Cheese Bar

American restaurant · Des Moines

Cheese Bar

American restaurant · Des Moines

3

2925 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

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Cheese Bar by Karla Walsh
Cheese Bar by Eater
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null
Cheese Bar by null

Highlights

A casual spot on Ingersoll Avenue, this bar serves up mouthwatering mac & cheese, artisan grilled cheeses, and local charcuterie along with a solid drink menu.  

Featured in Eater
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2925 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Get directions

cheesebardsm.com
@cheesebardsm

$20–30 · Menu

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2925 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Get directions

+1 515 277 7828
cheesebardsm.com
@cheesebardsm

$20–30 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 24, 2025

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@eater

The 36 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa

"The younger sibling of the retail-focused Cheese Shop, the Cheese Bar is an ideal stop on a crawl down Ingersoll Avenue (one of the best dining drives in town). Owner C.J. Bienert and his team of experts showcase the best Iowa cheeses and cured meats on their signature massive monger boards, alongside house-made pates, jams, and crackers. For lunch, don’t miss the next-level grilled cheeses with spicy roasted tomato bisque. For happy hour, fondue, and raclette steal the show. And if dinner is on the agenda, you can’t miss the cast-iron skillet mac and cheese. Pair anything with the thoughtful selection of wines, beers, and cocktails." - Karla Walsh

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-des-moines-iowa-restaurants
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@travelleisure

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

"Order a cheese and charcuterie board, fondue, or mac and cheese at the Cheese Bar. “The experience is always unpretentious and as comforting as the cheese pull you get from the sandwiches,” Handfelt says." - 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

https://www.travelandleisure.com/des-moines-iowa-travel-guide-8674304
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@eater

Des Moines’s Best Restaurants, According to 2020 Campaign Operatives - Eater

"There are more cattle in Iowa than people, and more than 200,000 of them are milk cows — about as many as there are Des Moines residents. The cows don’t get to vote, but their byproducts are a big thing around here. Swallow a fistful of Lactaid and head on down for some fondue, raclette, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, or just a platter full of cheese and meat produced locally and abroad. Also check out sibling establishment the Cheese Shop for take-home goodies." - Gary He

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-des-moines-iowa
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Shahriar Ratul

Google
Food looked great but seasoning was a bit lacking. A bit overpriced. The fig jam was quite tasty though. Service was a bit slow with us having to wait, then getting up to the counter for their attention as they seemed to have forgotten us to take our order. They were friendly enough. Atmosphere was nice with themed decor. Outdoor seating was available. Maybe worth a try but not highly recommended.

Coach T

Google
Their burger was tasty and cooked perfectly to order. The Mac & cheese was full of flavor. Prices were good. Their portions were good. Staff were friendly and fast. The relaxing atmosphere just brought the whole experience together for a great meal.

Marvin Smith

Google
The food was fantastic and the service was personable and attentive. Struggled to pick just a few items for dinner, and want to come back to try it ALL! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! Great mixes of cheeses, fresh greens, etc. The Cuban had a kind of sweet pickle that I don't normally like, but was a perfect compliment with the ham, mustard and cheese - all encased in absolutely crunchy grilled bread. Best Cuban I've had since a Cuban restaurant in SoCal 30 years ago. We were too full for dessert - but then they mentioned the seasonal lemon curd tart creme brulee and we had to try it. It was all soooo good!

Madison Fick

Google
The food was great. There was fresh ingredients and everything was plated so beautifully! The service was awesome and our server was quick to answer any and all questions we had. We also chose to eat outside and the outside are awas 100% dog friendly and we noticed the dogs getting a little treat while their owners ate.

