Best Southern American Restaurants in Iowa

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(774)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 42 times today

The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

2. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(558)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 9 times today

Mulberry Street Tavern in Downtown Des Moines is a treasure trove of comfort food, delivering an experience that marries nostalgia with culinary innovation. As patrons exclaim, the restaurant offers "the best burger in Des Moines" and other hearty entrées that embody the essence of comfort food. Diners rave about dishes like the "perfectly cooked" Iowa Pork Tenderloin and the "amazing" seasonal pot pie, suggesting a mastery of classic flavors with a delightful twist. The ambiance, described as a "fun, funky but classy atmosphere," complements the warm, inviting meals. With consistently "excellent service" and an array of "creative and innovative" menu selections, Mulberry Street Tavern stands out as a must-visit spot for those seeking quality comfort food in a vibrant setting.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

3. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.0

Excellent(664)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

Tupelo Honey in Des Moines is a celebration of authentic American Southern cuisine, right in the heart of the city. Praised for its revival of Southern traditions and flavors, the restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere where "the food was great and our server was delightful," as one diner noted. The menu features classics like fried chicken with "honey dust" and shrimp and grits, described as "awesome" by satisfied guests. Patrons consistently laud the "fantastic flavors" of dishes such as the Breakfast Bowl and applaud the impeccable service and "chill atmosphere." It's a must-visit for anyone craving genuine American fare, with reviews raving about how "everything we had was excellent" and the staff being "courteous and attentive." Whether it's a family brunch or a leisurely dinner, Tupelo Honey encapsulates the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence.

4. Alba Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(404)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 10 times today

At Alba Restaurant in Des Moines, the steak cuisine is a celebration of both quality and culinary artistry. Diners consistently rave about the exceptional cuts of meat, such as the NY strip stroganoff and the savory Hangar Steak complemented by Alba’s signature steak sauce. One patron enthused, “We had the pear salad as a starter and it was delicious. My son had the duck and I had a side of potatoes. Both were beyond our expectations for wonderful flavor!” Another highlighted, “The cook on my NY Strip was excellent,” showcasing Alba's commitment to perfecting each dish. The frequent menu updates ensure every visit offers a new delight, truly setting Alba apart as a premier destination for steak lovers in Des Moines. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a fine dining experience, Alba promises a meal where every bite is a masterpiece.

5. HoQ

4.6

Exceptional(352)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the historic East Village of Des Moines, HoQ epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table dining with a commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Diners rave about the "delicious" lamb shank and the "wonderful" atmosphere, highlighting the restaurant's ability to turn simple dishes into memorable experiences. According to one patron, "Every bite tasted like it had been picked just minutes before." This glowing testament underscores HoQ's dedication to freshness and quality. Whether it's the "fabulous" Mediterranean Bowl or the "exquisite" Free-Range Chicken Burrito, HoQ consistently impresses with its innovative and conscientious cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic farm-to-table fare in Des Moines.

6. Cooper's On 5th

4.9

Exceptional(132)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Des Moines

Booked 17 times today

Cooper's on 5th in West Des Moines stands out as a culinary gem, particularly renowned for its exceptional steak offerings. Patrons rave about the quality and preparation of the steak dishes, with one guest exclaiming it was “absolutely AMAZING.” The restaurant’s commitment to combining classic Americana with a modern twist shines through in their steak cuisine. Guests consistently highlight their satisfying experiences, noting the steak's tenderness and flavor as key factors. One delighted diner specifically praised the filet, stating their partner, a seasoned steak connoisseur, was "gushing over how tender and good it was." Cooper's on 5th not only promises a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere but also ensures each steak dish is crafted to perfection, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines restaurant

7. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(852)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 3 times today

Louie's Wine Dive in Des Moines is a treasure trove for wine lovers, boasting a meticulously curated wine list and featured wineboard filled with hard-to-find, quality-focused selections. Patrons rave about the "exceptional bottle of Chardonnay" and commend the wine selection as consistently "good." This Wine Bar sets itself apart with its warm, casually elegant atmosphere, making it the ideal spot for a social gathering of food and wine enthusiasts. Reviewers consistently highlight the enjoyable experience, with one noting, "Really love this place! Wine and spirits selection is really good." Louie's Wine Dive not only promises a delightful wine experience but also complements it with award-winning food, making every visit memorable.

8. Baratta's

4.5

Awesome(134)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Des Moines

Booked 1 time today

Baratta's, a cherished Des Moines landmark for over 50 years, offers an authentic American dining experience that keeps patrons returning. Celebrated for its deep-rooted American flavors, Baratta's provides a menu that's both high-quality and heartwarming. Customers rave about the "fantastic" food and "top-notch service," with dishes like the steak and mushrooms, and the shrimp amiggio that's "grilled to perfection." Whether it's a family dinner, a wedding, or a casual meal, Baratta's consistently delivers an outstanding culinary experience. As one reviewer puts it, it's the "best wedding food they've ever had." Baratta's proves to be a perfect blend of tradition and excellence.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

9. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.7

Exceptional(1173)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Clive

Booked 79 times today

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Clive is a pinnacle of Wine Bar cuisine, offering a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. The establishment is renowned for its "Napa-style tasting rooms" and an impressive selection of award-winning wines perfectly paired with each dish. Guests rave about the quality, with one noting, "the wine menu was incredible," underscoring the extensive options available. Another guest celebrated the authenticity of their dining experience, sharing that "the wine tasting room could have had more help," emphasizing the popularity and draw of their wine offerings. Whether it's a casual visit or a special occasion, Cooper's Hawk stands out as a top destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable and authentic Wine Bar experience.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

10. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(832)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Des Moines

Booked 39 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House in West Des Moines is a beacon of American cuisine, celebrated for its masterfully prepared USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is seared to perfection and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate—a technique that has led to their recognition as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and recipient of the 2024 Wine Spectator's award. Patrons like Johnny rave about "the ambiance, the service, the beauty and class of the restaurant," while others can't stop thinking about their meal days later. Whether it's the "steaks cooked perfectly" or the "excellent service," Ruth's Chris offers an unforgettable dining experience that exemplifies the best of American culinary excellence.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

2. Mulberry Street Tavern

3. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4. Alba Restaurant

5. HoQ

6. Cooper's On 5th

7. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

8. Baratta's

9. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

10. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

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