Hello old friends and where should I eat in KC/Omaha/Des Moines?

Hello out there to anyone who actually remembers me.  I've been away from this place for probably around 7 or 8 months, mostly because I've been busy with this:
 
 

 
 
 
Say hello to Sam, born 10/24/2008.  7 months old now, and a very, very happy little boy, and the single greatest thing that's ever happened in my life. 
 
Needless to say, travelling and eating out in general have been pretty much non-existant lately.  HOWEVER, the baseball roadtip is ALIVE and I'm happy to say that the 16th annual trip will take place next month with visits to Kansas City, Omaha and perhaps Des Moines.   I've been to Arthur Bryants in KC, but other than that, that part of the country is all new to me.  So, WHERE SHOULD I EAT???
 
 

Start here

We don't have anything on Des Moines, but there is a small touch of rural Iowa thrown in for good measure.

I have an upcoming trip planned to KC, and I plan to re-hit a lot of the places mentioned in this report (LC's, Niecie's, for example).  One that was not visited last year, that is planned for this year is Woodyard BBQ.

On a non-food-related note, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is a must-stop - and is located right behind the stadium.  It gets more press this week than the rest of the year combined with ESPN filming the College World Series.

I am a fan of both KC and Omaha.  It's a good trip.

Hey, Pigiron
 
Mazel Tov!
 
I knew you were going to be a new father and meant to send you a personal e-mail to extend my congratulations...
 
Wow- 20 years ago, who would have thought!!
 
Here are my faves- most of which are already on the website
 
KC
 
Strouds- Probably the best Fried Chicken you're going to ever have-yes even better than the now Defunct Dodd's in Indianapolis
 
LC's BBQ- The Burnt End Sandwich and Fries are a must
 
Oklahoma Joe's- The Smokey Joe Sandwich and a side of Beans
 
We were very disappointed in Arthur Bryants when we went there last year- We're hoping it was an unusual exception
 
Omaha
 
Johnny's Cafe- Probably the best Strip Steak you're ever going to have
 
Stella's- an amazing burger- most definetely in my top 10 best burger list of all time
 
Dinkers- another amazing burger- most likely another top 10
 
Teds and Wally's- Amazing Ice Cream
 
Des Moines
 
Ok, it's been a while but... in 2003
 
The Iowa Machine Shed- a stuffed pork chop that I gauge all other pork chops by.
 

Congratulations man--what a nice reason to not be here!  :)

Hey, Pigiron-wondered where you went-now i know!!!Congratulations and welcome back!!

In Des Moines ...

Smitty's near the airport for BPT

The Latin King for Italian food, at Hubbell and University, across from AE Dairy (look for the big cow statue)

Jim2903


In Des Moines ...

Smitty's near the airport for BPT

The Latin King for Italian food, at Hubbell and University, across from AE Dairy (look for the big cow statue)

I found Smitty's to be very ordinary which is why I didn't recommend it- probably ok in a pinch
 
I think (hope) you can find better tenderloins out there in Des Moines
 
 

Welcome back Pigiron!  Sam sure is a cute little tyke.  Teach him to say, "No Happy Meals."

Welcome back pigiron and congratulations on the baby!  The one place you absolutely have to visit is Stroud's in Kansas City.  I would never think of going to KC without eating at this true Roadfood gem.

I lived in Omaha for about 6 years, and still visit occasionally.  I posted this to another inquiry about Omaha:

Fast food = Runza

Omaha beef = 'most any steakhouse, I used to like Gorat's and also Anthony's, but haven't been to either for years

Interesting area with multiple choices for lunch/dinner = The Old Market -- in downtown Omaha, several restaurants all within walking distance -- I like Upstream Brewing Company (try the Pork Chop Schnitzle), M's Pub, Trini's, French Cafe


BTW -- very cute grandson -- congratulations!

Beautiful Boy!!! Take him to El Rodeo in Urbandale ( Des Moines) for carnitas-you get 3 fist sized hunks of the tastiest,tenderest pork imaginable along with tortillas and fixins for something like 8.00!  may not be regionally appropriate, ( sorry WJ ) but Oh so Delish!!! 

One more place to consider:

Not in Omaha, but nearby, in Crescent Iowa -- The Pink Poodle -- http://www.pinkpoodlesteakhouse.com/pgsv2/main.htm .

It has been several years since I have been there.  In looking at the website it appears they have expanded their menu a bit, but the reason to go is for the prime rib.  It is very much a "locals" restaurant, and the owner maintains an extensive doll collection on display.  There are few sides (I believe just soup, salad, potato, greenbeans) and the prices are reasonable.

Ivyhouse


BTW -- very cute grandson -- congratulations!

Wow, Pigiron,

Is there something we don't know???!!!

AHI MPLS


Beautiful Boy!!! Take him to El Rodeo in Urbandale ( Des Moines) for carnitas-you get 3 fist sized hunks of the tastiest,tenderest pork imaginable along with tortillas and fixins for something like 8.00!  may not be regionally appropriate, ( sorry WJ ) but Oh so Delish!!! 

That's ok,

I no longer suggest seafood for those who request rec's for Rhode Island
Just burgers!

Whoops!  My bad -- sorry!
 
He's still cute!

A quick thanks to everyone for all the compliments.  I cannot deny that he is the most beautiful boy in all the land.

@ Ivyhouse: Although I guess it's technically possible at the age of 43, I am NOT a grandfather.  That's MY boy!

@ AHI MLPS: While it's true that it's hard to be away from my boy for even a moment, he is not coming on my sacred baseball roadtrip.  It's been just me and my friend Joe since 1993.  It's necessary decompression for both of us. 

@ Traveling Man and WJ: It looks like you guys did almost this exact trip last year.  Great reference material for me!  THowever, that thread is far too long to read now, I'll have to set aside a week or so to peruse it. 

@ Buffetbuster: Stroud's is #1 on my list.  It's a family style place, correct?

pigiron-
The food is indeed served family style.  I have been there twice by myself and the amount of food was overwhelming. And I mean that in a good way! 
 
Since you did such a beautiful job with your Pittsburgh trip, can we expect to see a trip report for this sojourn? 

Pigiron

@ Traveling Man and WJ: It looks like you guys did almost this exact trip last year.  Great reference material for me!  THowever, that thread is far too long to read now, I'll have to set aside a week or so to peruse it. 

It's an easier read than you would think.  Buffetbuster wrote the KC portion of the trip, I wrote the Omaha section - and you miss out on wanderingjew's long-winded, boring depiction of Denver! 

Actually, Dale hit the highlights of the trip nicely.  You can go back and use the thread as a reference for detail when you get the chance.

I am curious to see what you think about Rosenblatt - as a half-empty minor league venue.  I know you hate all the new cookie-cutter "retro" ballparks as much as I do.  There is nothing retro about this place.  It's just old - with a really nice scoreboard!

The Travelin Man

I am curious to see what you think about Rosenblatt - as a half-empty minor league venue.  I know you hate all the new cookie-cutter "retro" ballparks as much as I do.  There is nothing retro about this place.  It's just old - with a really nice scoreboard!

 
 
I've actually been watching the College World Series in Omaha all week on ESPN.  One of the driving factors behind this trip is the fact that they're tearing down Rosenblatt in favor of yet another modern abomination (opening in 2011).  There are so few old ballparks left, I'm trying to see as many as I can before it's too late. 
 
Speaking of which, I caught the Mets at Fenway a few weeks ago.  It pains me to say this as a New Yorker, but Boston is home the the most glorious ballpark in the world (apologies to Chicago).  I had been to Fenway a bunch of times over the years, but after recent visits to Citi Field and New Yankee Stadium, I realize even more that the old-time ballpark is VERY quickly becoming extinct.  Fenway is a national treasure.  

Oh, I know all about the tearing down of Rosenblatt (and it will be torn down, as the Zoo has acquired the property) in favor of more plain vanilla ballpark(s).  I lamented the same here and have pretty much convinced buffetbuster (and possibly mr chips) to join me in Omaha next year for a "Farewell to Rosenblatt" party.  The CWS will not be the same after Rosenblatt...for sure.