Jesus Estrada

Google
2025 update - Went on a weeknight. It was busy, rather long wait. The menu has descriptions. The staff are friendly, but a little chaotic. I ordered the turkey salad, fried cheese curds, tomato soup, board, creme brulee, and a cocktail. The cheese curds were solid. I liked the red sauce, but the compound butter? was uninteresting. The turkey salad was mid. It had large globs of dried cherries, candied walnuts, grated cheese, deli turkey meat, and a tart vinegarette. It was served with breadcrumbs...why? Breadcrumbs don't elevate a salad. The board was good. The mousse pate was really nice, but the bread/crackers were stale. The sausage in the fondue was nicely seasoned but it was too subtle. The tomato soup was one note. It lacked depth. The creme brulee was terrible. It tasted like eating spoonfuls of margarine with sugar. I'm not sure if I'll return. Summer 2023 - Pretty good. Decent menu, staff was knowledgeable. Food was good. Some of the pairings/combinations would benefit from a re-think, otherwise decent experience.

Apple Campbell

Google
Go here. Had the sweet potato fries, Mac and cheese, and the lemon vinaigrette salad. Went 2-5 weekdays for 5$ bites! Really good! Shared all with daughter and grand baby! Nice lunch date for sure!

R “Purple Goat Eater” K

Google
Who would have thunk? Finding this gem of a place while traveling for work was such a treat. I’m always impressed and delighted when smaller cities/bigger towns are able to support such niche businesses. A Tuesday night in June had me bellying up to the bar with other folks. The place was hopping and the food was delicious. Service was friendly and informative. That pork sausage had to be made in-house. Too damn good to be a factory wiener.

Zachary Comer

Google
All around always a joy to go here, service is awesome, food is great as long as you pick the right option for you, and the atmosphere is always positive. Been here multiple times and never had any issues at all. The only downside is the parking lot is small, and if someone decides to park in the wrong spot it could make it pretty hard to get out, but its not a big deal.
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Tes H.

Yelp
The service was quick and extremely friendly. I went during lunch hour on a weekday and it was very busy, but totally worth it. The tomato soup was not too acidic with a hint of sweet, and the bleu grilled cheese paired with it perfectly. I was suggested their house salad, something lemon almond - I wasn't a huge fan just because everything seemed way too tart, and there wasn't a lot of balance. Because of the variety, and the quality of food, I'm still giving this place five solid stars and would definitely take someone else back here !
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Maegan R.

Yelp
Stopped here while visiting a friend. Loved the bright and cheery atmosphere. Our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful when we asked her questions about the wine list and menu. We ordered the Smorgasbord and it was delicious. It came with an assortment of local meats and cheeses in a beautiful display. Each item was explained to us and where it came from when the board was delivered to our table. The board was more than enough food for the three of us to share. I can't wait to visit again and try more items on the menu!!!
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Ashley C.

Yelp
As someone who has eaten a lot of grilled cheese in my life, WOW! I popped in during a work trip to Des Moines, and I would definitely go back next time I'm in Des Moines. Food: I ordered the Bacon & Blue grilled cheese, and it was fantastic. There isn't a thing as kinda liking blue cheese. You're either all-in or all-out, and I'm a big blue cheese fan. The Cheese Bar puts a generous amount of blue cheese in your order, which I greatly appreciated. Drinks: I ordered the Big Grove Summer Jam which was refreshing. I was impressed by their selection of drafts including local Iowan beers. Service: I arrived soon after they opened for the day, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The staff member who waited on me even walked me out and opened the door when I was ready to go. Space: It's a bright and casual space. It's conducive to bringing your laptop, chilling at the bar, or a casual lunch. There was a range of ages when I visited.
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Maggie F.

Yelp
Met a friend for lunch and she had never been to Cheese Bar, so she was excited to try it. I had never been for lunch, so was looking forward to trying something from the main menu. It was a cold, comfort food kind of day so mac & cheese sounded perfect. But so did the grilled cheese. Amazingly they had a lunch option with half grilled cheese (you can get the classic or fancy it up) and a side (with the mac & cheese was one of the options). It was a work day so just water for me today but the beer and wine list were extremely tempting. Service was good. Can't wait to come back.
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Amanda L.

