Located just a few blocks from the scenic Des Moines Marina, Teacup offers a refreshing stop for boba and bites. This family-owned spot offers healthy, high-quality drinks and dishes that leave you smiling. As one of the only boba shops in the area serving 100% organic teas and cane sugar-based drinks, Teacup sets itself apart with a commitment to real ingredients and feel-good flavors. Whether you’re craving a handcrafted bubble tea or a satisfying Vietnamese meal, this café has something thoughtfully made for you.    

NEED TO KNOW    
-Certified Organic Teas: All drinks are brewed from organic black, jasmine green, matcha, and green teas, setting Teacup apart. No artificial powders—just real tea.    
-Cane Sugar, Always Included: Instead of high-fructose corn syrup, Teacup sweetens every drink with natural cane sugar at no extra charge, offering a cleaner, healthier way to enjoy your favorite beverages.    
-Fully Customizable Drinks: Choose from more than a dozen boba tea flavors, over ten smoothie blends, and countless topping combos. Guests can mix flavors freely to create a one-of-a-kind drink every time.  
-Fresh, Flavorful Vietnamese Cuisine: Teacup serves a full Vietnamese menu featuring Banh Mi sandwiches, fresh salad spring rolls, egg rolls, vermicelli bowls, and hot soups—always made fresh to order.    

The Vibe: Wholesome, Welcoming, and Made with Care    

Teacup Des Moines radiates the kind of warmth you only find in a family-owned café. With a calm, cozy setting just minutes from the marina, it’s a perfect place to recharge with something fresh.

TeaCup

Uncover the Mystery: The Maury Island Incident Mural  Tucked away in the Seattle Southside area, the Maury Island Incident Mural in Des Moines, Washington, commemorates one of the most mysterious and debated UFO sightings in American history. This striking mural tells the story of the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident, a tale involving flying saucers, strange debris, and government agents. Located on the side of a shipping container outside a local building, the mural brings this intriguing piece of Pacific Northwest folklore to life, capturing the imagination of passersby and inviting them to delve into the mystery that still lingers today.    

Key Features to Explore      
*	Historical Significance: The mural depicts key elements of the 1947 Maury Island UFO sighting, which occurred just days before the famous Roswell incident. The case involved Harold Dahl, a local man who claimed to have witnessed six flying saucers near Maury Island in Puget Sound, and later reported falling debris and other strange occurrences.  
*	Artistic Depiction of the UFO Encounter: The mural, commissioned by John White and created by Nancy and Zach Pahl, features vibrant, detailed imagery of flying saucers, the Puget Sound, and the boats that were involved in the incident. Its dynamic design is both visually captivating and rich in narrative, sparking curiosity about the long-standing mystery.  
*	Cultural and Local Relevance: The Maury Island Incident is a part of local lore, and the mural pays homage to the Pacific Northwest’s fascination with UFOs and the unknown. It connects visitors to the region's history of aviation, conspiracy theories, and government involvement in UFO investigations.  
*	Local Landmark: The mural has become a beloved piece of public art in Des Moines, drawing both UFO enthusiasts and casual observers. It’s an ideal stop for those interested in exploring the more unusual aspects of local history.  

Maury Island mural

Rain or shine, Quarterdeck is the perfect place to savor a drink with a waterfront view. This quaint, locally owned cafe and bar is right near the beach at the Des Moines Marina and has ample outdoor seating. On a warm day, you can soak up the sun while taking in breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. During cooler months, you can stay cozy in a heated outdoor tent, or at one of the tables inside. Even better, it stays open until mid-evening, making it a great place to gather with friends for drinks, or to post up by yourself with a book and a glass of wine.     

It’s dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and you can even bring in outside food if you’d like. Basically, it’s like going to your most hospitable friend’s waterfront home!    

NEED TO KNOW:    
-Community Events: Quarterdeck was founded with the intention to be a community hub where everyone feels at home. It regularly hosts fun, welcoming events, like trivia and bingo nights, wine tastings, and live music. Check their website for upcoming dates.     
-Not Your Average Cup of Jo: Quarterdeck serves organic coffee from Anchor House Roasting, a premium roastery in Buckley, Washington. Enjoy drip, espresso, cold brew, and specialty drinks. Pair your drink with a fresh, flaky pastry from Macrina Bakery.    
-Premium Alcoholic Beverages: Choose from local craft beer and cider on tap and wines from the PNW and around the world, available in bottles or by the glass.    
-Snacks to Savor: Nibble on a charcuterie plate filled with artisanal cheeses and meats, or fill up with warm or cold sandwiches, wraps, or salads. There are also breakfast options, including a mouthwatering sausage omelette melt made with cage-free eggs. You can also bring in outside food if you’d like!      

THE VIBE:    Quarterdeck is warm, welcoming, and casual. The deck and outdoor seating area are beautifully maintained, and the view is unbeatable.

