Either/Or — Restaurant in Des Moines

We walked in last night around 7pm--prime dinner time. The hosts said that the wait would be around an hour so we decided to forego the queue and head to the bar. Those of you who have been following my reviews know that I am a huge fan of bar seating anyway. Luckily for us, two people left just as we were walking up. So, we were able to be seated right away, and they were still warm 😉 The bartenders/servers; however, took about 20 minutes to address us after we had already gone through the menu and decided what we wanted. I kind of get it, you know, there's a huge turnover at the bar and you don't know who's serving who but if they could find a way to effectively communicate who's been taken care of to each other it'd go a lot smoother. There was also a lot of confusion about where food was to be delivered. I think putting guests under actual seat numbers or describing what area they're seated in front of (ex. dishwasher couple) would work. Also, maybe place tokens in front of guests and take them away after they've ordered. Or, I don't know, just talk to each other. I'm a 17-year veteran of the restaurant/bar industry and that's what worked for us.

Once we got a server, we ordered everything together anticipating a long wait. We each got a beer and a plethora of appetizers. The beers were fantastic! That goes without saying. The appetizers were hit or miss. The pork belly was phenomenal! Flavors were on-point, and it was crispy as described. The shrimp ceviche is not really a ceviche (it was creamy) but it was really tasty! I added a squeeze of lime to really bring the flavors out. The chips and salsa were okay. Not your run-of-the-mill salsa. Less chunky with more heat. The salsa verde with the zucchini fries were also okay. The zucchini fries were also sturdy and crispy, not rubbery at all. They just needed a little salt. The Korean BBQ wings were meh. The sauce tasted like it was covered in straight Gochujang. It was slightly bitter. I feel like Gochujang is better suited for dipping or incorporating into sauce recipes.

The inside of the restaurant is super beautiful. Whoever designed the place is brilliant. I love the retro look!There's tons of seating all over the place. Love the outdoor area! I would love to bring my dog here next time. There are plenty of heaters and garden lights for colder, darker nights.

Sorry for the long review. I think they've still got a few things to work out, but hopefully as time goes on they're not as slammed and can communicate with each other more...

4.0* (out of 5) Food: 3* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 4*

04/05/2024 I've been wanting to get to Either-Or for some time since reading about their opening in the Des Moines Register. The exterior and interior of the building are impressive and deserving of a 5* rating (see pictures) - enhanced by the expansive open patio area. There is definitely excitement in the air and the whole place seems quite energetic and lively - welcoming to all age groups.

There is an extensive collection of craft tap beers, especially from Lua (see menu and picture of bar). I also found the Value and Service to be above average. On the food side, both my wife and I were disappointed given our expectations. I ordered the Chicken Katsu with beet soup (see picture) and my wife ordered the Korean Philly with salad (see picture). Our daughter-in-law ordered the Ham & Cheese w/ fries (see picture).

Our daughter-in-law liked the Ham & Cheese and both my wife and I tried and liked the fries. Being a beet fan, I also liked the beet soup. What really brough my rating down to average for the food though was the Chicken Katsu and Korean Philly sandwiches - and for opposite reasons. We found the Chicken Katsu to be near flavorless, with very little seasoning. On the other hand, both my wife and myself had the same reaction after our first bite of the Korean Philly sandwich - the strength of the salty flavor created an initial thought of "there is no way we can finish this sandwich".

We finished most of our meals, but I would not recommend either the Chicken Katsu or the Korean Philly sandwich and would not order it again if we return to the restaurant. That is disappointing to report and is a rarity in all of my hundreds of reviews, but I want to provide transparent reviews to help you make good dining decisions.

Spacious, modern and lively atmosphere with a great selection of craft beers on tap, but the food still needs some work.

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First off, the vibe here is chef’s kiss. It’s like they took everything you love about your favorite cozy neighborhood bar and threw in a splash of cool—without being too cool (you know, where you’re like, “Am I allowed to sit here or did I accidentally wander into a secret hipster meeting?”). The atmosphere here is just the right amount of laid-back, with a side of “Hey, we’ve got really good food and cocktails.”

Speaking of which, let’s talk about the food. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who’s super into eating (same), Either/Or delivers every time. Their menu is packed with dishes that feel fresh and inventive without being overly complicated, which is basically the restaurant equivalent of finding a unicorn. There’s something for everyone—whether you're here for a perfectly grilled steak or a plate of fries that make you want to send a thank-you card to the chef.

Now, let’s talk drinks. Their cocktails? FIRE. It’s like the bartenders here went to mixology school and then decided to come back and blow your mind with flavor combinations that are probably illegal in at least three states. If you’re into tequila (me), whiskey, gin, or anything with an unexpected twist, these guys are mixing it up like they’re creating a potion that’s going to solve world peace.

And the service? Top-notch. The staff here is like that cool friend who remembers your name and never makes you feel bad for ordering an extra round of fries. They're attentive, friendly, and definitely seem to enjoy working here, which is a vibe I can definitely get behind.

In short, Either/Or is that perfect spot where you can enjoy top-tier food and drinks. Love when they have BYOBrass perform. 🎺🎷 Highly recommend—and if you don’t go, I’m judging you. (Just...