Best Affordable Dairy Free Restaurants in Des Moines | Affordable & Dairy Free

17 restaurants in Best Affordable Dairy Free Restaurants in Des Moines | Affordable & Dairy Free

• Cheng's Garden — Chinese: Cheng’s Garden serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the enticing scent of sizzling woks and golden-fried treasures immediately sparks the appetite. The kitchen is known for its communal Pu Pu platters overflowing with crispy crab rangoon and tender, glazed spare ribs, offering a nostalgic warmth that lingers in every hand-pleated dumpling and perfectly bronzed egg roll.
• Blue Shark Ale House — American: This vibrant social hub hums with the energy of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the aroma of golden-fried favorites and the clink of glasses set the stage for a relaxed afternoon. Guests dive into shareable mountains of loaded waffle fries and bubbling crocks of spinach artichoke dip, savoring a menu that celebrates the crunch of panko-crusted curds and the zesty heat of southwest egg rolls. It is a place where every plate is an invitation to linger, turning casual bites into a communal feast of comfort and camaraderie.
• Sakari Sushi Lounge — Japanese: Bathed in a chic, high-energy glow, this modern lounge invites guests to linger over an array of vibrant, shareable plates that celebrate bold textures and fiery flavors. From the satisfying crunch of golden-fried katsu to the indulgent warmth of creamy crab rangoon dip, every bite is a sensory celebration designed for social evenings and spirited conversation.
• Star Bar — American: This spirited neighborhood gem invites guests into a warm, bustling atmosphere where the comforting aroma of peppery gravy and buttery, golden-brown biscuits fills the air. Hearty plates of steak and mushroom hash share the table with delicate smoked salmon baguettes and vibrant goat cheese omelettes, creating a soulful brunch experience that perfectly balances rustic comfort with a modern, social energy.
• Drake Diner — American: Step into a timeless slice of Americana where the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a bustling, nostalgic sanctuary. Heaping plates of golden, fluffy omelets—from the garden-fresh Vegetarian to the meat-lover’s signature Whole Hog—arrive at cozy booths alongside classic numbered breakfast specials that define the art of the hearty morning meal. This vibrant neighborhood hub blends the clatter of silverware with the warmth of genuine hospitality, turning every visit into a celebrated tradition of comfort and community.
• Skip's — American: Skip’s invites guests into a lively, welcoming space where the hum of conversation pairs perfectly with the golden glow of perfectly crisped appetizers and communal plates meant for sharing. The kitchen balances classic comfort with bold accents, serving up everything from tender mussels bathed in savory broth to the satisfying, nutty crunch of pecan-crusted chicken strips. Whether you are tucking into zesty jalapeno shrimp or dipping into a warm, velvety bowl of spinach and artichoke dip, every bite captures the spirited essence of a quintessential neighborhood gathering spot.
• Clyde's Fine Diner — American: Clyde’s Fine Diner reimagines the classic American eatery as a stylish, high-energy haunt where nostalgic comfort meets culinary sophistication. The air hums with conversation as guests dive into playful, elevated snacks like tangy dill pickle wings and briny bloody oysters, all served alongside expertly curated charcuterie boards and gourmet takes on childhood favorites. It is a vibrant space that treats the humble chicken nugget with the same reverence as beef tartare, offering a dining experience that feels both refreshingly bold and warmly familiar.
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse — Steakhouse: This quintessential Midwestern destination captures the heart of classic dining, where the savory aroma of garlic toast and sizzling mushroom skillets drifts through a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests gather over shared plates of golden-fried pickles and smoky wings before diving into bowls of velvety clam chowder, creating a communal experience rooted in timeless comfort and generous hospitality.
