In central Iowa, a wave of Cajun and Creole flavor is transforming Des Moines into an unexpected hub of Southern celebration — one that channels the spirit of Mardi Gras and the lively chaos of carnival season. Across the metro, restaurants are infusing their menus with Gulf Coast heat, festive color and the kind of soulful cooking that turns an ordinary meal into a party.
At Bubba, richly layered dishes like blackened shrimp Cajun pasta and mahi mahi étouffée set the tone, while Buzzard Billy’s brings a full‑blown New Orleans vibe with jambalaya, blackened catfish, fried alligator tail and cocktails bold enough for Bourbon Street. Johnston’s Cajun Belle delivers drive-thru comfort with gumbo and boudin balls straight from its Southeast Texas roots, and Flying Mango keeps the carnival spirit alive with smoky, spicy creations made famous on national TV. Even Jethro’s and Laughing Crab join the parade, proving that in Des Moines, Cajun flavor isn’t just food, it’s a celebration. Laissez les bons temps rouler.
Bubba Southern Comforts
Bubba brings a taste of the American South to the urban core of Des Moines, wrapping diners in a warm, lived‑in elegance that feels both polished and deeply familiar. The dining room channels Southern charm with downtown sophistication, striking a balance between stylish décor and a homey, comforting vibe. While Bubba pulls inspiration from across the South, several dishes lean distinctly Cajun or Creole. Cajun pasta comes with blackened shrimp and andouille sausage, while the mahi mahi ètouffèe brings a stew-like layered dish with white rice.
Bubba even has a Fat Tuesday dinner to celebrate on Feb. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. For $65 per person, and a $30 optional beverage pairing, get corn and crab bisque; sausage Creole with andouille sausage, trinity and tomato stew over dirty rice; and bananas Foster bread pudding. Note that seating will be at communal tables. For reservations, visit exploretock.com/bubbadsm/event/592261/fat-tuesday-dinner.
Price: $20 to $30
Details: 200 10th St., Des Moines, 515-257-4744, bubbadsm.com.
Buzzard Billy’s
Buzzard Billy’s in downtown Des Moines exudes a casual, lively energy that makes it a welcoming spot for families, groups and anyone craving a relaxed night out. The ambiance blends friendly neighborhood warmth with the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, helped along by a spacious dining room and a bustling bar that keeps the atmosphere upbeat.
The menu reflects the restaurant’s deep commitment to authentic New Orleans-style cooking, offering an eclectic range of Cajun and Creole favorites. Diners can dive into boldly seasoned dishes such as shrimp Creole, hearty jambalaya and richly flavored blackened entrées featuring chicken, shrimp, catfish, tilapia and more. Try fried alligator tail with a Creole honey mustard dipping sauce or the seafood eggplant pirogue, a half eggplant hollowed out and filled with shrimp, crab meat blend, mushrooms and seasoned au gratin sauce.
Keep the Mardi Gras vibe going with cocktails such as the Category 5 Hurricane made with fruit juices and four different rums; the Electric Alligator with coconut rum, melon liquor, vodka and triple sec topped with pineapple juice; or Louisiana Lemonade with brown sugar bourbon, lemonade and soda water.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 615 Third St., Des Moines, 515-244‑2899, desmoines.buzzardbillys.com.
Cajun Belle
Cajun Belle in Johnston brings authentic Gulf Coast comfort to a drive-thru setting, making it a go-to stop for quick yet deeply flavorful Cajun and Southeast Texas-style meals. The cooking carries the heart and soul of traditional Southern kitchens. Owner Zack Hollier serves gumbo he calls his “childhood in a pot,” a rich, nostalgic dish that anchors the menu alongside kolaches, po’boys, jambalaya and fried boudin balls. Each item reflects the bold, home-cooked flavors he grew up with, offering diners a satisfying and authentic taste of the Gulf South without the need to sit down.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 5460 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-207-5050, cajunbelleia.com.
Flying Mango
Flying Mango has earned a loyal following in Des Moines thanks to its warm, funky and chef-driven atmosphere from owner Mike Wedeking that blends casual comfort with creative flair. The space radiates personality, balancing laid-back ease with the energetic spirit of a kitchen that loves bold flavors. The menu spans Cajun, Creole, barbecue and Caribbean influences, offering diners a vibrant mix of smoky, spicy and soulful dishes. Signature items include deeply seasoned jambalaya, flavorful Creole-spiced meats, chicken Creole and Cajun shrimp and dirty rice. Try the shrimp Pontchartrain drenched in a Cajun crawfish cream sauce over rice. Look familiar? It was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with television personality Guy Fieri.
Price: $20 to $30
Details: 4345 Hickman Road, Des Moines, 515-255‑4111, flyingmango.com.
Jethro’s Jambalaya
Jethro’s Jambalaya in West Des Moines brings a relaxed, energetic sports‑bar vibe to its menu of Cajun, Creole and Southern comfort favorites. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with TVs, hearty plates, and a come-as-you-are spirit that makes it a popular stop for families and game‑day groups. The menu leans into Louisiana flavors, offering classics like chicken and sausage gumbo, jambalaya, dirty rice, po’boys, and red beans and rice.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 9350 University Ave., West Des Moines, 515-987‑8686, jethrosdesmoines.com/locations/jethros-bbq-n-jambalay-waukee.
Laughing Crab
Laughing Crab specializes in Cajun‑style seafood boils, and crawfish is one of their rotating shellfish options. The menu features customizable seafood bags where you choose your seafood (including crawfish when in season), sauce (Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, etc.), and spice level. Corn, potatoes and sausage come with every order.
Price: $20 to $30
Details: 4508 University Ave., West Des Moines, 515-224-5888, laughingcrabwestdesmoines.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: Where to find Cajun, Creole food to celebrate Mardi Gras in Des Moines
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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