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For this edition of Showpig Foodies, we caught up with Ben Schmaling and Lexi Beeler to find out where they’re eating while in Des Moines. While they each have their own favorites, a few places earned recommendations from both of our Iowa experts.
Whether you’re looking for a great breakfast before heading to the show, a family-friendly burger spot, or a steakhouse worthy of celebrating a successful day in the ring, these are the places Ben and Lexi say belong on your Des Moines food tour. 🐷🍴
⭐ CONSENSUS PICKS
Mentioned by both Ben & Lexi
🍳 Breakfast / Brunch
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HomeGrown
homegrownkitchen.com
950 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 1130 • West Des Moines, IA 50266
🍔 Great Burgers
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Zombie Burger
zombieburgerdm.com
300 E Grand Ave • Des Moines, IA 50309
Great for kids, plus outstanding burgers and shakes.
🥩 Steak
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The Big Steer
thebigsteerrestaurant.com
1715 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009
BEN’S TOP SPOTS
🍩 Breakfast
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Hurts Donut Co.
wannahurts.com5513 Mills Civic Pkwy • West Des Moines, IA 50266
🥪 Lunch
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Cooper’s Hawk
chwinery.com12801 University Ave • Clive, IA 50325 -
Iowa Tap Room
iowataproom.com215 E 3rd St #100 • Des Moines, IA 50309 -
Tasty Tacos
tastytacos.com2900 E Euclid Ave • Des Moines, IA 50317 -
High Life Lounge
thehighlifelounge.com200 SW 2nd St • Des Moines, IA 50309
🍣 Sushi & Seafood
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Waterfront Seafood Market
waterfrontseafoodmarket.com2900 University Ave • West Des Moines, IA 50266 -
Hana Ramen & Sushi
hanaramensushi.com7450 Bridgewood Blvd Suite 205 • West Des Moines, IA 50266
🍕 Pizza
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Fong’s Pizza
fongspizza.com317 E Court Ave • Des Moines, IA 50309 -
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
grimaldispizzeria.com5485 Mills Civic Pkwy • West Des Moines, IA 50266 -
Taste of New York Pizza
tasteofnypizza.com165 S Jordan Creek Pkwy Suite 160 • West Des Moines, IA 50266
🍖 BBQ
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Smokey D’s BBQ
smokeydsbbq.com5055 NW 2nd St • Des Moines, IA 50313 -
Flying Mango
flyingmango.com4345 Hickman Rd • Des Moines, IA 50310
🥩 Steak
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801 Chophouse
801chophouse.com801 Grand Ave STE 200 • Des Moines, IA 50309 -
AJ’s Steakhouse
prairiemeadows.com1 Prairie Meadows Dr • Altoona, IA 50009
LEXI’S TOP SPOTS
🍝 Italian
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Centro
centrodesmoines.comUpscale Italian restaurant with amazing pasta and surprisingly good steaks.1003 Locust St • Des Moines, IA 50309
🍸 Local Favorite
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Star Bar
starbardsm.comLocated in the popular Ingersoll district — a fun area to spend an evening.2811 Ingersoll Ave • Des Moines, IA 50312
🍽️ Des Moines Classic
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Latin King
latinkingdsm.comGreat food and conveniently located near the Iowa State Fairgrounds.2200 Hubbell Ave • Des Moines, IA 50317
🍺 Brewery
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Big Grove Brewery
biggrove.comLexi’s pick for craft beer, great atmosphere, and a fun gathering spot after a day at the show.555 17th St • Des Moines, IA 50309
BEN’S FAVORITE THINGS TO DO
🎰 Entertainment
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Prairie Meadows Casino & Racetrack
prairiemeadows.comCasino gaming, live racing, dining, and entertainment all in one location. -
Topgolf Des Moines
topgolf.comA great way to unwind after a long day at the show. -
Smash Park
smashpark.comYard games, pickleball, food, drinks, and plenty of fun. -
Spare Time Bowling
sparetimeentertainment.comBowling, arcade games, and family-friendly entertainment. -
The Fat Putter
letsgoputt.comAn indoor mini-golf experience in downtown Des Moines. -
K1 Speed Indoor Go-Karts
k1speed.comHigh-speed indoor racing for those looking for a little competition. -
Dave & Buster’s
daveandbusters.comArcade games, food, sports, and fun for all ages.
⚾ Local Favorites
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Iowa Cubs Baseball
milb.com/iowaCatch the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park. Home games during the show week include June 6 at 6:08 PM and June 7 at 1:08 PM. -
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
dmbotanicalgarden.com -
Iowa State Capitol Tour
legis.iowa.govBoth the Capitol and Botanical Gardens are located near the East Village district. -
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
desmoinesartcenter.orgA perfect place for a walk and one of Des Moines’ most recognizable attractions.
☕ Ben’s Bonus Tip: If you’re spending time in the East Village, stop by Scenic Route Bakery for a great coffee and pastry.
BEN’S FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP
🏬 Shopping Districts
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Valley Junction
One of Ben’s favorite areas to explore. Filled with unique boutiques, specialty stores, and local restaurants.Grab lunch at G Mig’s and book an experience at the CB Candle Bar where you can pour your own custom candle.
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The District & Uptown Ankeny
Great boutique shopping, fun local businesses, and plenty of food options.
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Jordan Creek Town Center
The go-to destination for traditional mall shopping, national retailers, restaurants, and entertainment.