Veggie Thumper

Vegan restaurant · Des Moines

Veggie Thumper

Vegan restaurant · Des Moines

1

4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

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Veggie Thumper by Veggie Thumper
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Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null
Veggie Thumper by null

Highlights

Raising consciousness through food awareness by providing access to conscious cuisine, locally sourced organic, boldly flavored vegan cuisine. We specialize in vegan snacks with soul, wholesome comfort foods with a nutritious animal free spin. From pulled "pork" and crab cakes to "ribs" and philly "cheesesteaks" and gyros, BLTS, "chicken" n' waffles sloppy joes, mac n cheese, tuna salads and whatever else the mind can imagine Veggie Thumpers got ya covered!  

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4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 Get directions

veggiethumper.com
@veggiethumper

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4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 Get directions

+1 515 867 7253
veggiethumper.com
@veggiethumper

Menu

Features

takeout
delivery
payment credit card
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outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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@eater

"Even the most carnivorous of diners will find something to adore at Lyssa Wade’s roaming vegan destination. One-upping food trucks, Wade operates out of a converted school bus, serving items like buffalo chick’n nachos and lentil tacos. She hops from farmers markets to hardware store parking lots to (come winter) commercial kitchen pop-ups to feed the metro area’s growing appetite for all things plant-based. You can find Veggie Thumper through Street Food Finder and Instagram." - Karla Walsh

The 36 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa
View Postcard for Veggie Thumper

John Morning

Google
Went for the first time. The truck was super dark even when she was open couldn’t tell. So I ordered the bean burger! Mind you at first glance her nails were very dirty, so red flag one. I got my order and what I terrible way to present a sandwich. Seemed like everything was cooked in the same grease on the same plate. None of the so called stick items were tasty at all. The bean burger was hard to taste and beans were not even soft at all. The so called bacon that went on it was over seasoned and it all tasted the same was no separation in taste buds. Sorry to say it was a very disappointing experience for the price I paid. I will not be visiting this establishment again.

Nicole Ashley

Google
We traveled from Michigan and it was our first time to Iowa. I would recommend this food bus! We had great service and even better food! The Philly cheesesteak was my favorite. Thank you so much for the great experience!

Reid Wightman

Google
We've been going here for years, and am always impressed with the food. There are regular specials/menu updates often, with a few core offerings that have stuck around. It's so great to have vegan options in the neighborhood, and the chef isn't afraid of spices. It's a convenient walk for lunch and dinner most days that the truck is running.

Courtney Campbell

Google
When I searched for vegan spots to try while in town this is one spot that kept coming up and I’m happy I stopped by!!! The Frisco melt and root wedges and the jerk chick’n n black bean tacos were full of flavor. The customer service was outstanding too!! 😆

Kim Moreira

Google
I really wanted to give this place five stars because the girl working there with pink curtain bangs was really nice. we got the nachos and my man got the gluten free burger. Idk if it was because I said no spicyness but the nachos were just so plain. The beans were watered down and just very bland. So it’s a no from me dawg But my man rates the burger a 8

Kristine Milburn

Google
Expect a long, long wait. At the food truck, I waited 30 minutes from order to pick-up...with 4 orders in front of me. Unexpectedly slow for a food truck. I highly suggest posting a note regarding how long it may take as well as coaching the attendant to share how long an order will take.

Justin Gallant

Google
I was thrown off with it being parked at a middle school, to be honest, but pleasantly surprised by an all vegan food truck that had good food in the middle of Iowa. It was a bit rustic, but that's what ya get out of a bus turned vegan kitchen. I got the Philly cheesteak and lemonade

Shane Lemke

Google
Fast, friendly, great menu, compostable utensils and packaging! The food here is great! The service was fast and friendly. Everything was neat and orderly with a quick and easy ordering process. The food came out quick and hot with great flavors! I stumbled upon this with luck, definitely glad I did! 100% worth stopping by!

Courtney C.

Yelp
I'm in town visiting and this is one of the spots I kept seeing when I searched for vegan spots. The food I ordered was so good and the customer service was great! I can't wait to go back again!

