Des Moines' newest restaurant: First bites at Either/Or

👋 Linh here. Last week, I snagged a reservation for Either/Or, one of the most anticipated new restaurants of the year.

Driving the news: Started by the owners of Lua Brewing, the restaurant opened along Grand Avenue at the former location of an auto parts store on Sept. 15.

State of play: The name reflects the restaurant's concept.

• Either/Or's 6,500+ square-foot restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
• Its moody lighting and whimsical interior can accommodate a fancy date, while a play area outside encourages kids to run around.
• The menu offers both caviar ($90 and ounce) and corned beef ($16.50).

What I ate: An Asian-inspired crispy pork belly appetizer ($14) and a Lua Smash Burger with two patties, onion, cheese and pickles, plus a side of fries ($16.50).

• Just like at Lua, the food was delicious but a little pricey. The brewer's beers are available, as well as other local brews.

The best part: The different concepts all work seamlessly with each other.

• It's one of the few restaurants I've been to where there's truly something interesting both for adults and kids beyond board games and coloring books.

If you go: 3:30pm-10pm Mon; 11am-10pm Tues-Thurs; 11am-11pm Fri-Sat; 11am-9pm Sun; 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines.