Crow's Nest

The Crow’s Nest is a family-friendly restaurant serving fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch in a fun, pirate-themed setting. Located in the heart of Des Moines' Marina District, it's a great stop before exploring Des Moines Beach Park and the marina, just a five-minute drive away.

Note: While the restaurant officially opened in early 2026, it is still transforming into a pirate paradise, with more renovations and novelty decor in the works. It is in the space formerly occupied by Tuscany at Des Moines Creek.

Highlights

All-Day Breakfast: Enjoy classic dishes made with organic eggs and, where possible, locally sourced ingredients. A standout is the French Toast, topped with berry compote and a lemon creme anglaise.

Classic Lunch Menu: Fill up on a juicy burger, reuben, or clubhouse sandwich. Or dig into the nautical theme with fish n' chips or a hot bowl of clam chowder.

Kid-Friendly: The Crow's Nest proudly caters to families, offering a "Little Pirates" menu with dishes under $10.

Outdoor Seating: Several tables on the front porch offer a nice place to eat on warm days.

Famous Homemade Pies: The pies at The Crow's Nest have been loved by locals since before the restaurant even opened. They were a specialty of the restaurant that formerly occupied the space, and when The Crow's Nest moved in, it kept up the tradition in partnership with the former owner.

Coming Soon: Plans for the restaurant include adding pool tables, a TV showing sports, a 21+ bar area, and more nautical flair.

The Vibe:
Laid-back, relaxed, and welcoming, The Crow's Nest feels like the kind of place you visited as a kid and can make new memories with your family.