The open kitchen is a nice touch. You can see the chefs working, which adds to the cozy, neighborhood vibe.

Service was quick. Got seated right away, food came out fast. The frosty mug for the draft beer was a nice detail. Perfect for a quick lunch break.

The almond croissant is a must, and the blueberry pinwheel was so flaky. Their dough has this cloud-like texture. I had a latte with it, but honestly, a glass of Riesling would have been a killer pairing with that buttery pastry.

The Chinese chicken salad is packed with chicken, which is nice. The pumpkin pancakes are something else, though.

Pizza was solid, and the mozzarella sticks hit the spot. They had a guy playing guitar live, which was a nice touch for a Thursday night. Service was okay, nothing special.

The host was so nice and efficient. He got us seated right away, even though it looked busy. Made everything feel easy and relaxed.

The spinach and artichoke dip was fantastic. The atmosphere is lively, but the booths are a bit snug for a comfortable, relaxed meal. Staff was very friendly and attentive.

Tried their specialty rolls for the first time. The Peach Cobbler roll was the standout &mdash; sweet but not too heavy. Definitely a splurge for dessert, but I&#39;m glad I did it.

Sesame chicken lunch special. Light breading, cooked right. Big portion with soup, egg roll, crab rangoon. Solid deal for what you get.

That angry sauce lasagna is the only thing I ever get here. The sauce has this slow, deep heat that builds up, and the cheese layers are just thick enough. Can&#39;t even remember what else is on the menu.

They have bun bo hue and banh canh, not just pho. Tried the banh xeo - super crispy, with a ton of fresh herbs and a really good sauce on the side. Solid spot if you want something different.

Hosted a small gathering here last week. Staff was really helpful and the place was spotless. Made the whole thing easy.

Decent portions here. The queso dip with grinder meat was pretty good, and the sandwiches are definitely large enough to share. Got two meals out of a few things, which is nice. A solid spot for a casual lunch.

Cool little spot. The Scotcheroos are a fun local treat.

The bacon and onion mac and cheese. The savory from the bacon, a little sweetness from the onions, and the salty cheese sauce. They got the balance just right. That&#39;s the one I keep coming back for.

Their scotch list is seriously impressive. The bartender knew his stuff, walked me through a few options without rushing. Ended up with a fantastic pour I&#39;d never have picked myself. That kind of guidance is hard to find.

The vegan soft pretzel here was fantastic, so fresh and warm. The Korean BBQ cauliflower wings had a really nice texture and flavor. Appreciate how the menu clearly marks all the vegan items, makes ordering easy.

The reusable glass jar for my iced latte was a nice surprise. No extra charge, and it&#39;s actually a solid jar I&#39;ll use at home. That kind of thoughtful detail really sticks with you.

The carne asada burrito is a solid choice, and the portions are generous for the price. It&#39;s a good spot for a late-night bite. The booths are comfortable, which is a nice plus.

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The best restaurants in Des Moines

Simon's

Flying Mango

Pueblo Viejo

Scenic Route Bakery

Mad Meatball

Drake Diner

Maggie's Rumble Room

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop

Viva Mexican Restaurant

Creme Cupcake + Dessert

Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery

Cinnaholic

New China Buffet & Grill

Tsing Tsao South

Basil Prosperi

Pho 515

Freedom Blend Coffee

Francies

Los Laureles Mexican Restaurant

India Star

Liberty's

Molly's Cupcakes

Cheese Bar

The Royal Mile

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Noah's Ark Ristorante

South Union Bread Cafe

Horizon Line Coffee

Lina's Mexican Restaurant

Bruegger's Bagels