Des Moines boasts an array of fabulous restaurant patios.
If you’re feeling you need to enjoy a patio other than your own, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite patios around Des Moines to make your planning a bit easier. Whether you want a friendly-family patio or you’re planning a date night, these top outdoor dining options in Des Moines will help you enjoy nice views and fresh air with your meal!
// RECOMMENDED READ 10 Best Patios for Drinks //
Date Night Patio
What: Irina’s Restaurant and Bar
Where: Rocklyn Dr., Urbandale
Why: Irina’s features Russian-American Cuisine, and has a great selection from the kitchen and the bar! They feature a variety of Russian vodka, and on top of their delicious menu have daily features that are sure to have you leaving satisfied!
Moms Night Out Patio
What: Eatery A
Where: Ingersoll, Des Moines
Why: Eatery A is your Des Moines destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients. With a great happy hour featuring half-price pizza, wine, and beer, this is sure to be a fun time for your next mom’s night out!
Family-Friendly Patio
What: Smash Park
Where: Jordan Creek, West Des Moines
Why: If the kids have energy to burn and you have no energy to cook, head out and enjoy some fun and games at Smashpark. Play a little Pickleball and take the time to enjoy gathering with family and friends in an environment made for playing.
Most Unique Patio
What: The Hall + The Foundry
Where: Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Why: There’s nothing else quite like this in the metro. Not quite an outdoor patio, not quite an indoor restaurant, The Hall DSM at The Foundry is a giant beer hall serving delicious drinks and a mouthwatering array of grub from local food trucks.
Rooftop Patio
What: The Dam Pub
Where: Beaverdale, Des Moines
Why: Enjoy an intimate dinner or a night out with family and friends for drinks on the rooftop overlooking historic charm of the neighborhood. If heights aren’t your thing, enjoy the fresh air on the Dam Pub patio that spills out onto Beaver Avenue. The menu boasts creative takes on pub fare and are bound to please all who venture into this new establishment.
Downtown Patio
What: The Rooftop
Where: East Village, Des Moines
Why: Grab your heels for a night on the town as you enjoy this alfresco patio bar located atop Happy Burrito. Soak in the downtown views, swanky menu, and an extensive wine and drink selection.
Casual Vibes Patio
Where: Grumpy Goat Tavern
Where: West Des Moines, and Ankeny
Why: This Tavern boasts delicious food and beverage options and comfortable patios at all locations. They are family-friendly and great for any occasion. The Grumpy Goat also offers indoor seating with roll-up garage door that gives you the best of both worlds for indoor and outdoor seating.
Riverside Patio
What: Mullets
Where: Across from Principal Park, Des Moines
Why: The two-tiered patio at Mullets boasts scenic views of downtown as well as the Des Moines River. This riverside roadhouse doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers American fare at decent prices. Stop here before or after an I-Cubs game or in the middle of a long day on the bike trail!
Enclosed Patio
What: Drake Diner
Where: Drake Neighborhood, Des Moines
Why: The Drake Diner has been a Des Moines landmark since its opening in 1987. This classic diner has hosted many celebrities and politicians passing through Des Moines. Enjoy a stack of their mouthwatering pancakes in the enclosed patio. (This choice is family-friendly, too!)
Northern Suburbs Patio
What: The Fletcher Kitchen + Bar
Where: Ankeny
Why: Want a relaxed but polished atmosphere for a dinner out? Try The Fletcher Kitchen + Bar, where rustic and contemporary influences collide. The patio is a great place to gather over a drink, and the indoor decor is eye-catching, too.
Western Suburbs Patio
What: Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
Where: West Des Moines
Why: Wrapping the entire east and south side of Gilroy’s looking out onto West Des Moines’ historic 8th Street, this patio includes a full-service staff. Enjoy the live music series on Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and relax with one of Gilroy’s famous Moscow Mules.
Best for Biking Patio
What: The Chicken
Where: Orilla Rd., West Des Moines
Why: The Chicken is a classic roadhouse joint in the Des Moines metro just south of the Highway 5 Bypass in what was once Orilla, Iowa. Located right off the Great Western bike trail, it’s the perfect stop mid-ride. Their menu has something for everyone, serving southern chicken specialties.
What are your favorite patios in Des Moines?
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to a restaurant, since things may change.
Eating on patios is the BEST. Table 128 is a hidden gem in West Des Moines! Also Blu Toro and Malo!
Oh, good picks, Kelsey!
I’m partial to the Francies patio!