Introducing a new Des Moines Girl Series: Neighborhood Guides! Where we deep dive into our favorite neighborhoods around the metro and draw attention to what makes each unique while highlighting the small businesses that operate from them. It’s only fitting to start with “Des Moines Oldest Neighborhood” Sherman Hill.
Written by Heather Firmento, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Photo by Britt Fowler on Unsplash
Sherman Hill is our city’s Historic homes district where most of the Victorian style homes and buildings were constructed between 1880 and 1920. It’s a neighborhood full of mature oak lined streets, swoon worthy porches and rich history that has seen a recent rise in popularity thanks to revitalization efforts of homeowners over the last half century. It’s also home to some of our favorite local restaurants, bars and event venues:
A Dong
Location: 1511 High Street Des Moines, IA 50309
This family-owned Vietnamese restaurant has been a Des Moines staple since 1989 and boasts an EXTENSIVE menu with many vegetarian and vegan options. It does not get more authentic (or delicious) than A Dong.
Aposto at the Scala House
Location: 644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Talk about a swoon worthy porch!! “A candlelit dinner spot serving modern, wine paired Southern Italian fare in a Victorian Mansion.” With seating on the porch and inside this restored Victorian mansion this intimate restaurant books reservations out weeks in advance. Make sure to plan ahead for the perfect year-round date or special occasion spot.
Hoyt Sherman Place
Location: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Once the family mansion of Hoyt Sherman, now a cultural hub of the city with an art gallery, rental spaces and a GORGEOUS intimate theater that brings some of our favorite events and shows to Des Moines. Check out their upcoming event schedule here: Events – Hoyt Sherman Place.
We’ve got our eye on last minute tickets to see Taylor Tomlinson in November. There are still tickets available to multiple nights, but snag them quick.
Carl’s Place
Location: 1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Source: Scooter’s Bars
It’s everyone’s favorite neighborhood dive bar. Think cheap drinks, free popcorn, a jukebox, darts and billiards. It’s a must stop on any Des Moines night out. Need we say more?
Gateway Market
Location: 2002 Woodland Ave. Des Moines IA 50312
Half high-end grocery store selling locally grown produce, fresh artisan bread, fine cheese and wine as well as all your grocery staples and half market café with a delicious menu perfect for take out or dining in. We love this as a lunch or quick dinner option!
Wallace House
Location: 756 16th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Former restored home of Henry Wallace (founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred) whose legacy lives on through the Wallace Center foundation which hosts Farm to Table dining experiences and cooking and gardening educational classes all within a restored historic Sherman Hill Home.
Smokey Row
Location: 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
This is the original Des Moines Smokey Row location where you are sure to find Drake students studying and local business owners conducting meetings on any given day. It’s a café with fresh roasted coffee, a diner style menu, and old fashion soda bar.
Lua Brewing
Location: 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
A unique range of craft beers brewed on site and a gorgeous food menu served in an industrial chic venue. In the warmer months the doors open up onto their spacious patio for an indoor-outdoor experience and the patio is dog friendly!
BONUS THIS WEEKEND: Halloween On The Hill
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Halloween on the Hill (HOTH) returns as Des Moines’s premier Halloween night event – October 31 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Residents of the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood will be going all out to decorate their homes with spooky scenes while collecting donations for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry.
Even more bonus points for Big Grove Brewery, which is Shermann Hill adjacent, but has absolutely great space, food, and brews. Want more of these neighborhood guides? Want something added to this guide? Let us know.
