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Business Profile – El Guapo

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Tequila! The owners of Gusto Pizza Co. are reopening their location on the border of West Des Moines and Waukee with a new, upscale “south of the border” concept. El Guapo’s Tequila and Tacos will offer street tacos and more than 50 different types of tequila.

Co-owners Jared Weiss and Josh Holderness said after six years as Gusto Pizza Co. and experiencing nearly half a dozen pizza places pop up within a one-mile radius, it was time to do something different.

“Waukee has had some unbelievable economic and residential growth, and that’s not going to slow down any time soon. We are committed to the neighborhood and enjoy being here. We wanted to create a concept that allows us to continue fostering relationships in the community,” said Holderness.

When gathering ideas from friends in the area on a new establishment, Holderness said the desire for a neighborhood bar kept coming up.  “There are a lot of options for craft beer in Waukee, but not for cocktails.”

Weiss, a southern California native with a marketing background, was particularly interested in a bar with Mexican flare—and a story. The tale concerns El Guapo (“the handsome one”), an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico (tequila’s place of origin), who traveled to West Des Moines in 1926 as a distiller. 

“Not a lot is known about El Guapo, but we’re bringing to light to who he was and where he came from,” said Weiss.

In addition to tequila, El Guapo will serve beer—primarily Mexican, but also some domestics—as well as custom cocktails unique to the bar. Weiss said the menu will be simple, with well-thought-out traditional Mexican recipes, including tacos with house-made tortillas.

The DIY concept can also be seen in the newly-designed aesthetics of the space. Everything from the bar to the lighting and the hubcap art installation were crafted by the owners. 

Weiss said they wanted to give the location a totally different vibe and ambiance in its latest incarnation. “I think we’ve done that with finishes you’ll see. It’s really coming together with different textures and elements.”

El Guapo is comprised of three sections—a Day of the Dead room, the Agave Courtyard and the Lower Rider Lounge, which will feature a more relaxed setting with couches. TVs will be placed throughout the bar for customers to catch a game—both football and futbol.

Weiss said that while the restaurant will be family-friendly, it will transition to a bar at night with brunch available on the weekend.

Regular tasting and educational events also will be held at the bar. “We want to show people the many different types of tequila, and how to drink it and pair it with great tacos,” explained Weiss. 

Holderness feels tequila is often misunderstood, and there’s much to learn about it. “It’s a beautiful spirit,” he said.  “We want to teach people how to really enjoy and savor it.” 

The bar’s grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 1, just in time for Dia de los Muertos—the Mexican “Day of the Dead” holiday that follows Halloween. Weiss said Waukee residents can look forward to celebrating El Guapo with a costume party and a mariachi band—and, of course, tequila!

Business Spotlight: B-Bop’s Waukee

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Des Moines fast food institution B-Bop’s has been delivering fast food with a retro flair to central Iowa residents for decades.  Now, Waukee residents will have a B-Bop’s location right in their backyard, as construction nears completion on the franchise’s newest location.

Construction began in the fall of 2018 on the 2,200-square-foot restaurant, which will be located at 855 East Hickman Road, near the Waukee Hy-Vee.  The location will offer seating for 60 inside, as well as eight tables on the patio and, of course, a drive-thru. The layout will be very similar to the B-Bop’s location on Stagecoach Drive in West Des Moines.  With the addition of the new store in Waukee, B-Bop’s will have a total of nine locations in Iowa, joining the existing stores on Fleur Drive, Southeast 14th, and East 14th in Des Moines, as well as their locations in West Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Urbandale and Ames.

B-Bop’s is a much-loved fixture in the metro fast food landscape, but its owner got his start one state over.  B-Bop’s owner Bob Johnson embarked on his career in the fast food industry with the Mr. Quick franchise in Bollingbrook, Ill., in 1970.  He began as an assistant manager, a position he held for eight months. Impressed with Johnson’s ambition and skill, Mr. Quick’s corporate office offered him the opportunity to become a franchise partner in the business.  Johnson accepted this offer in 1973, moving to Newton, Iowa, and opening a Mr. Quick there. He later opened stores in Fairfield and Muscatine as well. In 1983, Johnson and his partners changed the restaurant name from Mr. Quick to Sizzlin’ Sam’s.

