Mother's Day Dinner in Des Moines?

April 28, 2008 6:36 AM

My sister and I would like to take our mom out for dinner on Mother's Day. My sister is moving to Des Moines that day, and doesn't know anything about the area yet. My parents will be coming out to help with the moving, and I'll be making the trip as well, but the morning is going to be filled with driving a moving truck, so we'd like to do dinner. Any suggestions on a nice, interesting place to take her? We're open on cuisines.
posted by chriswarren to food & drink (8 comments total)

Monihan's Speakeasy at the Renaissance Savery Hotel. Also here, they list other area restaurants, but at least go into the Savery for a peek at the lobby and maybe a pre-dinner drink at Monihan's.

This is also the place many candidates stay for the caucus.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 8:09 AM on April 28, 2008

1. Azalea in the old Hotel Kirkwood downtown. Call to see if they're opening for Mother's Day (515.288.9606).
2. Centro, also downtown.
3. 801 Steak & Chop - high end steakhouse - also downtown. Get out your checkbook.

Feel free to msg me if you want other ideas or other budget levels. Des Moines has a great food scene going - except on Sunday nights.
posted by webhund at 8:22 AM on April 28, 2008

Felix and Oscars is good if you're up for pizza. You won't have to feel guilty if you're a little frazzled after the moving.

Centro is good for italian/brick oven pizza. It describes itself as casual/upscale. Anytime people talk about Centro to people from out of town they always say: "It's where the media people eat during the caucuses." I think you can make a reservation there.

Tandoor is in West Des Moines but it's the best Indian in the area.

King Ying Low is good Chinese. It's been around for something like 100 years.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 8:31 AM on April 28, 2008

Mother's Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants. Be sure to make reservations.
posted by Carol Anne at 9:08 AM on April 28, 2008

TCH's Tandoor idea is a great suggestion for Indian.
Pagliai's Pizza in Johnston is also very good, IMHO, but pizza tastes are subjective.

For the overall scene, try looking here.
posted by webhund at 9:53 AM on April 28, 2008

For a nice, casual, country dining atmosphere, you could always try the Machine Shed. Their smoked prime rib just melts in your mouth and it's "family style" dining, meaning you share big bowls of side dishes amongst the table.

As noted above, you'll want to make sure you call ahead and make reservations.
posted by charlesroper at 10:06 AM on April 28, 2008

Green Briar in Johnston.

Nice place. Last time I was there I had sea bass with a cream salsa sauce. Yumm.
posted by ducktape at 11:14 AM on April 28, 2008

Thanks for all of the suggestions everybody. We ended up going to Centro, and it was a hit with the whole group.
posted by chriswarren at 12:18 PM on May 16, 2008