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

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

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

The Kanishka team is renowned for making guests feel extraordinarily special and welcomed. They are dedicated not simply to meeting expectations but to exceeding them. And their enthusiasm, style and panache make each dining experience a truly memorable one.    

Vijay Prasher and Navinder Gill have joined to start Kanishka group in 1999. Their experience, ability, and wealth of information about food and wine are often credited as responsible for Kanishka’s many prestigious awards. Navinder Gill is one of the most renowned Indian chefs. He joined Kanishka in 1999, as an executive chef. The expertise, talent and ambition of this star have ensured that Kanishka’s cuisine continues to receive praise from guests and critics alike.

Aadat Cuisine of India

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

Tucked inside the Four Points by Sheraton Seattle Airport South in Des Moines, Olympus Grille offers a calm, convenient, and delicious dining experience for hotel guests and locals alike. Specializing in approachable American fare with regional flair, this full-service restaurant makes dining near the airport easy and comfortable.     

NEED TO KNOW    
-All-Day Menu: The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with familiar favorites like eggs, burgers, grilled salmon, flatbreads, and crisp salads—ideal for a variety of appetites.    
-Convenient for Travelers: Open early and serving late, it’s a dependable dining option whether you're arriving after a long flight or prepping for an early departure.    
-Full Bar: The lounge-style bar area offers a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails, making it a great wind-down spot.    
-The Vibe:  Olympus Grille feels polished yet relaxed—think comfortable seating, friendly staff, and an ambiance that works just as well for solo business travelers as it does for couples or families passing through.

Olympus Grille

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

The menu features an assortment of Hunan, Szechwan, Mandarin and Cantonese entrees. Try their Hot & Sour soup, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or flavorful Five Flavor Beef. Located in Des Moines, stop in to dine or enjoy take-out.            

Taste All Flavors of Chinese Food in Des Moines, #SeattleSouthside

Mandarin Kitchen

The North SeaTac BMX Track is the region's BMX hub, drawing a wide range of riders, including beginners, families, and world champions. Located within North SeaTac Park, just minutes from SEA Airport, this well-maintained track is operated by the nonprofit organization SeaTac BMX. In addition to hosting frequent races, SeaTac BMX hosts lessons, summer camps, and clinics. It operates from May to October, and is open to the public except during scheduled races and clinics.

SeaTac BMX

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