Motley School Tavern – American
Motley School Tavern captures a sense of playful nostalgia, blending the cozy familiarity of a neighborhood hangout with a bold, imaginative take on American comfort food. The air hums with conversation as tables fill with vibrant plates of harissa-glazed carrots, smoky chicken wings, and golden sweet potato hush puppies that perfectly balance sweet and savory notes. From the creamy indulgence of pimento cheese to the elevated crunch of a thick-cut fried bologna sandwich, every dish offers a soulful, spirited journey through reinvented tavern classics.
1903, Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50310 +15152790075 https://mstdsm.com0Cuisine: American
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Motley School Tavern
Dairy-Free at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Breakfast Hash and Deviled Eggs (5pc). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 5 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Breakfast Hash and Add Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 21 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Miso & Maple, Street Corn Dip and Deviled Eggs (5pc). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Fried Chicken, Country Time Omelet and Shrimp & Grits. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 5 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Add Bacon and Sage Sausage Omelet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 9 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Add Bacon and Sage Sausage Omelet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken and Add Bacon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern in Des Moines has 10 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sweet Chili Fried Brussels, Pammel Park Coffee and Big Grove Easy Eddy Hazy IPA. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Motley School Tavern
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded Fries | 64.7 g | 64.3 g |
| Grilled Chicken Club Salad | 24 g | 60.6 g |
| Chilaquiles Rojos | 8.4 g | 52.9 g |
| Winter Salad | 63 g | 48.7 g |
| Croque Madame | 27 g | 47.9 g |
| Fried Bologna Sandwich | 144 g | 41.8 g |
| Country Time Omelet | 7.3 g | 39.2 g |
| Pappardelle | 70.3 g | 38.7 g |
| Shrimp & Grits | 22.1 g | 32.9 g |
| Steak Salad | 26 g | 31.8 g |
| Pork Belly Bahn Mi | 67 g | 31.1 g |
| Chorizo & Avocado Omelet | 9.7 g | 30.3 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Thursday
- 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Menu
Snacks & Community
- Deviled Eggs (5pc) - $10: sriracha, dill, paprika Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Fried Bologna Sandwich - $8: house mortadella, pickle, dijon aioli Available at: dinner, lunch
- Miso & Maple - $10: miso maple glaze, root veggies, mascarpone, toasted sesame Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Figs in a Blanket - $10: cheesy potato skins, prosciutto, fig jam Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Harissa Glazed Carrots - $10: honey, mint chimichurri, feta Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Potato Hush Puppies - $10: maple mustard aioli, candied bacon bits Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Street Corn Dip - $15: smoked sweet corn, feta, lime crema, tortilla chips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Loaded Fries - $17: nacho cheese, cheddar, bacon, herbs Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pimento Cheese - $10: cheddar, peppadews, house potato chips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Chicken Wings - $17: mixed greens, choice of korean gochujang, buffalo, bbq, or thai peanut Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crunchy Onion Rings - $12: house-made ranch sauce, romesco, parm Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Chili Fried Brussels - $13: onion, cilantro, peanuts, sweet & spicy chili sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Cheap House Salad - $6: house-made ranch dressing, carrot, tomato, red onion Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Chicken Club Salad - $17.5: bacon, tomato, arcadia blend, pesto, avocado, parm Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak Salad - $21.5: creamy parm dressing, tomato, house croutons, 8 oz NY strip Available at: dinner, lunch
- Winter Salad - $17.75: maple miso dressing, butternut squash, apples, gruyere Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Sage Gnocchi - $23: sage cream, mushrooms, butternut squash, apples Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seared Salmon - $26: spicy crispy rice, pickled ginger vin, cucumbers, edamame, avocado Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle - $23: house-made pasta, mushroom jus, Luganeca sausage, parmesan Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Risotto - $24: celery root purée, glazed parsnips, mushrooms, brown butter, nutmeg Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stuffed Chicken - $23: chicken hindquarter roulade, cranberry apple stuffing, mash, red wine gravy Available at: dinner, lunch
- Winter Ratatouille - $23: squash, sweet potato, turnip, walnut pesto, house ricotta Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Sweet Potato & Walnut Veggie Burger - $15: garlic aioli, pickled veggies, cilantro, chinese 5 spice Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Belly Bahn Mi - $17: smoked pork belly, gochujang mayo, pickled veggies, herbs Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Sandwich - $16: shredded lettuce, aioli, pickles, choice of sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- MST Smash Burger - $16: american cheese, special smash sauce, griddled onions, romaine, pickles Available at: dinner, lunch
