This is one of our family's top five favorite restaurants in Des Moines. Why? FOOD. Excellent and diverse food choices for meat-eaters and vegetarians. We love their Reuben, burgers, wings, ice cream, etc.!! Very reasonable prices. SERVICE. We have ate here 20+ times and always had great and friendly service. The main bartender is especially awesome! The owner is really nice, too, and a good steward of the neighborhood. ATMOSPHERE. Super casual, but clean and stylish on a fun street right off the sculpture park. Only slight downside is that it is a little loud. If you need a quieter space, ask for the tables in the back corner (reserve in advance if you need). Great variety of sports including women's sports. read more

Friday night we decided to give The Walnut a try after attempting to find a table at a few other spots. It wasn't particularly busy, and by the time we settled on The Walnut as our third option, our expectations weren't especially high. My wife ordered what was similar to a rarebit burger. I tried a bite, and unfortunately, the cheese didn't have much flavor, which left the burger tasting a little bland overall. I went with the chicken Philly, which I enjoyed, but it wasn't anything that really stood out. The fries were mediocre as well. Overall, we walked away feeling a little underwhelmed and not particularly satisfied. That said, we also didn't go in with high expectations given that it was our third choice of the night. Nothing was terrible, but nothing really impressed us either. read more

See all

This place feels like a hidden gem in downtown. A great location and I've always had friendly service! Even when there's a lot of people, it's never as loud as other places which I appreciate! They have patio seating and is actually a great spot for dinner in the summer! I had the Tabasco turkey melt and it was a delicious hot sandwich! I got it with avocado which I personally think always elevates a turkey sandwich but you can also get bacon added if that's your preference. read more

See all

Well, we did stop back to get some dinner. We went on a Tuesday night before a show at Noce (across the street) and they were very busy with groups at most tables. The bar had some space, so we bellied back up to that and were well taken care of by the bar staff. I got the Rider BBQ Burger - one of the best burgers I've had in a while, and a 1/3 pound which is the right size for me. I also got a mound of Parmesean Fries as my side. My wife got the Chicken Pita with Pasta Salad for her side. The pasta salad was very creamy - just how I like it, and the maximum level for the Mrs. The chicken pita was very good - fresh chicken and veggies. Drinks and service were very good. There is a credit card service fee of about 3.5% but prices are reasonable enough otherwise that it's not too big a deal. With a lot of groups it's an active vibe, but you can still carry on a conversation. read more

4.25* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 3* 07/15/2022 Had read about this place and drove by it several times before getting the opportunity to eat there this past Summer. My wife and I decided to order several appetizers so that we could experience more on the menu. We ordered the Loco Moco (see picture) on the waiter's recommendation and really enjoyed it! The hamburger, gravy and egg combination were great together. We also ordered the Chipotle Chicken Tacos (see picture) - which we thoroughly enjoyed and would also recommend. If you are in the area, I highly recommend this place for their unique menu items. You won't regret stopping by to give it a try. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. read more

See all

Dam good food, service, atmosphere, beer! We riding our bicycles from Bain Bridge, WA to Chicago and made a stop in Des Moines. Luckily we found a nut! The Walnut was super cool! We sat outside on the patio and had some beers and a Lemon Berry libation that was delicious! Pro-Tip start with the pretzel bites and cheese dip. They are great and just the right combo of salty and cheesy on a summer day! read more

I would definitely recommend going here for happy hour and appetizers. Great drink selection. It has a cool ambiance with lots of natural light. I was not a fan of the ban on, Turkey panini. The turkey was all lumped to the middle, the bread was too toasted and hurt to eat, and there was just not any flavor besides really salty. Maybe using a different spread besides Mayo would help? Again the chips were super flavorful with some sort of cheese topping but way too salty. My husband really enjoyed the chicken pita so that's good. Parking can be a little difficult in this area as well. Overall I would recommend for drinks and snacks but probably wouldn't recommend for a full on dinner. read more

The Walnut - Chicken pita - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

My partner and I arrived around 5:30 on Friday evening. It was "seat yourself" so we found a table and waited for someone to come over with menus. Our server was a bit delayed due to helping train a new staff member. Not a problem though, it's totally understandable. The dining room we were sitting in was very open and spacious with TVs on the wall with some college basketball on. In general, it wasn't too loud of an environment, even when it filled up! The food was just okay though. We started with an order of spicy corn Fritters. Our order was in the fryer for a minute or two too long and unfortunately the filling was a bit bland, not spicy or favorable like the name of the dish insinuates. Our meals came and I ordered the portobello sandwich and parm fries. The sandwich was AWESOME. Very flavorable and I really enjoyed how the portobello was prepared. The parm fries were also very good. They were super crispy without being overcooked. The side of Wasabi cucumber was a bit disappointing though. It was a nice cucumber salad but there was no Wasabi flavor to be had. Similar to the corn Fritters, my desire for some spice/heat was unfulfilled. My partner enjoyed her house salad; however the Mac and cheese was rather bland and lacked the creamy garlic qualities that she expected. Overall we enjoyed our experience but might wait to give it another shot for now. Main advice for the establishment is to season, season, season. read more

See all

Food is great. One of my new favorite places to get lunch to go on Fridays. Have now recommended this to others multiple times.

