Cheese Bar

The city's best cheese shop—it's just called The Cheese Shop, that's how good it is—extended its brand considerably with this sharp spin-off last year, and that's been very good news for fans of the original location's grilled cheese sandwiches. Now one can select from an entire menu of cheeses and cheese-related dishes (macaroni and cheese, obviously), not to mention a few dozen beers on tap, and a lot of charcuterie, too. It all happens behind big windows looking out to a happening stretch of Ingersoll Avenue, just a block and a bit over from Harbinger.

After the quaint little Cheese Bar was named “America’s Favorite Cheese Shop,” its burgeoning popularity led to a larger offshoot, Cheese Bar, and we’re all better off for it. Their toasted grill cheeses have legions of devotees and their cast iron mac and cheese isn’t far behind. The soaring ceilings, communal seating, and interesting beer and wine lists add a European feel to the proceedings, but make no mistake, both the food and people are Iowa Nice.

The Best Beaverdale Area Restaurant isn’t technically in Beaverdale, but it’s close enough, according to CITYVIEW readers, who voted it as the top spot in the area once again in 2022. House specialties include Sausage Chicken — a chicken breast that is stuffed with Graziano’s sausage, asiago cheese, a little red pepper, topped with alfredo and served over potatoes. 5800 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, 515-255-3725; www.simonsdsm.com.

Why it’s amazing: Everyone knows that nothing goes better with one of The Cheese Bar’s ooey-gooey, artisan grilled cheese sandwich selections than a cup of tomato soup. But let it be known that this roasted tomato soup with cream and a swirl of pesto can stand up on it’s own and pairs well with anything on the menu. Pro Tip: This soup comes in three different sizes: Dipper (2 oz), Cup (4 oz) or Bowl (8 oz).

If you're looking for people who really know cheese, the Cheese Bar is the place to go. The "Cast-Iron Mac & Cheese" is the drool dripping, crunchy and creamy macaroni and cheese that provides a heaping of comforting-yet-interesting textures with each bite. The macaroni and cheese recipe was perfected at the Cheese Shop years ago and was later brought to Cheese Bar, the owners' full-scale restaurant.

Call us kids at heart, but there are few things better than the gooey cheese pull on a perfect grilled cheese, which is why we’re grateful for the genius that is Cheese Bar. Swing by their cozy spot on Ingersoll during the week for that grilled cheese nostalgia or their cast-iron mac & cheese. They also have Bubbles & Bites Tuesday-Friday, 2pm-5pm.

At the Cheese Bar, happy hour features bubbles and delectable bites. While the restaurant’s full menu of mac and cheeses, grilled cheeses, raclettes and more is available during happy hour, special menu items are also available. Enjoy your food with a pairing of Champagne or any of the Cheese Bar’s other sparkling wines for only $5.

If you are a cheese lover, this next Des Moines restaurant will quickly become a favorite. The Cheese Bar is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a yummy meal. This restaurant in Des Moines is unsurprisingly dedicated to a certain dairy staple.

Indulge in a culinary adventure with guided food tours that showcase the vibrant flavors of Des Moines. Explore the city’s culinary scene with experts, savoring local delicacies and gaining insights into the city’s food culture.

The restaurant’s menu consists of mac and cheeses, grilled cheeses, raclettes and more. Enjoy your food with a pairing of Champagne or any of the Cheese Bar’s other sparkling wines. Cheese Bar, 2925 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines

They offer a wide variety of cheese boards, sandwiches, and salads. Prices range from $10-$20, and the restaurant is located in the East Village. You cannot miss their World-Famous Cast-Iron Mac & Cheese!

Cheese Bar is one of the best restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa, hands down. Locals love it for its menu of, well, cheeses, cheese-related dishes, charcuterie boards. and the complementing beers on tap.

2925 Ingersoll AveDes Moines, IA 50312(515) 277-7828 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Cheese Bar, completed in June 2017, is a modern restaurant near the Salisbury House & Gardens.

Agree with Cheese Bar mentions above, but only for their meat and cheese trays and drinks. Also the preserved lemon salad. Their sandwiches and Mac and cheese I have found ok, but not great.

CJ Bienert owns Cheese Bar and The Cheese Shop with his wife, Kari, and their long-time cheesemonger, Chef Brett MaClavey. He refers to Pritchard as the “unofficial Iowa wine ambassador.

The star dish of the Ingersoll Avenue hot spot is a luscious three-cheese fondue, but elaborate boards, toasts, sandwiches and baked macaroni tempt as well.

2925 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312Phone: 515-277-7828 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Cheese Bar DSM (@cheesebardsm)

Charcuterie personifies what I enjoy about going out to eat — the exploration, the communal interactions, and I mean, come on — it's meat and cheese.