Dinner and a movie is a classic date night combo — but what if you flipped the script? Catch the latest blockbuster first, then head out for a meal where you can dissect the plot, debate the ending, or gush over your favorite scenes. Whether you’re craving sushi, barbecue, burgers or elevated comfort food, Waukee has plenty of spots near The Palms Theatres & IMAX that are perfect for pre- or post-show dining. Here are five standout restaurants to try before or after the credits roll.
Barn Town Brewing
New American brewery fare is the calling card at Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines. This rustic restaurant offers a rotating list of craft beers, including its own creations, and a lively crowd. Try the poutine burger with no bun, gravy, and cheese curds on top of fries with an optional fried egg on top; Nashville hot chicken; a jalapeño popper grilled cheese; or an order of cheese curds. Try the Neon Hazy or Iowa Gold, two of the core beers on the menu from Barn Town, or go for a flight.
Details: 9500 University Ave., West Des Moines, 515-978-6767, barntownbrewing.com
Central Standard Craft Beer & Burgers
This trendy, upbeat restaurant with a social vibe specializes in American fare and beers. Central Standard Craft Beer & Burgers offers burgers, street tacos and giant pretzels with beer cheese. Start with bacon jam Brussels sprouts or smoked chicken street corn nachos, and couple them with a barbecue brisket and bacon or the Fire & Smoke burger with smoky aioli, bacon, jalapeños and pepperjack cheese. Shakes in flavors such as birthday cake or chocolate brownie cap off any meal.
Details: 1222 S.E. University Ave., Waukee, 515-987-8880, centralstandardburgerswaukee.com
Gastro Grub & Pub
Grab some elevated comfort food at Gastro Grub & Pub before (or after) checking out the latest films. This cozy, modern pub offers everything from truffle fries and a pan-seared salmon sandwich with dill sauce and tomato caper vinaigrette to a short rib grilled cheese with Havarti cheese and caramelized onions. Owners Sean and Andrea Gleason opened this restaurant in Waukee in 2018 after operating it as a food truck known for clever flavor combinations. The original bacon jam burger is a surefire order. Stop by for happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Vegan and gluten-free options are marked on the menu.
Details: 1378 Hickman Road, Waukee, 515-987-8888 or gastrogrubpub.com
Kue’d Smokehouse
Dine at one of the best barbecue restaurants in the Des Moines metro at Kue’d Smokehouse in Waukee. The casual and rustic restaurant focuses on smoked meats and hearty portions. Try staples such as brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends or spare ribs, or go for wings or redneck nachos, a mix of house chips, cheese, corn salad and pork or chicken. Pair anything with barbecue beans, brown butter carrots or Parmesan garlic potatoes. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian dishes are noted on the menu.
Details: 245 E. Hickman Road, Waukee, 515-987-4972, kuedsmokehouse.com
Ninja Sushi Ramen
Share some sushi, scallion pancakes or chicken katsu ramen at Ninja Sushi Ramen, a sleek, modern Asian eatery with fast service and a relaxed setting. Try jalapeño yellowtail carpaccio, a tuna firecracker, or a salmon martini to start. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are marked on the menu.
Details: 775 S.E. Alice’s Road, Waukee, 515-987-8889, ninjawaukee.com
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best places to eat near the Palms Theatres in Waukee for your next movie night
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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