From shopping in the East Village to a winter wonderland of lights at an amusement park, Des Moines is full of family-friendly activities during the holidays. Take a ride on a train with Santa or skate the night away under the stars. Or just nibble your way around the city. Here are some great ideas to get you into the holiday spirit in Des Moines.
Christmas is fast approaching. For a holiday season filled with so many fun activities like decorating, caroling and attending ugly sweater parties, making dinner can seem like such a chore.
But the metro has plenty of options where you can enjoy a stress-free meal on Christmas Day. That way, you can focus on spending time with loved ones and opening presents instead.
Here's the list of restaurants in Des Moines that are open on Christmas, serving a wide variety of cuisine. Most are walk-in friendly unless otherwise noted.
Angry Goldfish
Angry Goldfish is open for every holiday. Owners Renee and Clark Way will be on hand with their dedicated team. Guests can order favorites from the full regular menu like spicy angry goldfish crackers, the merlot mushroom burger with Swiss cheese and the sweet pig mac and cheese with candied bacon crumbles. There will be $1 off on any whiskey drink you order.
Location: 2301 SW Ninth St., Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 288-2358; angrygoldfishdsm.com; Facebook
House of Hunan
Enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine in a casual atmosphere at House of Hunan. From potstickers and egg drop soup to your favorite dishes of chicken, beef or lo mein, you’re sure to find something delectable.
Location: 6810 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: (515) 276-5556; houseofhunania.com; Facebook
Triple Crown Buffet
On Christmas Day, enjoy buffets for breakfast (adults, $20.95; children, $10.95) or for brunch and dinner (adults, $26.95; children, $13.95).
Breakfast and brunch buffets will be served in The Meadows Events Center. All buffets will feature prime rib. Call for reservations.
Location: Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona
Hours: Christmas Day - Breakfast, 7-9 a.m.; Brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner, 2-10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 967-1282; prairiemeadows.com;
AJ’s Steakhouse
Feeling lucky this Christmas? Head to Prairie Meadows casino and hit the jackpot (of cuisine).
Location: Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: (515) 957-3535; prairiemeadows.com
Two Rivers Grille
Two Rivers Grille will be open on Christmas Day. Call for reservations.
Location: West Des Moines Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Hours: 2-11 p.m. However, they may delay opening until 3 p.m., so call beforehand.
Contact: (515) 267-1500; (515) 457-3223; marriott.com; Facebook
Baker's Square Restaurant & Bakery
Pick up a last-minute pie or enjoy the full menu on Christmas Day at Bakers Square. From skillets and scramblers to salads, burgers and more, your entire family can enjoy a bite to eat.
Location: 1310 N.W. 114th St., Clive
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact: (515) 224-0808; bakerssquare.com; Facebook
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
From the Jordan Creek area to Des Moines' south side, stop into one of Perkins' seven metro locations for baked goods, breakfasts foods and other American classics.
Locations:
- 2425 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines; (515) 266-2212
- 2000 S.W. McKinley Ave., Des Moines; (515) 285-2970
- 4601 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines; (515) 278-0468
- 8601 Hickman Road, Des Moines; (515) 276-9267
- 2621 Adventureland Dr., Altoona; (515) 957-9900
- 714 S.E. Oralabor Road, Ankeny; (515) 965-6800
- 1224 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines; (515) 223-5716
Hours: Call the restaurant before going. Most locations are open 24 hours, but some will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact: perkinsrestaurants.com; Facebook
Denny's
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, head to Denny’s. They're open all day on Christmas.
Location: 11820 Hickman Road, Clive
Hours: 24 hours
Contact: (515) 331-0249; dennys.com; Facebook
Village Inn
Eat your favorite breakfast foods on Christmas. This family-friendly chain is staying open on Christmas to help you and your loved ones celebrate. Enjoy American classics such as chicken-fried steak or a burger and fries.
Locations:
- 1140 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines; (515) 287-5254
- 2300 University Ave., West Des Moines; (515) 223-0010
- 8510 Birchwood Court, Johnston; (515) 727-6440
- 3410 Eigth St. SW, Altoona; (515) 967-9095
- 1024 E. First St., Ankeny; (515) 963-0630
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: villageinn.com; Facebook
IHOP
Enjoy an infinite array of breakfast dishes all day along with signature burgers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. And pancakes, of course.