Yelp
This place properly lives up to its name and has some damn good grilled cheese!! They know what they're doing with cheese alright! I love it here and highly recommend coming here for a casual lunchtime meal! The interior is bright and filled with classy, subtle cheese decor. They have a very gorgeous bar as well in addition to casual table seating throughout the space, making it a great place to go for lunch with coworkers, catchup with friends, and happy hour! We did carryout from here and got their lunch special, which is half a sandwich and a side. We both got the standard grilled cheese, but I was so intrigued by all the other grilled cheese options they have that add in different meats and veggies. I was suffering from a bit of decision fatigue though at this point in the day, so I couldn't make my mind up about which one sounded best, so I went with the original. So we got one original grilled cheese with the side lemony salad (super tasty and lemony, a bit too many pickled red onions proportionally in there for my taste, so I picked quite a substantial amount out) and another original grilled cheese with the tomato soup (very good, unique saucy consistency rather than soupy, and paired well with the grilled cheese). Definitely super interested in trying out the other items on their menu, like the other grilled cheeses and their charcuterie offerings. They clearly have a wonderful selection of local, Iowan cheeses among others and I just can't get enough of cheese! Check out their sister store a bit further west, The Cheese Shop, to take home any of the cheeses you loved eating here and discover so many more as well!!
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Katlyn M.

Yelp
Stopped by for some snacks and drinks with a friend. Was immediately met with a kind server that was willing to help and answer any questions. We got the loaded fries and ohhh myyy goodnesss they were amazing. The cheese sauce was hot and has a nice sharp bite. My drink (can't remember the name!) had butterfly pea flower and gin. The color was beautiful and had a nice tart flavor--the flower garnish was cute but was a bit unpleasant to chew on when sipping. We also split a fondue plate. I loved the presentation and the fact the skillet had a little holder with a candle to keep it warm. If you need a nice place to go on a date or catch up with a friend over amazing cheesy food with amazing service, this is the place for you.

Jarnel L.

Yelp
I love cheese Bar. We usually get here once or twice a year...The food is soooo awesome!! So I say this with caution our waitress was adorable and great!!!! We sat at a corner table.... All we heard was the bar tender Talking LOUDLY, Laughing extremely Loudly... he went to the back to the kitchen and you could hear him back there... He almost acted like he was high on something...I just expect staff of establishments to watch what they say in front of guests and at least comb their hair.. Lack of better words... Do better Dude!! Not everyone on the restaurant wants hear Everything you say and dress for the job you want and have a little respect for for the owner and behave yourself!
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MaryAnn S.

Yelp
Passing on Ingersoll while some were out on bar patios watching the Carlin Clark and her Hawkeye Team -- I saw a small quaint diner. Entering I ordered Turkey and Brie with a Cranberry Lime Soda. The farm to market ingredients were beyond fresh, and the sandwich was palate worthy-- leaving a clean fresh taste that digested well. Parking in the back was good, seating more than adequate with very down to earth prices-- topping it off with a courteous wait staff.
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Todd B.

Yelp
3.75* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 3* Service: 4* 06/24/2022 Our friends invited us to a group outing here and we really enjoyed the experience. We started with drinks, including a Lost in the Woods (see picture) - which my wife loved. For dinner, we ordered a Cheese Meat Board (see picture) and the Fondue (see pictures) along with Loaded Fries (see picture) and Cheese Curds (see picture). All of them were fantastic - I can't think of one to call out in particular, so would recommend them all! The Loaded Fries were creamy and cheesy while the Cheese Curds were rich yet light at the same time. This is truly a tasty experience that you will want to enjoy with someone special - I recommend it. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.
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Darius J.

Yelp
Just like the cheese shop: excellent service! The Royal Grilled Cheese was to croak for The chicken liver toast was really interesting and satisfying I'm a big fan!
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Haley J.

