How to spend a perfect day near Drake University with food, drinks, shopping and more
Drake University, home of the Bulldogs, is the private college in the Des Moines metro area. The campus spreads across 105 acres centered on University Avenue and 30th Street with around 5,000 students.
The last weekend in April brings the Drake Relays, canceled in 2020 and on an altered schedule in 2021. The 112th edition of the Drake Relays returns to its conventional format, attracting competitors from university, college, high school and elite ranks all participating in an integrated schedule over four days in Drake Stadium.
Here's a look at how to have the perfect day in the Drake neighborhood, complete with places to eat, drink, shop, play and more.
More: Drake Relays return to Des Moines. What you need to know about tickets, parking, schedule
Where to eat near Drake University
Breakfast at Drake Diner
Long a staple of the Drake neighborhood, Drake Diner (1111 25th St.) has recreated the nostalgia of an old school ‘50s diner. Waitstaff is always around the corner to top off a cup of coffee. Neon lights illuminate the cushy booths and maple syrup flows endlessly from classic bulbous dispensers. Drake Diner serves breakfast all day with nearly every combination of eggs, pancakes and griddled meat known to man. Try specialties like poached eggs over grilled corned beef hash and cinnamon swirl French toast made from the diner’s homemade cinnamon roll soaked and grilled in egg batter. Bonus points for the full bar.
Other options: The spaced-themed Mars Café (2318 University Ave.) serves a light breakfast menu starting at 7 a.m. which includes breakfast sandwiches, parfaits and pastries. Try a honey, almond and cinnamon Sputnik espresso with the peanut butter banana honey toast. Down the street, Lifestyle Juices (2418 University Ave.) satisfies the health-conscious with fruit and veggie-loaded smoothies, juices and juice shots.
More: 9 places to eat near Drake University including Indian, diner fare, burgers, ice cream
Lunch at Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine
Lzaza’s (1409 23rd St.) rotating lunch buffet runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Monday and features a spread of homestyle halal India-Pakistani specialties. With an unassuming dining room and quick service, it’s the perfect stop for a warm, filling all-you-can-eat lunch. Focusing on the cuisine of the Punjabi region that encompasses both Indian and Pakistani land, Lzaza has ample vegetarian options like vegetable samosa rolls and a buttery Chana masala. The brilliantly red tandoori chicken is moist and well-seasoned, and the rich and creamy tomato curry of the chicken tikka masala is delicious over rice or scooped up with naan. Don’t forget dessert: An aromatic gulab jamun soaked in sweet syrup is a perfect final bite.
Other options: Another quick and unique dining experience can be found at Gursha Ethiopian Grill (2316 University Ave.), which takes a fast-casual approach to Ethiopian fare. Dough Co. Pizza (2330 University Ave.) offers a weekday lunch special of a two-topping slice, choice of breadsticks or salad and a fountain drink for $8.
More: How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more
Dinner at Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
It’s in the name: Lucky Horse’s (2331 University Ave.) 12 specialty burgers are worth a stop, but there is plenty of other pub fare on the menu, too. The burgers are served on toasted brioche with double patties. Try a fried pickle burger topped with Gouda and sriracha mayo, or go for a classic cheeseburger with all the fixings. Lucky Horse has appetizers, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches, plus lots of local beer on tap.
Other options: Rico’s at Drake (2314 University Ave.), opened by NFL player and Drake University alum Rico Gafford, has eight different flavor options for boneless and traditional chicken wings, po'boys and fun drinks like the caramel apple mimosa. Stop into the dimly lit lounge Haiku (1315 31st St.) for sushi rolls and Thai noodle dishes. Satisfy your post-dinner sweet tooth with a scoop or three at Black Cat Ice Cream (2511 Cottage Grove Ave.), where wild flavors like Flamin' Hot Cheetos occasionally grace the menu alongside more regular offerings like brown butter cookie dough and red velvet Oreo.
More: Want in on secret spots to have fun in Des Moines? We've got a newsletter for that.
Where to drink near Drake University
Grab a drink at University Library Café
A favorite local haunt among Drake students, the University Library Café (3506 University Ave.) has a large selection of local craft beers on tap and old-school, cozy college vibes. Every month, the pub features eight beers from one Iowa brewery on a dedicated tap called the Octobox. It’s a great way to find your next favorite brew from around the state, and sometimes the brewers pop in to answer all your burning beer questions.
