Smitty's Tenderloin Shop ★ 4.5
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
Tasty Tacos ★ 4.1
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 ★ 4.0
An all-day diner feeding Drake University students on generous plates of eggs, burgers and daily specials at prices that undercut every nearby restaurant.
Fong's Pizza ★ 4.3
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
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
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 ★ 4.1
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
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
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.