Smitty's Tenderloin Shop
- ★ 4.5
- American
- $
- South Side
The most famous cheap eat in Iowa: a hand-breaded, flat-griddled Iowa pork tenderloin that dwarfs the bun. The King Tenderloin is under $12 including a side.
Eat well in Des Moines for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
Cheap eats worth seeking out
9 places
Tasty Tacos
- ★ 4.1
- Mexican-American
- $
- Downtown
A Des Moines original since 1961: crispy hard-shell tacos with seasoned beef and breakfast burritos at quick counter prices. Multiple metro locations.
Drake Diner
An all-day diner feeding Drake University students on generous plates of eggs, burgers and daily specials at prices that undercut every nearby restaurant.
Book food experiences in Des Moines
Fong's Pizza
- ★ 4.3
- Pizza
- $
- East Village
The quirky Chinese-tiki pizza bar that became a Des Moines legend: pizza topped with crab rangoon, General Tso's chicken or Asian-inspired ingredients
Smokey D's BBQ
- ★ 4.3
- BBQ
- $
- North Des Moines
Over 200 BBQ competition awards turned into a reliable local chain. Pulled pork sandwich, brisket plate and house sauce variety at family-friendly prices.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
- ★ 4.2
- American
- $$
- East Village
Horror-themed East Village burger bar with creatively named combinations, thick Angus patties and a milkshake programme worth the visit in its own right.
Jethro's BBQ
Beloved local BBQ chainlet born in Des Moines: BBQ nachos with pulled pork, half-rack of ribs and mac-and-cheese brisket sandwich at family-friendly prices.
La Mie Bakery
- ★ 4.5
- French Bakery
- $
- The Avenues
The city's finest bakery doubles as one of its best cheap eats: a croissant, a filled pastry or a slice of quiche alongside a coffee is one of the great
Flying Mango
- ★ 4.4
- BBQ
- $$
- Beaverdale
Award-winning BBQ and Cajun in Beaverdale: spiced fried catfish and pulled pork at the lower end of Des Moines casual dining prices with porch seating.
Nothing matches.
Where to stay in Des Moines
A sample of Des Moines hotels from our booking partner, who list 5,815 here. Live prices and availability open on their site.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road
When you stay at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road in Des Moines, you'll be in a shoppi...
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Frontdesk - Rowat Lofts East Village Des Moines
With a stay at Frontdesk Rowat Lofts East Village Des Moines in Des Moines (Downtown Des Moines), you'll b...
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Frontdesk - R&T Lofts Downtown Des Moines
Located in Des Moines (Downtown Des Moines), Frontdesk R&T Lofts Downtown Des Moines is within a 15-minute...
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Frontdesk - FLUX Apts Downtown Des Moines
With a stay at Frontdesk FLUX Apts Downtown Des Moines in Des Moines (Downtown Des Moines), you'll be with...
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Compare for next weekend: Holidu in Des Moines from USD 97/night · Expedia in Des Moines
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