Des Moines Meet Friends Meetup Group

4.7•179 ratings

Des Moines, IA, US

32 members · Public group

What we’re about

Are you new to the area? Did you recently return but your friends no longer live here? Have you just been too busy with work to make friends?
This group is for anyone -- single, married, divorced, attached -- anyone who would like to meet other people in the area, make friends, and do some activities. This is not a singles group, though single people are welcome. It's not a hookup group. Just people who would like the opportunity to meet and make friends and perhaps do fun activities.

I envision activities as simple as going out to different restaurant, patios, kayaking somewhere locally, exploring museums, enjoying a picnic lunch somewhere, going to museums, taking a tour of local wineries, etc. The options are limitless and will give us a chance to explore Des Moines as well.

Let's explore Des Moines and its surrounding areas, meet interesting people and have a little fun!

There are some immuno-compromised members and others who spend time with those who are vulnerable, children, or unable to receive the vaccine. With respect for them and the CDC recommendations, you must be fully vaccinated to participate in these meetups. Proof of vaccination for each attendee must be provided at the meetup.

Please note: there is a free 60 day trial period; after that there is $10 annual dues to help offset the costs of using the Meetup site. Using the site is not cheap, but it is useful and allows everyone to participate and communicate with each other.

Who's ready to make new friends?

Upcoming events

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3 seats left
Alba
Fri, Jan 16 · 6:00 PM CST
524 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA, US
Alba Restaurant (albadsm.com)

## Alba is an upscale American restaurant & bar featuring reclaimed ceiling doors for a perfect dining experience.

Alba - whose name was inspired by the white oak trees in front of the building and featured on the dining room mural - opened its doors in February 2008.

Located in the Historic East Village of Des Moines, Alba is recognized for its contemporary American cuisine, as well as its 1950's Art Moderne exterior and its unconventional interior. Besides the colorful artwork that adorns the walls, one of the most noted features of restaurant is the colorful mix of wood-panel doors that suspend from the ceiling.

In addition to the dining room and seasonal patio, Alba also offers a full-service wine and cocktail bar. The space's long-winding bar and high-top tables are a great way to experience Alba's cuisine in a more casual environment. There is a happy hour at the bar only from 4-6 p.m. Happy Hour does not apply to the seating (only at the bar), so if you wish to participate in happy hour come early and head to the bar. We'll meet you at the table by 5:30.

Alba was nominated in 2010 and 2016 for a James Beard Restaurant Award and was voted "Best Restaurant" by the Des Moines Register in 2010 and 2011. Alba has also appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Sun Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Midwest Living magazine, and Jet Set Delta Sky magazine.

NOTE: they say have lots of gluten or lactose free options.
5 attendees
Mi Patria - Ecuadorian food
Fri, Jan 30 · 5:45 PM CST
1410 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA, US
https://www.mipatriaecuador.com/

WELCOME TO MI PATRIA

Mi Patria offers menus for Lunch and Dinner. The restaurant has a Latin atmosphere with Ecuadorian ornaments and music. Within a year of its opening, Mi Patria was recognized for its quality of food and excellent service. They've been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". They offer wine, beers, mixed drinks, including some imported Ecuadorian beers and drinks, and have regular soft drinks as well as Ecuadorian type soft drinks to offer.

Note: This is a family run restaurant. Servings here are often generous, you likely will take a box home.

Mi Pstria is located in a strip mall, just a few doors down from Michaels Craft store on 22nd Street in West Des Moines. Parking for the strip mall is in front of the restaurant and is free.
8 attendees
1 seat left
Hugo's Wood Fired Kitchen 5:45 & Tour of Meals on Wheels Greenhouse below 5:30
Fri, Feb 13 · 5:30 PM CST
3206 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, US
Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen

At Hugo’s, we bring the art of wood-fired cooking to the heart of Des Moines. Our kitchen is built around a custom Marra Forni wood-fired oven, where every dish comes alive with flame and flavor. From handcrafted pizzas to shareable mezze, fresh salads, and seasonal entrées, our menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean—Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, and the Balkans—while celebrating local ingredients and community..

#### Whether you’re enjoying a crisp, flame-kissed pizza, unwinding with craft cocktails at the bar, or gathering with friends on our spacious patio, Hugo’s is a place to connect, indulge, and explore bold, seasonal flavors. Join us Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, dinner, and our daily Happy Hour, and discover why Hugo’s has become one of Des Moines’ favorite destinations for wood-fired cuisine.

We will meet at 5:30 p.m. to tour the Meals on Wheels Greenhouse in the basement of Hugo's building, then meet upstairs at Hugo's at 5:45. Happy hour lasts until 6 p.m.

Parking behind the building.
7 attendees