Christine I.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious vegan food! I have been wanting to try their stuff for awhile and got the chance to at the vegan fest downtown. Their bus is impossible to miss. They're clearly well loved by the community too because the line was fairly long. But regardless the team was friendly and helpful! I ordered the frisco melt, which was so good I did not have the chance to take a picture of it. The sandwich is toasted and crispy and paired with their lentil patty. Which was so well seasoned, I almost forgot what I was eating wasn't meat. I also had the mango ginger lemonade, the perfect drink for a nice summer day! From what my friends told me, their nachos and tacos were just as good! So it's fair to assume everything on their menu is a winner and you can't go wrong with whatever you order. My only trouble is that I don't get to see this truck downtown as often as I want to! Can't wait to see them again in the future.

Katie M.

Yelp
I have been following Veggie Thumper on IG for some time and was SO EXCITED to see that the bus was out and about near my favorite ex-stepmother, so I made it a point to pop by the extremely small Waukee Farmer's market just to get my hands on some of this delicious food. Already stuffed from a late lunch, the fiancé and I split the fried chick'n sandwich with mac & cheese (with added hot sauce, of course) and our tastebuds were blown away. Not only was the flavor on point, but so was the texture. Not even exaggerating, idc if you're a meat loving omni, you need to try the food if you ever come across this bus. Definitely hope to find the bus again when I'm in town again next year. Thanks for making the extra trip worth it!

Kate T.

Yelp
Des Moines is so lucky to have Veggie Thumper! I've eaten vegan food all over the country and this is some of THE BEST I've ever had. Even non-vegans in my group rave about the food here. The flavors are just so delicious. I try to hit Veggie Thumper whenever I'm in DSM + the bus is open. Highly recommend. :) hot tip: no matter how full you are, you must get the oatmeal fudge bar for dessert.

Ben L.

Yelp
My biggest problem with Veggie Thumper? It isn't closer! In effort support Black & minority-owned businesses, I've be stretching out of normal zone to try new and intriguing places. Veggie Thumper fits that mold splendidly! - It's not within walking distance to my house - I'm not veg/vegan (though, man, they have converted me) - It's...a literal bus. First things first, let's talk food. After telling my mom I was heading her she asked me to grab her something to support the business. I got the buffalo mac and she get the red bean burger. The mac was amazing! It had a wonderful blend of texture and flavor. A kick (which I love) but it's wasn't overbearing. I've never even considered spinach in mac and cheese but loved it! I had one bite of my mom's burger and now am know exactly what I'm getting next time. It was...so good. It's been over 48hrs and I'm still thinking about it. Second, the service. They were so incredibly kind! The were happy, fun to have a little light chat with (even though I had never seen them before in my life). They were, finally, efficient! They were quite quick to get my order out even though I was not the only one out there to support them that day. They had a good amount of customers. I...can not WAIT to go back here! I highly recommend you join me and going there as well! Their food, although veg/vegan, can satisfy any palate. I promise you. ***SIDE NOTE: Make sure to follow their blog and where the bus will be at: https://www.veggiethumper.com/the-bus*** Thanks for existing!

Kelsey L.

Yelp
Wow! Wow! Go support this business, not only are they sweet the food is awesome. Personally loved the spicy meals my partner in vegan Iowa meals has a lighter palette and we able to make it through the burger.. lol but they did down that ginger lemonade quick and wanted a gallon of it. If we go back I'll see if we can order a bunch ahead of time Can't wait to go back The tee shirts are so cute too! Only $20 and thoughtfully designed

Christina F.

Yelp
I'm dairy-free and am THRILLED to have a vegan food truck that serves up traditionally cheesy favorites I miss eating like nachos and mac n cheese. While the cheese isn't exactly like dairy cheese, she gets the textures right and when combined with the other tasty additions like faux jerk chicken and Italian sausage, it makes for flavorful bites. I also love that everything they use to package the food is recyclable and/or biodegradable.

Raihan A.