Yelp
Wow! So happy we stumbled across this spot on Yelp! We love cheese and have nothing like this in Omaha, we're already dreaming about coming back. There was Happy Hour on sparking wines when we got there, $5 for a glass which is fabulous. The meat and cheese board was great, ($24, we got "anything goes") the chef came over and explained all the cheeses, meats, and other items on the board. The cheese curds. Wow. Amazing. Drooling writing this post. The herbed cheese on the side, who would have though, husband hates tomatoes but he was in love with the tomato pepper sauce! Seems weird to put those 3 items on a plate but they all went together perfectly! Delicious, chefs kiss!
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Emily D.

Yelp
The cheese bar is a great place to stop if you are cheese lover. The cheese curds are wonderful and great appetizer to order. All of the Mac and cheeses I have tried have been tasty. The environment is really laid back and it is easy to pop in for a good and filling lunch.
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Jack L.

Yelp
I was born and raised in Iowa and this is my favorite restaurant in the Des Moines area! Every time I'm back in town I have to stop in and get some food! I've loved everything I've tried and their 2-5 happy hour is a good deal w $5 sparking wine and $5 snacks that seem to change pretty regularly. They definitely go the extra mile with each dish and it shows, highly recommend giving this place a try! The staff is always super knowledgeable on the menu and has great suggestions!
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Deja U.

Yelp
What's not to love? Atmosphere, service, and food are always 10/10. A staple in my DSM dining rotation. Cheese curds are great if you have some folks to share with (but I've undoubtedly overdosed on these before..worth it). Try going early for the small bites..never a bad choice. I don't even want to mention this because I'll be sad if they're sold out..lol, but the cookies are a home run . Comes with 3 plus milk for dunking, and an absolute great way to end a meal.
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Abby K.

Yelp
We LOVE the cheese bar! The grilled cheeses are an elevated spin on a childhood favorite. They have an alpine grilled cheese that is amazing! Caramelized onions and melted cheese make you feel like you're biting into French onion soup. Pair it with a nice glass of something from the bar and you have a fabulous Saturday afternoon treat right there. The service and vibes are all fantastic. The location on Ingersoll is awesome as well.
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Tony H.

Yelp
We parked in back hoping there wasn't a wait. We waited about 5 minutes and we're seated. We've been here a few times and like everything we've had. After trying to decide for 20 minutes my wife ordered the La Quercia (a grilled cheese with blended cheeses, prisutto, and pepper jam)for us to split along with the loaded fries and a side blue cheese salad. Also descent craft beer and wine and mixed drink menu. Pics attached
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Christine I.

Yelp
I literally know nothing of charcuterie etiquette and no one on this Yelp page told me how to order it so I'll tell you how I went about it. I told the serve I know nothing about charcuterie and didn't see a page of where to choose the meat and cheese on the menu. Turns out they just make the stuff and assortment for you based on the direction you want to go. I told her I liked brie and soft cheese types of stuff. And a few minutes later they came out with a wonderful assortment (btw I ordered the smorgasbord). The staff came out and described the cheeses and meats, where they get it from, and the significance of each. I highly recommend trying them even if you're a beginner like myself. They're filling and fun to pair. I also ordered a Malbec. Just my personal favorite. The staff does take their time, if you're sitting at the bar they'll typically join conversation. All in all my advice is just take your time enjoy yourself. The atmosphere is very relaxed and chill.
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A L.

Yelp
Incredible food and great accommodations for vegetarians! Drinks are delicious as well and a fun atmosphere:)
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Daryl M.

Yelp
We sat at the bar. The servers were great and were eager to answer any questions. Our charcuterie board was fresh and had a nice variety of meats and cheese. My only complaint has nothing to do with food or service - it's the seating. The bar stools were uncomfortably hard and flat. The dining area seating didn't appear to be any better. Go for the excellent food and super friendly service but bring a cushion to sit on.
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Susan S.

