For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewers visited and reviewed 10 locally owned central Iowa eateries.
DES MOINES
Clyde’s Fine Diner
111 E Grand Ave Suite 111, Des Moines, 515-243-3686
Clyde’s is one of my staples and legitimately one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Truly putting the “fine” in Fine Diner, Clyde’s regularly rotates through seasonal menus with local ingredients cooked to perfection. The giant windows, blue bar stools and record player make the atmosphere cozy and airy at the same time. It just feels good to be in there, like your favorite uncle’s living room if he was a master chef and interior designer. My suggestion: Sit at the bar and sip an expertly crafted cocktail. Order literally anything because it’s all delicious. Let your legs dangle while you sit back and savor. —Dan Ray
Malo
900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, 515-244-5000
You know that saying about how if a restaurant’s menu is too big there’s no way they’re making all the food well? Malo is the exception. It’s ironic, since their name literally translates to “bad,” but this downtown Mexican restaurant serves up a genuinely delicious, unexpected and creatively crafted menu from top to bottom. Choose from a parade of salsas and a plethora of tacos. Gluten-free or low-carb? Sub cucumbers for corn chips and lettuce wraps for taco shells.
My suggestion: Get the seared tuna appetizer, guacamole for the table and whichever taco platter fits your fancy. Over-order rather than under. You won’t be mad about leftovers. —Dan Ray
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, 515-630-7000
As someone who has ADHD, I hate waiting in line, but queuing at Slow Down is kind of like being at Disneyland. Their shelves are filled with a rotating crop of local art, food and drinks, including a community puzzle you can do while you wait to order. Once done, check out whatever pop-up is happening or write on the community vision board. Slow Down isn’t where you go to grab a quick cup of coffee or work on your laptop. It’s where you go to, well, slow down. My suggestion: Try the Organic Spring Fling tea. Sit near the monstera and read a book or laugh with friends. —Dan Ray
ProteinHouse
11801 Hickman Rd Suite 300, Urbandale, 515-276-6193
Looking for a quick, healthy meal that meets your specific needs? The menu at ProteinHouse is so vegan- and allergy-friendly, it’s the rare chain restaurant to earn a mention in Bread & Butter. They offer protein pancakes, sandwich wraps, desserts, made-to-order juice and more, utilizing ingredients free of hormones and antibiotics. I take all my friends here, and dietary restrictions or not, it’s consistently a hit. Try the Sexy Bowl — because, you know, you are. Then treat yourself to a fresh-squeezed juice; the Detox and Anti-Inflammatory are my faves. Eat slowly and feel lighter leaving than you did coming in. —Dan Ray
Bar Nico
428 E Locust St, Des Moines, 515-243-0611
I don’t know why Bar Nico has a taxidermy wolf hanging above their bar or why seeing it makes me feel so welcome in their space, but both are true. The upscale, East Village tapas joint is nestled into what seems like a narrow, built-out alleyway. The biggest table fits six people, and the ceiling is painted in fiesta-ready stripes. It’s intimate, delicious, and the kitchen is entirely gluten-free. My suggestion: Pick a table close to the wolf for the ambiance. Stay true to tapas style and order shareables for the table. The cucumber in the guacamole is unexpectedly refreshing, and the chicken wings are undeniably crispy. —Dan Ray
The Contrary
503 E Locust St, Des Moines
If there was a literal embodiment of the word “vibes,” it would be The Contrary. The East Village bar, opened in November by local musician Billy Weathers (a.k.a. B. Well), is curated like a fine dining experience. When you walk in, the lights are dimmed just enough that it feels cozy and intimate, but not enough so that you can’t see. In the green leather-clad menus are full-scale pictures of each drink overlaid with transparent pages listing the drink’s name, ingredients and inventor. The aesthetics are a zillenial wet dream. The drinks feel lovingly curated, and while the food offerings are limited — two salads, two sandwiches and hummus — they’re Chef Hasan Ahmed’s home recipes. Plus, both the drink and food menus change seasonally. —Dan Ray
AMES
Jeff’s Pizza Shop
2402 Lincoln Way, Ames, 515-292-2321
As an Ames transplant, I know Jeff’s is the place to go for quick, affordable and tasty lunch specials during the work week. Ask Iowa State alumni and students, and there’s a likely chance their visits were after bar close. No matter the hour, the recently remodeled Jeff’s has plenty to offer, including a variety of slices, appetizers, salads, toasted subs and dessert. And for the courageous pizza consumer, consider Jeff’s 30-inch pizza challenge, in which two individuals have 60 minutes to devour the pie. I’ll stick with my two-slice lunch special personally, but it’s nice to have options. —Kirsten Kraklio
The Mucky Duck Pub
3100 S Duff Ave, Ames, 515-232-8888
Last year, there was a period of time when I’d go directly from therapy to Mucky Duck for their fish and chips, until I feared I’d Pavlov myself. Thankfully I didn’t ruin the joy of an extra crispy fish, but even if I had, Mucky Duck offers a variety of classic U.K. dishes, as well as an extensive tea and alcohol menu in an inviting pub environment. (As welcoming as it may be, might I recommend sunglasses and the patio for post-therapy lunch plans.) Pro tip: Order a side of curry dipping sauce with your chips. —Kirsten Kraklio
The Café
2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, 515-292-0100
I once went on a weekend date to The Café and learned my suitor had taken a different date there the night before. I choose to believe this reflects the establishment’s quality of food and service more than anything else. Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a bakery visit or a date (or two), you can’t go wrong at The Café. Menu items change seasonally, and you can always expect a few salads, a variety of “between bread” options and other hearty meals. Always save room for dessert, and check online for their bread schedule. —Kirsten Kraklio
Downtown Deli
328 Main St #6162, Ames, 515-232-3626
Tucked along Main Street, Downtown Deli is a quaint and popular spot for a lunchtime sub. While you’re choosing your meat, bread, toppings and whether you want it toasted or cold, the employees will make conversation with you—with what feel like genuine interest! The warmed pastrami and provolone on rye and an unofficial Italian are both great options. Optional sides include chips, pickles, soup and chili. You may have to wait in line, but it’ll be worth it. —Kirsten Kraklio
Still hungry? You can find more local restaurant coverage here.
Dan Ray is a journalist, musician, model and 1994 Aquarius. You can connect with her over on Instagram, @heyimdanray.
Kali White VanBaale is the author of three novels and numerous short stories, essays and articles. She serves as editor-at-large for the Past Ten journal and book, and is a core faculty member of the Lindenwood University MFA in writing program.
