Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines

Food was excellent as always. There was a slight delay in initial service due to our server working with a large table elsewhere in the restaurant when we were seated. Not a big deal but partway through our meal he let me know that they would comp the lovely bottle of Brunelo I had selected. I told them that this was completely unnecessary but he insisted. This attention to detail and commitment to service really sets 801 Chop House apart from most other restaurants. Of course the food was delicious and the steaks were perfect but I really appreciate the restaurant's care for its patrons. A cherry on top happened as we were walking out and another staff we had not met - front of house director perhaps - thanked us again and apologized for the service delay. Seriously! There are few finer restaurants in the state of Iowa and no finer steak houses.

The service for ordering food and drinks was perfect. Our server was pleasant and accommodated dietary needs with a smile. All plates were delivered with excellent presentation and the right temperature. Getting until and paying took a bit longer than I expected but wasn’t excessive.

Downtown Des Moines @ 6th & Mulberry Streets = the fabulous Surety Hotel, which includes Mulberry Street Tavern ... the name sounds casual, but the cuisine is well-studied and so enjoyed! We were warmly greeted by Brianna Luck and served beyond expectation by Andrea Humbert. Many thanks to the entire time @ Mulberry Street Tavern for extending a warm welcome and unforgettable menu to your community on Christmas Day 2025. Thank you for the gift of a wonderful dining experience; we plan to return often!

Honestly the wait staff was great and kind, they just didn’t have many food options left and they kept bringing wrong drinks to the table. With as busy as it was and how large our party was I felt they did do a fantastic job and that aside, everything else was exceptional.

Great bar! Only thing is we saw it was happy hour between 5-7pm but we got there at 645pm and was told it was over. Drinks were still great!