This is good! Loved the kalua pork sliders. Pork was tender, cabbage was sliced thinly and sauce was sweet but not overpowering. Loved the lemongrass soup. It was light and the garlic didn't dominate the dish. Al pastor burger was great. It had a slight spiciness to it. I think it could have a little more flavor but still very good! Service was a little slow but server was attentive and explained that they are normally not busy during the lunch hour. Second visit was even better! The wasabi was pretty strong in the cucumber salad. The gluten free burger bun was fantastic. Pork belly appetizer was great. Everyone loved their meal. read more

See all

Upgraded pub fare in an industrial chic location. There is a big range of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Had the burning burger, which was quite tasty and had a bit of a kick to it with spicy ketchup. Also tried the chipotle chicken taco which was good but nothing special. Service was friendly but they brought out the wrong drink for two people in our party, and by the time they brought the correct order out we had finished eating. read more

The Walnut - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Downtown Des Moines needs restaurants like this, it seems like a hip place to be a regular at. The fare is delicious. I had the chicken Philly and it was great. my friend had the pesto pasta and it was rich and delicious. I wish I could give them 4 stars, but our server didn't seem like she was enjoying her job that night. maybe it was us, she seemed friendly with the table next to us, but we got the feeling that she didn't want another outdoor table that night. read more

Got our order for pick up. Overall it is an okay place. We got the Spicy Corn Fritters that were flavorful almost reminded me of a curry flavor. It's not too spicy by does have a kick to it. The Mediterranean Chicken Wrap was decent. It was lacking in portion of filing to pita, as you can tell in the picture but the flavor was there, light and fresh tasting. The pasole was probably my favorite as it had a good meaty flavor packed with hominy and tender shredded meat! The loco Moco is rice topped with a meat burger patty, and Loco Moco sauce and a nice over easy egg. Savory and a good amount of black pepper for taste. It was a little lacking in the umami flavor but nothing a little salt couldn't fix. Finally the cucumber salad. It was my second favorite as a side to the heavy foods. It was fresh crisp and a slight kick to it with the wasabi. read more

See all

One of my favorite places downtown! The sesame ginger noodle salad was amazing. Super flavorful and refreshing. The drinks were great as well. The owner was extremely friendly, and the atmosphere was great. Will definitely come back. read more

The Walnut - Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We went to the Walnut this weekend with high hopes for a night out with friends. We were not disappointed! The atmosphere was light and enjoyable. We had Buffalo chicken dip, the Royal Bird, and the Completo (one of the best hot dogs I've ever had.) Just a heads up, we did have to wait a while for our food. read more

It took me forever to get here. I have been in the area so much just never had a chance to stop in for a bite or a brew! But last night luck was on my side! I got into a sold out show at Noce and had time for a quick bite and brew across the street at the Walnut! First thing I thought was fun, was in the bathroom they had a photo of their old food truck the SPOT and I spotted some pals in it.. That is always fun! Anyway the place is kinda loud, big and open and I didn't know if it was me but I thought it was super loud and kinda reverberating off the walls! Anyway, I ordered some black bean soup without the cheese so it was vegan and it was delish, I got the bowl which for normal folks would have probably been enough but I was kinda hungry.. So I stole a bite or to of the vegan tacos next to me.. They were also good! Beer prices a bit higher than some places, but the food was good, as was the service and I dug watching the many tv's in the joint! read more

The Walnut - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Food is always consistently cooked fresh, affordable, and great atmosphere! Definitely recommend!

The food was amazing along with the drinks. It's a chill little spot if you like to chill eat and talk.

