Fall is a great time to be in Des Moines. The air is crisp and the trees are changing to beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow. We are excited to see so many new businesses opening. Here are some we’re most excited about.
9 New Things in Des Moines
Demo Pizza | 604 Locust St
You can never have too much pizza! Especially with interesting toppings. Combining their shared preferences, backgrounds, and hobbies, the crew behind this new pizza shop has landed on some unconventional specialty slices like the Elote, topped with charred corn, chorizo, and a lime mayonnaise sauce.
Home Sweet Cone | 1188 SE University Ave., Waukee
Premium, homemade, hand-packed ice cream with vegan and gluten-free options? Yes, please! With flavors like Salted Oreo and Oatmeal Cream Pie this new ice cream shop is a must-stop. You can also make your own custom ice cream sandwich or try a creamy, thick milkshake made with any flavor of ice cream.
Kava DSM | 300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
Kava is a beverage or extract that is made from Piper methysticum, a plant native to the western Pacific islands. Kava DSM offers mocktails, teas, and other Kava specialties and healthy and delicious food and drink options. They strive to be a place where people can come together without alcohol to relax, unwind, and be nourished.
Johnston Splash Pad | 6245 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston
Cool off during the last hot days of summer at this brand new splash pad. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., it features six above-ground water features and 21 inground features. In-ground LED lighting will light the water features during the evening hours. In the winter, the splash pad and patio area will be transformed into an ice rink.
Hyper Energy Bar | 1025 SE Laurel Street, Waukee
The name says it all! Whether you like a boost from traditional coffee or are looking for refreshing infused energy drinks, they keep you energized all day. With double drive-up windows, it’s quick and easy to hype your day with their fun and friendly staff.
White Rabbit VR | 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
Kids and adults alike can be the hero of their own video game at White Rabbit VR (near Flix Brewhouse). This virtual reality arcade brings you the best in virtual reality games and experiences, including multiplayer, single-player, haptic vests, and more.
West Forty Market | 315 SW Maple Street, Suite D, Ankeny
Shop Iowa-raised, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free beef, pork, and poultry. Also, check out their selection of other handcrafted and homegrown goods and foods. A great way to support local while eating healthy.
RC’s Diner | 6587 University Ave. Windsor Heights
This new diner serves Jewish-influenced Midwest diner fare for breakfast and dinner. Check out their fun twist on Latkes (a potato pancake) like the Hot Dog, with griddled cheese curds, date brown butter, chives, and caramelized onion.
Secret Admirer | 110 SW 5th St.
Need a new spot for a date night? Check out this quaint and airy bar with a skyline facing park-inspired patio. Cool off during these late summer nights with an adult snow-cone. Check out the rest of their menu of hand-crafted cocktails in this historic 1900 boiler house building.
Bonus
*Coming Soon* Spare Time | 340 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
This family-fun facility will feature luxury bowling lanes, a Game Zone arcade packed with games, a laser tag arena, escape rooms, and more. There will also be multiple restaurants and bars throughout the venue, serving up chef-crafted dishes, signature cocktails, and more. Follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on opening day.
Let us know if we missed anything!