During the mid-1980s, as Johnson continued to open businesses, he took note of a new, burgeoning concept: the double drive-thru.  These were popping up throughout the Sun Belt states and encountering great success, and Johnson was interested in the possibility of opening one himself.  In 1988, Johnson found a building at 1500 East Euclid Avenue in Des Moines that he felt would be an ideal location for a double drive-thru. Within six months, the first B-Bop’s was opened on that spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.  (The original Euclid location has since been demolished—a new B-Bop’s was built around the corner on East 14th Street to replace it in 2016.)

It’s fair to say that B-Bop’s is known just as much for its atmosphere as for its food.  The old-school vibe inside each location, with the carefree music of an era gone by and the distinctive, colorful décor, take customers back to what many consider a golden, simpler time.  The beloved local chain, with its simple, tried-and-true menu, has won Cityview Magazine’s Best of Des Moines award in the Best Burger category for an astonishing 26 years in a row. B-Bop’s has also been a runner-up for Best French Fry in Cityview’s annual poll for the past five years, and its quarter- and half-pound burgers and fries also earned it the 2016 runner-up for Best Hangover Food.  

With the new store in Waukee set to open soon, residents will soon be able to satisfy their craving for a classic burger with a side of fries and a soundtrack that will take them right back to the olden days.  B-Bop’s represents just the latest exciting addition to the boom of new restaurants in Waukee!

Wauk-Eats! New Waukee Restaurant Guide

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With the constant construction and expansion going on in Waukee, it’s no surprise that a slew of new restaurants have popped up on this side of town.  This past year saw a host of dining locations open their doors, providing a variety of new options for hungry residents. Here are a few new additions from the past year and a look at things to come!

Smoothie King

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier and get more fit, Smoothie King is here to help you reach your goal.  With a stated vision of being an integral part of every health and fitness journey, Smoothie King’s offerings are designed to help you power through a workout, lose weight or unwind.  The franchise, which began in 1989, has grown to over 800 locations worldwide, and the Waukee location opened this past year on the corner of University Avenue and SE Alice’s Road.

Smoothie King offers four different categories of smoothies: Fitness Blends, Slim Blends, Wellness Blends, and Take a Break Blends. All smoothies, regardless of category, are formulated and blended using the franchise’s “cleaner blending” philosophy, with an emphasis on more whole fruits and vegetables and fewer artificial additives. There’s no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors or preservatives in any of Smoothie King’s selections, and there’s no added sugar in more than 50 of their menu options. With a full roster of Kids’ Blends also available, the entire family can find something they like.

Customers can also add various enhancers to their smoothies. Enhancers include a “Super Grains” blend with essential amino acids, an “Immune Support” offering with additional vitamins and minerals, and a “Probiotic” option to support digestion and gut health.

For menu options and hours of operation, visit smoothieking.com.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

If your smoothie from Smoothie King hasn’t quite filled you up, head north just up Alice’s Road and grab a sandwich at Which Wich. This sandwich chain opened a location in Waukee this past year. From a Greek gyro to a Vietnamese cuisine-inspired banh mi sandwich, their menu spans a wide range of influences.

Their Signature Favorites include everything from the classic Philly Cheesesteak, to a Superfood Wich (featuring a vegan black bean patty and quinoa on a spinach tortilla) to a Brunchwich that includes rotisserie-roasted beef and lamb gyro slices and a sunny-side-up egg.  Which Wich’s proprietary Wicked sandwich comes loaded with turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni and bacon—the customer then chooses three cheeses to add, along with any additional toppings.

Customers can also build their own sandwiches or choose a salad or wrap instead.  With a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options also available, Which Wich caters to those with dietary restrictions as well. Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at whichwich.com.

Central Standard Burgers

Central Standard, which opened on University Avenue in July of 2018, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to General Manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Among the dozen or so burger options on the menu are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (pork belly and jalapeño), and various mac and cheese selections.  In addition to their non-traditional burgers, the restaurant is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes.

So if you’re in the market for a burger (and a shake) with a twist, give Central Standard a try.  Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at centralstandardburgers.com.  

R Taco

The “R” in R Taco comes from founder Rusty Fenton, who opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas in 2010.  The Tex-Mex chain arrived on University Avenue in West Des Moines earlier this year. R Taco’s specialty, as one might imagine, is authentic, Mexican street-style tacos, handmade and offered on corn or flour tortillas. With a wide variety of fillings available—BBQ brisket, Baja shrimp, fried chicken, and black beans, to name just a few—there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

R Taco also offers a selection of breakfast tacos, served all day.  If you like a margarita with your tacos (always a delicious idea), the Rusty Margaritas—“always made with fresh lime juice and cheap tequila,” per their website—have you covered.