So dang good. I get the chicken Philly and you can thank me later... I wasn't sure how it would be with the cream cheese, but boy oh boy it gives it such a nice velvety flavor and texture. The pretzel bites are also INSANE. Highly recommended. read more

The Walnut - Chicken Philly and Parmesan fries. - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

I hesitate to write a review because of this is such a quiet, excellent find! The atmosphere encourages you to hang out and chat. The food was amazing and a great price, even as al a cart. The pretzel bites...yum (add a beer and double yum!) I had the Mediterranean chicken pita and cucumber wasabi salad- delicious. Service was spot on and not hovering. Going back and bringing friends! read more

The Walnut - Mediterranean chicken pita and wasabi cucumber salad - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

NEW FAVORITE DES MOINES SPOT! My partner and I have been here twice now, and we are meeting friends here for dinner tonight. We love the various sandwiches we have had so far. The royal bird is an awesome grilled chicken sandwich with various fancy touches. Really everything we have had here has been super solid with unique things that have elevated relatively common fare (sandwiches, salads, soups, etc) into really delicious meals. My partner said it was possibly the best burger in DSM after he ate the West Coast burger last time we went. I'm excited to go back and try more things. Service has always been prompt and friendly, and the space is super neat and open. We are so happy we found this place. THANK YOU, WALNUT STAFF! read more

See all

Cool atmosphere and great food - casual dining and a nice bar/patio area. Burgers, sandwiches, salads and vegan options. read more

The Walnut - Chicken philly - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Love that this place is in our neighborhood. Tasty items on the menu. It's a great place to pop in and have a beer while you hang and munch!

Great location and really good food with a casual environment. Staff is friendly and always a good selection of local area beers

Fantastic atmosphere, large and accommodating well-lit space, nicely treated and enjoyable environment - menu is excellent tho quite expensive without much reasons for it. Nothing huge or organic or special or offering that zesty special sauce for commanding $15 to fill up the hungry me. Main thing was the service and wait which also seemed to be for little reason, wasn't busy at all when we showed up, maybe 5 people total eating besides us. We ordered at 12:01 and didn't get food til 12:40. We only ordered a burger and wrap and given the meager take-outs and non-rushed staff we saw, can only figure the two people we saw where also taking carry out calls, cooking, and waiting. Food did eventually arrive perfectly made as you can see in my photos! Yet. Hardly a comment was made for our time, she mumbled something about getting us a free desert (she didn't) and also took her sweet time (wished for a sweet desert) to bring us the bill and cashout. Put a damper on the well tasty food even at these prices wouldn't have minded much but these guys have got to sort out their Friday service. read more

See all

Met friends for lunch on a a Tuesday, they weren't crowded and you seat yourself upon entry. It has a nice open space I really liked because each table isn't right next to the next one. The food was delicious we did egg rolls and buffalo chicken dip for the table and we all enjoyed both items. My friends both went with the Mediterranean salad which they said was really good, loaded with fresh locally sourced ingredients. I went with the blue cheese burger and it was flavorful and cooked perfectly. The service was a bit slow as far as taking our order and bringing the checks, for the amount of customers in the establishment but the food was so good we all agreed that we would definitely put this place in our lunch/brunch rotation.. read more

The Walnut - Menu - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

The Walnut has potential. (I like to start with the positives). Potential and a beautiful physical building in an up-and-coming neighborhood. I understand The Walnut started as a food truck. The food, in that context, would be great. The food is very flavorful and well-prepared, but it is on the meager side and served in a plastic tray with paper boats (for sharing). (The pork sliders were REALLY good!) The silverware is a fork and a napkin. The menu is pretty sparse. Sandwiches don't come with a side (everything is ala carte). The beer selection is pretty good. Service was a little wonky but that's to be expected in a new venue. Overall, it's not great, but not bad. They seem to just need a little push to cross over from a truck to a real restaurant. I will go back to see how/if it improves! read more

The Walnut - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Been here a few times now and never really had a bad experience. They have a few vegan options which is always great and rotating beers on tap. The portions aren't the biggest so I wouldnt come expecting a 4 course meal but its always been enough for me. I really like the veggie tacos!! Its a pretty nice and big space, would probably be a great spot for a party. The bathrooms were clean and employees very friendly and helpful! read more

See all

Went to The Walnut on Saturday night. The place wasn't very busy but the service was great and the food was very good. I would recommend this place, the food and drinks were very good and the staff was great. read more

Favorite place. Always the best service and food. We eat there several times a week. Great patio

The Walnut has a great happy hour. I would recommend trying it out. We had two appetizers and and wine and beer. I believe appetizers are a $1 off and the beer and wine are discounted along with call liquor. The pretzel and cheese sauce app was amazing as was the pork sliders! The wait staff was knowledgeable and very attentive! The atmosphere is a bit stark but I think that is the vibe they were trying to achieve. read more