As someone who also "collects" ballparks, people often ask which one is my favorite - or to list a Top 3 or Top 5 - and my first response is always to make sure that they want me to exclude Wrigley and Fenway - as they are just simply in another category.  I am partial to Wrigley, but surely couldn't question your comment on Fenway.

You tell me what you are looking for in Des Moines and the surrounding area, and I will tell you where to go.

BPT?  Check out http://des-loines.blogspot.com/ if you haven't already.  My fave?  BPT at the B&B Grocery and Deli on the Southside.  http://www.bbgrocerymeatdeli.com/  They have a cool website and great food.  It has a lot of...character...but the people and food are fantastic.  There are probably a half dozen to a full dozen places in and around Des Moines that have world class tenderloins.  Aviod - Smitty's, George the Chili King, a few others. 

What else do you want?  Are you staying in Des Moines?  Head down to Sec Taylor Stadium and catch an Iowa Cubs game.  There is a very nice area around downtown Des Moines these days.  Pretty much whatever you want for food.  Sushi that is great, French (without the attitude), fine dining (801 Steak and Chop House)

let me know what sort of food and what sort of dining you want, and I can hook you up.  Also, there is a great place in Atlantic, IA which is just outside of Omaha.  Here it is, on Roadfood, no less  http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/6429/farmers-kitchen

Anyway, let me know.  Lots of good stuff around here.

Also, my opinion is to avoid The Machine Shed these days.  I guess the chops and breakfast may still be great.  Haven't had them in a while, but the service has really gone down hill in the last few years.  Still, there is something to be said for cinnamon rolls the size of a shoebox.  :)

Jim2903


In Des Moines ...

Smitty's near the airport for BPT

The Latin King for Italian food, at Hubbell and University, across from AE Dairy (look for the big cow statue)

Can't go wrong with Tursi's Latin King.  It has good food and it is a nice joint.  There are places with better Italian, but I don't know what you are looking for as far as price and dining style.
 
Sam & Gabe's Italian Bistro comes to mind, on the higher end, if you'd like to try something tasty.  One of my favorites is Tumea and Son's on the Southside (where most of the Italian immigrants landed back in the early 1900's).
 
Let me know if you'd like more info.

AHI MPLS


Beautiful Boy!!! Take him to El Rodeo in Urbandale ( Des Moines) for carnitas-you get 3 fist sized hunks of the tastiest,tenderest pork imaginable along with tortillas and fixins for something like 8.00!  may not be regionally appropriate, ( sorry WJ ) but Oh so Delish!!! 

I am a huge El Rodeo fan, if you like Tex-Mex this is one of the best places in town.  There are a large number of very authentic Latino restaurants in town, depending on what you may be interested in trying.
 
Some of the best for great authentic food are La Rosa over near the Drake campus, La Pena on the southside of Des Moines, just south of the river intersection and Sec-Taylor Stadium, really, and Tacos Marianas.  All great, very authentic stuff.  None are very fancy places, but all are clean and have great food.  The gorditos at Tacos Marianas are awesome.  :D

Inthewater


Also, my opinion is to avoid The Machine Shed these days.  I guess the chops and breakfast may still be great.  Haven't had them in a while, but the service has really gone down hill in the last few years.  Still, there is something to be said for cinnamon rolls the size of a shoebox.  :)

Inthewater

Sorry to hear about the service at The Machine Shed, although I'm glad to hear the Chop is still good after all these years.

I'm curious, I'll be heading back to the Des Moines area next year for a couple of days. Any opinions on the Corn Patch in Grimes? Also any other places in the area known for their cinnamon rolls?

Thanks!

The Travelin Man

Pigiron

@ Traveling Man and WJ: It looks like you guys did almost this exact trip last year.  Great reference material for me!  THowever, that thread is far too long to read now, I'll have to set aside a week or so to peruse it. 