Yelp
Went on a Friday at 7:15 and it was packed, but people were getting up to leave and we were sat by 7:30. Service was great and knowledgeable on their products. Ordered the cheese curds (delicious) and one of their grilled cheeses. Everything was great! Really love that they have great food and feels causal, not stuffy.
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Frani B.

Yelp
Such a great concept - all things cheese plate. Servers are the true cheese nerds and very knowledgeable. Definitely a great additive to the DSM food scene.

Vidhi S.

Yelp
We were a party of 19 very tired and hungry people and the restaurant graciously accommodated us last minute with a smile. Food was fresh and tasty and service was fast! highly recommend !
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Grant P.

Yelp
Disclaimer this place basically only sells cheese based dishes. Took my vegan girlfriend here and she ended up getting a salad which she claimed to enjoy but was basically some lettuce with a lemon based vinaigrette. Otherwise, the food was pretty good. The food: I decided to get the grilled cheese and a side of Mac n cheese. I was rather happy I didn't choose the Mac n cheese as my main dish. It wasn't bad, but it's definitely the fancy Mac n cheese where there's a lot of breading on the top which I don't find very flavorful but rather aesthetically pleasing. The grilled cheese was definitely the best bang for your buck. It was really big with a lot of cheese on it, but not too overpowering. I was full by the time I finished it. We also ordered drinks which were superb! The service was good but we went later in the night where it was less busy and got undivided attention from our server so, I don't have the best insight on other hours. The place is pretty small either way, but definitely has a nice feel to it. It feels pretty modern and hipster and is literally next door to an art gallery. Overall, it's pretty cheap and the food is really good. It's definitely a nice place to go if you don't feel like spending hundreds at Django or somewhere similar (who also sell grilled cheese). I left a star because I'd like more menu options for people who don't eat cheese so I don't feel guilty coming here.
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Dan P.

Yelp
A place where adults and kiddos are both happy? Yes, it does exist!!! Wifee and I been to the sister restaurant a few years back. My sister told us that they opened this spot up so we went to check it out! What a menu... what a wine and beer beer menu! Tons of options by the bottle as well. Knowledgeable and fun stuff. Kids were very satisfied with their Mac and cheese and ate really good off of the meat and cheese plate we ordered. When in DSM, be sure to check this spot out!
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Veronica K.

Yelp
Our first visit here a few years ago my husband and I were underwhelmed. We have always loved the charm and coziness of the original Cheese Shop and were hoping for more of the same with their new location. Unfortunately, we were less than impressed. They stuck us at a small counter away from the main dining area and we felt like we were isolated from everyone else and missing out on all the action. But tonight we were seated in the dining area at a table and it was very nice. We didn't care for the communal seating they used to have with everyone sitting at one long table with friends and strangers alike. Now because of Covid they have smaller tables spaced away from each other. I like this configuration much better. It feels more intimate and cozy. Last time we came we ordered sandwiches that they offered at the Cheese Shop but at an increased price. We weren't happy about that. Their prices are higher than they used to be on some things but now they seem to have a more varied and larger menu. I do wish they had all the original sandwiches that the Cheese Shop used to make. I miss some of them. I got the bacon and onion mac and cheese which was wonderful. The fried onion strings were a great touch and the onion jam made it very tasty. The portion size was huge and I took home half of it for lunch the next day. We came with another couple and one of them ordered the Cuban sandwich. It was huge and two people could easily have split it. Our friend said it was delicious. My husband and I are going to get that the next time we come back. I love that they have so many things on their menu that weren't offered at the Cheese Shop. I want to try the fondue, raclette and salads. I'm so glad we gave them another chance because they really impressed us this time. I have to say the service was a little slow and it took quite awhile for us to get our check while there were people outside waiting for a table. But I'm willing to overlook it because it was pretty busy and things are tough right now. All the waitstaff were masked and they took precautions for Covid so I'm satisfied.
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Misty T.

