The new Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop screams summer in the city — err, suburbs, in just two words: Rooftop patio. The breezy upper deck has its own bar and is poised to be the place to have a few drinks and watch the sun go down this season. (Smoking is allowed.) A second no-smoking patio on the lower level spills out from the lofty dining room, where plenty of flat screens are tuned to sports and stocks. The atmosphere, with black tufted booths, highboys, a sleek bar and even a deejay booth in the corner is completely cosmopolitan without seeming too clubby for daylight. A photo mural of the Wellman’s on Ingersoll fills one wall — a nice nod to the humble original location that helps warm Wellman’s 2.0 up with some extra character.

See more: West Des Moines restaurants