See all

I was a huge fan of The Spot Food Truck. So when I heard that their new brick and mortar restaurant just opened, I had to check it out. Cause I knew it would be good. I was right. It is even better than I thought. I arrived around 12:30 me and was able to get a seat. I scoured their impressive sandwich menu while I drooled all over the table. I found picking a sandwich here is harder than I thought. Should I go with a familiar fav or something I can't take my eyes off of. It actually took me a few games of eeny meeny miny moe to decide. When lady luck finally chose, the Kalua Pig was the final winner--hand-pulled kalua pig, cabbage, a plum sauce served on two slices of Hawaiian sweet bread. The pork was juicy and the plum sauce was knock your socks off good. The only problem I had was the bread. It disintegrated when I picked the sandwich up and I felt that when I ate everything all together it took away from overall flavor of the dish. Their sandwiches don't come with sides. But they do have a nice selection of a la carte sides to choose from. I couldn't pick just one, so I chose the stuffed mushrooms and the mac & cheese. I highly recommend both. The mushrooms came on a skewer and had a sweet and sour sauce, I believe, on them. They absolutely melted in my mouth. The best stuffed mushrooms i have had in a long while. I was disappointed they only gave me three. This dish stole the show. The mac & cheese was perfectly seasoned (for me this is rare when I order this dish at other restaurants) and were fantastic (another restaurant rarity for me). I recommend this as well. This is a place that is worth going to again. read more

See all

I truly love this place. It's got a great vibe and atmosphere to it, friendly staff and delicious food. It's a great space to meet for happy hour, have a date, or catch the game. The pretzel bites are absolutely delish and I order them every. single. time. I'm also a big fan of the West Coast Burger. They've got some great Moscow Mules, cocktails and local beers. I love that you can come for a business meeting or a meeting with friends. It's a laid-back and approachable restaurant that still seems like a hidden gem to find (and enjoy) on Walnut Street. read more

The Walnut - These pretzel bites are liiiiife! ft a delicious cucumber mule. - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Had an amazing late meal with my family. I LOVED the service. There wasn't a ton to chose from, but what was there was original and yummy! :) Even though the menus a little small I was able to find plenty of vegetarian options. I recommend the Mac and cheese! read more

What a great bar and grill. We had the Buffalo Chicken Dip. So yummy. Just the right amount of spice! Staff is very friendly and attentive. Supporting local! read more

The Walnut - Buffalo Chicken Dip - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went for a drink with my wife on Wednesday. We were going to eat too. Sat at the bar. Total of 4 customers in the place. We were ignored for 5 minutes....and when we did get served....we had a monotone male bartender who simply didn't make I feel like staying. We left. read more

I had a great surprise today when I visited the Walnut for lunch. I was on Walnut Street and was looking for somewhere new to try when I stumbled upon the walnut. According to their history on the menu they started as a food truck, and I can see in their menu where that might have been the origin, but it was not the end of the story. The modern industrial vibe works well in their space and with the history of their building. They had several specials including a lunch drink special. I tried the burger al Pastor, which is a pork burger marinated in al Pastor spices served with grilled pineapple and cilantro. It was delicious! I ordered an ala cart side of the sweet Maui onion potato chips, and they were delightful as well. Had I been unsure of my choices, the wait staff was very knowledgeable and helpful with food combinations. The only downside for me was maybe a charming piece for other people. The food was served in a basket, and with the industrial modern ambience of the restaurant, I would've liked something more substantial. Like unique plateware or something more industrial reminiscent than a plastic burger basket. But it does harken back to their food truck origins. A great place to eat, especially at lunch when the crowd was very sparse, but with a consistent flow of customers. I will be back and I will bring more people next time! read more

The Walnut - Sports Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

The atmosphere was casual, with several TVs, loud music, and customers dressed anywhere from casual to business casual. The service was good overall, but could have been a little bit more responsive at times. The Royal Bird sandwich was delicious with high quality crispy chicken. The Mediterranean Chicken Pita was wonderful, mostly due to the flavorful herb vinaigrette. The Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese had penne noodles and was very creamy with just the right amount of cheese. read more

I've been here for lunch on weekdays a handful of times, and I've never been disappointed. The first few times I tried sandwiches or burgers, but most recently I got the Sweet & Spicy Vegan Bowl, and it was so good! I loved all the sautéd peppers and the crunchy sprinkle of walnuts. I really enjoy the food at The Walnut because it's fresh, flavorful, and filling (without making you feel gross and greasy like some sandwich/burger places can). Surprisingly quiet most days, you can expect speedy service too. read more

I was really disappointed in this place. My husband and I went here on a date night after reading a lot of good reviews. The atmosphere was industrial/modern with some TVs and it was nice, though the music was a bit loud in my opinion. Mostly I was unimpressed with the food. I ordered the mediterranean chicken salad and it wasn't bad, but it was really small. I think it was the size of a side salad for $9. My husband ordered one of the burgers and he felt it was very mediocre. We both left hungry. I don't really understand all of the great reviews. Very mediocre and really small portions. read more