Yelp
I really wanted to love this place. I came about 1:30 in the afternoon. There were a few people sitting outside in a few people sitting inside which was a total of 11 people including myself. I walked in and stood at the bar with no direction as to if I'm supposed to seat myself as the two waitresses behind the bar ignored me. I ended up just sitting down at the bar and neither one of them acknowledged me for quite some time. I ordered the lunch special which was half corned beef grilled cheese with a side of mac for $10. The portions were pretty decent sized. Both items were just ok. I would not order either one again. They do have local draught beers so that was a plus. The two guys that were in the kitchen were super loud and obnoxious. There was one who was yelling really inappropriate stuff and both of them came out to the front so that's how I knew there were two of them. Somebody must have complained about the food or the service because I overheard the waitress talking to one of the guys in the back and they were mocking her from the sounds of it. I'm not in any hurry to come back.

Alivia B.

Yelp
Been here once or twice. It's okay. The owner of this establishment does not look out for service workers. Single handily got my sister fired from her job at little brother (her job of two years) for lying to the owner about something that was said while they were swamped with no host.

Katie W.

Yelp
The food is so good! Great lunch spot! The service is always good. Love the vibe too!! One of the best spots in Des Moines!

Valerie K.

Yelp
Passing through DesMoines looking for something different and found this gem. The food was delicious. We couldn't make up our minds so we shared everything. First bite and we knew we had chosen winners. Very casual and the staff were so friendly. I wish we had a Cheese Bar back home.
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Twee W.

Yelp
The variety was great for cheese lovers. Even bring a cheese connoisseur I have not heard of certain ones. I don't expect the wait staff to know them personally but perhaps more explanation on the menu would help. The food was exceptional cheese taste great with everything . We sat outside and it was great weather and not crowded but keep in mind we came at 5 pm . Since they don't take reservations you have to plan accordingly .
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Natalie E.

Yelp
Great cheese (go figure) and all manner of cheese-based dishes to be found at Cheese Bar in DSM! We live in Omaha, Neb but heard this place had rockin boards and had to see for ourselves! I was not disappointed. I love how you could have some input in the cheese selections...crowd pleasers or anything goes! My favorite cheese was the locally made cheddar. And for me, an over-the-top board doesn't just have fantastic cheese and meats, it should also feature many accoutrements like jam, nuts, and spreads. This one had a great whole grain mustard, fig jam, and marcona almonds. The mac and cheese was decadent and almost too rich...a side dish would be plenty, even to share. The Cuban had the makings of a great sandwich, but it came down to execution. The bread was so crispy from being over toasted that it was hard to eat and enjoy. Soooo crunchy that it hurt my mouth to eat it. The pork was tasty but the mustard was so piquant that it bordered on unpleasant. The preserved lemon salad was fresh and bright. Our server offered to bring a cheese snack for our 18 month old, and I assumed it was going to be goldfish. Then they brought out this adorable little wooden board with hunks of yummy (but mild) local cheddar!! Major points scored with these foodie parents! The service was quite slow, which we expected thanks to yelp.

Colin C.

Yelp
Holy moly this place is bomb diggity! Everyone was super cool, service was great! Food was awesome, Drinks awesome!! I live in Louisville Ky 9 hours from here, I wanna move here now! Don't think about it just go you will love it ...so long as you like cheese, and if you don't well you're not worth talking too!

Margot G.

Yelp
Fabulous "working" lunch with incredible service by Charley - bottle of sauv Blanc, bottle of gorgeous Spanish wine. Couldn't be a better afternoon!! Thanks for the hospitality

Brian T.

Yelp
I had their Alpine Grilled Cheese (Swiss Mountain Cheese blend and Caramelized Onions) and was blown away. One of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've had. My wife had the World Famous Mac which was dry and, ironically, didn't have a lot of cheese in it. Probably a fluke since they were very busy the night we went. She tried my grilled cheese and said she'd def go back just for that.

Alissa K.

Yelp
Unique restaurant. Amazing cheese curds with a dip. Grilled cheese sandwiches were good, but very rich! We only ate half. We would come again to try the fondue!
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Isabelle T.

