I am from a college town, where a restaurant closing at midnight only happens during summer vacation and winter break (ironically enough, the times I am at home but I digress). Des Moines is not that town. Des Moines goes to bed early, and as someone who suffers from acute hangriness, trying to find somewhere to eat past 10 p.m. is quite the feat. I have done a little bit of research and found some restaurants that are open late at night, at least for Des Moines. I have personally been to all of these restaurants, but I will admit not always at night.
1. Legends American Grill: closes at midnight weekends, 11 p.m. weekdays
216 Court Ave
I actually have been to Legends after 10 p.m., simply because it was open and the only thing my parents could agree on. The food wasn’t spectacular or disgusting. At the time I was embroiled in about 4 Twitter battles so the memory is kind of hazy. Legends is essentially a big sports bar. I do remember that there was a happy hour special on wings, so if that’s your 10 p.m. craving, Legends has your back.
2. Zombie Burger: closes at 2 a.m. weekends, midnight weekdays
300 E. Grand Ave
Anyone who has been in Des Moines for at least 24 hours has heard about Zombie Burger. My burger of choice is They're Coming to Get You, Barbara which has two grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns. I do not recommend eating it at midnight. Zombie Burger is always a fun place to go with friends, especially if they’re in from out of town. Zombie Burger is a fun and tasty Des Moines staple.
3. Court Avenue Brewing Company: closes at 2 a.m. weekends, midnight weekdays
309 Court Ave
Court Avenue Brewing Company (CABCo for short) is a brewery and restaurant, that generally has the game on. CABCo is my mom’s favorite place to eat when she is in town, and I have never had a bad meal. The food is great, the wait staff is nice, and they have a sidewalk patio right on Court Ave. By the way, I recommend the wings or the CABCo Sandwich.
4. Fong’s Pizza: closes at 3 a.m. weekends, 2 a.m. weekdays
223 4th Street
Another Des Moines staple, Fong’s is known for their funky combinations of pizza and Asian fare. Fong’s is where all the cool kids go after a night out on Court Ave. Fong’s has a pizza for everyone; vegan, gluten free, carnivorous pigs (me); and is a fun switch-up from your normal pepperoni pizza.
5. Drake Diner: closes at 11 p.m.
1111 25th Street
Drake Diner, as the name suggests, is right around the corner from Drake University and feeds college students who are two years deep into a meal plan and cannot handle one more dining hall dinner. The food at Drake Diner is a nice break from Hubbell, but it is not a remarkable restaurant. Drake Diner does serve gianormous milkshakes that are thick, creamy, and delicious. They also serve breakfast all day if you’re into that; I prefer their bleu cheese Maytag burger. Yum.
Happy late night eating!
