5 Des Moines Top Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants
These five Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants are part of a variety of top hole-in-the-wall restaurants that offer delightful culinary experiences. From the mouthwatering tenderloin sandwiches at Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop to the delectable sushi rolls at Sushi a Gogo. the scrumptious menu items at B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli. Each of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants brings its own unique charm and flavors to the table.
While Zuzap and Pita Pit may differ in cuisine, they share the same designation as two of Des Moines’ top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. These unassuming establishments have become local favorites, popular for their dedication to quality food and inviting atmospheres. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of Korea or a customizable pita bursting with freshness, these hidden gems are culinary destinations worth exploring in Des Moines.
This is why these are some of the great Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are waiting for you to discover them. This list is in no particular order.
A lot of great options are in these posts!
5 Best-Kept-Secret Restaurants in Des Moines
1) Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
Address: 1401 Army Post Rd.
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop is one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. It is a family-owned and operated establishment located in the heart of the Des Moines.
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop is renowned for its mouthwatering tenderloin sandwiches. The tenderloin is a generous, breaded pork cutlet, perfectly cooked to a crispy golden brown. Served on a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato, and a choice of condiments, their tenderloin sandwich is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
Main Menu Items:
1. “Smitty’s Classic Tenderloin”: A true fan favorite, this sandwich features the restaurant’s famous breaded pork tenderloin, accompanied by tangy pickles and a special homemade sauce, all served on a soft, toasted bun. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that keeps customers coming back for more.
2. “Cheesy Bacon Tenderloin”: For those looking to indulge, this delectable option is sure to satisfy. Smothered in melted cheddar cheese and topped with crispy bacon strips, the Cheesy Bacon Tenderloin takes the classic tenderloin to a whole new level of richness and taste.
3. “Spicy Jalapeno Tenderloin”: If you’re a fan of spicy food, this menu item is perfect for you. The Spicy Jalapeno Tenderloin features a zesty kick, with sliced jalapenos and a special spicy mayo sauce adding a flavorful punch to the tenderloin. It’s a tantalizing option for those seeking a bit of heat in their meal.
Customer Reviews:
“I stumbled upon Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop while exploring Des Moines, and I can’t believe how lucky I was! Their tenderloin sandwich was absolutely delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A hidden gem indeed!”
“This hole-in-the-wall restaurant surpassed all my expectations. The Cheesy Bacon Tenderloin was the best thing I’ve ever tasted. The combination of cheese and bacon with the tenderloin was simply heavenly!”
“Smitty’s Spicy Jalapeno Tenderloin was the perfect choice for my spicy food cravings. The jalapenos added a great kick, and the spicy mayo sauce was the ideal complement. I’ll definitely be back for more!”
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop is truly one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Located in the heart of the Des Moines and family-owned and operated, this charming eatery offers a delightful selection of tenderloin sandwiches that leave customers raving about their flavors. They are one of the best Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
From the classic tenderloin to the indulgent Cheesy Bacon Tenderloin and the zesty Spicy Jalapeno Tenderloin, there’s something for every palate. For those seeking a taste of authentic Des Moines cuisine, Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop is a must-visit destination. They rank high among the best Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants for good reasons.
2) B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli
Address: 2001 SE 6th St.
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli is one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. It is a family-owned and operated establishment located in a charming area of the Des Moines.
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli is renowned for its famous “The Ultimate G-M” sandwich. This mouthwatering creation features generous layers of thinly sliced roast beef, savory smoked turkey, and delicious cooked ham, all piled high on fresh bread with lettuce, tomato, and their special homemade sauce. It’s a sandwich that satisfies cravings and keeps customers coming back for more.
Main Menu Items:
1. “The Ultimate G-M”: This iconic sandwich is the star of the menu. With a combination of roast beef, smoked turkey, and cooked ham, along with fresh vegetables and their signature sauce, it’s a delightful and hearty choice for lunch or dinner.
2. “Italian Stallion Sub”: For those who love Italian flavors, this sub is a must-try. Packed with mouthwatering Italian salami, pepperoni, and ham, and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and zesty Italian dressing, the Italian Stallion Sub delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
3. “Gourmet Veggie Delight”: Vegetarians will be delighted by this flavorful sandwich. Loaded with a medley of fresh and grilled vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms, all drizzled with a tangy dressing, this sandwich offers a delicious and healthy option.
