Cara's Profile

About Me

I try to make Martha proud.

Username

CaraHall

Metromixing Since

July 2008

Location

Des Moines

My Hometown

Lawrence, Kansas

My Blog/Website

dmJuice.com/cara

My Favorite Restaurant

Django

Thing I'm Most Addicted To

Crafting


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Diners, Drive-ins and Dives


In honor of Food Network personality Guy Fieri's visit to Des Moines this weekend for the Celebrity Food and Wine Expo, I give you a roundup of Des Moines' greasy spoons.

  • 1
    A greasy spoon at Porky's Diner

    A greasy spoon at Porky's Diner

    By Cara Hall - November 5, 2008

    Burgers, tenderloins, and over-the-top breakfasts at a '50s style drive-in with regular car and bike nights in the summer. The only thing missing is girls on roller skates.

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  • 2
    Waveland Cafe

    Waveland Cafe - 3

    4708 University Ave. - Des Moines (Des Moines Metro)

    For breakfast, you can't go wrong with this diner spot. The walls are painted with murals, the waitresses are sassy, and if you get there early enough, you might actually get a table.

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  • 3
    Open Sesame

    Open Sesame - 4 1/2

    313 E. Locust St. - Des Moines (East Village)

    I can't confirm rumors that Fieri is coming to film his show here, but it would be the perfect place. Great diner breakfasts and a burger that actually has a pork tenderloin on top.

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  • 4
    Drake Diner

    Drake Diner - 4

    1111 25th St. - Des Moines (Drake)

    Classic diner food (burgers, crinkle cut fries, thick shakes) but with a twist. They serve healthier options like veggie burgers and unique dishes like pumpkin pancakes and the ultimate dessert, the cake shake.

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  • 5
    Stella's Blue Sky Diner

    Stella's Blue Sky Diner - 4 1/2

    3281 100th St. - Urbandale (Des Moines Metro)

    A family friendly place with a '50s diner vibe and decor. Burgers, onion rings, and shakes the waitresses pour into a glass from above while you hold it on your head.

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  • 6
    George the Chili King

    George the Chili King - 3 1/2

    5722 Hickman Road - Des Moines (Des Moines Metro)

    Juice readers haven't exactly agreed with the "king of chili" part, but this place has been going strong for a looong time, and it remains a fixture of the Merle Hay area.

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