Des Moines, Iowa Restaurant Closures and Closed Restaurants

Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa, a vibrant city with a population of 223,387, nestled at the heart of the Midwest. Known for its rich cultural scene and beautiful parks, Des Moines has seen a mix of culinary successes and challenges. Unfortunately, many closed down restaurants have shaped the local dining landscape, as several establishments have temporarily closed or shut down permanently. Explore this page to discover the stories behind these now-closed venues and their impact on the community.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.


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Panda Express – Des Moines – 3850 Merle Hay Rd
3850 Merle Hay Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Old Chicago – Des Moines – 3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 520
3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 520
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Burger King – Des Moines – 3801 Merle Hay Rd
3801 Merle Hay Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
McDonald’s – Des Moines – 1111 6Th Ave
1111 6Th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
Status: Closed permanently
Sprockets Patio and Pub – Des Moines – 1905 Ingersoll Ave
1905 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Barrel House – Des Moines – 401 E Court Ave Ste 300
401 E Court Ave Ste 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Wisco Grub & Pub – Des Moines – 3015 Merle Hay Rd #1A
3015 Merle Hay Rd #1A
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
RRackSS Fine BBQ and Bistro – Des Moines – 401 E Court Ave Suite 300
401 E Court Ave Suite 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Sam & Gabe’s at The Lyon – Des Moines – 600 E 5Th St
600 E 5Th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
The Home Plate Diner – Des Moines – 304 E 30Th St
304 E 30Th St
Des Moines, IA 50317
Status: Closed permanently
Fat Tuesday – Des Moines – 6112 Sw 9Th St
6112 Sw 9Th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Noodles Pasta & Sandwich Shop – Des Moines – 2924 Sw 9Th St
2924 Sw 9Th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Jim’s Coney Island – Des Moines – 3700 Sw 9Th St
3700 Sw 9Th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
The Family Cafe – Des Moines – 3900 E 14Th St
3900 E 14Th St
Des Moines, IA 50313
Status: Closed permanently
Alegrias Seafood & Mexican Cuisine – Des Moines – 2809 6Th Ave
2809 6Th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313
Status: Closed permanently
The Chicken Shack – Des Moines – 1501 E Euclid Ave
1501 E Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
Status: Closed permanently
Village Inn – Des Moines – 3600 E 14Th St
3600 E 14Th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
Status: Closed permanently
Taco Bell – Des Moines – 1501 E Euclid Ave
1501 E Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313
Status: Closed permanently
The Home Plate Diner – Des Moines – 3900 E 14Th St
3900 E 14Th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
Status: Closed permanently
Legends American Grill – Des Moines – 216 Court Ave
216 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
McDonald’s – Des Moines – 2901 Sw 9Th St
2901 Sw 9Th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Godfather’s Pizza – Des Moines – 4119 University Ave
4119 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
Status: Closed permanently
Village Inn – Des Moines – 1140 E Army Post Rd
1140 E Army Post Rd
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Tacopocalypse – Des Moines – 407 E 5Th St
407 E 5Th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Palmyra Restuarant – Des Moines – 2907 Douglas Ave
2907 Douglas Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Chef’s Kitchen – Des Moines – 1903 Beaver Ave
1903 Beaver Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Cozy Cafe – Des Moines – 6401 Se 14Th St
6401 Se 14Th St
Des Moines, IA 50320
Status: Closed permanently
Patton’s – Des Moines – 1552 E Grand Ave D
1552 E Grand Ave D
Des Moines, IA 50316
Status: Closed permanently
SK√òL – Des Moines – 401 Se 5Th St
401 Se 5Th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
The Poké Company РDes Moines Р300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
La Mie Express – Des Moines – 1220 Locust St
1220 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Des Fresh – Des Moines – 520 Sw 9Th St Suite 116
520 Sw 9Th St Suite 116
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Wahlburgers @ Hy-Vee – Des Moines – 420 Court Ave
420 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Guru BBQ – Des Moines – 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy #170
300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy #170
Des Moines, IA 50312
Status: Closed permanently
Granite City Food & Brewery – Des Moines – 12801 University Ave
12801 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50325
Status: Closed permanently
#ERROR!
1430 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Taco Bell – Des Moines – 2517 Hubbell Ave
2517 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Status: Closed permanently
Big City Burgers and Greens – Des Moines – Capital Square, 400 Locust St Ste 195
Capital Square, 400 Locust St Ste 195
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Zora Bar and Rooftop – Des Moines – 2120 Ingersoll Ave
2120 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Status: Closed permanently
Magnolia Wine Kitchen – Des Moines – 1420 Locust St
1420 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
Pizza Hut – Des Moines – 1435 Army Post Rd
1435 Army Post Rd
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Beer Can Alley – Des Moines – 409 Court Ave
409 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed permanently
The Italian House – Des Moines – 1106 Army Post Rd
1106 Army Post Rd
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Saints Pub + Patio Beaverdale – Des Moines – 4041 Urbandale Ave
4041 Urbandale Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Le Jardin – Des Moines – 2815 Beaver Ave #101
2815 Beaver Ave #101
Des Moines, IA 50310
Status: Closed permanently
Abelardo’s Mexican Restaurant – Des Moines – 2510 Ingersoll Ave
2510 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Status: Closed permanently
Wendy’s – Des Moines – 4105 Sw 9Th St
4105 Sw 9Th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
Status: Closed permanently
Old Chicago – Des Moines
3800 Merle Hay Rd. Suite 520 Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
Status: Closed Permanently

Old Chicago was located at 3800 Merle Hay Rd., Suite 520, Des Moines, IA 50310. It opened in 1998 and has since closed. It was next door to Target.

Howard Johnson’s Restaurant – Des Moines – 921 6th Ave
921 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Status: Closed Permanently

Howard Johnson's Restaurant was open at 921 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 from 1977 until the mid-1980s, after which it was converted into a retirement home.

Howard Johnson’s Restaurant – Des Moines – 4800 Merle Hay Rd
4800 Merle Hay Rd
Des Moines, IA 50322
Status: Closed Permanently

Howard Johnson's Restaurant, located at 4800 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, has since closed and is now Bennigan's On Merle Hay.