Des Moines Travel Guide: Des Moines Is More Than Corn Fields and the State Fair — Here’s What We Love About This Midwest Capital

"When Jason Simon’s Ingersoll Avenue Mediterranean-inspired bistro opened in spring 2014, many locals thought its daily 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour — during which pizzas, draft beer, and wine are half-price — would be a short-lived grand opening fête. An entire decade later, this deal has never wavered; in fact, it recently expanded to begin at 2 p.m. The patio, bar, and restaurant are especially bustling during those hours as guests sip Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue IPA and share wood-fired pies, like the #14 with red sauce, chorizo, pineapple, jalapeño jam, and cilantro. It’s far from the only time to visit, though. Eatery A, which takes inspiration from Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and Italy, is also where you’ll find some of the city’s best brunch fare. Try chef Andy Sayre’s towering benedicts, the shakshuka with sumac flatbread, or an oh-so-Iowa asparagus and sweet corn quinoa bowl with roasted tomatoes, green goddess, and romesco sauce. Whatever occasion you swing by for, there’s no better way to tie a bow on your meal than with the salted caramel budino. (Take it to go for a midnight snack if you’d prefer. It travels beautifully.)" - Karla Walsh Karla Walsh Karla Walsh is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. She has written about travel, health, food, wine, psychology, fitness, beauty, and beyond for more than 15 years. She has visited four continents and near