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At Des Moines Downtown Vista, we’ve partnered with some of the city’s most loved restaurants, shops, and wellness providers to offer our guests exclusive access to the best of Des Moines. Explore local flavors, unique boutiques, and indulgent experiences right at your fingertips.
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AURA
Aura Restaurant and Lounge is a locally owned and operated hidden gem nuzzled into the West side of Des Moines. New owners Jason Krull and Cephus Wright II, along with a passionate staff, are committed to ensuring your night out be a memorable one.
Our mission is to provide our guests with an elevated experience.
Our dining menu is both expansive and expertly crafted, with our chefs bringing together a vast portfolio of past experience and a willingness to be bold in order to present dishes both delectable and delicious. Our menu offerings range from fresh twists on New American Fine Dining to worldly dishes inspired from Asia, Europe, and South America. As every expertly cooked steak deserves the perfect glass of wine to pair with it, so does our bar program to our kitchen. Utilizing some of the brightest minds in wine, we have constructed a diverse portfolio of fantastic wines from all across the globe, available at a consumer-conscious price. Our cocktail program features seasonal creations, house-perfected cocktails, and a fully-stocked bar with some of the best spirits available.
So, whether it’s lunch time, happy hour, a date night, a birthday, a business dinner, or even a bite of dessert with a cocktail at the end of the night, make your next night better at Aura Restaurant and Lounge.
Ceviche
Located in Des Moines' East Village, Ceviche Bar offers an authentic Cuban dining experience. Their menu features classics like the Cubano sandwich and refreshing ceviche, complemented by handcrafted cocktails such as Mojitos. The vibrant atmosphere and traditional Cuban decor make it a must-visit spot for those seeking a taste of Havana in the heart of Iowa.
Eatery A
Located on Ingersoll Avenue, Eatery A is a Des Moines destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. They perfect simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to midnight, and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm, with a daily happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm.
St. Kilda
St. Kilda Café & Bakery in Clive offers an Australian-inspired dining experience with all-day breakfast and lunch. Enjoy healthy, modern dishes, fresh-baked pastries, and artisanal coffee drinks featuring Counter Culture Coffee. Open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, it's a perfect spot for a delightful meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bubba
Located at 200 10th Street in downtown Des Moines, Bubba offers Southern comfort food with a local flair. Their menu features chef-driven comfort food complemented by craft cocktails, microbrews, and wines. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Southern hospitality in the heart of Iowa.
Harbinger
Harbinger, located at 2724 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, offers a vegetable-focused small plates menu inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. Their seasonally changing dishes highlight locally sourced ingredients, providing a unique dining experience. Open daily from 4 pm, with happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm. Reservations are recommended.
Located in Des Moines' historic East Village, HOQ Restaurant offers a sustainable farm-to-table dining experience. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations can be made by calling 515-244-1213 or online.
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Pure Luxe Apothecary
Pure Luxe Apothecary, based in Iowa City, specializes in small-batch, 100% natural skincare and wellness products. Since 2014, they've been transforming daily routines into rejuvenating rituals with luxuriously clean, non-toxic formulations. Their offerings include face and body care items crafted from the finest botanical ingredients. You can explore their products online or find them at local markets, including Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market.
Skin Iowa
Skin Iowa, P.C., located at 1045 76th Street, Suite 1050, in West Des Moines, offers a comprehensive range of medical and cosmetic dermatology services. Their experienced team provides treatments such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, laser procedures, and skin cancer screenings. With a commitment to personalized care, Skin Iowa helps clients achieve healthy, rejuvenated skin. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 515-223-0119.
Eden
Eden Spa, located at 418 East 6th Street in Des Moines' East Village, offers personalized treatments to enhance your well-being. Their services include facials, body treatments, and waxing, all tailored to your skin's needs. The spa operates Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments can be booked online or by calling (515) 282-0669.
Elevencherry Salon
Located at 106 11th Street in Des Moines, Elevencherry Salon is a collective of independent, experienced stylists specializing in services such as balayage, curly hair, and bridal styling. Each stylist offers personalized services to cater to diverse client needs. The salon also features The Atelier, a teaching space where emerging stylists collaborate with seasoned professionals, providing clients with quality services at accessible prices. To explore their services or book an appointment, visit their website.
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Kin
KIN, located at 333 E Grand Ave, Suite 106, in Des Moines' East Village, is a modern mystical shop specializing in vintage and contemporary jewelry, crystals, and intentional goods. Established in 2017, this woman-owned boutique offers a curated selection of items to enhance daily life and personal rituals. Whether you're seeking a unique piece of jewelry or exploring metaphysical supplies, KIN provides a thoughtful and inviting shopping experience.
Sticks
Sticks, established in 1992 in Des Moines, creates handcrafted, folk-inspired furniture and home décor. Their unique pieces are finely crafted from birch, poplar, and driftwood, featuring hand-drawn imagery and vibrant paint. Visit their East Village location at 400 E Locust Street, Suite 12, to explore their distinctive collection.
Indie House
Indie House, situated at 516 E Grand Ave in Des Moines' East Village, is a boutique interior design studio and home furnishings shop. They offer personalized design services and a curated selection of furniture, decor, lighting, and more. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling (515) 243-9188.
Bing's
Bing's, located at 213 5th Street in West Des Moines' Historic Valley Junction, is a woman-owned gift shop offering a curated selection of items designed to bring joy. Their inventory includes art poles, humorous socks, games, books, and unique gifts. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. For more information, visit their website at bingsdsm.com.