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    The Stuffed Olive

    4.3 (216 reviews)
    ModerateTapas Bars, American
    Closed 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Stuffed Olive Photos

    Business Info

    THE STUFFED OLIVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Romantic
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Stuffed Olive

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    Risotto Croquettes
    Gail M.

    SO and I ordered appetizers to share, and a fancy cocktail . Everything was excellent. I had a martini made with just Deep Eddy Lemon and a drop of Limoncello. Yum . We had the stuffed mushrooms, Spanish Shrimp, Risotto Croquettes and Calamari. It was all good. Will definitely return if we come back this way. Edit: Still in Des Moines for the Senior Games. It's Monday. We can back to the stuffed Olive and found that Monday is BOGO on martinis. The list is extensive and there are no exclusions. This time we ordered Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki and another fun evening sitting at the bar, watching the very busy bartenders. Don't miss this place if you are in town!!

    Crème brûlée
    Paul S.

    Unfortunately not their best night. Typically Friday evening but both the service and timing of meal component were way off to a ridiculous level given the reputation of this spot. Appetizer bruschetta, actually came out after the the entree's had almost been finished. One of the meals was delivered a full 15 minutes after all of the others. Let's just say this was not a birthday dinner to remember. We will come back and try it again on a weeknight in a few months to see if it gets better but for now I would not be giving them a recommendation to my friends. Bummer because I had such high hopes. Maybe next time. Sometimes places just have an off night and that happens everywhere. Also win the reservation was made they were told it was a birthday dinner and not so much as event the words Happy Birthday were used by the staff. That is simple free service 101 type stuff and they even missed on that.

    Spicy Pickle Martini
    Patti M.

    The martinis are good but pricey, they do have specials on some nights. I ordered the brisket sandwich which included Cole slaw on the sandwich. The brisket wasn't terribly flavorful and the Cole slaw was on the bottom bun, under the meat, causing the bun to be soggy. Tip: this one of the establishments that charges a fee for using a credit card. They will remove it if you ask and pay with cash.

    Flirtini
    Paige G.

    Stopped by on a Monday to check out the new location on a sunny day & was surprised to find they have switched to mainly reservations only (unless it was just the day). The new design is a neat, upscale feel with some spunk. We sat on the patio area, but had a time-frame. Greated by our waitress right away with waters. Its always nice when you dont have to order one! The Martinis are always spectacular (they did shrink the menu) & the appetizers always become my meal. Mini Sliders & Tuna were the choices this time. Great potions, flavor & price. Can't go wrong with anything in my opinion.

    So many drinks to choose from, all delicious! Good is super yummy as well. They have good deals every now and then on martinis. Would recommended a recreation especially for Mondays and weekends!

    a chocolate martini
    Stephanie P.

    This place is sexy. It it dimly lit. And it has a modern vibe. We went for BOGO Martini Night and then we also had several apps...Buffalo sliders, spin artichoke dip, grilled cheese and tomato soup, cheese burger sliders, risotto croquets. Martinis, key lime, sex on the beach, white chocolate raspberry and Almond Joy. Everything was so delicious . Service was super prompt and fast. The food was exceptionally hot and the drinks were so so good! I have been here several times and it is always so good. The only thing that kinda sucks is that you only a period of time to sit and they ask you to leave because they have reservations... totally understand but sometimes you want to chat.

    Olive sampler
    Jen S.

    Excellent drinks! Food was wonderful and we had a lovely table outside. Took a star off because both rounds of drinks sat at the bar for 20 min and we had to ask for them...they were busy! Get the olive tray sampler. Quinoa bowl was amazing as was the crème brûlée.

    Rafi A.

    This resistant has so much potential. The vibe is chill, the decor is fun and interesting, and the live music on a Wednesday night was entertaining (but too loud, I couldn't talk to my guest). Unfortunately, the waiter was fairly new and couldn't get even the basics right. He forgot to place my guest's entree and never brought salt and pepper. The stuffed Olive tasted like a mouthful of salt, the presentation was sad, and the jalapeños had zero kick. The Cajun salmon was good and I appreciated the cauliflower purée. The Brussels sprouts were acceptable. They have an administrative surcharge they surprise you with, which can't be removed. I would come back for drinks, the bar scene looked fun and the live music was pretty great.

    Heidi H.

    The new location is great. I would suggest a reservation if you are headed to the civic center for a show. I have been there twice, 1 time before a civic center show and another time I met a couple of friends and sat at the bar. Before the civic center we shared 4 appetizers between the 4 of us and had some wine. The happy hour. They have seasonal cocktails and a great big menu of drinks as well. I had the smores old fashion. It was a good old fashion, but I wish it gave more "smores" my friend had the girl scout cookie-it was delicious-the bartender put a lot of effort to make this drink look spectacular. My second drink is had the chocolate covered cherry-as the patron next to said, it was dessert in a glass.

    The applecart martini!
    Tamika P.

    The elote appetizer was amazing. We had to sit at the bar because there were reservations. That felt frustrating because we were surrounded by vacant tables that we were told had upcoming reservations. After getting over that frustration, we dove into the extensive list of Martinis. Yum! Pages and pages of martinis. I had the applecart which is definitely a fall must. The poke bowl was beautifully presented and the fish fresh. The burger was good and the ambiance was very chill. The bar service was fairly slow even though there were a number of people there. So, that couple with the vacant tables that we couldn't sit at because of reservations; that experience knocked a star away. Overall though still a solid place.

    Almost Better Than Sex martini

    The martinis are the best in the city! Very friendly staff and clean establishment. I will always recommend it!

    Cajun Salmon
    Kevin P.

