Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Hoq Restaurant

    4.1 (155 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Services - Hoq Restaurant

    Venue rental

    Hoq Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    HOQ RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Hoq Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Burger with fries
    Kim M.

    Excellent all around! Beautiful restaurant. Attentive but unobtrusive service... Food was carefully and specially prepared just for you a slightly longer wait but only because it is actually being made for you... Vodka gimlet was wonderful and not sweet, everyone was very happy with their food... My burger was very tasty and juicy, and the bun was excellent.

    Speakeasy martini. Very good and great presentation.
    Terry M.

    When you step into HoQ you quickly ask yourself, "How the hell is this place in Des Moines, Iowa?" Great vibe, perfect for conversation even on a busy Saturday night. Then you taste the food--creative, complex flavors, and artfully presented. A wow factor on a couple of the dishes (steak, lamb shank), and a holy shit! fact on the Mediterranean Bowl. The apps were also solid and the Nan accompanying the dishes was the freshest and lightest any of the four of us has ever had. The biggest plus was the price. From wine to entrees, it was very, very reasonable for food of this quality. The added bonus is the farm to table aspect of every ingredient. Many farm to table restaurants use that as a gimmick. We asked our server and the owner about their sources and both knew every detail of their sources, how the food was raised and the farm owners. That level of detail reflects both passion and commitment and those are the two key ingredients required for restaurant success. This place is special, and even more special considering the location. You will have an excellent evening out as a couple or in a small group if you start the night at HoQ.

    Drinks and a chefs special tasting appetizer!
    Emily T.

    Amazing food, service and restaurant! I ordered the Mediterranean bowl with chicken and my fiancé got the lamb! Both dishes were amazing

    Cheese plate with Prosciutto. Absolutely amazing local cheeses and even local Prosciutto.
    Kurt F.

    My favorite dining companion and her dad, along with his sister and husband, and of course myself all wanted fancy dinner. I suggested HoQ because it was fancy and none of us had ever eaten there. We went in on a Friday night around 8pm. The restaurant was not busy, and we were seated immediately. Our waiter introduced herself and was very gracious. We all ordered our desired drinks and began perusing the menu. We settled on the salmon tartare and the cheese plate with added Prosciutto, for our appetizers. The appetizers arrived quickly, along with our complimentary house made naan. They did not disappoint. The cheese plate had a nice array of very different cheeses, along with jam, apples, and toast. They were all delicious. The Prosciutto added a nice contrast to the cheese, as well. It is well worth the extra money, in my opinion! The salmon tartare was also delicious. It was served with house made waffle fries. It was fresh and very satisfying. When it came to entrees, I settled on the grass-fed beef. My future father-in-law ordered the lamb shank. Our food arrived reasonably quickly. The steak was melt in your mouth tender, and cooked absolutely perfectly. The seasonal vegetables were delicious, and still nice and crisp. The lamb shank looked very tender and delicious, and he confirmed it was excellent. We would've gotten dessert, but we were all quite stuffed. If you leave HoQ still hungry, I fear you've gone astray somehow. The portions are great, the food is excellent, and the service prompt and courteous. If you're looking to eat on the cheap, HoQ probably isn't the right choice, but entrees are all under $40, and appetizers are $20 or less. You can still easily have an entrees and split an appetizer and keep it under $50-60/person. So if you want fine dining in a cozy atmosphere and great service, give HoQ a try. I think you'll enjoy it. I know we'll be back for sure, because those empanadas and the grass-fed burger have my name on them!

    Beet and fresh pita
    Fabiana K.

    I was the first one there once it opened so service was fast and the staff extremely friendly. I ordered a glass of a Spanish wine called Xarmant Txakoli. Delicious; dry with a sweet after taste. Once I ordered they brought me a complementary beet with a side serving of homemade pita. The pita was to die for!!! So good!! I ordered their daily soup which was a butternut squash bisque with a splash of herb oil. Again, fresh and delicious. The bisque was followed by Naanza a type of pita bread with Milton Creamery quark cheese, local seasoned vegetables and herb oil. The seasoned vegetables turned out to be squash which paired heavenly with the cheese and herb oil. The ambiance was quiet and peaceful. Overall an absolutely great experience!

