r/desmoines

Native Texan, yes I’ve been here for almost 11 years I still am more Texan than Iowan 😂

Anyway, I used to be able to get Big Red at Hyvee/Fareway in Ankeny, the gas station by Sam’s in Ames, and pretty consistently at the Walmart on the SouthSide. About 7 or 8 months ago the ability to find big red has become impossible, I’m desperate. We just came back from our beach vacation in South Padre and I’m regretting not bringing back 20 cases instead of just the one we brought back.

Help a girl out 🥺🥺🥺

ETA: WE FOUND IT REDDIT YOU NEVER FAIL ME

I’m an Iowa native and have been going to the Iowa State fair for the last 10 years (been living in Iowa over 30 years).

 Is it just me or has the everything about the fair become about money and the quality is no longer there? I usually look forward to the fair but last night I was a bit disappointed.

•  Amusement rides are expensive and it’s all a money grab.
  • I have two young daughters, 5 & 3 (almost 4 yrs old). We were going to ride the carousel last night and since my 3 year old is a bit short, I would have to accompany and ride with her. At first, I thought the attendant was joking when he said that I would have to pay to ride with her.  He confirmed that it wasn’t a joke.  I just can’t believe that as a parent (who doesn’t even want to get on the carousel), would have to pay $6 just so I can accompany my 3-year-old. This isn’t even a thing for the carnival that comes down every year to Urbandale. Out of principal, we didn’t ride the carousel and rode other rides where I wouldn’t have to accompany my daughter.
• Barksdale cookies bucket seems smaller than last year, cost the same and are of poorer quality.
  • I like these cookies and am still willing to pay for these overpriced cookies. This year the bucket appeared smaller and less “full” then last year. In addition, the cookies were crumbly this year vs moist and soft like they normally are. Am I crazy or has the quality gone down?
• Lemonade is a hit or miss. Some lemonade stands taste like powdered lemonade vs “fresh squeezed” like they claim.

 Before anyone comments that if I don’t want to spend money then I should stay home. I get that in general that everything at the fair will be more expensive then normal (Food, drinks, rides, etc) but my issue is the reduced quality and charging for little things (ex- parents have to pay to ride the carousel with their young children) not necessarily the higher then market prices. At this rate, eventually we will have to pay to see the animals and to use the restrooms.

 I’m seriously debating taking a break from the fair next year. Anybody else have a similar experience?

Am i just an idiot or do the percentages pre set never make sense. Every single time it seems inflated

Today our bill was $47. The suggested tip for 20% was 12.50. I am no mathematician but I believe 20% should be closer to $9.

I swear this happens every time.

Any recommendations on where the best place is to have a hitch installed in a truck?
Thank you!

Went to the Iowa State Fair today; first time attendee, from Wisconsin. We really enjoyed it.

When we got to the hotel, we noticed a red rash on our lower legs just above the ankles where our socks ended.

I've never gotten a rash before. We must've gotten into something at the fair?

I'm curious, is anyone else experiencing the same thing after being at the fair?

Due to the condition of our tap water, the family has switched to Primo for drinking water. I was curious and tested the water dispensed at 1 Des Moines, 1 Ankeny, and 1 Ames walmart locations, all were reading above 150ppm tds (total dissolved solids). PRIMO advertises a reverse osmosis process, which should leave the ppm around 10-20. Even 3 days after a recent 'service' the water is still reading well above what real R/O water should be. Cedar Rapids Primo at Walmart is reading 11. What gives? Are they actually using an R/O system in central Iowa? If so, it is not functioning as it should. Has anyone else noticed this issue?

I (23M) will be in town from out of state for the State Fair from 8/19-8/22. I'm planning on going out to the bars on Friday. Are there any that people like? I love dives, line dancing bars, and honestly anywhere where I can talk to locals.

I'd also appreciate other recommendations for good food, vibey/artsy spots, and places that exemplify the city. Thanks for the help! I'm excited to visit!

My criteria would be
- alot of big TVs playing all the games
- good drinks/beer
- good food
- bonus points if they play the audio of a big game.
- a crowd that is invested in the games.

I just went into a pump and pantry for the first time since I sold them all. They still technically will take your Hy-Vee fuel saver points, but they require that you have the actual card which I have been using digitally for the last couple of years. And it went from having good food to an anemic picked over selection. Overall, a terrible experience.

I don’t think I’m going to ever go to one again and I also don’t intend to continue using Hy-Vee fuel saver membership. There’s nothing in it for me anymore.

Is there anything I’m overlooking? Has anybody else had a different experience?

Where to get the best boneless buffalo wings around des Moines?

Just saw Little Book’s post about suing the building landlord for fraud. Am I out of the loop or does anyone know what’s going on for all the businesses there?

About to leave T-Mobile.
Several lines to port. I hate the website and would be interested in talking to someone local in the Des Moines Metro with preference to those that works at a CORPORATE Verizon store. If it works out I would come to your store and complete the ports with you (but only if it makes you money, if it doesn’t I’ll GFM because that’s some BS)
Thanks!

I love Des Moines. Family in town, I've been visiting annually for over 30 years.

However, it pains me to share something negative, even if it's just a hotel experience.

A family member recently moved within walking distance of the Capital Dome... So many fun restaurants and attractions nearby, I was motivated to stay within walking distance of their apartment.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of staying at the Embassy Suites Des Moines.
My goodness... what an awful experience.

Rattling off the details:
- Dark, dank, and a g*d-awful smelly room. Think school dormitory in late June, just after all the students have left.
- Slimy bathroom. Hair in the sink, water near the top of the bowl (on purpose), shower that constantly leaked onto the floor. I wondered why I got so many extra bath towels. Now I know why.
- Heating did not work... Couldn't get it over 65 degrees.
- Broken phone. Thankfully there were two... But still...
- Stains on the carpet, plus beat up furniture straight out of 2005.
- Old TVs with hit-or-miss reception. In 2026, I would think it would be pretty easy to fix satellite or cable. I guess not.
- Sub-standard breakfast... Desiccated eggs, old fruit and foul coffee. Thankfully, I walked a few blocks to Early Bird and had a wonderful experience.
- Indifferent staff. I'm sure there are good folks on the premises who care about the jobs they do. Unfortunately, management doesn't give their team the proper tools/resources to succeed.

My only positive comment to share -- I escaped without bed bugs.

Bottom line: Ick. I would suggest avoiding at all costs. How do such places stay in business?
Wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience staying here...

Preferably with washer/dryer and under $900 (this is a joke, but what follows isn't)

Workers in the Capital Square building, residents of the Hotel Kirkwood, or anyone who lives or works around the area bounded by 5th/Locust/3rd/Walnut, have you noticed a new mourning dove nest lately? I live above the HyVee on Court, and I have a homie mourning dove who has been visiting my balcony for seeds daily for the past ~2 years. I am now fully invested in his life. He recently found himself a mate, and I have reason to believe that they have a nest somewhere in that area. I don't know if they would ever bring the kids by my balcony for seeds, so I'd really like to find out where their nest is and, if possible, get a picture before they leave it.

ETA: I've added a comment with the Tale of Homie

For those that listen to sports radio in Des Moines, I just discovered that Trent Condon is back on the radio on ESPN 1350. Ken Miller is on as well but I don't know yet if he's a guest or if he'll be a daily part of the show.

I know a lot of people don't care for Trent for the amount of gambling talk he does, but this is currently the only show that will have local sports talk. If you want to be in the loop on the Hawks and Cyclones, local sports radio is back.

While local communities have publicly paused or terminated Flock agreements, Axon devices may be more hidden and insidious.