Dining in Des Moines?
 

I'll be driving from KC to Rochester, MN, and we'll probably stop in Des Moines for lunch. Anyplace other than chains fairly close to the highway that's quite good? We're pretty open, anything upscale, or a hometown BBQ, Mexican, or burgers? Or is there any wonderful hidden spot up or down the road that you recommend? Thanks, annieladd

Any Iowans out there?

Hello annieladd, here is a website that might give you some ideas annie.
http://dinesite.com/city/city-9780/?&t=3

Well if you can hold on until Ames Hickory Street BBQ is what I hear the most. Coming out of KC it's kind of unusual to see a request for bbq.

Sorry I was close with the name but it's Hickory Park BBQ on 1404 S Duff Ames, Ia.

Thanks, Jake. You're right, we think we have the best bbq here, but when you're on the road in the midwest, you look for the best food you can find. Sometimes the pickens (pickins?) are few and far between. annieladd

Will you take an answer from a Kansan? :-)

If you have never had a Maid-Rite, you might try one of the chain of loose meat hamburger joints.

If you like Thai food, try Cool Basil in Clive. Or for even better Vietnamese, go to A Dong's. Good spring rolls and great fried squid stuffed with pork.

Keith