Axios Des Moines

March 05, 2022
Hey there. We're dropping in your inbox this Saturday with a special budget-friendly guide to all things Des Moines.
- We've got you covered on everything from cheap eats to garage sale haggling because while Midwesterners are humble, we can't help but brag about a good deal.
Today's Smart Brevity™ count is 912 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Shop til' you drop
The interior of Worn and some of the designer bags that are available. Photos courtesy of Worn
You don't need to sift through the bargain bin to find something good. Here in Des Moines, there are hidden shopping deals everywhere.
- Below are a few of our favorites, from designer bags to bicycles.
Worn
This second-hand store is pricier than a Goodwill or a Plato's Closet, but what you get in return are high-quality pieces that are carefully curated.
- There are plenty of recognizable brands like Kate Spade, Lululemon and J.Crew. And you can find high-end designer bags like Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
- Plus: You can get an extra deal by shopping at both Worn locations on the same day.
Where to find it: 857 42nd St., Des Moines and 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite #160, West Des Moines or online.
Atomic Garage

Okay, so the funny thing about this vintage clothing store is that they have a sign saying they're having a 50% off sale — but they're always having a 50% off sale.
Now the retro clothes here aren't everybody's style, but if you have a high school student that's obsessed with Depop or you're searching for some special, one-of-a-kind pieces — this is the spot.
- We've found Boy Scouts uniforms, letter jackets, mod 70s dresses and sick fur coats here.
Where to find it: 127 5th St., West Des Moines.
ReStore

If you're looking to shake up your decor or need some furniture to fill out your space — the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is the spot to go.
- There's a little bit of everything here — construction materials, appliances, rugs and lamps.
- This spot is for the bargain hunters who find joy in the treasure hunt.
Where to find it: 2200 E Euclid Ave., Des Moines.
Keep reading for where to find the best bargains for bikes...
2. Meal deals for every day of the week
Illustration: Axios Visuals
Struggling to find a spot to eat? Here's our list of where you can get the best bang for your buck.
Monday

Barntown Brewing is serving up the ultimate meal to start your week — chow down on a quality cheeseburger, fries and one of their craft beers for just $10.99.
Where to find it: 9500 University Ave., Suite 1110, West Des Moines.
Tuesday

The Dam Pub in Beaverdale is serving up the most decked-out nacho plate for half-price on Tuesdays.
- Get a full-size plate with literally everything on it and your choice of chicken or steak — $8.02 with tax.
Where to find it: 2710 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.
Also check out: Django's great all-day happy hour deal. (Hint: there are $5 martinis.)
Wednesday

It's hump day — celebrate the middle of the week and head to Ceviche in the East Village for BOGO mojitos and mules.
Where to find it: 223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines.
Thursday

Take advantage of all-you-can-eat wings at Wellman's Pub off Ingersoll on Thursdays. The deal is $10.99 per person, plus a drink purchase.
- If you're wanting Wednesday wings, the West Des Moines location offers the same deal a day earlier.
Where to find it: 2920 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines.
The weekend

Maybe you've tried, but could never drink enough to make those bottomless mimosa deals worth it.
- The Station has you covered — $4 bloody Marys and mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays. You're welcome.
Where to find it: 3124 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines.
3. Des Moines' hidden gem: Creative margaritas
Lucky Charm margaritas at La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill. They're returning for St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of La Cabaña
👋 Linh here. The moment I got a comically tall margarita pitcher at La Cabaña — I knew I had found my go-to margarita spot.
Why it matters: The Southside restaurant's $17.99 pitcher has everything — tons of drinks, ample tequila and theatrics. (And $2 off on Fridays and Saturdays.)
- My friends and I poured at least six big drinks and there was still plenty leftover.
Driving the news: Co-owner and drink mastermind Alondra Duran told Axios she likes to express her creativity through the tropical recipes she creates.
- A big part of that? "Crazy containers," she said.
- And if you don't want a whole pitcher, you can also stop by on Mondays for $1.50 margs.
Plus: There's tons of other drinks to try, including her green apple Lucky Charms margarita, which is returning for St. Patrick's Day.
Where to find it: 1435 Army Post Rd., Des Moines.

4. Des Moines' best garage sale spots
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
đź‘‹ Jason here. My first full-time job in journalism paid $10 an hour. Cash was tight, but garage sales saved me.
What happened: My first apartment and then my first home were almost completely furnished for just a few hundred dollars.
- I learned where to find the very best sales in the metro and — even after I got a few promotions — I've continued to bargain hunt.
- Like my shirt? It's probably yours.
My advice: Shop in areas you want to emulate in your life. If you've got kids, for example, focus on sales near schools.
- Here are some of my favorite neighborhoods for garage sale shopping:
Beaverdale
- It's my Goldilocks of garage sales. I've found some treasured items, like original artwork, for great bargains.
South of Grand
- Loads of great stuff but not always the best for deals. These folks know when they're selling a Picasso.
Urbandale
- Great for housewares linked with newlywed sales — merging households that don't need two crock pots. Score.
5. 🔎 1 budget tip to go: How to find great auctions
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Auctions often have some of the best deals, especially if you're willing to do a little research and be patient.
A few tips: Don't show too much emotion. Bidders feed on energy and will take a second look at an item if they sense excitement.
- Set your limits. Estate auctions, especially, can be emotional and result in out-of-control bidding.
- Research: Many auctions publish photos online. You can set calendar reminders and alerts for specific treasures on sites like AuctionZip.
Thanks for reading our special edition!
- Do you have any places you like to go to for a great deal? Hit reply and let us know.
Sign up for Axios Des Moines

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Des Moines with Linh Ta and Jason Clayworth.




