Our blog title to the contrary, there's more to Iowa than corn. Here's our collection of things to explore while you're in town; the links to the right should help you find something to do while you're visiting Des Moines.


Dining in Des Moines: Near the State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol is one of Iowa's most impressive landmarks. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building is one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture.

And on Tuesday, the conference visits the Capitol area. Here's a quick list of some spots where you can grab a bite to eat during "lunch on your own" time.

  • Alba
    524 E Sixth Street
    Contemporary American cuisine. The website suggests reservations, but it's unclear if that's for lunch as well as dinner. To double check, call (515) 244-0261.(menu)

  • Ban Thai
    215 E Walnut Street
    A variety of Thai-inspired dishes, including many vegetarian options. (lunch menu)

  • Cafe Baratta's
    State Historical Museum, 600 E Locust
    Tucked in on the upper level of the State Historical Building, Cafe Baratta's features a variety of salads and wraps, a handful of entrees, and a quiche of the day. The outdoor terrace, open in nice weather, offers a nice view of the city. If you pass up the desserts, you can stop in the Iowa-themed gift shop on the ground floor to pick up a few Monastery caramels while viewing some of our state's most interesting artifacts.(menu)

  • Grand Piano Bistro
    506 E Grand Ave
    Better known as an evening entertainment spot, the short but diverse lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches. Vegetarian options include grilled portobello sandwich and pasta. (lunch menu)

  • Jimmy Johns
    422 E Locust St
    This sub shop is an Iowa Dept for the Blind favorite. We can't explain it.(menu)

  • KC Barbeque
    205 E 14th St
    If you need to try a pork tenderloin before you leave Iowa, you could do worse than ordering the Big Pig sandwich at KC Barbeque, even though the initials stand for Kansas City. (menu)

  • Los Laurales
    1518 E Grand Ave
    No website, no online menu, but this restaurant gets rave reviews on Yelp. A favorite of reader advisor Cindy, too.  You'll find authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price.

  • Lucca
    420 E Locust St
    Made-to-order pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, and fresh pastries. Lotsa pasta, including whole wheat! (menu)

  • Noodle Zoo
    601 E. Locust Street
    Sandwiches, salads and oodles of noodles. (menu)

  • Tasty Tacos
    1418 E Grand Ave
    Fast, cheap, and tasty, too! (menu)

Note about distance: For east-west streets, such as Grand, Locust, and Walnut, the higher the address number, the further they'll be from the river. Happy eating!

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