Park Street Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Des Moines

[Personal rating system at end of comments]

Summary: Meh, and overpriced.

So I stayed at the downtown Hilton for 16 nights over the course of two months (January and December) and tried this restaurant multiple times because of it's convenient location. Overall, it was consistently disappointing.

The first time I ate here should have clued me in. When the hostess showed me to my table, I was literally the only person in the restaurant. I was concerned about time so I ordered something simple - a fried chicken sandwich. It took 35 minutes to come out. It was decent, but not particularly impressive. Keep in mind, I was the only customer in this restaurant for the entire 35 minutes.

I tried their flatbread (pizzas). They were floppy, not crisp, and definitely overpriced.

I tried their lasagna. It was a unique take on lasagna made with some kind of braised beef and it was okay, but it was not worth what I paid for it.

Their tomato soup is worth mentioning. I think they smoke the tomatoes and it has a unique flavor. I could see myself growing to like that, but I'm not sure I want to go through the effort to acquire the taste.

I also need to point out that several of my colleagues did enjoy the salmon and said it was perfectly cooked. Half of them weren't sure it was worth what they paid for it though.

My rating system: 5 stars: a destination - this place is worth going out of your way for 4 stars: good place - if you're around, give it a try 3 stars: okay - not bad but not good either (maybe it's overpriced) 2 stars: ugh - I don't feel like it was worth the money I paid, but if someone else is paying I'll still eat here 1 star: bad - steer clear; even if free I don't think I would...

The Park Street Kitchen and Bar is inside the beautiful one year old Hilton Downtown Des Moines. Restaurant has super friendly staff, very professional. Comfortable banquette seating and attentive service. Have visited twice, for lunch. For dinner. I highly recommend the house smoked salmon toast. At the bar I ordered a hamburger. The thick sauce that was on the side was amazing! The fries were perfect. The bartender, who has been there since day one is super friendly and makes a great drink. I've sat at the bar and the very comfortable lobby seating. The bar is open to the modern, soaring ceiling lobby. If you park at the near by 5th and Watson Powell way ramp you use the temperature controlled skywalk. So, if is raining or snowing, freezing or super hot you avoid the elements as the skywalk goes right through the lobby! I highly recommend that you visit, even if your not a hotel guest. If you're attending an event at the Iowa Event Center and Wells Fargo Arena next door the skywalk...

Staying at Hilton for 4 nights, last year we did the same and the creamy mushroom was the BEST burger I had EVER had. Even at the price of $21.00 we had the 3 of 4 nights and couldn't wait to get back for another. This year it's off the menu but we went down for the breakfast. Wow the eggs and quiche were incredible!! Seriously I spit both out and I don't do that, it's rude! This was off the "buffet" which at any other hotel would have been included with the room. Well it was NOT!! ITS WAS $49.22 for 2 "buffets" the only thing that was good was the juice and the sausage! The sausage was actually delicious! That being said, $49.22 for 1 apple juice, 1 O.J, 2 pieces of sausage and 3 slices of bacon is BEYOND CRAZY!! Especially with the price of the room! Sorry...