Customer Reviews:
“B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli is a hidden gem in Des Moines! Their Ultimate G-M sandwich is absolutely fantastic – so much delicious meat in one bite! I’ll be back for more, for sure!”
“The Italian Stallion Sub is a flavor explosion! The combination of Italian meats and dressing is out of this world. It’s my go-to whenever I crave something savory and satisfying.”
“As a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for great veggie options, and the Gourmet Veggie Delight at B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli did not disappoint! Fresh veggies and tasty dressing – it’s a winner!”
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli is truly one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Located in a charming area of the Des Moines and family-owned and operated, this eatery offers a variety of delicious sandwiches, with “The Ultimate G-M” standing out as their signature food. They are one of the popular Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every palate. If you’re in Des Moines and looking for a flavorful and fulfilling dining experience, B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli should be at the top of your list. They stand out among the popular Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
3) Zuzap
Address: 12871 University Ave #100, Clive, IA
Zuzap, one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city. This unassuming eatery is the embodiment of a cozy, family-owned and operated restaurant that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With its unpretentious atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine, Zuzap has become a popular spot for those seeking authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Zuzap is renowned for its delectable Beef Bulgogi, a Korean classic that keeps patrons coming back for more. The thinly sliced, marinated beef is grilled to perfection, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Served with a medley of fresh vegetables and steamed rice, this dish is a true testament to the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Another standout on the menu is their Spicy Kimchi Ramen. This dish combines the richness of a hearty ramen broth with the fiery kick of traditional kimchi. It’s a bowl of pure comfort, with tender noodles, succulent slices of pork, and a generous helping of kimchi that adds a delightful tang and heat to each spoonful.
For those looking to explore the fusion of flavors, Zuzap’s Bibimbap is a must-try. This Korean rice dish features a colorful array of vegetables, tender slices of beef, and a perfectly fried egg, all beautifully arranged over a bed of rice. Drizzle on some gochujang sauce for a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Main Menu Items:
1. Beef Bulgogi: Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, served with fresh vegetables and steamed rice, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
2. Spicy Kimchi Ramen: A hearty ramen broth with a fiery kick from traditional kimchi, accompanied by tender noodles, succulent pork slices, and a generous helping of tangy kimchi.
3. Bibimbap: A vibrant Korean rice dish featuring an array of vegetables, tender beef slices, and a perfectly fried egg, all served over a bed of rice and drizzled with gochujang sauce for a flavorful twist.
Customer Reviews:
“Zuzap is a hidden treasure! Their Beef Bulgogi is a flavor explosion, and the warm, family-owned ambiance makes you feel right at home.”
“I can’t get enough of the Spicy Kimchi Ramen at Zuzap. It’s the perfect comfort food with a kick. I’ve never had ramen this good!”
“Zuzap’s Bibimbap is a culinary masterpiece. The combination of fresh ingredients and the gochujang sauce is perfection. I’m a regular now!”
In the heart of Des Moines, Zuzap stands out as one of the city’s top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. With its family-owned and operated charm, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. From the mouthwatering Beef Bulgogi to the fiery Spicy Kimchi Ramen and the flavorful Bibimbap, Zuzap has earned its reputation as a must-visit culinary destination.
They are another of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to savor the authentic flavors of Korea in this cozy gem of a restaurant. They deserve to be ranked high among the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
4) Pita Pit
Address: 4212 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
Pita Pit, one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants, is a popular gem that offers a fresh and wholesome dining experience. This unassuming eatery, family-owned and operated, has become a local favorite known for its commitment to providing delicious, customizable pitas and a welcoming atmosphere.
Pita Pit’s claim to fame is undoubtedly their mouthwatering Chicken Caesar Pita. Grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of creamy Caesar dressing are wrapped snugly in a warm, freshly baked pita. It’s a flavor explosion that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Main Menu Items:
1. Chicken Caesar Pita: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and Caesar dressing, all lovingly nestled inside a warm, soft pita bread.