Yelp
Looking for your next charcuterie date night? Cheese bar is the spot! Their staff is extremely knowledgable and will give you a very detailed rundown of your board (even some fun stories about where the cheese is from). Not a fan of a certain cheese? They will avoid similar cheese varieties to ensure your board is what you enjoy! Other menu options include fondue, sandwiches, mac & cheese, and salads. Lastly, nice wine selection and fun mixed drinks!
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Sumita B.

Yelp
Cool restaurant and seating is open. If its busy -- more than likely you will be sitting close to someone else. :) Half meat and cheese tray - loved this! Good mixture of meats and cheeses. We also got jelly, mustard, pickles and crackers. I would order this during a happy hour while drinking some wine or beer. Grilled cheese - you cannot go wrong with a grilled cheese. Split this with my dining partner. Mac n cheese - we opted for the side. Majority of it was burnt to the bottom of the pan. Overall taste was good, but probably would order some other time with meat added. Fried cheese curds with maple syrup Siracha - looks like sesame chicken, but taste delicious. I was afraid the maple syrup would make it taste weird, but it was delicious.
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Isabel N.

Yelp
A delightful experience. Staff was friendly, food was delicious, and the drinks were fantastic. Highly recommend giving them a try, especially if you're a cheese lover!
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Shannon J.

Yelp
When I arrived there was only one party waiting and the sign says "Please Seat Yourself". Since the other group didn't make a move, I took a table when one opened up. A server cleared the table but never said anything to me. After about 10 min a different server came over and asked if I was on the waitlist. I said No the sign said seat yourself, so I did. They said "no it says Please see a server." They proceeded to tell me I couldn't have the table because I wasn't on the "waitlist" and there were parties in front of me. They offered to put me on the list but that it would at least be a hour wait because I would have to go behind everyone who arrive since I got there. I love this place, but was treated so rudely. The Guy who talked to me didn't even apologize when he came to the lobby with me and saw the sign. He just switched it out and walked away.
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Benjamin S.

Yelp
I had a great experience at Cheese Bar this past June. After being sad that we couldn't find a restaurant that served Iowa corn, we researched that Iowa cheese is also a thing and a place called "Cheese Bar" seemed like the right place to try Iowa cheese. We were correct! Cheese Bar is in an up an coming neighborhood (or maybe it has already come) and seems pretty unassuming from the outside until you walk in and smell all the wafting smell of melting cheese. We had just driven from Chicago so we were all hungry. The restaurant was quaint and had a nice bar area. We sat at one of the tables off the bar with our 3 kids. Our server did an okay job throughout our experience. She wasn't super friendly, but our orders were correct. We had to track her down for refills. My son wanted chocolate milk but was disappointed with it. We ordered various grilled cheese sandwiches and mac & cheese and all of the food was amazing. Adults for sure will enjoy the richness of the cheese and they are generous with how much they use in their dishes. My kids liked their food, but I think it's for a more refined palette so stick with the original grilled cheese. I had blue cheese and bacon mixed into my sandwich and it was heavenly. I'd recommend anyone who loves cheese to stop in for lunch or dinner. Certainly worth the time for a great and cheesy treat!
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Rachna B.

Yelp
A random stop over and totally worth it!! Cheese bar offers some great options for someone who wants to snack and chill and for a full fledged meal. I would highly recommend the mac n cheese which has so many options. The soup of the day, which was the potato soup, was also delicious and highly recommended.
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Kevin B.

Yelp
My wife and I had been wanting to eat here for awhile. COVID-19 limited the seating to outside only, but the weather was good and this was no problem. Our hostess, server, and chef were all knowledgeable and kind. Basically everything on the menu I wanted to try. We settled on a cheese board and I also got a salad. To drink we went with a low sugar cola option (a gentle version of a coke = quite good). They have a full wine list to compliment the yummy stuff, but I was trying to cut back on alcohol during this visit . My wife is a bit pickier than me, but our kind server worked with us on making the cheese board just right for both of us. The three cheeses she chose were fantastic. I thought everything was wonderful. It got to the point where I was licking out the jam jar because the rest of the food had been devoured. Not a scrap remained and I'll be heading back soon for another sampling!
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Patrice M.

