Palms DSM

Wow! Fantastic flavors! We knew it would be good when they were cooking marinated jerk chicken in the parking area, which of we all ordered for lunch! Two sides with each meal, so we ordered most of them to split so we could all try them! Candied yams , beans and peas, plantains, and more. They were all very good. Service was excellent and fun atmosphere. Would highly recommend!! Sadly, the only picture I took was of the drinks we ordered, all equally yummy!

I’ve had Caribbean food in places, even random hole-in-the-wall joints that had me sweating and smiling at the same time. This place? It felt like someone Googled “Caribbean seasoning” and then got distracted by a brown sugar recipe. The chicken looked promising but tasted like it had just lost a fight with a dessert topping. Where was the heat? Where was the flavor? Where was the jerk? I asked the server if they had something more authentic, maybe a spicier sauce with some scotch bonnet kick, and he told me “that sauce isn’t hot enough.” I’m not sure what that meant because the sauce they did bring out tasted like it came straight from a cinnamon roll glaze. Sweet again! The rice and plantains were okay, nothing memorable. Mac and cheese was… there. But overall, the food just didn’t hit that Caribbean soul the way it should. I get that this place is getting good reviews, and hey – maybe it’s one of the few Caribbean-inspired options in the area. But for anyone who’s had the real deal, this won’t scratch that itch. Great presentation, nice people, but the flavor just missed the mark. Hard. Hope they tweak the recipes and bring the spice next time – because I’d love to support a good Caribbean spot in the Midwest.

Visited the newly opened PALMS DSM restaurant tonight. We were excited to try something new and experience flavors of the Caribbean and West Africa. The space is welcoming and gives a sense of community, culture, and hospitality right away. It was vibrant with music and multiple servers buzzing around the busy tables. After being seated and promptly served our cocktails of choice (*these were really good, btw), we were checked on by multiple servers, including the owner himself. The menu isn't overly large, but offers an excellent selection of different appetizers, sides, and entrees. We decided to start with the smoked wings, which was an excellent choice. They were smoky, crispy, charred perfectly, and the accompanying sauce was delicious. Loved these! Next we tried the mac & cheese and the jollof rice. Mac & cheese wasn't anything special, tbh, but the rice was really, really good. The entrees we decided on were the jerk chicken Alfredo and the spicy shrimp & rice. The jerk chicken was the star of the pasta dish, crazy delicious. Both of us decided that we need to order the jerk chicken entree next time. The shrimp entree was flavorful and the seafood was cooked perfectly, we both really enjoyed this dish as well. We were too full for dessert, but went ahead and ordered the banana bread. It was, literally, just a good old fashioned piece of banana bread, moist, simple, clearly freshly baked, and a great ending to the meal. Service was very good, even with the place hopping. Husband was excited to see Iowa State"s outstanding running back Abu Sama working the floor (he's the owner"s brother) and very much enjoyed his friendly chat with him: Go Cyclones! As we left the restaurant, we noticed the smoker in the back parking lot. Jerk chicken being freshly coaled and smoked... We will definitely be back for some more of that deliciousness.

First visit. Atmosphere is light & airy, the decor is simple, not overdone. We ate a later lunch so we were there around 2:30. No wait for a table. Server was extremely knowledgeable & friendly. Drinks were very creative. Food came out in a timely manner & was very flavorful. We will return but maybe save the cocktails for a special occasion.

The food is excellent! I ordered the Oxtails and am so glad that I did. The gravy is tangy and so darn good! The peas and rice that came with it are delicious as well. My companion said that the Jerk c hicken was delicious too. The service is great too! Young, energetic ,and genuinely nice and attentive. I hope this place really does well. Please treat yourself to some good food.

Cannot wait to come back. The jerk alfredo chicken and oxtail were phenomenal. The flavor profile on point. I love good plantains. These were cooked perfectly. The husband's mule was one of the best he had. You can tell they care. The atmosphere is chic. Everyone pitches in.

I’d been craving for some oxtails since this morning, and stumbled upon Palm’s on Google. Of course, I had to browse through photos and other people’s reviews as well. I also did see some reviews on Facebook, one of which stood out from some days ago and was mostly negative. I still tried my luck, and sent my husband over. Oh boy, I am so sorry for the person’s experience on FB! But I just have to put my 2 cents in and oppose that! Jeez, cravings satisfied for this preggo! Photos don’t do justice honestly. The oxtails were so fall-off-the-bone tender and the portion was surprisingly generous! It was a lot! It was very scrumptious! I also had to order their chicken tacos, sides of mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, plantains and some Jollof rice. Combo of everything hits the spot. Yum.😋 Now I know a place to visit when I’m craving again! Also, husband was very appreciative that the owner acknowledged him! Thanks Palm’s!!! Please don’t change!

