I had always regarded this place as a hole in the wall while passing through Des Moines. But luck would have it that I reconsidered and now I have a new favorite restaurant. The Flying Mango serves just about the best BBQ I’ve ever had. It’s Caribbean and Tex-Mex inspired so it’s pretty creative and probably unlike anything you’ve had in Iowa. I always have a hard picking something cause they’re all note-worthy (chicken dip, meat loins, meatballs, dried apricots with goat cheese and pistachi).
Eating & Drinking
This is about the only bar in Des Moines worth going to. Pretty much every other one in town is in a strip mall. The old school bowling-themed bar doesn't serve any beer introduced after 1979, but it's starting to attract a lot of hipsters that were born after then.And of course, they serve The Champagne of Beers.
I frequent this coffee shop for its convenience and low-key atmosphere. It’s very artsy in a crunchy-granola sort of way but that’s how I like ‘em. And bands of the acoustic rock variety play here too. The food menu is small and delicious, entirely vegetarian or vegan too. The sandwiches are all served on hot, steaming Panini bread and the ingredients are eclectic. I am obsessed with the grilled tempeh sandwich with sun-dried tomato spread. Their chai-tea is off the chain.