Yelp
The flavors just straight up blew me away. The mixing of sauces with the veges, pulled "chick'n", and nachos worked wonders and are just fulfilling. I was full after eating just half of the dish, and saved the second half for my next meal. First time trying out Veggie Thumper and definitely won't be my last. Great food, cool bus, and friendly staff!

Jewel P.

Yelp
Comfort vegan food done right. If you are missing comfort food, this is the bus for you. Not only do you get the health benefits of eating food that is cholesterol free and low in saturated fats but its also delicious! The bus is always on the move so make sure to check facebook and instagram for updates on where it will be. Even if you are not vegan, this food is not to be missed.

Lee D.

Yelp
Ever since I learned about this vegan food truck (aka the bus), I have wanted an opportunity to try it out and today was finally the day! Arrived at Franklin MS shortly after noon (opening time) and there were about four people in line in front of me and a couple of others who had already placed their orders. Since I knew what the menu would be from Instagram, I was pretty sure I knew what I was going to order but I took a quick look at the offerings before ordering to make sure. I went with the "housemade" smoky red bean burger (served with lettuce, onion, tomato, pepperoncini and bbq sauce) with root wedges on the side. Orders are packaged in compostable packaging. The wait was not long at all and service was very welcoming and friendly. The aroma tantalized me during the 15 minute drive home and I dove in as soon as I arrived. The burger was moist and tasty and the condiments complemented the burger well, especially the pepperoncini which gave it a nice bite. The root wedges, while blackened, were still a bit on the crunchy side but still tasty. I hope to be able to visit the bus again soon!

Will M.

Yelp
Just had the nachos and the flavors were out of this world! Highly recommend getting them!

Jamie K.

Yelp
Yummy I am not a vegan! You don't have to be the food is flavorful it's exciting and It's black owned! The mango ginger lemonade the brownies the bbq nachos the mushroom salad I love it all and will continue to go until I've tried it all!

Jason S.

Yelp
This place is awesome! They are normally parked at Franklin Junior High for lunch and dinner. You can order online. Everything I've had was delicious, fresh, flavorful, spicy! I will say the mac and cheese was a bit lackluster, especially compared to everything else. Will be back soon to try more...their menu is always changing/updating.

K C.

Yelp
Their food is really good and a great alternative to the same ole' same ole'. Friendly staff and food seems to be made with fresh ingredients.

Bill H.

Yelp
A-mazing!!! Awesome food. Highly addictive. Made with the utmost care and attention to detail. Top quality ingredients. Made with LOVE. I've had everything on the menu and I love it ALL!! Loaded nachos and the chaga drink are maybe my favorite.

Bobbi G.

Yelp
Amazing, amazing food! Our second time eating their awesome food. I had the nachos with a less spicy bbq sauce. Perfect.

Jennifer G.

Yelp
I follow the Veggie Thumper on IG. One day she posted a photo of a veggie pie she made complete with a cute peace sign on top. I requested one for the following week. It was SO good. My family smashed it! Even the baby couldn't get enough. When I told the guys there was no meat in the dish (afterwards) they were pretty surprised. Normally there is no competition for leftovers in my house, but this veggie pie was the exception. Plant based diets are optimal for health but can be overwhelming when all we're used to is the standard American diet. I would highly encourage leveraging the Veggie Thumper if you want to start incorporating this way of eating into your life but not sure where to start. Sometimes it takes seeing and tasting the possibilities to get the creative flow going. With Veggie Thumper, Not only are you supporting a more sustainable health & Environmental option, but you're supporting local which is awesome!

L A.

Yelp
The food is just freaking incredible man. I would go vegan if I could eat that food every day.

Chelsea S.

Yelp
Our first Veggie Thumper experience was on a night when they were super swamped - many items were sold out and our order took more than an hour to prepare - BUT the food was so incredible that all was immediately forgiven. The nachos and open-faced "sausage" sandwich were hot, fresh, and out-of-control tasty. It appears they use all biodegradable packing for take-out as well. We will be back for more very soon!