So if, like Fenton, your motto is, “Tacos are the most important meal of the day,” R Taco is your kind of place.  Check out their menu and hours of operation online at rustytaco.com.

Rosati’s Pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza arrived in Waukee this past November with the opening of Rosati’s Pizza on SE Alice’s Road.  Rosati’s, the first of which opened in Chicago in 1964, focuses on traditional, authentic Italian dishes made from Rosati family recipes that have been passed down through five generations of the family.

Their calling card, of course, is their Classic Chicago Pizza. “With a deep crust cradling the freshest ingredients in town, our deep dish sets the bar very high,” says Jeff Fournier, General Manager at the Waukee location.

Veggies are cut, mozzarella is shredded, dough is made and meats are prepped fresh every day at Rosati’s, says Fournier. This guarantees the quality of the final product.

If Chicago deep dish isn’t quite your speed, no big deal.  Rosati’s has an abundance of menu options, ranging from pastas, sandwiches (like their popular Italian beef), desserts and a variety of side dishes.  The location is “not just a pizza place, but a full Italian restaurant,” according to Fournier.

Rosati’s also features a full catering menu and can deliver anywhere in the Des Moines metro area.  So the next time you have a craving for pizza—particularly if a thin, flatbread pizza just isn’t going to cut it—give Rosati’s a shot! Find their menu and hours of operation online at rosatispizza.com.

Coming Soon

The slew of fast-casual favorites arriving in Waukee isn’t set to slow down anytime soon.  Culver’s, B-Bop’s, and IHOP are all scheduled to open locations in 2019, providing even more dining options for residents.  Keep an eye out for these in the coming year!

Miss NiNi’s Desserterie

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Finding a good cup of coffee in the Metro isn’t difficult. Nor is it hard to hunt down tasty desserts. But finding both in one spot, with that certain hard-to-define element that accompanies homemade items, can be a little more challenging. That’s where Miss NiNi’s Desserterie comes in.

Janine Knop, whose longtime nickname gives the store its name, has had a passion for baking her entire life. Raised on a farm in North Dakota, she “would sit on our three-legged, wobbly kitchen stool observing Mom as she made dozens of loaves of bread, pies, cakes and cinnamon rolls.” Knop continued to bake all through school, participating in 4-H for a decade and earning her college degree in home economics education and food and nutrition.

After years of farming near Atlantic, Iowa, with her husband Fred, Knop began to enter her baked creations in food exhibits and competitions at the Iowa State Fair (the largest of their kind in the country). Before long, she wasn’t just participating—she was bringing home numerous championship ribbons. According to Knop, this was when she decided to challenge herself by baking professionally.

Knop’s desserts could soon be found at Friedrich’s Coffee locations around the Des Moines Metro and at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, where they have been featured for over 10 years. The menu at Des Moines Golf and Country Club also regularly features Knop’s signature creations. The clamor for the desserts increased with time, and in January of 2017, Miss NiNi’s Desserterie opened for business in the Hawthorne Center on University Avenue.

Miss NiNi’s menu features a diverse array of goodies, many of which were awarded championship ribbons at the state fair. “I create recipes based on unique flavor combinations and design,” says Knop.

It’s difficult to imagine a sweet tooth that couldn’t be satisfied at Miss NiNi’s. If cheesecake isn’t your speed—of which there are 11 varieties on the menu, from Chocolate Raspberry Swirl to Italian Tiramisu—there are also layer cakes, brownies, dessert breads, cookies and coffee cakes available. One highly popular item, the Cupcake-A-Jar, “solves the problem of messy cupcake eating,” according to Knop. Cake and frosting are layered in small glass canning jars, which allows the consumer to eat a few bites now and save the rest for later. The jars are shelf-stable for five to seven days, so you can take your sweet time enjoying them.

In addition to the dessert options, Knop says customers tell them their coffee—made with locally-roasted Zanzibar’s beans and a sophisticated water filtration system—is the best-tasting in town.

With the holiday season just around the corner, seasonal additions have begun to appear in the dessert case at Miss NiNi’s. Among the offerings are pumpkin praline cheesecake, three-layer pumpkin cake with cranberry filling and cinnamon buttercream frosting, decadent flourless chocolate torte with chocolate ganache, and apricot rum cheesecake.

New this year is Miss NiNi’s 8-inch Bundt cake, which comes in pumpkin spice, chocolate chunk, and coconut bliss. One seasonal hit from last year, make-them-yourself Christmas cookie kits, will be offered again this season, along with cookie gift trays, which would undoubtedly go over well at any holiday office party or family gathering.

Knop and her baking team focus on creating beautiful, handcrafted desserts with impeccable homemade flavor and texture—qualities that are often absent in the commercial baking industry, Knop notes. Locally owned and operated, Knop says Miss NiNi’s “would be incomplete without the tremendous support and dedication of my family and talented baking team!”

Customers who visit the desserterie, located at 9500 University Avenue, Suite 1204, in West Des Moines, have the option of enjoying their dessert on-site or taking it to-go. Hours and menu items may be found at missnini.com.

So if you’re in the market for a great cup of joe and a sweet, homemade treat to go with it—and really, who isn’t?—Miss NiNi’s has you covered.

Waukee’s Central Standard Burgers

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By Kellyn Pappas

You don’t have to look far in the Des Moines metro area to find a good burger. From the classics at B-Bop’s to the slightly less conventional choices at Zombie Burger, there’s something to suit every taste. And now customers have an intriguing new option in Waukee: Central Standard Burgers.

Central Standard, located at 1222 SE University Avenue, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to general manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Central Standard proved enormously popular. As the restaurant, along with other eateries owned by the same group, continued to be successful, the ownership group determined the time was right to expand. Crounse said Waukee was selected for the new restaurant because Waukee is “all about family and the community—it’s the key to good living!”

According to Crounse, the menu at the Waukee location will look very similar to the one in Bettendorf, with a few differences on the features menu and in the cocktail offerings. For example, a “Warrior Lemonade” mocktail will appear as a Waukee-specific item.

Perhaps unique among burger restaurants, Central Standard bakes all of its own bread, pretzels and buns for their burgers. And these burgers are not slabs of boring beef with nothing but ketchup. Among the dozen or so burger options are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (that’s pork belly and jalapeño, not the childhood favorite peanut butter and jelly), and various jazzed-up mac and cheese selections (if, like the writer, your taste preferences occasionally lean in the direction of the kids’ menu).

The restaurant takes pride in its craft beer offerings, with 24 beers on tap at any given time. These are locally sourced as much as possible. Current options include beers from Exile Brewing Company and Iowa Brewing Company. “They’re all Iowa beers at the moment,” said Crounse.

Central Standard is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes—think tall glasses rimmed with candy sprinkles and topped with baked goods. For example, the Cookie Dough shake features an actual cookie sandwich, and the s’more shake— well, you get the idea. All menu shakes can be upgraded to loaded shakes for those over 21. The restaurant also features “Will’s Feature Shake of the Month.” A portion of the proceeds from this specialty shake go to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a partnership which has been going strong for about four years, according to Crounse, and one of which they are especially proud.

Central Standard had a soft open for family and friends the week of July 23 and officially opened for business on July 30. The restaurant currently has about 65 people on staff, and Crounse says they expect to eventually have around 100 employees total. With plenty of indoor space, plus a patio, the restaurant seats around 280 people. Customers can find their menu and hours of operation online at centralstandardburgers.com.

Crounse and his colleagues at Central Standard are excited to bring their unique take on burgers and fries to Waukee. Outside-the-box offerings are their specialty. “We don’t want to be the same old, same old,” said Crounse.

With creative burgers on homemade buns, local craft beers and shakes that provide a lot more than just a cherry on top, Central Standard stands to be an exciting new option for hungry Waukee residents.

 

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What’s Cookin’ in Waukee: A Business Expo and Tasting Experience

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Thank you to all member booth exhibitors and participants who helped make the sixth annual “What’s Cookin’ in Waukee” a success! Guests had the opportunity to get to know local businesses and also enjoy food tastings offered at each booth on Thursday, April 5 at Noah’s Event Venue! A special thanks to our event sponsors, the Chamber’s What’s Cookin’ planning committee and to all volunteers who helped with event details!

Congratulations to the 2018 Best Dish Winners (determined by most guest votes)!

