Whatever kind of day you’re having, the macarons at Good Day DSM could make it better. The shop restocks every Saturday, so go then if you’d like to try each flavor.
Writer: Karla Walsh
Stuck in a restaurant rut? The list of local culinary options keeps expanding with new and diverse offerings to shake things up. We’ve already dished about Kinship Brewing Co.’s Barbarian tasting menu, as well as Mayalu Coffee, the new java stop on Fleur, and the Green Olive, its Mediterranean neighbor across the street.
But wait! There’s more: Here are a five other spots that have opened in 2023 and are worth a visit:
Good Day DSM: Your day could be a bit sweeter if you make it over to Good Day DSM. Open Wednesday through Friday for specialty coffee drinks and Saturday and Sunday with their signature rainbow macarons, cookies and other baked goods (while they last), this colorful spot is breathing new life into Valley West Mall.
HomeGrown: For a beyond-basic brunch with your choice of pancakes (try the carrot cake variety), homemade pop tarts filled with jam, omelets, scrambles and more, check out this new Ingersoll cafe.
The Cork 50131: Whether you’re a newbie to wine or a seasoned sommelier, you’ll find a lot to love at this wine bar in Johnston Town Center. Sample several of its 120 wines in a flight, commit to a glass of your favorite, or share a bottle while you snack on charcuterie, flatbreads or dark chocolate lava cake.
Next of Kin: Jacob Demars’ twists on taproom fare prove that ale and porter pairings can go way beyond pretzels and wings. The Waukee brewery elevates the classic patty melt into a “pâté melt” stuffed with house-made pork and chicken pâté, gooey melted Gruyere and Kinship’s lager-infused mustard. Instead of Ruffles and ranch, the chip board features fried corn tortillas with squash dip sprinkled with rosemary granola and cranberry relish.
Backpocket Pin and Pixel: In other brew news, Pac Man and pinball meet pizza, tacos, smashburgers, wings—and, of course, beer—at this Johnston Town Center party zone. Kids and teens are welcome until 9 p.m.; then the 21-plus crowd takes over until 10 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day.
