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    Francies

    4.5 (186 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Francies Photos

    FRANCIES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Francies

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    The Philly Chicken Sandwich is a cheesy pleaser
    Tom C.

    If you roll in at lunchtime, be prepared--it's packed with locals. Get there early, come late, or embrace the wait. The servers are hustling but still manage to give you smiles and attention. I went with the chicken Philly on a local's recommendation, and it delivered. Quality ingredients and more cheese than a Hallmark movie set in a fondue restaurant. Next time, I might try the buffalo version--just enough kick to push it over the top. And the crinkle fries? Who knew they could be this good? Crispy AND fluffy--like a sunburned puppy. Absolutely get them. (The fries, not the puppy.) Judging by the steady crowd and glowing reviews, I'd bet the whole menu's worth a try. Bonus: it's right by the airport, so you've got no excuse not to stop in.

    Swiss & 'Shrooms Burger
    Gretchen G.

    I was introduced to Francie's a week ago and I have already been back! I was new to the area last year, so a local showed me the southside staple. Vibes are immaculate, and the crinkle fries are an absolute must try. Very kind staff too.

    Jay W.

    My girlfriend and I love Francies! Our favorite cozy little place in Des Moines... Great food and service.... Bread, sandwiches, soups all good. Highly recommend.

    Patty melt & fries.
    Mary P.

    It was pretty busy for a Monday lunch--tells you how good the food is! We started with ice tea & a Ruthie & both were good. Hubby appreciates having a board with beer on tap listed. I had the buffalo chicken salad with yummy creamy parm dressing & a piece of tasty bread. Hubby's grinder was huge-- he took home 1/2. His crinkle fries were tasty! Waitress was very good. I love having experienced folks! A fun spot with an intimate atmosphere. You'll love it!!

    Keith F.

    Food was very good. Selections were somewhat small but a good variety. The food itself was excellent and my server (Gina) did not balk at my request to send a side of guacamole with my burger. I would have given Francies five stars but one of the bartenders was the loudest person in the place. I'm not sure if she was inebriated, on something, or needs a mood stabilizer but she was out of control...

    Menu
    Garold T.

    Welcome to the best wings in town, the Southside of Des Moines! Great place to eat, food is amazing everytime you come here so you will not leave disappointed. If you have never been here this place is a must! Great kind of hole in the wall feel while still maintaining great food.

    New York Steak & Peppers
    Todd B.

    4.75* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 5* 06/03/2023 Have had on my Want to Go list since Cityview listed it for best local bar food in 2022 and finally had the opportunity after the Craft Beer Festival. While we were a little leary of what it might be like near the airport, we were pleasantly surprised by the exterior (see pictures) as we pulled up...and remained positively impressed with the interior decor (see pictures). Cityview called out their New York Steak & Peppers sandwich (see picture) and it looked great, so my wife went with that for her choice. For our second entree, I went with the Philly Chicken with Fries (see picture). As we always do, we shared tastes of each of our meals and both of us enjoyed both offerings - finding the food quality definitely worthy of the title of Best Bar Food. If you are in the area or have a little time waiting on a flight, you won't be disappointed with a stop at Francies. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Swiss and bacon burger
    Jack L.

    I've been going to Francie's for years and it is hands down my favorite burger and fries in Iowa. I always have to make a stop there when I'm back! Usually not a fan of crinkle fries, but theirs are amazing

    Mushroom and Swiss burger with crinkle cut fries.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great friendly staff. Excellent food and fun atmosphere. A true Go To place. Great to go as a group or even alone.

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    3 years ago

    Food came out fast & was decent. Nothing to special about it. The wait staff isn't super friendly or personable but they get the job done.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Friendly staff and good food this bar is a bit small, because it gets super busy but has outdoor eating I usually get the sausage sandwich.

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    5 years ago

    Small and cute neighborhood bar with a small but mighty menu to match. I recommend the French dip!!!

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    7 years ago

    Francies has some of the best food. Been coming here for over 20 years and have never had a complaint with the food. Great service also.

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    12 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Excellent nachos, always stacked high and with lots of toppings. They have great burgers too and delicious fries.

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    Page 3 of 5

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    Thirsty Sportsman

    Thirsty Sportsman

    3.1(7 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Okay, this one's got me scratching my head. ‍ In my entire…read morelife, I've never caused trouble in a bar. I'm well-behaved, I don't make a scene, and I always tip my bartenders well--because respect goes both ways. Last Sunday I was at Thirsty's: had two beers, paid as I went, played a little pool, and left when the bartender said he was closing early. No drama, no issues. But tonight? I walked in, and the same bartender took one look at me and said, "I'm not serving you." No explanation. No reason. Just... refused. Now, I get it--Iowa is a right-to-refuse state. Legally, he can do that. But I've never disrespected him, never caused a problem, never even raised my voice. Honestly? I'm just shocked. I didn't deserve that. So to my fellow polite bar-goers: I guess you can do everything right and still get shut down. Cheers to taking your good vibes (and your tipping money) elsewhere.

    Went in to hang out with a buddy, as soon as he left I went to the bathroom and came out for…read moreanother beer (3rd beer). Bar tender with a pony tail accused me of telling everyone at the place that I was drunk and cut me off after 3 beers. Never said anything to anyone as I have never been there and even had a game of bags lined up with an awesome couple but the bar tender's ego ruined everything. This was my first time at this bar and the last. I even left that sensitive bitch a tip after I left from his false accusation. He didn't even have the balls to prove what he was accusing me of. Multiple witnesses around me agreed I did nothing wrong. Good thing this place is in the ghetto. Never stepping foot in this poor ass place again

    Photos
    Thirsty Sportsman
    Thirsty Sportsman
    Thirsty Sportsman

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    Bix - Cheese on chicken nachos

    Bix

    4.6(83 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    4.6* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $10 04/28/2026 Bix & Co. Our primary reason for stopping back tonight was for 'research and development' for my happyhourdesmoines.com website. This meant a smaller total check, as we only sampled a couple of Happy Hour specials - and they were quite tasty. We shared an order of Chicken Wings (see picture) and I ordered a House Margarita (see picture). The chicken wings were very good and I'll say that I enjoyed the House Margarita as much as the better ones in Mexican restaurants. We have enjoyed all of our stops at Bix & Co. and tonight was no different.

    We choose Bix & Co. before a show at the Val Air…read more We started with the Cheese Curds. Cubed Wisconsin white cheddar cheese in a light and crispy beer batter with Bix's pizza sauce. Wow, amazing flavor that just smacks your taste buds awake. What a fantastic start. The Burger & Tots were good which we split. The burger is chuck, brisket, and short rib ground to perfection on a South Union Bakery Bun. The tots were nice and crispy. The pizza was fantastic! We choose Tony's combo no olives or shrooms, add onion with the Cup & Char Pepperoni and Graziano Sausage. Cracker this crust and the Bix's pizza sauce. What a fantastic pizza, so delicious and perfect. The service was great and we will be back.

    Photos
    Bix - Interior seating and TVs.

    Interior seating and TVs.

    Bix - Cheese curds

    Cheese curds

    Bix - Mules and waters

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    Mules and waters

    Francies - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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