High 5 – Eric Prosperi’s Top Spots Around Town

When Eric Prosperi, the co-owner of Wow! Des Moines Tours, leads culinary treks around the city, he tries “to pick places with great food and something unexpected.” Here are five of his favorites:

1. Pizza and jazz at Chuck’s

Chuck’s in Highland Park is always one of the best places to eat pizza—and always get a side of onion rings. I like to go on Saturday nights when the jazz room is hopping. Read up on the history of Riverview Park or Highland College/old Des Moines University before you go; it’s such an interesting part of town.

2. Lunch at Pho 515 and shopping at C Fresh Market

Give yourself a few hours to eat lunch and wander the aisles of C Fresh Market. There is no more diverse place for shopping in Des Moines. I like exploring with a friend from another country to learn more about their culinary traditions.

3. Mexican at Tacos La Familia

This family-run place on Sixth Avenue is friendly and makes some of the best tacos in town. Their asada and al pastor tacos are top-notch. Right next door is La Tapatia, so it’s convenient to grab a few ingredients for cooking Mexican dishes at home.

4. Dinner at Francie’s and a movie at the Fleur

My dinner and a movie starts with a hamburger at Francie’s. Then go to the Fleur, where I choose a local beer, wine or cappuccino depending on my mood and the movie.

5. Captain Roy’s and Union Park

Once the weather gets warmer, the best place to be on a sunny day is Captain Roy’s at Birdland Marina. But on your way there, take a ride on the merry-go-round and a run (or two) down the rocket slide at Union Park. You won’t be the first adult to give it a try!

You May Also Like

Neighborhoods on the Rise

Numerous exterior home renovations are boosting the curb appeal of homes in the Drake ...

Sages Over 70

Click to watch the 2014 Sages Over 70 video.

A Growing Trend

Renovation Jungle stocks more than 800 plants, with top sellers including philodendron, sansevieria, cactus, ...