Des Moines Meet Friends Meetup Group

4.7

161 ratings

Des Moines, IA, US

33 members · Public group

Organized by Cindy

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 (3)

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Fri, Aug 8, 2025, 5:30 PM CDTPalms DSM (Caribbean food)
Palms DSM, DES MOINES, IA
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palms restaurant - Search

We want this place to be a hub for great food and good times while creating lasting memories. Our doors are open to everyone for lunch and dinner.

Palms is a new restaurant, just opened in June 2025. They don't have a regular website, so am posting some food group reviews:

** The Palms on Ingersoll:
Don't sleep on this place! My mom heard rave reviews, and wowza! It doesn't disappoint! The decor is fresh, bright, and comfortable. The vibe is definitely Caribbean. We concurred that we could sip on pain killers all day...the booths are so comfortable. THE FOOD! I got the oxtail entree and mom got the jerk chicken ... Awwwweeeeeeeeeeee The Palms is instantly added to a very short list of my favorite restaurants in Des Moines... We are lucky to have a restaurant that every single bite just blows you away! Everything is definitely made with love and passion!!!
GET HERE!!!

** I had lunch again at Palm's DSM. The jerk chicken, yams, rice and peas and fried plantains were all fantastic. Reliably friendly service and excellent food.

** We went to Palm's DSM. It’s the first time I’ve had Caribbean food / jerk chicken and it was 10/10. I got the jerk chicken tacos, Zack got the Oxtail.. the rest of the family got jerk chicken, suya shrimp and jerk chicken Alfredo that we all tried. and all of it was honestly phenomenal.
We don’t drink much anymore but imbibed to celebrate and they were the best mixed drinks I’ve had in years (I wish I was exaggerating)
The staff were the friendliest I’ve experienced in the metro in quite some time and the vibes were just high. Great portions and we were glad to be able to take some home that we already ate this afternoon. I can’t wait to go back and so thankful to have such a pleasant dining experience!

** I could write a 12 paragraph post about how fantastic my experience was at Palms DSM tonight. The atmosphere was so fun and inviting. The entire staff was so wonderful. Specifically our server, Johnny, and the owner himself who came out and made sure we got to try their smoked jerk wings. They are family owned and operated.
When I say this food is phenomenal, I am not lying. Everything our group tried was so full of flavor with the perfect amount of spice.
Give this place a shot, you will not be disappointed!!!
Pictured- coconut curry wings, fried plantains, fried rice and peas, coconut candied yams, jollof rice, macaroni and cheese, palms smashburger sliders, and the smoked jerk wings

NOTE: They have a full bar available.

Parking is available on the street, or after 5:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind the building.

Palms DSM isn't set up to do reservations yet, so we are going a little early to beat the rush.
8 attendees+3
Fri, Aug 22, 2025, 5:30 PM CDTBar Nico
Bar Nico, Des Moines, IA
BAR NICO

## Des Moines’ hot spot for modern Mexican fare, craft cocktails and late night tacos.

Proudly a Gluten-Free Kitchen

This is restaurant week, so we will see what they have to offer for that. Restaurants participating in Restaurant Week don't usually add their menus until August. You can see their regular fare in the link above and the restaurant week information in the link below.
dsm Dish – Restaurant Week 2025 – dsm magazine
7 attendees+2
Fri, Sep 5, 2025, 5:45 PM CDTRoots 95
Roots 95, Johnston, IA
Roots95 - Johnston, Johnston, IA

# Unforgettable Culinary Journey

Taste is everything
The finest in local cooking.
OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards 2024
Something delicious for everyone

Full bar. Happy hour is from 4-6, so we are meeting at 5:45 so members can participate in the happy hour specials listed for that date if you wish as we start our outing. Those specials change weekly/monthly; staff didn't know ahead what they would be.

They have gluten free options, as well as vegetarian dishes on their menu.

Parking is off street at the restaurant.
7 attendees+2