Locations:
- 4807 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines; (515) 953-5800
- 6301 Douglas Ave., Urbandale; (515) 331-0556
- IHOP in West Des Moines and Ankeny will be closed
Hours: 24 hours
Contact: ihop.com;
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
Bring your family to Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet for a Christmas feast. The restaurant is known for serving Japanese, Asian, Chinese and American cuisine. The buffet is $13.99 and drinks can be purchased separately.
Location: 1801 22nd St., West Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: (515) 267-8383; hibachigrilliowa.com; Facebook
Pho 515
Pho 515 is a Vietnamese café serving noodle soup, banh mi bread, and more. Pho 515 will be opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Location: 801 University Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact: (515) 243-2434;Facebook
La Mie Elevate
Enjoy beverages, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and more at La Mie Elevate.
Location: 601 Locust St., Des Moines
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: (515) 243-1835; Facebook
Rock River Grill & Tavern
Rock River Grill & Tavern is located inside of Marriott Downtown serving breakfast, lunch, and cocktails.
Location: 700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: (515) 558-6730; marriott.com; Facebook
Mash + Marrow
Mash + Marrow also is located in Marriott Downtown in the Great Room of the hotel. Try a variety of flatbread, fork and knife dishes, desserts, and drinks.
Location: 700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 4 p.m. to Midnight
Contact: (515) 245-5691; marriott.com; Facebook
Los Laureles
Los Laureles creates traditional Mexican and Latin American dishes.
Location: 1518 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 265-2200; Facebook
Liberty's
At the Embassy Suites, Liberty's is an Iowa grill earning its name from the state motto: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."
Location: 101 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact: (515) 559-5835; Embassysuites3.hilton.com; Facebook
La Cuscatleca
La Cuscatleca has been serving Salvadorean dishes in Des Moines since 2012.
Location:1240 E. 14th St., Des Moines
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: (515) 262-1158; Facebook
Haiku
Haiku is a sleek lounge with a full bar serving sushi rolls and Thai cuisine.
Location: 1315 31st St., Des Moines
Hours: 12-8 p.m.
Contact: (515) 277-6704; haikudesmoines.com; Facebook
Cheng's Garden
Cheng's Garden serves a variety of Chinese dishes, including moo shu, lo mein, mai fun, and more.
Locations:
- 1246 E. 14th St., Des Moines; (515) 262-1999
- 3708 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines; (515) 276-2188
- 4214 Fleur Dr., Suite 2, Des Moines; (515) 953-6249
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Merle Hay Road location. Hours vary at other locations, so call ahead.
Contact: chengsgardenchinese.com; Facebook
New Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
New Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant includes lunch specials for dine-in or takeaway.
Location: 4120 University Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Contact: (515) 279-4711; hongkongdesmoines.com
Gazali's Mediterranean Grill
Try Mediterranean dishes, gyros and falafel. Gazali's Mediterranean Grill will only be serving lunch.
Location: 1205 25th St., Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact: (515) 309-9167; Facebook
Panka Peruvian Restaurant
Diverse Peruvian cuisine with many ingredients, including seafood.
Location: 2708 Ingersoll Ave., Suite 200, Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.
Contact: (515) 244-1430; pankadsm.com; Facebook
Scopri Restaurant
Scopri Restaurant serves unique Italian cuisine located at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel.
Location: 401 Locust St., Des Moines
Hours: 7 a.m. to noon
Contact: (515) 244-2151; www.marriott.com
Hana Ramen Sushi
Hana Ramen Sushi is a yellow dining room with a full bar offering sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Location: 7450 Bridgewood Boulevard, #205, West Des Moines
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 4:30-10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 222-9998; hanaramensushi.com; Facebook
Samurai Sushi and Hibachi
Samurai Sushi and Hibachi's name is self-explanatory in the dishes the establishment serves, which is sushi and hibachi-style Japanese cuisine.
Location: 7125 Mills Civic Parkway, #110, West Des Moines
Hours: 12-9 p.m.
Contact: (515) 223-4888; samuraidsm.com; Facebook
Dragon House East
Affordable prices for Chinese cuisine for dine-in or take-out meals.
Location: 2470 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 262-0722; dragonhousedesmoines.com; Facebook
Le's Chinese Bar-B-Que
Combining the love of BBQ and Chinese cuisine, Le's Chinese Bar-B-Que is open on Christmas for dine-in or take-out.
Location:1600 2nd Ave., Des Moines
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: (515) 244-6111; Facebook
Is your restaurant open on Christmas Day and you don't see it on this list? Please email Sierra Porter to have your restaurant added.
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