    The menu for New Years Eve
    Lee D.

    Love when we can return to a restaurant and enjoy the food and experience as much as the first time! We don't eat out often so this was a birthday treat for me. The portions never look big but we both left with "doggie bags". The Mediterranean bowl was delicious with many flavors I wouldn't have thought to put together melding nicely. The butternut squash soup was a nice starter. The homemade naan bread was pillowy soft. Husband had the lamb shanks and declared they were fall of the bone as advertised. The complimentary champagne for my birthday was a nice touch. We were not rushed at all and enjoyed a very pleasant dinner (so pleasant that I didn't take any photos!)

    Cory R.

    We decided to try HoQ for the first time with the Valentine's 4 course dinner. The space is classy and romantic. They brought out free champagne for the birthday we were celebrating. There was a menu for viewing ahead of time and the server explained that each course had options to choose from. We each chose something different so we could try as many dishes as possible. The mushroom bisque was delicious! It paired well with the refreshing salad. The salmon was more of a pate style with perfect flavor. In the same course we also got potato leek panna cotta. The panna cotta was not great on its own. We chose to add a little of that to the salmon and the combination was awesome. My favorite dish of the night was the duck. It tasted like a cross between the best pork chop and most stellar piece of chicken! The crab cakes were also good. The dessert was amazing! French macarons on top of mocha ice cream, chopped strawberries, and chocolate terrine! The drink pairings were unique and flavorful. The favorite drink of the night was Apple of My I-Owa. Cinnamon coating a thinly sliced apple in Rye Whiskey and ginger beer. I would say for the price I have had more courses where I loved every single dish at other places in town but I still enjoyed most of the dishes, the ambiance, drinks, and farm fresh concept.

    a restaurant with tables and chairs

    I came here with my mom for dinner and we got a dinner for two for 89 dollars. It was three courses and they gave us complimentary Nan and a butternut squash wonton. We had to ask the waiter to box up more than half of each of our entrees because we were so full! The soup was butternut squash and it was excellent. The portions were large and my salmon was cooked perfectly. After the waiter boxed our food he asked if we were still wanting our desert... we didn't even realize there was desert!!!! The service was quick, and there was a nice, quiet, cozy atmosphere. The service combined with the food and price point is nearly unbeatable! 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to eat somewhere slightly upscale. Will be returning.

    Vegan Mediterranean bowl
    Keith R.

    Great food! I had the Mediterranean bowl vegan style to go. The falafel was fried to perfection and not dry like others tend to be. Best falafel I've ever had!

    Side of fries
    Stephanie V.

    Yumm. I ordered for take out during Covid (and am an our of state visitor). I ordered the grass fed burger that came with a side salad and opted to include some fries. The FLAVOR - i have no words - it was perfect! Savory, yet light and filling. The soft crunch from the bun to the added rich cheese on the burger. Not to mention the fresh ketchup for the fries..that counts as a veggie serving right? Haha My only issue was the dressing for the side salad..was not my go to, but im sure it could probably be substituted. Would love to come back and experience the dine in experience! Fresh, flavorful, and delicious!

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim M.
    3
    106
    305

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah S.

    Sarah S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah S.

    Sarah S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah S.

    Sarah S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris T.
    183
    31
    20

    2 years ago

    Amazing farm to table food. Cozy place. Mostly knowledgeable, definitely friendly staff. Well worth the visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah S.