• El Bait Shop — Mexican: Stepping into this high-energy sanctuary of salt and sizzle, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of golden-fried comfort and the lively, unpretentious hum of a quintessential neighborhood haunt. The kitchen elevates the art of the bar snack, turning out crispy bacon-wrapped treasures and molten cheese curds alongside their signature Velvet Elvis dip for an experience that is unapologetically indulgent. It is a place where every crunchy, savory bite is designed to be shared over cold drinks and spirited conversation, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking soul-satisfying flavors in a laid-back atmosphere.
• The Green Olive — Mediterranean: The air at this sun-drenched morning retreat is thick with the scent of sizzling ham and griddled batter, drawing locals in for a soulful start to the day. From the delicate fold of a sweet crepe to the robust, savory layers of a breakfast torta, every plate celebrates the comforting art of the classic breakfast in a space that feels like a warm neighborhood embrace.
• Felix & Oscar's — Italian: Felix & Oscar’s invites diners into a warm, convivial atmosphere where the air is thick with the savory aroma of melted cheese and golden, crisped appetizers. The kitchen excels at indulgent comfort, crafting everything from earthy Graziano’s sausage-stuffed mushrooms to decadent piles of specialty fries that turn a casual meal into a shared celebration of bold, hearty flavors.
• Urban Cellar — American: Urban Cellar unfolds as a vibrant social sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the scent of sizzling fire shrimp and savory braised pork empanadas. This modern retreat invites guests to linger over an eclectic array of shareable treasures, from the satisfying crunch of golden-fried zucchini to the rich, creamy indulgence of burrata and house-made meatballs. Every plate is a masterclass in bold textures and playful innovation, creating a spirited atmosphere where communal dining and elevated comfort flavors take center stage.
• Fresko — Mediterranean (often associated with "fresh: Fresko pulses with a vibrant energy, where the smoky perfume of the wood-fired oven mingles with an eclectic array of bold, global spices. Guests gather over shared plates of tender Moroccan skewers and charred octopus, or dive into the adventurous fusion of Thai red curry meatballs and crisp, pork-belly-flecked Brussels sprouts. It is a spirited destination that celebrates the art of the flame, offering a sensory journey through bright, fire-kissed flavors in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
• De Rice — Chinese: De Rice invites guests into a lively atmosphere where the air is fragrant with toasted spices and the satisfying crunch of golden-fried appetizers. The kitchen masterfully balances textures, pairing the delicate freshness of hand-rolled spring rolls with the rich, savory depth of Heavenly Beef and the playful sweetness of pumpkin plantain fingers. It is a vibrant culinary crossroads where bold Asian flavors and comforting classics come together to create a spirited dining experience perfect for sharing.
• Rolling Wok Cafe — Chinese: The air at Rolling Wok Cafe hums with the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the savory aroma of golden-fried treasures, inviting guests into a lively space where comfort food takes center stage. From the satisfying crunch of hand-rolled spring rolls to the tender, glazed richness of pork riblets and "heavenly" beef jerky, every dish celebrates bold, nostalgic flavors designed for sharing. It is a neighborhood gem where the simple joy of a perfectly crisped pot sticker or a creamy crab rangoon turns a casual meal into a soulful, sensory feast.
• B-Bop's — American: Stepping into B-Bop's feels like a vibrant trip back to the golden age of the American diner, where the air is thick with the savory scent of searing beef and toasted buns. Towering burgers dripping with melted cheddar and smoky BBQ sauce take center stage, complemented by the satisfying crunch of a golden-fried pork loin fritter for a meal that is unapologetically bold and nostalgic.
• Tasty Tacos — Mexican: This lively neighborhood haunt pulses with the irresistible aroma of toasted corn and slow-simmered meats, drawing guests into a space where every plate is a celebration of bold, handheld flavors. Golden nacho supremes piled high with melted cheese share the table with garden-fresh taco salads and hearty burritos, offering a satisfying harmony of textures that range from the snap of a crisp shell to the warmth of a hand-rolled enchilada. It is a vibrant sanctuary for those seeking a casual yet soul-warming feast where the simple joy of a perfectly seasoned taco takes center stage.