This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in West Des Moines, Iowa—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were just part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
West Des Moines, with a population of around 68,000, is a thriving city in the heart of Iowa’s Central Region, known for its diverse and delectable food scene. One of the standout local dishes is the classic loose meat sandwich, famously popularized by the iconic Maid-Rite, which has deep roots in Iowa’s culinary tradition. The area’s rich agricultural landscape, dotted with fertile farmlands, contributes to a farm-to-table ethos embraced by many restaurants. One must-visit spot is Glen’s Family Restaurant, renowned for its hearty comfort food and warm atmosphere. Notably, West Des Moines’ proximity to the Des Moines River adds a scenic backdrop for dining, highlighting its blend of natural beauty and culinary culture.
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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 Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect.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.
Love old restaurant stories, local history, and keeping up with the places that quietly disappear? Our free weekday emails follow restaurant closures across the entire United States—one region at a time— with short stories, links, and context you won’t see in a headline. Sign up once, and you’ll get a quick tour of what closed this week, Monday through Friday.
- 🌵 Southwest Stories — Monday
Texas · New Mexico · Arizona · Oklahoma - 🌾 Midwest Farewell — Tuesday
Iowa · Illinois · Indiana · Ohio · Michigan · Minnesota · Wisconsin · Missouri · Kansas · Nebraska · North Dakota · South Dakota - 🌤 Southern Last Call — Wednesday
Louisiana · Mississippi · Alabama · Georgia · Florida · South Carolina · North Carolina · Tennessee · Kentucky · West Virginia · Arkansas - 🌊 Coastline Closings — Thursday
California · Oregon · Washington · Alaska · Hawaii - 🏔 Mountain West Report — Friday
Idaho · Montana · Wyoming · Colorado · Utah · Nevada - 🍁 New England Notes — Saturday
Maine · Vermont · New Hampshire · Massachusetts · Rhode Island · Connecticut - 🏙 Mid-Atlantic Memo — Sunday Morning
New York · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · Delaware · Maryland · Washington, D.C.
Chi-Chi’s, located at 1850 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266, closed in the 2000s. The location is now a general store.
