Whether it's the mahogany furnishings or the 24-ounce Porterhouse steak, excess is key at this elegant steak house. The 801 provides a gentlemen's club ambience and is renowned among the business crowd as the place to seal a deal. The menu is classic and the food rich. Side items come à la carte and include favorites like creamed spinach topped with cheese. Diners can also choose starters like baked escargot or lobster corn chowder. Main entrées include veal chops and Delmonico steaks, as well as prime rib and filet mignon. The menu even offers a spicy stuffed chicken breast filled with crab, cheese and mushrooms. Casual dress attire.

Huge windows, exposed ductwork, and an open kitchen create a contemporary ambience at this café. The food at B&B is simple and centers on an updated approach to salads and sandwiches. The eatery showcases daily specials that might include mouth-watering brisket sandwiches served with fries or onion rings, or a savory barbeque pork sandwich. Plus, the house club sandwich features grilled chicken and smoked bacon. The service is good and the atmosphere welcoming.

With food that is fresh and well prepared, dining at the Bistro Montage is quite satisfying. The menu features items like foie gras on chunks of apple-filled spring rolls, and beef medallions served with blue cheese mashed potatoes and green beans ­ remember this is the heartland! The décor is tasteful and features red walls and tiled floors as well as a montage of black and white artistic photography along the walls. One of the restaurant's highlights is its flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. The service is friendly and accessible, and the clientele is diverse. Casual dress attire.

Exposed woodwork and beams add to the cozy ambience of this downtown café. Buzzard Billy's is busy at lunch, and diners can enjoy their meal in booth or table settings. The menu is Cajun and Creole and features items such as crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and six types of Po' Boy sandwiches. The décor features authentic pop culture memorabilia and includes suspended bicycles hanging from the ceiling, as well as a variety of beer and cola advertising signs. Prices are reasonable, and the service is good.

This tan and berry painted Victorian building was once the Des Moines Saddlery Company. Now, as the Court Avenue Brewing Company, it is one of the city's best places for lunch. The décor has several historic touches and features the large beer brewing tanks. Menu items range from fresh salads and tempting appetizers to grilled burgers and prime rib. The service is good, and the dessert options include bread pudding and ice cream.