Highest-rated cheap eats in Des Moines, according to Tripadvisor

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July 22, 2022
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Highest-rated cheap eats in Des Moines, according to Tripadvisor

With the advent of Big Data, it's easier than ever to quantify what people like around the globe. And when it comes to food—particularly easy, cheap eats—Americans have very specific opinions. Dining brands in U.S. have a long and storied history, and whether they're fast food, fast-casual, high-end, or super cheap, American restaurants offer something for almost everyone.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated restaurants in Des Moines that are listed as "cheap eats" on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Some restaurants on the list may have recently closed. Easy, inexpensive options here run the gamut of cuisine, service options, and styles. The restaurants on this list are chock-full of variety, mixing ethnicities, food regions, and cultures into steaming melting pots of deliciousness.

Anyone reading the list will surely see some favorite eateries and classic go-to restaurants. Keep reading to see if any of your favorite cheap eateries made the list.

#26. New China Buffet & Grill

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (30 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (3.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Chinese, Asian
- Address: 1201 E Army Post Rd. Ste 238, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (23 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Chinese, Fast Food
- Address: 2231 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-5269
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. B-Bop's Burgers

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (23 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 4500 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321-2332
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. Vietnam Cafe

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (15 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (5.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Asian
- Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310-1305
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. The Juice Company

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (20 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (5.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dessert, Healthy
- Address: 845 42nd St Roosevelt Shopping Center, Des Moines, IA 50312-2604
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#21. B-Bop's Burgers Fries Cola

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (25 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 1500 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313-4726
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Manhattan Deli

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (41 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Deli
- Address: 3705 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-3410
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#19. Paesano's Pizzeria

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (32 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Pizza, Italian
- Address: 2804 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315-2318
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. West End Architectural Salvage Coffee Shop

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (18 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Service (5.0/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Coffee & Tea, Cafe
- Address: 22 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4310
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Sam's Fine Food & Egg Rolls

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (30 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Chinese, Asian
- Address: 3300 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315-7676
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Horizon Line Coffee

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (18 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Service (5.0/5), Value (5.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Coffee & Tea, Cafe
- Address: 1417 Walnut St B, Des Moines, IA 50309-3432
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Classic Frozen Custard

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (20 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dessert
- Address: 4000 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320-1634
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Ted's Coney Island Restaurants

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (60 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 3020 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-4017
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. Tasty Tacos

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (43 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Mexican
- Address: 5847 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. B & B Grocery Meat & Deli

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (49 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Deli
- Address: 2001 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50315-1611
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Smitty's Tenderloin Shop

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (69 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (3.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Diner
- Address: 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5406
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Snookies Malt Shop

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (49 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dessert, American
- Address: 1810 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310-3814
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Donut Hut des Moines

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (24 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries
- Address: 4941 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310-2737
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Blaze Pizza

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (48 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Pizza
- Address: 300 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309-4735
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. Smokey Row Coffee Co.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (83 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314-1123
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. Ritual Cafe

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (60 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Cafe
- Address: 1301 Locust St Ste D, Des Moines, IA 50309-2934
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Waveland Cafe

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (119 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe
- Address: 4708 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311-3302
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Tasty Tacos

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (217 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Mexican
- Address: 1400 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316-3806
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. A Dong Restaurant

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (115 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
- Address: 1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309-3109
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. High Life Lounge

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (152 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Address: 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4706
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. El Bait Shop

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (299 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Address: 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4706
- Read more on Tripadvisor

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