From cracker-crumb crusts to creamy De Burgo sauce, Iowa’s capital serves up hearty plates with stories to match. Whether you are a local planning your next comfort-food fix or a visitor mapping out a weekend of good eats, start here.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich at Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
Address: 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315 • See reviews
If there is a single sandwich that says “Iowa,” it is the breaded pork tenderloin. In Des Moines, Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop has been a rite of passage for generations. The shop traces its tenderloin legacy back decades, drawing steady crowds for pounded-thin pork that’s dipped, fried, and served on a bun that looks comically small next to that crispy halo.
Visitors consistently talk about texture and nostalgia. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote that the sandwich was “tasty, and juicy… probably the best tenderloin sandwich I have ever had” (TripAdvisor). Over on Yelp, a regular praises the classic diner scene, calling Smitty’s “a time machine with chrome, vinyl, and counter stools” (Yelp). That sense of place is part of the appeal.
The tenderloin has earned broader acclaim too. People and The Infatuation once spotlighted Smitty’s as home to Iowa’s best sandwich, noting its cracker-crumb coating that yields crunch without greasy heaviness (Des Moines Register). If you want an authentic local bite that locals recommend to out-of-towners, this is it.
Ordering tip: Go classic with onions and pickles. Share one if you are park-hopping or planning a food crawl. The portion size is generous.
Steak de Burgo at Johnny’s (and other DSM icons)
Address: 6800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321 • Menu and hours
Ask five locals where to find the best Steak de Burgo and you might get five different answers. That is part of the fun. Steak de Burgo is a Des Moines signature: beef tenderloin finished with a buttery or creamy pan sauce that leans Italian with garlic, basil, oregano, and sometimes a splash of wine. The origin is debated, though food historians and local writers point to old Des Moines fixtures like Johnny & Kay’s, Vic’s Tally-Ho, and Johnny’s Vet’s Club as early standard-bearers (Food Republic; Allrecipes; Wikipedia overview).
Today, you will find memorable versions across the metro. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse lists Steak De Burgo as a house signature, described as “6 oz. filet… with roasted garlic, basil and oregano served in a cream sauce” (Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse; also see their Des Moines page for address and hours here and dinner menu PDF here). Classic neighborhood stalwart Christopher’s also nods to tradition with a “Classic Steak De Burgo” on its steak lineup (Christopher’s). The city’s tourism bureau rounds up more spots that serve it, from 801 Chophouse’s Sunday Supper to Simon’s and others (Catch Des Moines).
Guests often react to De Burgo’s rich sauce and tender cut. A Cityview write-up even calls it the “superstar” in local menus, noting the two main styles you will encounter: a butter-forward version and a creamy iteration that likely took hold at Johnny’s Vet’s Club (Cityview). On Yelp, diners at Johnny’s talk up the specialty while pointing first-timers to the Fleur Drive location next to the airport (Yelp), and TripAdvisor lists the exact address for easy wayfinding (TripAdvisor).
How to choose your De Burgo: If you prefer lean and clean, ask for the butter and herb style. If you love richness, go creamy. Pair with garlic mashed potatoes and a simple green vegetable to keep the focus on the steak.
Crab Rangoon Pizza at Fong’s Pizza
Address: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 • Menu and updates
Few mashups have earned as much national attention as Fong’s Crab Rangoon Pizza. The pie layers a creamy crab-rangoon-style base with mozzarella, scallions, crispy wontons, and a sweet drizzle. It sounds playful. It is. And it works. The cult favorite helped define Fong’s as a Des Moines original, so much so that Reddit threads and social posts sometimes fixate on that one pizza alone (Reddit).
The restaurant moved into a new East Village home in 2025, bringing its signature Asian-inspired pies to 317 East Court Avenue with a striking 70-foot dragon sculpture and expanded bar. Axios noted the relaunch and hours, confirming the new location and the menu’s fusion favorites (Axios; move announcement here as well Axios).
For quick guest feedback, reviews still point newcomers to the Crab Rangoon pie. A TripAdvisor diner wrote, “the rangoon was better” when comparing two specialty pies (TripAdvisor). Fong’s own site highlights recent praise in its review carousel and lists the new address and hours (Fong’s Pizza).
Pro move: Split a Crab Rangoon pizza and one of the seasonal specials. If you want a smaller bite while exploring the East Village, grab a slice at the counter then stroll over to the riverfront.
Creative Burgers and Shakes at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Address: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 • Menu and hours
If your Des Moines food itinerary leans playful, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab belongs on the list. The East Village original is equal parts burger joint and pop-culture set piece, with over-the-top burger builds and spiked shakes. Axios reported fresh twists in 2025, including the return of Kaiju Ramen as a pop-up inside the space and boba milkshakes for a fun dessert detour (Axios).
Guests love the creativity and variety. One Yelp reviewer says, “The burgers are very unique and so tasty” and notes that you can always customize if you are not feeling adventurous (Yelp). Another mentions that the menu “highlights creative burger” combos and calls out the split quick-service counter and full-service Drink Lab as a perk (Yelp). TripAdvisor diners keep it simple: “the food is actually tasty and quite inexpensive” and the loaded fries get love too (TripAdvisor).
Check the official site for the latest limited items and the ramen schedule, then plan your order around your spice tolerance. The quick-service side is ideal for a fast bite between murals and riverwalk stops, while the Drink Lab is better for a sit-down with friends (Zombie Burger: About; online ordering and current address details are also posted here).
Bonus tradition to know: the Loose-Meat “Maid-Rite”
While not a single stop, the loose-meat sandwich is part of greater Iowa food culture and shows up around Des Moines too. The Des Moines Register traces the style’s roots back to 1926 and butcher Fred Angell in Muscatine. Think seasoned, crumbled beef on a bun that is not bound into a patty, often with simple toppings (Des Moines Register; summary background also in Food & Wine). If you are on a statewide road trip, add a loose-meat stop to round out your Iowa food education.
Plan your eat-around
- Timing: Fong’s stays open late on weekends in the East Village which pairs well with a Zombie Burger stop. Smitty’s runs traditional diner hours. Johnny’s is ideal for a proper dinner before or after a flight since it sits by the airport.
- Ordering strategy: Split items and share so you can sample more. A tenderloin at Smitty’s, a slice at Fong’s, and a shake at Zombie Burger make a fun trio before a De Burgo dinner.
- Parking and walking: The East Village spots are walkable between murals, shops, and the riverwalk. Smitty’s and Johnny’s have convenient parking near their doors.