pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers. The rooftop patio at their Ingersoll Avenue location provides a great view of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot to unwind on a warm summer night. Prices are typically in the mid-range.
The High Life Lounge
Offering a distinctly retro vibe, The High Life Lounge transports you back to a bygone era with its vintage decor and classic American comfort food. This spot usually stays open until around two in the morning on weekends. Their menu features a selection of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and cocktails, all served in a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a great place to gather with friends for a late-night bite and reminisce about the good old days. Prices are affordable and the portions are generous.
Fong’s Pizza
This isn’t just any pizza place; Fong’s Pizza is famous for its creative and often outrageous pizza creations, including their signature crab rangoon pizza. With a late-night menu that typically extends past midnight, Fong’s provides a unique culinary adventure. Located in the heart of downtown, Fong’s is a popular spot for those seeking a playful and delicious late-night meal. Prepare for a lively atmosphere and expect moderate pricing.
El Bait Shop
A local favorite, El Bait Shop is more than just a bar; it’s a craft beer mecca with an impressive selection of Iowa beers on tap. While primarily known for its drinks, El Bait Shop also offers a simple but satisfying menu of pub fare, including sandwiches, snacks, and appetizers. They typically stay open until around two in the morning, making it a great spot to grab a late-night bite while sampling some of Iowa’s finest brews. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly.
Juniper Moon
For those seeking a more upscale late-night dining experience, Juniper Moon offers a refined menu of seasonal dishes and craft cocktails. Located in the East Village, this restaurant often stays open until around midnight on weekends. Their menu features innovative and beautifully presented dishes, showcasing local ingredients and global flavors. Juniper Moon is a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic late-night dinner. Expect higher prices, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the level of service.
Door-to-Door Dining: Late-Night Delivery Services
Sometimes, the best option is to have food delivered right to your doorstep, especially when you’re feeling tired or simply don’t want to venture out. Thankfully, Des Moines is served by several popular food delivery services that operate during late-night hours.
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the leading food delivery services in the United States, and it operates extensively in Des Moines. You can use the DoorDash app or website to browse menus from a wide variety of restaurants, place your order, and track its progress in real-time. Delivery hours typically extend well into the night, and you can often find promotional deals and discounts to save money. Fees vary depending on the restaurant and delivery distance.
Uber Eats
Similar to DoorDash, Uber Eats is another popular food delivery service that operates in Des Moines. It offers a similar experience, allowing you to browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries through the Uber app. Uber Eats also offers a wide selection of restaurants and cuisines, and delivery hours typically extend late into the night. Pricing and fees are comparable to DoorDash.
Grubhub
Grubhub is another major player in the food delivery industry, offering a similar service to DoorDash and Uber Eats. It allows you to order from a wide variety of restaurants and track your delivery in real-time. Grubhub often offers exclusive deals and discounts, and delivery hours typically extend late into the night.
Alternative Eats: Other Ways to Satisfy Your Late-Night Cravings
While restaurants and delivery services are the most common options for late-night food, there are also a few alternative sources to consider:
Select Gas Stations/Convenience Stores
Certain gas stations and convenience stores throughout Des Moines offer a surprisingly decent selection of prepared food, including pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks. These can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch and need a quick and affordable bite. Look for gas stations with dedicated food service areas or those that offer hot food options.
Twenty-Four Hour Grocery Stores (If Available)
While not as common as they once were, some grocery stores in the Des Moines area may be open around the clock. These stores typically have prepared food sections offering sandwiches, salads, and other convenient meals. This can be a great option if you’re looking for something healthier or need to pick up groceries at the same time. Verify the hours of operation before visiting.
Pro Tips for Late-Night Food Hunting in Des Moines
Finding food open now in Des Moines requires a little bit of planning and resourcefulness. Here are some pro tips to help you navigate the late-night dining scene:
Utilize Online Search Engines
Use Google, Yelp, or other search engines with specific keywords like “food open now des moines” or “restaurants open late des moines.” Use the time filter to specify the current time and see what’s available.
Check Restaurant Websites and Social Media
Many restaurants regularly update their hours on their websites and social media pages. Checking these sources can help you avoid surprises and ensure that the restaurant is indeed open.
Call the Restaurant Directly
The most reliable way to confirm a restaurant’s hours is to call them directly. This is especially important on holidays or during unusual weather conditions.
Explore Delivery Apps
Use DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub to see what restaurants are offering delivery in your area. These apps often have filters to show you restaurants that are currently open.
Ask Locals for Recommendations
If you’re new to Des Moines, ask locals for recommendations on their favorite late-night spots. They may know about hidden gems that aren’t widely advertised.
In conclusion, while Des Moines might not be a twenty-four-hour city in the same vein as Las Vegas or New York, it offers a respectable range of options for satisfying your late-night hunger pangs. From classic diners and lively bars to convenient delivery services and alternative sources, there’s something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself craving food open now in Des Moines, remember this guide and explore the delicious possibilities that await you.
Do you have a favorite late-night spot in Des Moines that we missed? Share your recommendations in the comments below! We’re always looking to expand our list and help others discover the best places to eat after dark. And, if you know of any restaurants with updated hours or new late-night offerings, please let us know so we can keep this guide accurate and up-to-date. Happy eating!
