East Des Moines
The working east side runs on shift schedules and second jobs, not date-night theatrics. Hubbell Avenue strips, the Iowa State Fairgrounds when it's not August, and taprooms where the bartender knows your truck. The tradeoff is honest: rent stays reachable and people make eye contact, but the polished cocktail bars and curated small plates live across the river. Bring someone who treats a Fareway run and a drive past the Capitol dome at dusk as a real evening, not a downgrade. The east side rewards plain talk and punishes anyone performing for an audience that isn't here.
East Des Moines by the numbers
East Des Moines runs male-heavy, about 59% men to 41% women.
Median individual income in East Des Moines is about $35,300.
Iowa registers voters by party, and Polk County is about 37% Democratic to 30% Republican, with a 32% No Party bloc.
The median renter in East Des Moines pays about $1,100 a month.
About 5,800 East Des Moines residents ages 22 to 50 are single.
Local date spots
- East Des MoinesDrinks
The Iowa Taproom
- East Des MoinesDrinks
El Bait Shop
- East Des MoinesActivity
Wooly's
Wheelchair access - East Des MoinesDining
The Breakfast Club
- East Des MoinesCafés
Dairy Zone
Wheelchair access - East Des MoinesDining
Molly's Cupcakes
LGBTQ+ friendlyWheelchair access - East Des MoinesDining
Alba Restaurant
- East Des MoinesDrinks
The Republic on Grand
Outdoor seatingGood for groups - East Des MoinesDrinks
Beechwood Lounge
- East Des MoinesDining
Lucca
- East Des MoinesDining
Early Bird - East Village
- East Des MoinesCafés
Plain Talk Books & Coffee
- East Des MoinesCafés
Cinnaholic
Wheelchair access - East Des MoinesDining
Bar Nico
- East Des MoinesDrinks
Locust Tap
- East Des MoinesDrinks
The Blazing Saddle
- East Des MoinesActivity
Climb Iowa - East Village
Wheelchair access - East Des MoinesActivity
Simon Estes Amphitheater
Wheelchair access - East Des MoinesDining
Masao