- Juicy Lucy - $16: american cheese, mayo, smoked gouda cheese sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Blue Burger - $16: blue cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thai Peanut Burger - $15: mayo, thai peanut sauce, pickled veggie, cilantro Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Brunch Specialties
- Breakfast Hash - $16: 2 eggs, potatoes, seasonal veggies, choice of meat Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, High-Fiber, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chilaquiles Rojos - $15: avocado, chicken, salsa verde, sour cream, 2 eggs Dietary tags: South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chicken Fried Chicken - $16: sausage gravy, 2 eggs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Griddled Ham Steak - $15: 2 eggs & toast Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Biscuits & Gravy - $14: true southern biscuits, sausage gravy, 2 eggs Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Shrimp & Grits - $16: stone cut cheddar grits, salsa verde, feta, crispy onion Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Croque Madame - $15: ham & gruyere grilled cheese, smoked gouda béchamel, soft egg Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Steak & Eggs - $17: 8 oz. new york strip, 2 eggs Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Sage Sausage Omelet - $14: caramelized onion, feta Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Wild Mushroom Omelet - $14: goat cheese, brussels Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Country Time Omelet - $14: ham, peppers, onions, cheddar Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chorizo & Avocado Omelet - $14: salsa verde, cilantro, feta Dietary tags: South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Egg White Omelet - $14: greens, goat cheese, peppers, bacon Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Buttermilk Pancake - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- MST Breakfast - One Egg - $10.75: choice of bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes & toast Available at: breakfast, brunch
Desserts
- Sugarplum Cake - $8: ginger wine reduction, honey mascarpone Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Tiramisu - $10: amaretto & espresso soaked lady fingers, whipped mascarpone, cocoa Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Eggnog Cheesecake - $9: gingerbread crust Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Homemade Pie by the Slice - $7 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Whole Pie - $35 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
Beverages
- Fireside Cider - $11: bourbon, apple juice, cinnamon, teddy graham syrup Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal, Juice-Cleanse
- White Christmas - $12: vodka, kahlúa, vanilla, egg white, nutmeg, half-and-half
- Advent Calendar - $12: frangelico, crème de cacao, vodka, triple sec, OJ, lemon, averna
- Lucky Dragon - $12: tequila reposado, lime, ginger, thai chili, cilantro Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Love Letter - $11: lillet blanc, lemon, orange bitters, champagne Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Blueberry Gin Fizz - $10: blueberry oleo, st. germain, lillet, egg white, lemon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Georgia Jackass - $9: peach vodka, lime, and ginger beer Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Smoke’n Rose - $11: mezcal, grand marnier, rose hip, hibiscus, lime, jalapeno Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Big Grove Easy Eddy Hazy IPA - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Exile Ruthie - $6 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Bur Oak Old 63 Pilsner - $5 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Pammel Park Coffee - $3.75 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Americano - $4.55
- Latte / Cappuccino - $4.95: chocolate, vanilla, caramel, blueberry, teddy graham Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, GERD-Friendly
- House Chai Tea Latte - $4.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Soda - $3.25: pepsi, diet pepsi, iced tea, lemonade, root beer, ginger beer, sierra mist
- Los Cardos Malbec - $10: mendoza, argentina 2024 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Diora Chardonnay - $10: 2022 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Add-ons
- Add Bacon - $1 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Add Chicken - $5 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Add Salmon - $7 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Add Shrimp - $7 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Motley School Tavern
- Is Motley School Tavern dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Motley School Tavern has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Breakfast Hash and Deviled Eggs (5pc).
- What can I eat at Motley School Tavern on a dairy-free diet?
- Add Chicken, Breakfast Hash and Deviled Eggs (5pc) carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Motley School Tavern have vegan options?
- Yes. 10 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Sweet Chili Fried Brussels and Pammel Park Coffee.
- Is Motley School Tavern gluten-free?
- 5 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Motley School Tavern?
- Loaded Fries, at roughly 64.3g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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