    Sarah S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Fresh Fresh Fresh and delicious farm to table with flair! Impeccable service! Simple yet elegant decor. Indulge and Treat your self!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian W.
    1308
    285
    1968

    12 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark G.
    917
    1237
    2214

    13 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jon M.
    0
    193
    768

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great fresh food. Excellent wine selection . Service was amazing. Definitely a must do if you are in the area

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Hoq Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for New American 4,617 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fresko - Charcuterie Board

    Fresko

    (212 reviews)

    $$

    When I was in Des Moines, Fresko felt like such a special find a place with a luxurious atmosphere…read morebut still comfortable and inviting. The space is modern, clean, and definitely has that upscale feel without being overwhelming. I decided to try it because Lily recommended the seared sesame tuna, and I'm so glad I did. It was absolutely wonderful, and the whole experience exceeded my expectations. I can't recommend it enough. Located right in the heart of the city, it's the perfect spot to start your evening with fresh, high-quality food before heading out for the night. The convenience, the variety of menu options, and the overall cleanliness of the restaurant really stood out to me. It's exactly the kind of place I love, and I'm already hoping to come back again.

    We visited Fresko for Valentine's Day dinner with a reservation and were seated quickly…read more The ambiance is beautiful. The space feels modern, clean, and elevated. I would not necessarily call it romantic, but it definitely has a strong vibe for a special night out. Service felt a bit uneven. Our waiter was doing his best, but the front of house seemed slightly disorganized in our section. I ordered the Land and Sea Valentine's special, but it was entered as just the ribeye. Not a big issue, just a small disappointment. The food was very good. The steak stroganoff had perfectly cooked pasta, a flavorful sauce, and plenty of beef tips and mushrooms. My ribeye was cooked exactly right and was a great cut of meat. The garlic potatoes were excellent. For the price, the overall experience felt slightly underwhelming, though the kitchen execution is clearly strong. We would visit again, but it is not at the very top of our Des Moines list.

    Lachele’s Fine Foods - The big gym

    Lachele’s Fine Foods

    (184 reviews)

    $$

    I'm calling it: this is easily the best restaurant in Des Moines! I stopped by around 4:00 PM when…read moreI was starving, and even though the place was packed, the energy was great. The service was 10/10 the waitress was incredibly friendly, greeted me with a huge smile, and made me feel right at home. I ordered the Smash Burger, and I was blown away by how fast it hit the table. It arrived within minutes, but don't let the speed fool you the meat was perfectly cooked, hot, and tasted incredibly fresh. It's rare to find a spot that balances lightning-fast speed with such high-quality food. Everything from the hospitality to the meal itself was excellent. I will definitely be back again soon. If you haven't been here yet, you're missing out!

    Lachele's is a classic DSM spot you have you to try. Atmosphere is a small diner, burgers are…read moregreat. I went vegan 2 years ago and haven't eaten there since then, until I found out they had a vegan burger. Normally would give a 5 star for their menu, but had to notch it down a bit for the vegan burger. When I go to a burger place I want the full greasy experience. They have a vegetable forward burger that just doesn't mimic the real experience. So while I appreciated it, and it was solid and left me wanting more. Truly I just wanted a smash impossible burger with their seasoning. They also serve it on Texas toast, which I wish they'd have an actual bun too. Tots are vegan naturally, and they make great tots. Overall I love Lachele's, but with a few tweaks they could really nail it.

    Cooper's on 5th - Cajun Meatloaf

    Cooper's on 5th

    (224 reviews)

    $$

    It's lunch and now you find yourself driving toward that icon spot of Cooper's on 5th in Valley…read moreJunction to savor that delicious Cajun Meatloaf Meltdown Sandwich- Simply Delicious. My only issue is food temperature---while served eye appealing it was just warm -- work on food temperature control -- the sweet potato fries were awesome and the egg rolls with barbecue sauce and sausage were solid. Jeffrey -- my wait staffer-- bar mixologist-- made me a Lavender Lemonade Mocktail and it was every bit as good as a "Mr Pibbs." The soft music cascading in the background provided the serene feeling to allow me to play message catch up by iPhone and a tab, or utilize the quiet spot to socialize with great company. This space gives you a choice for fun socialization.