Quarterdeck

Second Love Coffee is a small-batch coffee roastery with an inviting cafe in downtown Des Moines. With its stylish interior, great music, locally-sourced pastries, and outdoor seating, this cafe is a must-visit. Founded in 2023 by two friends, Philip Mendoza and Scott Braaten, the brand is centered on ethical sourcing from small farms across the globe. They’re also deeply invested in the community, which is their “first love” (hence the business name), donating 2% of each sale to charitable causes.     

Highlights:    
-Ethical, Transparent Sourcing: If you check out the bags of roasted beans or the business’s website, you can read about the farms where the beans are grown. Each is carefully chosen for its mission and fair business practices. The brand also practices radical transparency, telling you exactly how much profit they make on each bag.    
-Unique Specialty Drinks: The menu gets creative, with specials like a pomegranate pistachio latte and black sesame vanilla.     
-Rotating Food Menu: Find treats sourced from a variety of local bakeries, such as Little Jaye, famous for its Rice Krispies treats made with Ruffles potato chips. On select days, you can order bagels, baguettes, and more.    
-Walkable to the Waterfront: Just blocks from the Des Moines Marina, it’s a perfect stop before or after exploring the pier, boardwalk, or farmers market.    
-The Vibe: Minimalist Charm with Soul  From the great playlist to the friendly service, Second Love Coffee feels like the perfect combination of a big city cafe and a small town gathering place.

Second Love Coffee Roasters

Tucked into the heart of Des Moines, Athens Pizza & Pasta has earned a loyal following for its hearty portions, friendly service, and soul-warming Mediterranean flavors. This neighborhood spot serves up comfort food that blends classic Italian-American dishes with beloved Greek specialties.    Whether you’re craving layers of cheesy lasagna, classic pizza, a zesty Greek salad, or a hearty gyro, Athens delivers. Longtime fans rave about the consistency—same delicious recipes, same welcoming vibe, year after year.     

Need to Know:    
Greek-Italian Fusion Menu: The menu mixes hearty Italian classics like spaghetti and grinders with Greek dishes such as spanakopita, gyro platters, and tzatziki with pita.   
Beloved Pizza Creations: Athens’ pizza is hand-tossed with a golden, chewy crust and loaded with toppings. The Athens Special—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and olives—is a fan favorite.    
Perfect for Takeout and Large Group Orders:  Large trays of pasta, salad, and garlic bread make Athens a popular go-to for family dinners, office lunches, and parties.    

The Vibe:  Comfortable and unpretentious, Athens Pizza & Pasta feels like the kind of restaurant where stories are shared over generous plates of food. The dining room is cozy, the kitchen is always humming, and there’s a sense of hospitality that makes you feel like you’re part of the family.

Athens Pizza & Pasta

A Floral Boutique Blossoming with Charm and Elegance      

Iris & Peony Floral and Home is a locally owned floral and gift shop in downtown Des Moines. Founded by event design professionals Robyn Desimone and Shelly Tolo, the shop (which was originally in Burien), is a favorite for those seeking unique arrangements and distinctive home accents. Whether you're commemorating a special occasion or simply brightening your space, Iris & Peony offers a personalized and enchanting experience. To find the new location, head to S. 225th St. in Des Moines and walk down Backstage Alley, behind the Des Moines Theater.       

Need to Know:      
-Custom Floral Arrangements: Iris & Peony crafts bouquets that reflect individual tastes and the essence of each occasion.      
-Curated Home Décor: Beyond flowers, the boutique features a handpicked selection of upscale home décor items, gifts, and accessories, with a heavy emphasis on seasonal decor. Every few months, the inventory is completely refreshed with new items, creating a cozy, festive ambience. From vases of all sizes to decorative throw pillows to luxury candles and more, there's plenty to choose from, whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else.          
-The Vibe:  As a small, local business, Iris & Peony offers a personal touch. When you come in, there's a good chance you'll chat with the owner, who can help you find what you need.

Iris & Peony

A Taste of New Orleans in Des Moines    

Creole Soul isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans, brought to life by owner and chef Hampton Isom. A New Orleans native, Isom learned to cook from the best—his grandmother and mother—who passed down their time-honored family recipes and deep love for Southern comfort food. After launching his popular food truck by the same name, Isom extended the business to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Des Moines, Washington. Tucked away in "Backstage Alley" behind Marine View Drive S (the main street in downtown Des Moines), the restaurant serves up hearty, flavor-packed dishes. Whether you’re dining in or catching the truck on the go, Creole Soul delivers an authentic, soulful taste of Louisiana right here in the Pacific Northwest.     

