Buzzard Billy’s
A Des Moines staple serving bold Cajun and Creole flavors with a lively 80's sports bar vibe. Experience unique dishes and generous portions!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Buzzard Billy’s
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Des Moines staple serving bold Cajun and Creole flavors with a lively 80's sports bar vibe. Experience unique dishes and generous portions!
"Taste the Big Easy in Des Moines with adventurous Cajun dishes and hearty portions!"
Ask for the Hush Puppies
These off-menu favorites are highly recommended and absolutely delicious!
Dedicated Gluten-Free Menu
Offers fantastic gluten-free options like seafood jambalaya and Shrimp Creole.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cajun & Creole
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Cajun & Creole Delights
Savor adventurous dishes like fried alligator and armadillo eggs alongside Cajun classics. An unforgettable taste of Louisiana!
Generous Portions, Great Value
Don't leave hungry! Portions are substantial, offering excellent value for money with delicious, hearty meals.
Vibrant 80's Sports Bar Vibe
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with an 80's sports bar feel, complete with TVs to catch the game.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for the Hush Puppies
These off-menu favorites are highly recommended and absolutely delicious!
Dedicated Gluten-Free Menu
Offers fantastic gluten-free options like seafood jambalaya and Shrimp Creole.
Visit Off-Peak or Reserve
It can get busy due to popularity, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for the Hush Puppies
These off-menu favorites are highly recommended and absolutely delicious!
Dedicated Gluten-Free Menu
Offers fantastic gluten-free options like seafood jambalaya and Shrimp Creole.
Visit Off-Peak or Reserve
It can get busy due to popularity, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buzzard Billy's is celebrated for its adventurous Cajun and Creole cuisine, with diners particularly praising unique offerings like fried alligator and armadillo eggs. Many also highlight the generous portion sizes and good value for money. However, some guests have noted inconsistent flavor profiles, with occasional feedback suggesting dishes could benefit from more seasoning, and a few have experienced issues with table service.
"This was our first time here. The atmosphere was laid back. We had Jonnae P. for our server and she was so patient with us. We took a little longer than normal because everything sounded so good. We had alligator for the appetizer, and it was amazing. I had the Shrimp Gabrielle and my husband had the Steak and Shrimp. They both were delicious. They definitely do hold back on the shrimp! We even went back a few hours later and had dessert. Which was just as amazing as the dinner. Hush puppies I recommend! They aren’t on menu but they do have them!"
Kim Fisher
"A quick walk from the Expo Center in downtown Des Moines! Great atmosphere! Food was not as flavorful, but I have a Southern palate, meaning I need less char and bland taste and more seasoning and fresher taste plus sweet tea. Probably great food if you're drinking, but I was there for brunch with teens. Busy day, so it was a long wait."
J Vazquez (GeekED2Travel)
"Spectacular!! Walking distance from the Iowa event center, we loved everything we ordered. Armadillo eggs- jalapeño popper, wrapped in chicken, wrapped in bacon- the entire family loved them! Alligator bites, with a yummy dipping sauce was awesome too! There were both so good, they disappeared before I could even take a picture! The hush puppies were to die for. Shrimp PoBoy, pork belly burger and seafood jambalaya were all absolutely amazing. 10/10 would recommend!"
Zana Switzer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners rave about the unique offerings like fried alligator and armadillo eggs, as well as Cajun favorites such as seafood jambalaya and Shrimp Gabrielle. Don't forget to ask for the off-menu hush puppies!
Yes, Buzzard Billy's has a dedicated gluten-free menu with many Cajun-style options, including seafood jambalaya and Shrimp Creole.
The restaurant has a spacious and laid-back feel with an 80's sports bar vibe, featuring TVs to watch games.
Many reviewers mention that the portion sizes are generous, offering good value for the price.
Due to its popularity, it can get busy. Visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation is advisable to avoid long waits.
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Gluten-Free Restaurants in Des Moines
With a dedicated gluten-free menu, it is no surprise that Buzzard Billy’s is one of the best Des Moines restaurants for gluten-free dining. The joint offers a multitude of Cajun-style gluten-free plates, including a seafood jambalaya with sauteed shrimp, crawfish tails, tomato, celery, onion, bell pepper, and gluten-free rice; and Shrimp Creole with Gulf shrimp, garlic, spices, tomatoes, onions, celery, and bell pepper. Buzzard Billy’s is open Sunday through Thursday, from 11 a.m.
Where to eat, food to try
An extensive menu of Cajun and Creole favorites can be found at this New Orleans-inspired restaurant just steps away from downtown events and arenas. This is one of the only places in town where you can order farm-raised Louisiana alligator tail — sliced into thin strips, hand-breaded and deep-fried — served with a spicy Creole honey mustard dipping sauce. Location: 615 Third St., Des Moines
Top 14 Gluten-Free American Diners to Experience in Des Moines
Unexpectedly fun spot with a lively, sports bar vibe, plus a standout cocktail selection and a variety of delicious menu options. Had the BEST experience here. Trying to find a restaurant that offers a gluten free menu as well as regular with no discernible differences in taste is 1 in a million and buzzard Billy’s is exactly that.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Des Moines, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (306 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 615 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309-1764- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Best places for 8 popular indoor activities in Des Moines
Des Moines Restaurants Where You Can Savor the Flavors of Mardi Gras
If you want a New Orleans fix without the travel head to Buzzard Billy’s downtown. This Cajun Creole restaurant has all the fixings that come to mind when you’re thinking Mardi Gras. They have everything from Po’ boys and Fried Alligator to a plate of Crawfish Etouffee and Jambalaya.
The 13 Best Gluten-Free Bread Item Spots in Des Moines
Trying to find a restaurant that offers a gluten free menu as well as regular with no discernible differences in taste is 1 in a million and buzzard Billy’s is exactly that. Any time we ever come back it will be good at BB. Kristen, Kela and shiree are the best servers EVER!
Full Court Press | The Bars & Restaurants in Des Moines You Love
Recognized year after year for its dishes including gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp creole and many other classics. Menu also includes seafood, steaks, pastas, fantastic appetizers and desserts. For something wonderfully different try our Armadillo Eggs or the Fried Gator Fingers.
10 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Des Moines, Iowa
The one in Iowa is popular among sports fans, gator-meet lovers, and Cajun and Creole foodies. Items such as gumbo, hoagie-style sandwiches, or specialties from the grill are a must. But what about your picky little eaters?
Family-Style & Take & Bake Meals from Local Des Moines Restaurants
This cajun favorite is now offering family packs that feed 4-6 people. Try their jambalaya, blackened chicken fettuccine, chicken tenders or mac and cheese tray. Check out Buzzard Billy's menu here.
40 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, IA for 2025 (Top Eats!)
615 3rd StDes Moines, IA 50309(515) 244-2899 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Buzzard Billy’s, founded in March 2012, is an American restaurant and bar serving classics from New Orleans.
It’s Football Season At These Des Moines Sports Bars
Watch the game and order from a selection of Cajun and Creole foods or your favorite go-to menu items. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Gator Fingers” appetizer!
Family Fun in Des Moines, IA
Buzzard Billy’s - Cajun, creole, and American food in a fun atmosphere just a stone’s throw from Casey's Center if you find yourself there for a show or event.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit