DENNIS' ALL TIME FAVORITE EATERIES/ DES MOINES

      I decided to list my favorite all time favorite eateries starting with Des Moines. This is  where most in my lifetime are/were located since I lived there for over 30 years. Then, I intend to list favorites in Marshalltown and then others around the state of Iowa.

      The list will not necessarily be the most favored first and then 2nd best and so on. But, Tasty Taco will be number one for a very good reason. I still crave those delicious one of a kind delights. To this day I very seldom go to Des Moines without having one or bringing a couple back home to Williamsburg. I will try to list each restaurant, general location and why it made the all time list.

     l.  TASTY TACO'S--Several locations around Greater Des Moines-Have enjoyed them on an on going basis for over 35 years.

     2. BABE'S--Located downtown Des Moines for years--It was THE place to go for out of towners attending basketball tournaments and the like. Great Italian food and especially the pizza!

     3. NOAH'S ARK--located on Ingersoll Avenue--Great Italian food. Visited very frequently through the years. Always a must at my birthday time. 

     4. JOHNNY'S VET'S CLUB--West Des Moines-- The best atmosphere at the time and best steaks with piano bar. A true old fashioned supper club. Many happy memories there.

     5. HELEN AND PAT'S-- Highland Park area--THE most delicious baked cavatelli!

     6.MUSTARD'S--originally located north of downtown then out in Windsor Heights. The greatest hamburger-"The Hungry Man's Special." I still miss it! Will write about someday.

     7. CARL'S GIZMO- located only each year at Iowa State Fair. One of the reasons I go to the State Fair each year is to have this special "Guinea Grinder."

     8. THE TAVERN- downtown Wes Des Moines- voted best pizza at one time and great Italian sausage sandwiches. A fun place to go.

     9. JESSE'S EMBERS-on Ingersoll--After my first divorce ate there a lot. Cozy and just plain great food. More decisions were made there than City Hall.

     10. JOE CORSO"S-Just off 8th and Grand in WDM-Hole in the wall with little atmosphere. Always thought the pizza was the BEST in the  greater Des Moines area for a long time.

     11. VILLAGE INN-WDM--THE place to go and have a week-end breakfast, especially the "Robert E. Lee." Also, on a Sunday evening a  cherry pie with two scoops of ice-cream and coffee. Oh, My!

     12. MAXIE'S-WDM on Grand.--Greatest American food at one time. Also, THE BEST service from my daughter La Risa!

     13. GEORGE'S CHILI KING- West off Merle Hay Road-- old fashion drive-up and serve you in your car. Great food , especially a tenderloin with a great chocolate malt. That greasy food did wonders for a hangover.

     14. ROCKEY'S WHITE SHUTTER INN-Fluer Drive out by the Airport. When I was a young man,  it was considered really fine dining.

     15. SMITTY'S-Army Post Road--The biggest and best tenderloin at one time. Way before the Pork Producer's started rating places.

     16. GI GI'S --Windsor Heights-Entrance down narrow space between two buildings. The best ice-cream after dinner drinks in town! A Cheer's kind of place.

     17. GINO'S-North on 6th Avenue in DM. Original location by Riverview Park. Great Italian American food.I loved it.

     18. CHICAGO SPEAKEASY--On Euclid Avenue near Des Moines River. At one time the best salad bar in town.

     19. THE LATIN KING-On the East Side. Maybe considered THE best Italian food in town.

     20. QUIDO'S-In the Savory Hotel downtown DM.-This is where you went for your anniversary. Prime Rib and  Caesar Salad prepared on a cart at your table by Quido himself.

     21. MAMMA LACONA'S-was at various locations. Didn't go there often, but, was never disappointed in any of the Italian dishes.

      Even though the restaurants I enjoyed through the years had a wide spectrum of a dining atmosphere, they all had one thing in common--GREAT food!