"Thank you, Iowa, for making me the comeback Kerry."
Politico Hotspots
Centro
1011 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-7033
See map: Google Maps
Residing in the first level of a restored Masonic Temple, Centro is a popular eatery located near Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. Centro offers Italian specialties such as fine breads, wood-oven pizza, salads and pastas. The restaurant is a known meeting place of politicos.
801 Steak and Chop
801 Grand Avenue # 200
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-6000
See map: Google Maps
This high-end dining experience in the heart of downtown offers Midwestern food at coastal prices. Expect to pay more, but find yourself in the company of the mover-and-shaker class.
Django
210 10th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
515) 288-0268
See map: Google Maps
Located in the Hotel Fort Des Moines, the place where many of presidential candidates catch their Zs in the capital city and the host to several election night parties over the years, Django Restaurant has emerged as a popular dining place in the few years since it set up shop. USA Today recently cited the French restaurant’s “Le Cheeseburger” and its veggie burger as reasons for placing Django on their list of “51 great burger joints” nationwide.
Drake Diner
1111 25th St
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-1111
See map: Google Maps
Taking its name from nearby Drake University, the Drake Diner serves up classic American cuisine like burgers, fries, and their famous shakes. Breakfast is also served all day. Patrons can park it in a booth or pull up a stool at the counter. You may even spot a candidate visiting this Des Moines institution.
Fong's Pizza
223 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 323-3333
See map: Google Maps
Occupying the space that was once the city’s oldest Chinese Restaurant, Fong’s Pizza offers a unique and trendy setting for Asian-inspired pizzas, sides, and drinks.
Java Joe's Coffeehouse
214 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-5282
See map: Google Maps
Located near the Court Avenue District, Java Joe’s offers up a large selection of caffeinated drinks and food items along with a double shot of atmosphere. In the lead up to the 2008 caucuses, the coffeehouse hosted live broadcasts of Morning Joe, The Today Show, and Hardball with Chris Matthews.
Mars Café
2318 W. University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 369-6277
See map: Google Maps
This independent coffee seller is home to talented baristas, quality food, featured local art, studying students, and the occasional live music act. Presidential candidates have also hit the stage at Mars for campaign events.
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-1970
See map: Google Maps
This may not be the best place for those who have trouble making up their mind. With over 100 beers on tap, El Bait Shop offers most every flavor and style you could dream of.
The Lift
222 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-288-3777
See map: Google Maps
Mixing up two-for-one martinis Wednesday night and two buck pints on Thursday, you can grab a seat under an old elevator cage, check out local art, and mingle with a hip crowd.
Star Bar
837 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 244-0790
See map: Google Maps
Good food and drinks, local politicos, and a street side patio make this a good place to sit down for a long conversation and unwind after a long day on the campaign trail.