Best Main Course

1st Place: Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Salisbury Steak with Gravy and Golden Homemade Mashed Potatoes
2nd Place: Waukee Hy-Vee, Hy-Waiian Sliders
3rd Place: Waukee Leadership Institute, Pork Burnt Ends

Best Appetizer

1st Place: Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Sweet Piggy Poppers
2nd Place: Smoothie King, Smoothies
3rd Place: Design Alliance, Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Best Dessert

1st Place: Echo’s Cookie Shop, Chocolate Chip Cookies
2nd Place: mi-fiber, LLC, The Coffeesmith Coffee and Muffins
3rd Place: City of Waukee, Caramel Apples

Best of Show

1st Place: Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Salisbury Steak with Gravy and Golden Homemade Mashed Potatoes
2nd Place: Echo’s Cookie Shop, Chocolate Chip Cookies
3rd Place: Waukee Hy-Vee, Hy-Waiian Sliders

Thank You to Our Member Booth Exhibitors:
Achieving Inner Peace LLC, American Trust & Savings Bank, Ankeny Sanitation, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty, City of Waukee, Design Alliance, Echo’s Cookie Shop, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fareway, First American Bank, Fridley Theatres, Key Potential Chiropractic, McKinney Law Office, Medicap Pharmacy, mi-fiber LLC, Mike Brown State Farm Insurance, Mixed, Optimum Chiropractic, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Prairie Fire Phones, Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Rotary Club of Waukee, Sheraton, Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Smoothie King, State Savings Bank, The Village at Legacy Pointe, Timberline Campground, US Cellular Authorized Agent – Cellular Advantage, Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Christian Services, Waukee Area Historical Society, Waukee Family YMCA, Waukee Hy-Vee and the Waukee Leadership Institute.

Join the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to help welcome new businesses to our community at upcoming Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies! Learn more at waukeechamber.com.

Slices On The Ranch

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Have you been to the Pizza Ranch in Waukee​? If your answer is no, then where have you been!? Stop by for some slices on the ranch! This is just one of the slices of heaven our great City of Waukee​ has to offer!
Located on 448 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa​ 50263
Hours:
Sunday 11AM–9PM
Monday 11AM–9PM
Tuesday 11AM–9PM
Wednesday 11AM–9PM
Thursday 11AM–9PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Menu: pizzaranch.com
Order: pizzaranchorder.com

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Best Date Night Ideas In Des Moines / Waukee

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If you are looking for a date night spot in the Des Moines / Waukee area, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best date night (or day) restaurants, entertainment and more, whether you are looking for fine-dining, casual eating or great music, there is something for everyone right here in Des Moines!

FINE-DINING

Proof

Modern, minimalist Mediterranean-style restaurant & bar that’s casual by day & intimate at night.
Address: 1301 Locust Street,Suite C, Des Moines, IA 50309
Menu: proofrestaurant.com
Phone: (515) 244-0655

Centro

High-ceilinged ex-Masonic temple turned contemporary Italian wining-&-dining destination.
Address: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Menu: centrodesmoines.com
Phone: (515) 248-1780

Johnnys Steakhouse

Steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served in upscale, supper club-like environs with a sleek bar.
Address: 6800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Menu: johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
Phone: (515) 287-0847

Baru 66

Swanky bistro with refined, farm-to-table French meals, plus a chef’s tasting menu & boutique wines.
Address: 6587 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Menu: baru66.com
Phone: (515) 277-6627

Sam & Gabes

Intimate spot for Italian & American cuisine, with a full bar/lounge & occasional live music.
Address: 8631 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
Menu: samandgabes.com
Phone: (515) 271-9200

AJs Steakhouse

Contemporary steakhouse in Prairie Meadows hotel & casino serving classic fare, martinis & wine.
Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
Menu: prairiemeadows.com/dining/ajs-steakhouse
Phone: (515) 957-3535

CASUAL DINING

Tacos Marianas

Tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples served in casual surrounds with colorful art & decor.
Address: 1305 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Menu: tacos-marianas.cafes-city.com
Phone: (515) 288-1499

Angry Goldfish

Address: 2301 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Menu: facebook.com/pg/angrygoldfish/
Phone: (515) 288-2358

Taco Hangover

Energetic eatery featuring modern twists on Mexican favorites in a sports-bar setting with a patio.
Address: 265 50th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Menu: tacohangover.com
Phone: (515) 440-4703