It's an easier read than you would think.  Buffetbuster wrote the KC portion of the trip, I wrote the Omaha section - and you miss out on wanderingjew's long-winded, boring depiction of Denver! 

Actually, Dale hit the highlights of the trip nicely.  You can go back and use the thread as a reference for detail when you get the chance.

I am curious to see what you think about Rosenblatt - as a half-empty minor league venue.  I know you hate all the new cookie-cutter "retro" ballparks as much as I do.  There is nothing retro about this place.  It's just old - with a really nice scoreboard!

And I can't believe it's been a year already...

Actually I just recalled the "drunk guy/fat girl on the bus" incident that took place in Denver..

Inthewater

What else do you want?  Are you staying in Des Moines?  Head down to Sec Taylor Stadium and catch an Iowa Cubs game.  There is a very nice area around downtown Des Moines these days.  Pretty much whatever you want for food.  Sushi that is great, French (without the attitude), fine dining (801 Steak and Chop House)

 
 
Wow, thanks for all the info!  Actually, we're coming into Des Moines specifically for the Cubs game.  We're only going to be in town for one meal.  That being said, what's your recommendation for a meal that best represents Des Moines?

wanderingjew

Inthewater


Also, my opinion is to avoid The Machine Shed these days.  I guess the chops and breakfast may still be great.  Haven't had them in a while, but the service has really gone down hill in the last few years.  Still, there is something to be said for cinnamon rolls the size of a shoebox.  :)

Inthewater

Sorry to hear about the service at The Machine Shed, although I'm glad to hear the Chop is still good after all these years.

I'm curious, I'll be heading back to the Des Moines area next year for a couple of days. Any opinions on the Corn Patch in Grimes? Also any other places in the area known for their cinnamon rolls?

Thanks!

In all honesty, the Corn Patch is just sort of "meh".  If you want a nice place just down the street from there, try The Radish.  Great stuff, and literally just down the street.  Corn Patch is good, but if I had to choose I would take The Radish.
 
As far as cinnamon rolls, really the best around here is either The Machine Shed or someone's Grammy's house.  :)  Lots of them around, but the bestand most rediculously fun sized is at Machine Shed.

Pigiron

Inthewater

What else do you want?  Are you staying in Des Moines?  Head down to Sec Taylor Stadium and catch an Iowa Cubs game.  There is a very nice area around downtown Des Moines these days.  Pretty much whatever you want for food.  Sushi that is great, French (without the attitude), fine dining (801 Steak and Chop House)

 
 
Wow, thanks for all the info!  Actually, we're coming into Des Moines specifically for the Cubs game.  We're only going to be in town for one meal.  That being said, what's your recommendation for a meal that best represents Des Moines?

That is a tall order.  I would really need to know what sort of place you are looking for.  Is it all adults?  Kids?  Price range?  There are a few places I could recommend to anyone and never worry about whether you would have a good meal, I just don't want to recommend a place for 10 guys leaving a ball game if it is white table cloths and fine dining.

This is interesting - I was thinking of going up to Des Moines next month when my wife has vacation - Umphrey's McGee is playing at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater on 7/15, and the I-Cubs are playing Nashville on 7/16.  We wanted to try Maid-Rite, since we've never been to one (they're working on the first one in Kansas here in Topeka now). 

Machine Shed used to have a location in Olathe, but I think it closed - I ate there once, and thought it was just a Midwest version of Cracker Barrel.  Looks like Des Moines is the place for pork tenders, though.

Question: I was thinking of staying at the Embassy Suites - it looks like it's right next door to the Estes Amphitheater - any locals' comments?

Embassy Suites is okay.  It is a short walk from there to a fairly hopping (by Des Moines' standards) downtown area with lots of bars, restaurants and stuff to do.

Machine Shed is kind of like an Iowa Cracker Barrel.  The food is better, I think, but the same sort of thing.

Lots of places within walking distance of Embassy Suites, anything you are looking for in particular?  I ask again, because we have everything from a Chinese / Tiki Bar / Pizza place (all in one) to fine French and classic American dining down that way.