Need to Know: 
-Signature Southern Hospitality    
-Authentic Southern Flavors – Creole Soul serves up New Orleans classics made with nearly all ingredients shipped straight from Louisiana. Fan favorites include crispy fried gator, rich seafood gumbo, overstuffed po’ boys, and buttery beignets. Feeling adventurous? Try the "Gator Mary," a bold Bloody Mary topped with a fried gator garnish!     
-Live Music & Good Vibes – Many evenings feature live performances, bringing the sounds of jazz, blues, and soul to your dining experience. Check Creole Soul’s website and social media for upcoming shows.      
-A Food Truck Legacy – The original Creole Soul food truck is still in operation, serving up Southern flavors at some of King County’s top wineries, breweries, and events.                 
-21+ Only – Due to regulations, only those who are 21 and older are able to visit Creole Soul's restaurant and bar.          
-The Vibe: Southern Charm in the PNW     
-Creole Soul feels like a cozy slice of New Orleans, complete with warm colors, friendly service, and the irresistible aroma of Southern spices filling the air. With live music often filling the space, guests can enjoy th

Creole Soul

Discover the Fusion Delight at Tandoori Slice  Tandoori Slice brings a delightful twist to the traditional pizzeria, offering a menu where classic Italian meets vibrant Indian flavors. This family-owned restaurant has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere alongside its mouth-watering menu.       

Need to Know:    
*	Signature Dishes: The Paneer Tikka and Butter Chicken pizzas are standout choices, celebrated for their rich flavors and unique take on classic Indian dishes.  
*	Beverage Pairings: The restaurant offers an intriguing selection of drinks, including a spiced chai cocktail that complements the spicy and savory notes of the pizzas.  
*	Vegetarian Options: With a thoughtful menu, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will find satisfying options, with many pizzas designed to cater to vegetarian preferences, including an option for vegan cheese.  
*	Ambiance: Customers describe the atmosphere as friendly and welcoming, perfect for family outings or casual dining.  
*	Welcoming to All: Whether you're dining with family, friends, or flying solo, the friendly and efficient service ensures a pleasant experience for all guests.         

The Vibe:  Tandoori Slice embodies a cozy and casual ambiance, where the warmth of the staff and the intriguing fusion flavors create an inviting space for all. The restaurant's unique culinary approach, blending Indian spices and ingredients with classic pizza, offers a dining experience that's both familiar and excitingly different.         

Good to Know:  
*	Menu Highlights: Beyond pizza, Tandoori Slice offers a range of dishes and beverages that showcase the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, with options that cater to various dietary preferences.  
*	Craft Cocktails: Their bar offers seasonal handcrafted cocktails (plus some standbys) in addition to a selection of beer and wine.      

Tandoori Slice

Step into Auntie Irene’s in downtown Des Moines and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and coziness of this community cafe. For more than 25 years, the business has been known as Des Moines’ “Second Living Room.” Owner Susie Horton is a local who often works alongside the baristas and has built the cafe's reputation for exceptional service.     

There’s no question that it's a local favorite: on a typical morning, there is virtually never a break in service. From the comfort food to the festive seasonal decor to the friendly conversations all around, being inside this cafe feels like getting a hug from an old friend. It’s super kid-friendly (a bin of toys sits atop a small table low enough for a preschooler), and the baristas know the regulars' orders by heart.     

Need to Know:    
-Delicious Breakfast and Lunch Options: Auntie Irene’s opens bright and early and closes at 5 p.m., and there are plenty of hearty meals to choose from, including cold and grilled sandwiches (the turkey pesto and reuben are favorites), as well as bagels, salads, and soups of the day.     
-Signature Drinks: The iced white chocolate Americano is a huge hit—baristas say they make 100 a day. The cafe also has a unique drink, Auntie I’s Fav, which is an almond latte made with brown sugar and honey (it’s definitely on the sweeter side, but you can ask for it with half the sweetness if you prefer).    
-Sweets Galore: A glass case at the front is filled with treats from local bakeries such as Finale’s Gourmet Desserts. Favorites include the sour cream coffee cake, cinnamon rolls and chocolate banana bread. There’s also an ice cream case with 16 different flavors.    
-Merchandise: Near the cashier you can find a small selection of branded gear and kitschy, seasonal merch.      

The Vibe:    Auntie Irene’s is the rare cafe that lends itself to both laptop work and long, leisurely hangs. You can choose to sit in a quiet corner, at a round table with a group, or a high bar at the window with a view of Puget Sound

Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop

A unique, Northwest seafood restaurant that is designed in a casual, rustic cedar interior. They serve award winning New England Clam Chowder and an unmatched selection of fish and chips, including Giant Alaskan Cod Fillets. Additional items include halibut, Dungeness crab, salmon, local steamer clams, coconut prawns, scallops, oysters, and a variety of seafood tacos. Wally's also serves great steaks, burgers, salads, and chicken items. Enjoy authentic Northwest seafood and the view of the Puget Sound in the charming community of Des Moines and just seven minutes south of Sea-Tac Airport. Enjoy Award Winning New England Clam Chowder in #SeattleSouthside.

Wally's Chowder House Broiler

A Scenic, Paved Path – The approximately 2.2-mile trail is fully paved, making it ideal for walking, running, biking, and stroller-friendly outings.

Forest & Creekside Views – Enjoy towering evergreens, lush ferns, and glimpses of Des Moines Creek as you follow its gentle flow toward Puget Sound.

Accessible Year-Round – Open in all seasons, the trail offers stunning fall foliage, spring wildflowers, and refreshing shade in the summer months.


Des Moines Creek Trail

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