Writer: Libby Nichols
Photos: Duane Tinkey
Finding good food after dark can feel like a challenge, but only if you don’t know where to look. Consider this your neighborhood cheat sheet for your next night on the town.
Court Avenue District
Pho Real
With a late-night menu featuring potstickers, spam musubi, steaming bowls of pho, and chicken fried rice, Pho Real offers some of the most comforting after-dark food on Court Avenue. The casual corner spot makes it an easy stop after an evening out, serving warm, satisfying dishes right when cravings peak. (Late-night menu until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.)
Bernardo’s
This one is a downtown staple, serving large, customizable burritos, nachos, quesadillas and more. Though it’s the final stop for many Court Avenue hoppers, the lines move fast and it always delivers on flavor. (Open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.)
Ingersoll Avenue
Big Tomato Pizza Co.
Don’t let the “lousy service” neon sign on the front window deter you. This spot is the city’s quintessential late-night slice shop. Big Tomato delivers classic New York style pizzas with creative topping combos and fast counter service. It’s loud, a little chaotic and consistently packed with night owls in the know. Try the honey garlic alfredo and thank me later. (Open until 3 a.m. daily.)
Crème
This is the place to be if you’re looking for a more polished alternative to the usual after-hours experience. Crème serves towering slices of cake, warm cups of noodles with all the fixings, and cocktails for a nightcap. It’s the perfect, softly lit landing spot after an Ingersoll evening. I like to stop by with friends and split a piece of cake to end the night. (Midnight Munchies menu from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.)
Highland Park
Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery
Most bakers are early to bed and early to rise, but Team Cha Cha stays up late with sweet treats and a full bar, including special martinis inspired by the cheesecakes. A fresh batch of doughnuts rolls out of the kitchen at 6:30 p.m. (Open until 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.)
Highland Underground
The bar in the basement of a former department store leans hard into its 1970s inspiration, with music, mannequins, cocktails and — what else? — fondue. Go wild with cheese or chocolate. (Open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays.)
Keo Way
Lina’s Mexican Restaurant
Portions are generous at this dependable option all week long. Find oversized burritos, crispy tacos, nachos and other deeply satisfying comfort food. The prices are nice, too, and the efficient drive-thru makes it a favorite for those heading home on I-235 at the end of the night. My go-to order? Three mini steak tacos. (Drive-thru open until 3 a.m. daily.)
East Village
Fong’s Pizza
This hot spot for locals and visitors alike has grown its footprint and its fanbase since its move from its original spot on Fourth Street. At the new location, you can still find plenty of playful fusion pizzas, including the famous crab rangoon. While you’re there, try one of the “tiki after dark” drinks for $8 from 9 p.m. to close. (Open until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.)
Up Down
Known for its two levels of retro arcade games, Up Down also serves hot pizza slices every day of the year until close. It’s fast, reliable and always busy in the best way. Grab a handful of tokens and play a few rounds of your favorite game. (Open until 2 a.m. daily.)
85 Bar
Named and designed in tribute to the Chicago Bears, who won the Super Bowl in 1985, this nostalgic, compact bar serves just one thing and serves it well: the classic Chicago-style hot dog. It’s the perfect bite when you’re up late catching the final quarter. (Hot dogs served until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.)
Contributor Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM, an Instagram account and brand dedicated to showcasing Des Moines — morning, noon and night.
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