Work downtown and have direct access to the skywalk? No need to step outside on those too hot days or cold winter ones! Our skywalk lunch guide lists everything you can find – new and old – just a short walk away from the office. Check out these skywalk eats whether you want to stay within it, can venture just outside, or want to go on a midday rich mom walk. Check out the suggestions and let us know if you have more.
Compiled by Emily Clement, DSMG Contributor
In the skywalk
Mars Cafe Skywalk (7th and Locust)
- Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday, between 7th and 8th on Locust
- Your morning coffee fix, but make it #smallbiz and cool
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Smokey D’s (6th and Locust)
- Open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Find the barbecue and sides you love from the main location on 2nd St. in Des Moines!
La Mie Elevate (6th and Locust)
- Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday
- An absolutely amazing idea any time from breakfast, to midday walk snack, to lunch feat. egg scrambles, omelets, sandwiches, salads, pizza (and sweets!)
Palmer’s Deli Kaleidoscope (6th and Walnut)
- Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Enjoy a food-court style lunch! Decide what sounds good and hop into the sandwich, salad, soup or market salad line. Offers delivery within the skywalk area!
- Emily’s favorite menu item: Cobb salad with Palmer’s creamy dressing (yes to croutons, Asiago roll – if you know, you know)
Main Street Bakery & Cafe
- Open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Serves breakfast & lunch along with coffee & delicious sugar cookies and other bakery items! Soups, sandwiches, salads – can’t go wrong!
- 801 Grand Ave Suite 370, Des Moines, IA 50309
JJ Jasmine Thai Cuisine (4th and Walnut)
- Open 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, close 3 p.m. Thursday, close 8 p.m. Friday
- Stop by this hidden gem for some classic Thai and Chinese food, and be prepared to add it to your list of favorites! But the secret is that all of their best items are not on the menu.
Basil Prosperi (8th and Grand/Principal Building)
- Breakfast pizza, pasta and pizza by the slice
- Open 7 a.m.-11 a.m. for breakfast, noon-1 p.m. for lunch
- Emily’s favorite menu item: Basil Pesto Penne
Big Açaí (8th and Grand/Principal Building)
- Open 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday
- Açaí Bowls and Smoothies
- Enjoy a sweet treat in between meetings or for breakfast
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Accessible from the skywalk (ground level)
Fresko (10th and Locust)
- Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., plus weekend hours
- Whatever you’re craving, Fresko has it. Plus, you can enjoy their brunch for lunch on the weekdays! We like to go here for office birthday parties.
- Emily’s favorite menu items: short rib skillet, truffle fries and lava cake (free on your birthday!)
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Tupelo Honey (6th and Grand)
- 665 Grand Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Another great birthday party option. We love the environment in this southern comfort food joint from Asheville, NC.
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Akebono (10th and Mulberry)
- Opens at 11 a.m., Monday-Friday
- A sushi tried and true!
Within Walking Distance Of The Skywalk
The Walnut (14th and Walnut)
- Solid option for lunch with elevated classics like a greek salad, tacos, or a perfect burger or sandwich. Great gluten free and vegan options!
- If it’s a nice day, this is worth the few block walk to The Walnut – a converted ’20s garage with the food/drinks to back it up. Hit Horizon Line Coffee next door on your way back to the office.
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Ready to plan for the weekend now?
Check out our favorite brunch spots right now here and use our weekend guides to plan the rest of your Friday and Saturday. Weekend guides drop on Thursdays! Check out the latest below.
