The Outdoor Restaurant In Iowa That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

There's nothing like a river view on a warm spring or summer day, and when it comes to the best patio dining in Des Moines, Iowa, I always think of one place: Mullets. Yes, Mullets Restaurant, the unusually-named, long-time institution in the heart of Iowa's biggest city. It might sound like a dive based on the name alone, and the humble exterior might get overlooked by some, but this place is exactly like its namesake hairdo - business in front, party in the back! The large restaurant has a massive patio atop it, providing amazing views of the Raccoon River. When the sun is shining, it's the perfect place in the city to enjoy some of Mullets' over-the-top diner-style food. This isn't just a regular restaurant - the breakfast, lunch, and dinner creations are almost as visually amazing as the views. Bring an appetite and get ready for a one-of-a-kind Iowa dining experience!

Mullets is a classic Des Moines party institution - especially if you take a seat on the patio.

This gorgeous, sprawling outdoor patio overlooking the Raccoon River is the perfect place to indulge in Mullets' trademark treats.

Breakfast and brunch is a specialty here, and the sweet, over-the-top pancakes are a fave.

The breakfast pizza is probably the most famous item on the menu - a 10-inch pizza topped with cheese sauce, eggs, sausage, and bacon.

For lunch and dinner, an extensive menu of sandwiches, burgers, and finger foods is available.

You won't beat the spicy chicken and donuts if it's on the menu!

This is food that calls for a drink to go with it. We love the variety of the Bloody Mary flight, but that's just the beginning.

You might just find yourself lingering and getting to take in a beautiful sunset here.

Have you eaten at Mullets Restaurant on the Raccoon River? Do you think it's the best patio dining in Des Moines? Let us know in the comments section, and make sure to check out the Mullets website for the full menu! The kitchen wizards here are always introducing new specialties, so make sure to follow the Mullets Facebook page for the latest details. If you're still hungry, you're only a short walking distance from Graziano Brothers, which sells the best sausage in Iowa. And if you need a place to stay, this is a hub of hotels - but we're partial to the Hotel Fort Des Moines, which is just over a mile away.