    If you are looking for a great cocktail/martini then you need to stop in for a few. Fast service and great drinks! Not only do they have drinks but the food is good as well! I had the Cajun salmon which came with spicy homemade sauce and risotto. If you are stopping in for food that's what I would get! Really really good and flavorful. They have live music some of the nights which was nice to watch and listen to.

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    1 year ago

    This was a lovely evening out.. good cocktails, decent food, except that they were out of the stuffed olive I wanted to try. Ah well.

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    7 months ago

    Ashley was great! She was so lovely and the spooky vibe was perfect for my friends bachelorette party!

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    1 year ago

    Yes! Just go! You won't be disappointed Excellent service, food, drinks and patio

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Stuffed Olive

    Does this have a bar that is currently allowing customers to sit & eat at?

    Yes

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    RoCA

    RoCA

    4.2(268 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    RoCA - Wine decorative partition

    Wine decorative partition

    RoCA - Pan Seared Divers Scallops

    Pan Seared Divers Scallops

    RoCA - Steak nachos

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    Steak nachos

    Table 128 - Lynn's burger-
pickled pear, brie, crispy onion, Dijon aioli, brioche bun, choice of side. Des Moines IA Lunch or Dinner

    Table 128

    4.3(292 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    My how I have missed my favorite restaurant in the Midwest! This was my first time at their new…read morelocation and it did not disappoint. Chef Lynn greeted me when I walked in and took time to chat with me. Everyone and everything here is fabulous and I will be back as often as possible. The food, service and ambiance are fabulous!

    Train wreck-in every way. We flew into Des Moines from AZ and a friend suggested this restaurant…read more We arrived at 8pm for our 8:15pm reservation. There were two other tables in the whole restaurant so needless to say it was quiet. Our server was sweet but obviously not trained on efficient and fast service but was probably encouraged to run like a bunny when things go sideways. We ordered two glasses of wine and an old fashioned. Figured I just got off of a plane so why not get the evening going with some bourbon and have a Plan B with the glass of wine when I am ready. Two glasses of wine were delivered but no old fashioned. Who does this? Anyhow, old fashioned came out next. We ordered a cup of soup and a small salad to start with and then ordered a burger, medium, with fries and the pasta bolognese. The soup and salad came out but there was a long stretch of time before entrees came out. When they finally arrived the burger was very rare inside so my wife let the server know and she apologized and scurried off. I tried to wait but it was getting cold so I slowly nibbled. After 20 minutes, I flagged down our server and asked if the burger was coming out and she said "oh, do you want another one"? It was now 9pm and they were closing but we were not leaving until we enjoyed a medium burger. When the new burger came out, she said the "owner made it himself. We cut it in half to check the temperature it was still pink. How can an owner of a restaurant not know how to make a medium-medium well burger? And why didn't he walk out and deliver it himself and apologize? Not a word! My dish was finished and plate was gone while my wife finally had her burger. We had planned to eat together that was not going to happen tonite. She ate half and we took the rest of it to go. With wine, an old fashioned and the worst dinner experience, we spent $174 with tip. Huge mistake. Here is my tip: train your servers on how to take care of customers. To the cooks, invest in a thermometer if you can't tell when a burger is medium. To the owner, step out and make sure your customers are happy and enjoying your food.

    Photos
    Table 128 - The dining room at Table 128, downtown Des Moines. Perfect for Business Lunches, Happy Hour, Date Nights, or Celebrations.

    The dining room at Table 128, downtown Des Moines. Perfect for Business Lunches, Happy Hour, Date Nights, or Celebrations.

    Table 128 - Bacon cheeseburger-
grilled beef, provolone, applewood-smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, brioche bun, choice of side

    Bacon cheeseburger- grilled beef, provolone, applewood-smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, brioche bun, choice of side

    Table 128 - Chicken salad tartine | 
yellow curry, roasted chicken, celery, cranberries, argula, marcona almonds, toasted focaccia, choice of side

    See all

    Chicken salad tartine | yellow curry, roasted chicken, celery, cranberries, argula, marcona almonds, toasted focaccia, choice of side

    Eatery A - Lavender Creme Brulee

    Eatery A

    4.1(580 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Hasn't been here for a while so we stopped in with another couple for dinner. Got right in on a…read moreTuesday without a reservation. My wife and I split a bottle of wine-they have a pretty good selection to choose from. For dinner I got the Gyro. It had chopped lamb, which was a different twist, but it was pretty good. My wife got the Hangar Steak. It was tasty and came with a generous portion of fingerling potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. The other couple got a pizza and Fig and Pear Bruschetta. Their pizzas are always good and the Bruschetta was tasty too. Our server Reagan was excellent-checked in on us regularly and was very personable. Good menu with a lot of variety. Great patio too when the weather cooperates!

    We stopped in for an early dinner and ended up leaving before even being served…read more We had our baby with us in a car seat and asked for a booth along the wall so we'd have a safe place to set him, which has never been an issue for us at other restaurants. After being initially seated in a booth that didn't fit the car seat, we asked to move to a small half booth in the (completely empty) dining room. One hostess told us that was perfectly fine, so we got settled. Shortly after, another hostess came back and asked us to move again to a standard table where the only option was placing the car seat on the floor, which we weren't comfortable with. At that point, we chose to leave. What was most disappointing wasn't the seating issue itself, but how it was handled. The restaurant was empty at the time, and the interaction felt unnecessarily rigid and unwelcoming--especially as new parents just trying to have a quick, low-impact meal. We ended up going elsewhere and had a completely different experience. Unfortunately, this visit changed our perception, and we won't be returning.

    Photos
    Eatery A - My mimosa and the bar

    My mimosa and the bar

    Eatery A
    Eatery A - Meatballs

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    Meatballs

    The Stuffed Olive - tapas - Updated May 2026

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