I have been seeing pictures of their food on Facebook. I thought I would check it out today I loved the atmosphere, the decor, the servers were all dressed in unison, clean, well spaced between tables, a nice flow of customer traffic (which they working together to handle) fast delivery of food, amazing tasting food. It gave a big city vibe for Des Moines. I had the pepper shrimp. It was spicy but the rice, special sauce and large shrimp were a good combination. I loved their dishware, very unique and sleek black color. This is a must try!!

Delicious food. We got the oxtail and the jerk chicken with coconut candy yams and jollof rice. Be prepared to eat with your fingers. The oxtail had nodes of cinnamon and was very tender making an easy peel from the bone a great part of the experience. The chicken was lean and beautifully seasoned. Service was fantastic. The food was light and rich. Very fulfilling. One of the best meals we've had making palms one of our new favorite places.

Great wings, tacos and mojitos. Jerk chicken was fantastic. Service was very good. Highly recommend.

The space and service was great. The food is very good. A ton of flavor packed into the chicken and sauces.

4.7 +++ Yes, this place is all that you have heard and more. Family run and recipes from near and far. Barely a bar and restaurant, but forget all that. Order a high quality hand made Cocktail and settle down for a good time with a great group of people. The food, As good as you have heard, no, probably better than that. Not a cheap date but we have had enough of those right? --Get on over, you'll love it!

I've been going to the Palms ever since they started their food truck. Their new restaurant is perfectly set up with great parking in the back. The decor and music creates a perfect ambiance. The staff is quick and friendly, and the restaurant feels like home. The food was great as usual, the oxtail spiced and tender, plantains soft and sticky, and the rice and beans well spiced and goes well with the oxtail. Going from food truck to restaurant can be tough but they hit it out of the park. Must try, and my new spot!

We had a great dinner here! The food and drink were spectacular. Johnny provided excellent service, including stellar recommendations. The jerk chicken is outstanding, as were the yams and sangria. It's a beautiful place, and we enjoyed our experience.

Alfredo should never be watery, phone wasnt answered to place order, the chicken had good flavor in cheese water it was a good effort doh

Tried this at the farmers market in Des Moines. I think the breakfast bowl was another good option.

The food is chef kissed and made with love! The bartender Steven was very attentive and he's for sure a mixologist the owner Amara was like no other...he made sure we were well taken care of! Let's not forget the ambiance was perfect! The music choice had me singing every songs! Thanks again guys!

We had some great jerk chicken in Jamaica so I was happy to see this cuisine in town. We ordered the option one and it's a great portion for two people. The price is awesome too. I didn't expect the yams to be so delicious! It tastes like warm pumpkin pie - but BETTER!! Definitely try it. The beef patties were good too. We will definitely be back for the jerk chicken.

Super happy with this catering! I saw the adds on Facebook and ordered. I didn't realize that they used to be at the Downtown Farmers Market. This is very good. Meat was not over cooked/smoked. I preferred the pork over the chicken because the chicken was a little sweeter and had a little too much ginger for me. The pork was excellent and moist with a little bark on it. The beef patties were the real deal! They must be individually made and are smaller than I have seen and I loved them! The candied yams were good. The star for me is the hot sauce. I haven't cried and ate dinner in a long time! I was concerned because sometimes you don't get hot sauce with Caribbean but this was super hot and wonderful! The regular sauce had quite a bit of ginger and pretty sweet. Rice n peas actually had flavor and were great!

Got curbside carry-out from Palm's Caribbean Cuisine tonight. The jerk chicken and jerk pork headliners were both incredible and the sides of Jollof rice, coconut candied yams and Jamaican beef patties are just as good. And those sauces....holy hot, but so so good. Everything is such quality and the flavors are out of this world! Highly recommend giving them a try if you haven't. And hats off to the gentleman delivering curbside during a downpour, awesome service!

Holy delicious! I got the vegetarian platter with both vegetarian and beef patties and, wow, I will definitely be back.

First time having Jamaican food and this place did not disappoint! We had the jerk chicken, macaroni and cheese, and jollof rice. They even included a side of coconut candied yams. So good! Must try. Love supporting local restaurants.

Best Jerk Chicken and Sauce in America. Hands down could eat this 3 times a day, for 7 days a week!!