    It's been 3 years since I last reviewed here, but it's still one of our regular stops and doesn't…read moredissapoint! Intimate, dark atmosphere inside, and brighter (and often warmer!) out back on the patio. Meatloaf and Salmon entrees are regulars for us, but we've tried almost every sandwich and many of the other entrees, and they are always full of flavor and delicious. Salads are fresh and have very good quality lettuce and veggies. Dressings are good as well. Small bar with drop in seating, but it pays to get a reservation. They currently use Toast to take reservations and you'll get a reminder the day prior to your visit. Walk in's often find it challenging to squeeze in here! Service is always good and the bartenders make a good drink.

    RoCA

    RoCA

    (268 reviews)

    $$

    Drinks before and after the show at RŌCA…read more The drinks were all fantastic. The Pig & Fig Manhattan was fantastic with Bacon Fat Washed Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and house bitters. Excellent start. She got the smoked margarita which was really cool and smoky. Don Julio Blanco, lime, Cointreau, Agave, and Apple-Wood Smole. Very decadent. After the show we got: The Polar Express O with Diplomatico Rum, Sweetened Condensed Milk, coffee topped with cold foam, and grated chocolate. Very boozy and strong. Didn't look very good in the glass, but tasted ok. Very strong. She choose the Cold Brew Martini and it was excellent with Ketel One Vodka, Averna Amaro, Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup, and House Cold Brew Coffee. The service was great. Will be back for more drinks.

    4.6* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $46 06/28/2025 Enjoyed our latest visit to RoCA with friends after Mass Saturday evening. My wife started with a Smoked Margarita (see picture) and I opted for the El Chapo (see picture) - both were delicious. The great thing about a small plates restaurant, especially with 4 people, is that you can try a bunch of different things...and that we did! We each chose one small plate and I'll say up front that all of them were wonderful and I wouldn't hesitate to order any of them again. We started with a BBQ, Pork & Apple Flatbread (see picture), followed by the Deconstructed Ribeye Nachos (see picture), Fondue (see picture) and Graziano Sausage & Pepperoni Flatbread (see picture). Of all of these, our favorite was the Fondue and Deconstructed Ribeye Nachos...but both Flatbreads were also very good. The only negatives to the atmosphere were having to go downstairs for the restroom and a bachelorette party next to us that got a little loud. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

    Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

    Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

    (326 reviews)

    $$

    4.8* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $35 01/22/2026 We returned to one of our favorite places downtown due to receiving a special offer through email. We started with a delicious Tupelo Margarita and a dark lager beer, from their good selection of tap beers. For our dinner, my wife ordered the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits (see picture) and I opted for the Smothered Chicken with cream corn and green beans (see picture) for sides. As we've come to expect from our visits to Tupelo Honey, both main dishes as well as the sides were delicious - chicken was crispy and juicy and both the Shrimp & Grits and cream corn were buttery and creamy. When they say Southern Comfort Food...they mean it! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

    I want to start by saying I'm from Bay Area California- so my food experiences and expectations are…read morehigh. Food was 6/10. I got the smothered chicken which was good. Side of Mac & cheese and grits. Both sides were cold when they arrived in front of me and both were quite bland. Although the server was kind, I felt a bit ignored- after food arrived, I was only checked on once and then the check. When I arrived, I sat next to a filthy table that was empty when I arrived. It wasn't cleaned at all for the duration of my almost hour visit which made me not enjoy the environment as much. There were also 7 other tables that were dirty around me and have all been empty since arrival - I've attached photo. Music was nice, corporate people dining here, moderate pricing. Honestly came here because the reviews looks great and although the food looks great, could just use a bit more seasoning. Probably won't come back here, unfortunately. For the price, I can find other areas that excel in the areas noted above.

    Hoq Restaurant - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...