Confluence Brewing Co.’s backyard beer garden is close to Gray’s Lake and its trails. Photo: Confluence Brewing
are definitely must-do—particularly two of our favorites, the Chicken and Captain Roy’s—but if you’re looking for more options, here are a few of our staff picks.
Mullets: Downtown, across the river from Principal Park, this popular eatery has a two-level patio and expansive grounds with picnic tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served; the pork tenderloin sandwich is one of the best in town.
Confluence Brewing: Near Gray’s Lake on the south side, Confluence Brewing Co. is one of Des Moines’ most popular breweries. New brews are released almost weekly, but we recommend the nitro Milk Man milk stout—yes, even in summer.
Jethro’s BBQ Southside: If you want to fuel up on ribs, this is the spot to stop. Located along the Great Western Trail at the corner of George Flagg Parkway and Park Avenue, Jethro’s also offers Angus steak burgers and made-from-scratch sides.
Fox Brewing:
In West Des Moines just off the trail, this brewery is near Raccoon River Park. There are a number of seasonals on the menu, including a shandy called Broken Lawnmower. You can’t go wrong with the Fox Trots chocolate milk stout, either—yes, even in summer.
