Went with friends for dinner on a weekend. It was busy but not crowded. We were seated quickly. The menu has a nice selection with descriptions. I ordered the pretzel bites, the corn fritters, and the turkey club. Everything was really good. I really enjoyed all of it. The corn fritters were flavorful. The sandwich was meaty, and the pretzel bites were chewy. Recommended.
Overview
When you're in the mood for a laid-back, flavorful meal in Des Moines, look no further than The Walnut. Located at 1417 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, this charming diner is a hidden gem that combines classic comfort food with a modern twist, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Walnut has something to satisfy every craving.
From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the warm and welcoming ambiance. The interior is a blend of rustic charm and contemporary design, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting that sets the perfect tone for a relaxed dining experience. It's the kind of place where you feel at home, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family.
One of the standout features of The Walnut is its diverse menu, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light salad, or a filling sandwich, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. For breakfast lovers, the avocado toast with poached eggs is a must-try, perfectly balanced with creamy avocado and a touch of seasoning. If you're more of a savory person, the classic bacon and eggs with golden hash browns will hit the spot.
For lunch or dinner, the menu continues to impress with mouthwatering options. The Walnut's signature burger, made with locally sourced beef and topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and house-made sauce, is always a crowd favorite. If you're craving something lighter, the grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette is a delicious and satisfying choice. And if you're looking to indulge a bit, the mac and cheese with crispy bacon is a creamy, cheesy delight that never disappoints.
But what truly sets The Walnut apart is the quality of its ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced produce and meats, ensuring that each dish is packed with flavor and nutritional value. The dedication to quality is evident in every bite, whether you're enjoying a classic comfort food dish or something with a modern twist.
Another reason why The Walnut is such a popular spot is the exceptional service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready to make recommendations based on your preferences. They're knowledgeable about the menu and happy to accommodate any special requests, making each visit feel personalized and special.
It's no surprise that The Walnut has earned glowing reviews from both locals and visitors alike. Diners rave about the consistently delicious food, the cozy atmosphere, and the friendly staff. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you can expect a warm welcome and a satisfying meal every time you visit.
As for pricing, The Walnut strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality. You won't break the bank enjoying a meal here, but you'll feel like you're getting your money's worth with every dish. The portions are generous, and the flavors are spot on, making it a great value for those seeking a tasty and fulfilling dining experience.
In addition to the great food, The Walnut also offers a range of beverages, including specialty coffees, fresh juices, and craft beers. It's the ideal spot to unwind with a refreshing drink after a busy day or to catch up with friends over a leisurely meal.
For those looking to enjoy the beautiful Des Moines weather, The Walnut also offers outdoor seating, allowing guests to soak up the sun while enjoying their meals. It's the perfect place to relax, whether you're dining alone or with a group.
When it comes to a restaurant that consistently delivers excellent food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Walnut stands out as a top choice. Located at 1417 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, it’s the kind of place where you'll feel like part of the community, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, The Walnut never disappoints.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 464 reviews
Splendid, the exuberant tastes melt my tounge. My indulgence of the Vegan Quesadilla was out of this world, the zesty vegan ranch was a delight, I tell you. I recommend anyone of any rankings, from peasant to ruler, to indulge in this fine establishment. Jolly good show!
We had a great time at The Walnut! The highlight of the meal was definitely the Cheese Drunk Cheeseburger—absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. It’s a must-try if you’re a burger fan. Our server, Matt, was very friendly and welcoming, which added to the positive experience. The cocktails were good and budget-friendly, which was a nice surprise. Overall, the combination of great food, warm service, and reasonable prices makes The Walnut a place we’ll definitely return to.
Stopped here for lunch. It was a lovely place. Great lighting. Perfect location in downtown. Not too busy and the food was delicious. Fresh and quality ingredients. Served wasn’t the most friendly but got the job done.
This is my second time here. The first time was in 2021. Great food, both times! I highly recommend the mahi tacos and cold soba noodle salad! Amazing happy hour deals and daily specials! Really, please check them out! The staff was hilarious both times. Great ambience!
This was an unexpected treat! We went to see the sculpture park and looked for a restaurant that was vegetarian friendly nearby. Oh my gosh! The food was great! We had the ginger noodles, vegan bowl, and traditional hamburger. Everything was fabulous. Served perfectly, tasty, Filling! We couldn’t have asked for anything more. The Parmesan fries are to die for. And our server, Leah, was exceptional. We enjoyed the ginger noodles so much, we ordered two to go so we could eat them on the road as we travel further east. Highly recommend this value pack to venue!
The walnut was very welcoming, and very well thought out. We sat at the bar and was greeted by the bartender Ben, he was a very outgoing and social young man that clearly loves what he does. The menu was very simple and easy to understand. We ordered a burger basket, and a house salad with chicken and avocado. Within 10 minutes, our food was fresh and delivered in front of us. Very satisfied with both meals, a nice touch was the cheese on top of the fries. The beer was so good I had to take a picture of it. Five cities bikini bottom is a wheat beer with a splash of pineapple, definitely one of my new favorite beers. If you’re visiting Des Moines, or one of the locals, this is definitely a nice spot to have a drink or some good food.
4.25* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 3* 07/15/2022 Had read about this place and drove by it several times before getting the opportunity to eat there this past Summer. My wife and I decided to order several appetizers so that we could experience more on the menu. We ordered the Loco Moco (see picture) on the waiter's recommendation and really enjoyed it! The hamburger, gravy and egg combination were great together. We also ordered the Chipotle Chicken Tacos (see picture) - which we thoroughly enjoyed and would also recommend. If you are in the area, I highly recommend this place for their unique menu items. You won't regret stopping by to give it a try. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.