Eggs and Jam

Address: 1907 Ep True Pkwy Suite 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Menu: eggsandjamwdm.com
Phone: (515) 528-2248

COOL PLACES TO DRINK OR EAT

Operating Room

The Operating Room is a pinball, arcade and cocktail bar in West Glen, West Des Moines hottest spot for dining and entertainment. We also sell pinball machines as an authorized dealer of Stern pinball.
Address: 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Website: facebook.com/theordsm/
Phone: (515) 226-3333

Hurts Donuts

Offbeat, contemporary donut shop open 24/7 for imaginatively topped donuts & coffee.
Address: 5513 Mills Civic Pkwy #105, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Website: facebook.com/Hurts-Donut-Co-West-Des-Moines-228935060835293/
Phone: (515) 267-1671

Updown

Below-ground bar for retro 80s & 90s arcade games & weekly specials, with craft beer & cocktails.
Address: 500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: updowndsm.com
Phone: (515) 243-4322

The Basement

Night club in Des Moines, Iowa
Address: 901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: desmoinessocialclub.org/the-basement
Phone: (515) 369-3673

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Wooly’s

Hot spot featuring diverse acts in a space with up-to-date lighting & sound systems plus a bar.
Address: 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: woolysdm.com
Phone: (515) 244-0550

Leftys

Easygoing hangout with a stage featuring a lineup of music acts & local beer on tap.
Address: 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Website: leftyslivemusic.com
Phone: (515) 274-7442

Vaudeville Mews

Nightclub featuring everything from hip-hop & folk acts to comedy & burlesque gigs plus a full bar.
Address: 212 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: vaudevillemews.com

Gas Lamp

Artsy, boisterous watering hole with a diverse music lineup, comedy & trivia nights & a snack menu.
Address: 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: gaslampdsm.com
Phone: (515) 280-3778

Noce

Chic venue known for its jazz cabaret events & specialty cocktails in an expansive, modern setting.
Address: 1326 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: nocedsm.com
Phone: (515) 244-5399

DATE EXPERIENCES

Science Center

Science-focused interactive galleries & learning labs plus a planetarium & IMAX cinema.
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: sciowa.org
Phone: (515) 274-6868

Flix Brewhouse

Flix Brewhouse is America’s only first-run Cinema Brewery.
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd #1300, Des Moines, IA 50310
Website: flixbrewhouse.com/des-moines
Phone: (515) 612-9200

DSM Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center is an art museum with an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, modern art and mixed media. It was established in 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. Wikipedia
Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Website: desmoinesartcenter.org
Phone: (515) 277-4405

Fleur Cinema & Cafe

Quaint cinema for art, indie & current films plus a cafe with beer & housemade snacks.
Address: 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Website: fleurcinema.com
Phone: (515) 287-4545

Des Moines Playhouse

This contemporary local theater presents musicals, classic plays & a children’s theater series.
Address: 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Website: dmplayhouse.com
Phone: (515) 277-6261

Art Terrarium and Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, on the east bank of the Des Moines River. Interest in a Des Moines botanical center began in 1929.
Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: dmbotanicalgarden.com
Phone: (515) 323-6290

Tandem Brick Gallery

Tandem Brick Gallery is a locally owned shop that carries fun and unusual gifts and art exhibits by experienced local artists.
Address: 2722 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Website: tandembrick.com
Phone: (515) 282-1031

What is your favorite Des Moines date spot?

Perfect Tailgating Recipes With A Twist

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Iowa-Tailgating-Waukee

You’ve been waiting a whole year for this season to be here… Football season! This time of year brings crisp weather, pumpkin spice everything and TAILGATING! We’ve compiled a list of classic tailgating recipes with a twist to kick your next tailgate up a notch!

Italian Pinwheels

From {Mother Thyme}

This new take on a tortilla roll-up is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Bloody Mary

From {Country Living}

No early morning tailgate (or afternoon tailgate for that matter) is complete without a savory Bloody Mary on the menu!

Chili and Cornbread In A Jar

From {Nest Of Posies}

Football + Fall = Chili. This unique way to serve chili is genius for tailgating!

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

From {An Affair From The Heart}

A must-try hybrid between a meatball and a cheeseburger, make this finger food perfect for a pre-game appetizer!

Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites

From {Sally’s Baking Addiction}

Cookie dough AND pretzels in one bite?! Yes please!

Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders

From {Kings Hawaiian}

You will redefined “slider” with this recipe!

Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats

From {Delish}

No more ants on a log. These crispy celery treats are perfect for those warm games!

Pancake Dippers

From {Lady Behind The Curtain}

Not just any pancake, this pancake is a) dunk-able and b) filled with bacon. You’re welcome!

Touchdown Taco Cups

From {Southern Made Simple}

Tacos in a cup. Not sure we can ever eat tacos the same way again!

 Macaroni and Cheese Bites

From {Old House To New Home}

Reinventing this good ol’ comfort food and making it finger food friendly is brilliant!

So, is anyone hungry yet? What are your tailgating staples?

New Year, Craft Beer: Global Brew Tap House

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global-brew-november-2016-1Four military veterans have come together to open Global Brew Tap House, which offers a huge selection of unique craft beers from around the world while making a positive impact on the local community.

“We were fans of Global Brew, and we knew we wanted to do something entrepreneurial,” said James Chambers, the managing partner. “Global Brew is different from other concepts because it has a community component,” he explained. “We get involved in the community through beer festivals, golf tournaments and charity events. Giving back to the community is an escape from the stresses of running a business. We enjoy working with the organizations and it gives us exposure to a new group of people every month.”

Global Brew selects a local charity each month and supports it through a three-pronged approach. First, two dollars of every local beer flight sold during that month goes to the charitable organization. “The participating Iowa breweries also partner with us,” said Chambers, meaning that Global Brew donates one dollar and the breweries donate the other dollar of every beer flight. They also hold a monthly event that features live music, free food and a silent auction. Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds go the charity, as well as the all of the proceeds from the silent auction. In November, Global Brew raised $1,000 for the Young Women’s Resource Center.

The explosion in the brewery trend is about ten years old, and while Des Moines may have been behind the curve at one time, it’s not anymore, explained Chambers. “At this point, when you look at breweries per capita, we’re becoming one of the biggest beer towns in the country,” he said.

global-brew-november-2016-28Chambers said he thinks the trend has longevity because it’s not just a passing interest of a younger demographic—craft beer and the movement around it resonates with folks of different age groups. “Every year, craft beer has taken up a larger portion of the total beer market,” he said. “A decade ago, craft breweries weren’t even mentioned in the same breath as the massive light-beer producers. Today, craft beer accounts for about 13 percent of beer production in the United States and more than 20 percent of total beer sales.”

Chambers went on to explain, “It’s a change in a market in which everyone has been drinking light beer for decades, and now we have so many more flavors and styles to choose from.” Beer drinkers are also getting the opportunity to try different types of beer that are hundreds of years old but have never had a place in the market. “Take pumpkin beer for example,” said Chambers. “We tend to think of it as a modern evolution in beer, but that’s not true—American settlers used pumpkin in place of barley to make beer for sustenance in the 1600’s.”

The reemergence of older styles of beer and the stories behind them make it easy for people to get into the history of beer, according to Chambers. “Many of us have enjoyed a glass of Angelicus from Ankeny’s Firetrucker, but when you learn about the beer’s long history, how it ties into World War I, and Firetrucker’s role in the return of the recipe to North America, it really adds to the experience.”

global-brew-november-2016-13Global Brew regularly carries about 250 unique craft beer selections, along with a smaller selection of wines, but its ever-changing menu means there will always be something new to try. In the first three months of operation, nearly 400 craft beers have made their way through the tap house.

“When you look at the rapid growth in the industry and modern twists on old beer styles, it’s really important to give customers the opportunity to try the best craft beers we can offer, and the rotating menu allows us to do that,” said Chambers.

Global Brew customers can also sign up for the United Nations Membership Club, a rewards program in which they earn prizes like t-shirts, athletic jackets and even a $500 Global Brew gift certificate after they try 500 beers.

Global Brew has also partnered with local restaurants to bring its customers whatever local food options their hearts desire. If they’re craving pizza from nearby Gusto, Casey’s or 7 Stone, sushi from Wasabi, or sandwiches from Jimmy John’s, they can have it delivered right to their table. A book of area menus is available for perusal. Customers can even bring food from home or set up a potluck with friends. And for parents on the go, children are welcome at the Tap House with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights after 6:00 p.m.

Open since August, Global Brew is located at 9500 University Ave., Suite 118, next to Wasabi restaurant. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

 

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