Here's To Your Health

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH

Feed your soul with plant-based dining and tantalizing mocktails that feature flavor without a drip of alcohol. Healthy eating is a breeze with these eateries and their delicious, fresh dishes.

ZOMBIE BURGER

Embracing “post-apocalyptic chic” while still cooking up appetizing meals is a delicate balance, but Zombie Burger + Drink Lab has it figured out. The lengthy menu features clever flavor combinations with even clever-er names. Every burger patty can be replaced with a tender grilled portobello mushroom cap, and buns can be sidelined for a lettuce wrap. But one menu item is 100 percent vegan 24/7. The Negan combines a veggie nut patty, vegan chipotle mayo, guacamole, and caramelized onions layered in a vegan bun. Team it with a refreshing, nonalcoholic German pilsner for a killer combo.

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab ★ 300 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines; zombieburgerdm.com

A DONG

A local favorite since 1989, this family-owned restaurant has an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, with over 140 items. If that sounds more intimidating than enticing, the knowledgeable staff is happy to help you choose. Cà Ri Chay (veggie curry stew) is a hearty tofu dish served with rice or vermicelli noodles. A refreshing Đá Xí Muội (salted plum drink) completes the meal.

A Dong ★ 1511 High Street, Des Moines; adongrestaurant.com

VEGGIE THUMPER

Visit the Veggie Thumper website to track down the colorful school bus that’s now making the grade with its vegan soul snacks. The BBQ “Chick’n” Nachos are piled high, so be sure to grab extra napkins to catch the loads of spicy barbecue sauce and homemade “queso.” All ingredients are organic and sourced locally, including the from-scratch falafel and tzatziki in the Gyro.

Veggie Thumper Food Truck ★ Des Moines; veggiethumpersnacks.com

KAVA DSM

Take a trip to “the best of the tropics in downtown Des Moines,” where Kava DSM offers everything from smoothie bowls and waffles to coffee and mocktails.

These include the Kavamosa, featuring Kava, an herbal remedy made from a tropical plant. The Lemon Butterfly is another tribute to Kava DSM’s year-round tropical vibe.

Kava DSM ★ 300 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines; kavadsm.com

CINNAHOLIC

Save room. Make room. Do whatever you need to do to devour a delectable vegan cinnamon roll from this Historic East Village bakery. Try one of Cinnaholic’s mouthwatering concoctions, including the Very Berry, or design your own sweet combo. Seasonal creations, such as Raspberry Cheesecake and Maple Pecan Pie cinnamon rolls, keep things fun. All bakery items are vegan, and are free of dairy, lactose, egg, and cholesterol.

Cinnaholic ★ 505 E Grand Avenue, Suite 101, Des Moines; cinnaholic.com

DES FRESH

This Southside lunch spot features arguably des best vegan fare in town. The Mac Stack n Fries features a “Mac n Chz” patty with a scrumptious aioli and house-made barbecue sauce and piled high with pickles, lettuce, and pickled jalapeños. No visit is complete without the Fried Oreos – or perhaps a healthier choice, the Chia Yogurt Parfait.

Des Fresh ★ 520 SW 9th Street, Suite 116, Des Moines; des-fresh-foods.square.site

THE BARTENDER’S HANDSHAKE

Quaint may be the best way to describe this diminutive neighborhood cocktail bar. (We won't argue with hip either.) Creative in everything they do, the small-ish snack menu doesn’t disappoint. Fried Dumplings stuffed with mushrooms, cabbage, togarashi, and coconut hoisin are an oh-so-yummy companion to the Veggie Dog made with a smoky Field Roast frankfurter. Sip on a Vacation Email citrusy spirit-free beverage along with – or even after – the food is gone.

The Bartender’s Handshake ★ 3615 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines; thebartendershandshake.com

BELLHOP

Dubbed the East Village’s neighborhood tiki bar, Bellhop has a lively vibe that may have you thinking they don’t take things too seriously. In fact, they take their drinks very seriously. From the well curated glasses to whimsical garnishes, this bar leaves nothing to chance, even when it comes to mocktails. The fruity Beachbreeze and Sandy Beaches bring the fun without the buzz.

Bellhop ★ 440 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines; bellhoptikidsm.com

BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL

Date night will definitely be a green light when spent at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. The energetic ambience goes hand in hand with a loaded menu featuring more than 20 vegan options – few better than the Thai Hippie or Avo Kaluna, both maki. Love a good happy hour? Blue’s lasts all day on Sunday.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill ★ 316 Court Avenue, Des Moines; bluesushisakegrill.com

MALO

Hankering for some Mexican food? Whether you have tacos or just chips and guac on your mind, Malo has the menu for you. Vegan dishes are spread throughout, so give yourself a little extra time to browse the menu, perhaps while sipping a Hibiscus Agua Fresca. You can’t go wrong with Crispy Onion & Avocado Tacos and Cucumber & Jicama Ceviche.

Malo ★ 900 Mulberry Street, Des Moines; malodesmoines.com

FRESKO

A favorite downtown spot no matter the time of day, this eatery favors fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menu items. Included in the variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are the Golden Dragon Street Noodles paired with the nonalcoholic Ms. Georgia’s Espresso and brunch-favorite Seitan Scramble and Mango Mango mocktail.

Fresko ★ 909 Locust Street, Suite 103, Des Moines; freskodsm.com

Food for Thought

Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily translate into being vegan or vegetarian. Flexible plant-based eating means choosing beans, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables the majority of the time, but allowing meat and animal products in moderation. Give it a try!

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