2. Buffalo Chicken Pita: For those craving a spicy kick, the Buffalo Chicken Pita features tender chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, complemented by crisp veggies and a cool ranch dressing.
3. Falafel Pita: A vegetarian delight, the Falafel Pita showcases crispy falafel patties, mixed with fresh veggies and drizzled with tahini sauce, all wrapped in a fluffy pita.
Customer Reviews:
“Pita Pit is my go-to spot for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Their Chicken Caesar Pita is an absolute winner, and the staff’s friendliness adds to the charm of this hole-in-the-wall gem.”
“I’m a spice lover, and the Buffalo Chicken Pita at Pita Pit satisfies all my cravings. The flavor is on point, and the pitas are always fresh. Highly recommended!”
“As a vegetarian, I’m thrilled with the Falafel Pita at Pita Pit. It’s flavorful, filling, and a great option for anyone looking for a meatless meal in Des Moines. Definitely one of the city’s hidden treasures!”
Pita Pit, one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants, offers a delightful combination of fresh and customizable pitas in a welcoming family-owned atmosphere. Their signature Chicken Caesar Pita is a standout, delivering a burst of flavors in every bite. Whether you opt for the Buffalo Chicken Pita with a spicy kick or the satisfying Falafel Pita for a meatless option, Pita Pit is a go-to spot for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal.
They are obviously one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to savor the wholesome goodness of this hidden gem in Des Moines.They have earned the rank of being one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
5) Sushi a Gogo
Address: 5500 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA
Sushi a Gogo is one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. It is a family-owned and operated sushi eatery located in a lively area of the Des Moines.
At Sushi a Gogo, their signature dish is the “Dragon Roll.” This delightful sushi roll features a combination of fresh shrimp tempura, creamy avocado, and cucumber, all wrapped in a layer of sushi rice and topped with eel and avocado slices. Drizzled with eel sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s a visually stunning and delicious roll that keeps sushi enthusiasts coming back for more.
Main Menu Items:
1. “California Roll”: A classic favorite, the California Roll is a must-try for sushi lovers. Inside the roll, you’ll find imitation crab meat, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all wrapped in a layer of sushi rice and seaweed. It’s a perfect choice for those new to sushi or anyone looking for a refreshing and tasty option.
2. “Spicy Tuna Roll”: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Spicy Tuna Roll is a great pick. This roll contains a flavorful mix of spicy tuna, crunchy cucumber, and a touch of spicy mayo, all tightly rolled in sushi rice and seaweed. It’s a flavorful and satisfying choice for spice lovers.
3. “Rainbow Roll”: The Rainbow Roll is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. This colorful roll features a variety of fresh sashimi fish, including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and shrimp, beautifully arranged on top of a California Roll. With a burst of flavors and textures, it’s a delightful sushi experience.
Customer Reviews:
“Sushi a Gogo is my go-to sushi spot in Des Moines! The Dragon Roll is a work of art and tastes as good as it looks.”
“Their Spicy Tuna Roll has the perfect amount of spiciness, and the fish is always fresh and delicious.”
“The Rainbow Roll is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds. I love the variety of fish on top!”
Sushi a Gogo is truly one of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Located in a lively area of the Des Moines and family-owned and operated, this sushi eatery offers a delectable selection of rolls, with the “Dragon Roll” standing out as their signature dish. They are one of the favorite Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
From classic favorites like the “California Roll” to more adventurous options like the “Spicy Tuna Roll” and “Rainbow Roll,” there’s something on the menu for every sushi enthusiast. For a delightful and visually stunning sushi experience, Sushi a Gogo is the place to be in Des Moines. They can definitely be counted among the favorite Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Now you know why these are some of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants just waiting for you to discover them. However, it’s important to let you know that this is not an exhaustive list of the Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants and that this list is in no particular order.
However, the journey doesn’t end here. This city is full of Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants waiting to be discovered. With plenty more Des Moines top hole-in-the-wall restaurants scattered throughout the city, there’s always something new and exciting to try. So, grab your friends and family, embark on a gastronomic adventure, and uncover the many other amazing hole-in-the-wall eateries that Des Moines has to offer.
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