Something’s happening in the Drake University neighborhood. The once not-really-a-college-town locale has developed into a thriving hotspot attracting new bars, restaurants, and events to cater to the neighborhood’s growing 20-something population. Larry James Jr., co-owner of Mars Café, filled us in on some recent additions Dogtown-lovers are excited about:

 

10. 21, sushi bar

2314 University Ave.
(515) 369-SAKE (7253)

Midnight sushi cravers, rejoice. Back in July, 21, the “Home of Sake Bombs,” made its way into the Drake neighborhood as the premier sushi place that’s open until 2 a.m. Located in the former spot of Frank’s Pizza, 21 literally offers 21 items on its menu, including sushi rolls and handmade appetizers. The fully-stocked bar and energetic wait staff give this joint a fun and lively atmosphere, making it a fine fit for this young-adult filled area.

 

9. Bicycle-friendly additions

You can thank the City of Des Moines for installing a number of U-shaped bike racks that are now peppered throughout the neighborhood, with many on Forest Avenue and between 23rd and 25th Streets on University Avenue. A designated bike route paves the way for heavy-peddlers to go from downtown to Dogtown in a cinch — just cross over Cottage Grove from Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to 25th Street.  

 

8. A new market is moving in

Erin Stover, 26, and her husband are in the process of purchasing a house in the Drake neighborhood. If they secure the spot, they’ll be moving from Urbandale. “We want to be closer to downtown,” Stover says. “And our decision [to move to Dogtown] has a lot to do with the local businesses there.” Matthew Shwery, 24, grew up in Waukee but moved to Dogtown two years ago also because of its close proximity downtown. “It provides an urban feel, while still being neighborhood-friendly,” Shwery says. The historic neighborhood’s unique architecture, growing bicycling community, and a community garden plot on MLK (which was started by Stover’s husband) also are major selling points for the neighborhood, Shwery adds.

 

7. Parking on University Avenue

Getting towed sucks. But getting towed during rush hour is even worse. The City of Des Moines has changed parking restrictions between 23rd and 25th streets on University so the 4 to 6 p.m. towing is no longer an issue. Instead, there’s a two-hour limit at all times. Easy enough.

                                                                                              

6. Woody's Smoke Shack’s new patio

2511 Cottage Grove Ave.
(515) 277-0005

This summer, Woody’s Smoke Shack opened a 6-foot, fence-enclosed patio that seats 24 people and hosts bluegrass or blues bands every Wednesday night. The smoked-meats restaurant is BYOB, so bring a bottle of wine or beer. By the end of September, Woody’s plans to build a roof over part of the patio so that patrons can enjoy the new spot, rain or shine.

 

5. You can follow Dogtown on Twitter: @dog_town, @woodysmokeshack, @flygraphicstyle, @marscafe, @kumandgo, @charactercounts, @bombshellbetty2, @iowacci, @drakeneighbor.

 

4. Drake Neighborhood’s Farmer's Market

The farmer’s market in the Drake neighborhood may not be able to compete with the one downtown, but it continues to grow each year. From June through September, stop at the market between 4 and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in the parking lot of First Christian Church between 25th Street and University Avenue for Iowa-grown produce, farm-raised poultry and eggs, baked goods, gifts, and crafts. On Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. check out the Holiday Harvest Market inside First Christian Church. Items for sale include cider, apples, squash, pies, cookies, candy, homemade noodles, jams, nuts, honey, jellies, jar gifts, holiday supplies, greens, gifts, decorations and ornaments. The summer market will resume next year on June 2.

 

3. Cruiser Bike Nights

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., bring your bike to the Drake neighborhood’s Farmer’s Market and get ready to ride. The Dogtown Business Association initiated Cruiser Bike Night, which consists of a half an hour cruise around town and a stop at a local business for some cold beverages or some grub, so more bicyclists can enjoy the neighborhood.

 

2. Dogtown Fest

Head to Dogtown on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Dogtown Fest featuring music, art, food, beer, vendors and kids’ activities. Located on University between 23rd and 25th streets and south of University to Best Place Ever, the festival will resume this year after a three-year hiatus. The neighborhood is only charging $25 for booth space plus $25 for electricity for non-food vendors. (Food vendors need to supply their own electricity). Musicians scheduled to perform include: Cashes Rivers, Beati Paoli, Maxilla Blue, Menlo, Finn Miles, and Curry & Red.

1. The “Dogtown” name

The Drake Area Business Association is working to bring back the traditional name "Dogtown” to represent the commercial area surrounding Drake University. Banners were raised this summer to mark the neighborhood’s sprawl. Expect to see a spanking-new Web site soon. And the community members are hard at work preparing for the namesake festival.