Other options: Louie’s Wine Dive (4040 University Ave., Suite A) runs happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m. with $6 glasses of wines and $7 select cocktails. For the wine connoisseurs, a wine club offers special deals including monthly tasting events and exclusive wines by the bottle. Spend a night at Lefty’s Live Music (2307 University Ave.), where you’ll find local bands and comedy open mics to enjoy over a local beer or mixed drink.
More: 10 can't-miss Des Moines concerts and Broadway shows from 'Hamilton' to Justin Bieber in spring 2022
Where to shop near Drake University
Uptown Shopping Center
Need a cup of coffee? Looking for a gift? Forgot some essentials at home? Look no further than the Uptown Shopping Center at the intersection of 42nd Street and University Avenue. The multi-use neighborhood shopping center is home to nearly a dozen local businesses and is anchored by a Hy-Vee Drugstore. Check out Zumi, a women’s clothing boutique, or Bone-A-Patreat, a pet emporium, for those niche treasures only local stores can provide. Finish your walk around the complex with a visit to Friedrichs Coffee, a Des Moines favorite.
Other options: Saunter into Louie's Wine Dive for, you guessed it, a bottle of wine... or two. The intimate wine bar features a full menu of entrees and tapas for an elevated evening out. Detox with some supplements next door at Campbell's Nutrition, the first and longest-running health food store in the state.
Groovy Goods Daydreams
Only good vibes are welcome at Groovy Goods Daydreams. The smoke shop and "metaphysical store" (2300 University Ave.) promises "everything for the hippie at heart" where you're sure to find crystals, Bob Marley-embellished garb and hemp-infused bath and body products. Peace out, dude.
Other options: Keep growing your mystical collection with a visit to Ancient Ways (2420 University Ave.), an "eclectic shop for exploring ancient mysteries" a few blocks away. With candles, incense, tarot cards and home décor, if you can't find it at Groovy Goods you may strike gold at Ancient Ways.
More: 9 places to dine near Drake University including Indian, diner fare, burgers, ice cream
Drake Bulldog Shop
Whether you're in town for the Drake Relays or one of the hundreds of other events the university hosts throughout the year, show some spirit with the Drake Bulldog Shop. It's tucked away on the Drake campus in the Olmsted Center (2875 University Ave.) and is well worth a visit for kitschy college gear.
Entertainment near Drake University
xBk Live
A relatively new hang out in the Drake neighborhood is xBk Live (1159 24th St.) a music venue that first opened in the latter half of 2019. Even if you haven’t missed out on the eclectic offerings of xBk, be ready for another upgrade as the owner opens a new patio as well as a next-door cocktail lounge.
Other options: If you’re not into what xBk Live is playing, you might be able to find a song that’s more your tune a block over at Lefty’s Live Music (2307 University Ave.); though Lefty’s has its own varied selection of performers, it also has historical significance as the former Safari Club, which used to be owned by Slipknot member M. Shawn Crahan. Carrying its own historical significance is Varsity Cinema (1207 25th St.) across from the Drake University campus, scheduled to re-open this fall. If you’re looking for another kind of show to watch, though, Drake University is rated being among the top 100 schools for theater in the United States and is considered No. 2 in Iowa by College Factual; so, if the season is right, check out a show at Drake University’s Coleman Studio Theatre.
Where to find art near Drake University
Untitled by James Rosati
Some of the most interesting permanent art in the neighborhood can be found on the campus of Drake University. Take for example the untitled sculpture of artist James Rosati. This red, blocky piece was first installed in 1970s on the campus as a gift from the Kruidenier family. The piece remains on campus to this day outside of the Harmon Fine Arts Center (1310 25th St.).
Other options: "The Joy of Music," an art piece made up of five bronze sculptures depicted performing on Wifvat Plaza, sits on the Drake University campus. Also near the Drake campus — specifically along the side of the University Library Cafe (3506 University Ave.) — is an untitled mural done in graffiti artist Chris Vance's signature style.
More: Take our walking tour of 12 Des Moines murals (and peruse our gallery of many more)
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Best restaurants, bars, more near Drake University amid Drake Relays