Yelp
Wonderful food, the best cheese selection in town, many artisanal selections. Great charcuterie offerings and all accompanying accoutrements. Small but welcoming with warm, well informed staff.
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Nick M.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere and ambiance wish that made better food back in KC. Love the service here. Always on point.
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Kristyn M.

Yelp
This might sound cheesy, but this place is grate! ;) A girls night out to try new places and this is one we both had not made it to yet. Fight for the street parking or learn the hard way like me that there is parking in the back! Since I didn't know about the parking in the back, I entered the main street entrance. Met with a smile I did not see my friend yet. The bar was full, and the communal seating in the small dining area was almost full. This made me wrinkle my nose like I was smelling a stinky cheese. I am usually one that would rather be seated away from people, however I bit the brie and was sat near another group at the big table. I was sat right up against the windows where I could watch the guy walk his kid and child past a few times. The waitress was prompt and brought me water while I waited for my girl friend. Once she was there we went over the cheesy menu. It all looked unique and Gouda. I was curious and tried the lamb cheeseburger with the fresh chips. The burger was a little smaller, but the cheese sauce was yummy. I was not far from licking the plate . My girl friend got a crepe like meal. She wasn't as fond of it, but it was unique and different. The place started to pick up. Our waitress got a little sidetracked and got stuck at other tables. We enjoyed our time and finally finished up to head out. It's different. I'd recommend for something unique and new.
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Mary P.

Yelp
What a great place! Fun! Relaxing! Yummy! We didn't dream it would be packed on a Wednesday at 5 pm but it was. You just squeeze in and sit close to whomever. ( Let's you see their food,too!). We decided to have a glass of house rose for $5. It was good! The waitress said if it's our first time here be sure to have the Mac and cheese-- we did with bacon for $2 more. We also shared the classic grilled cheese sandwich--can't go wrong with Prairie Breeze cheese! The bread was wonderful! The place is bright and has an urban feel.
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Stephanie P.

Yelp
This place is like walking into heaven for a cheese lover. Not only do they have a selection of fresh cheeses from Wisconsin that they use to make charcuterie boards, fondue boards, grilled cheese, Mac and cheese, and other sandwiches but they also have a nice bar with fun lite cocktails and wine options to pair with your meal. I decided to try the Royal Sandwich with a side order of Mac and Cheese. The side order of Mac was good but not something I would waste the limited space in my stomach on. Since I do love cheese, I don't really care for a ton of breadcrumbs to mask the wonderful cheese flavor and their style of mac and cheese included a crap ton of breadcrumbs making the pasta a little more dry than hoped. The Royal Sandwich, however, was worth every inch of stomach space I had. It's kind of like a grilled ham and cheese with bacon crumbles that is smothered in hollandaise sauce and topped with an over easy egg. It was phenomenal. I wish that I would've brought my husband on this work trip just so that he could try it. If you happen to be in the area, this is an entree that you have grab. The only negatives to this place is that they have very limited seating, so you could be waiting a little while for a table and I just happened to get a new waiter that wasn't super good at checking in on me and refilling my water. Otherwise, great place!
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Marci C.

Yelp
The charcuterie was clearly the winner. Neither of us enjoyed the grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Steve W.

Yelp
The toasty ham and cheese makes this a five star review by itself. Just amazing. The cheeses and ham are extremely high quality and the bread was toasted perfectly and it was just divine. The Mac and cheese was very good, but the sandwich was the star. The fried cheese curds were awesome too. The service was friendly and pretty fast considering how busy they were. If you are in Des Moines make sure to give them a try!