Roomy, laid-back eatery featuring food with Louisiana roots, TVs to catch the game & a deck.
Ramon Eatz
Interesting establishment was not expecting a texas cajun style restaurant in the heart of the city. I’ve visited this place twice on two different nights. I had a seafood gumbo and the gator bites the first night and the second night was the shrimp lagrange. There was not anything I did not dislike, but the seafood gumbo was not how I expected it And was really thick on the ruex and needed a ton of salt. The gator bites also needed salt. The shrimp lagrange was surprisingly filling even though when they first brought my plate out, I was skeptical that I was going to be full. Everything was definitely delicious. My server was very attentive both times and I never had an empty glass of water. Definitely a better food experience than jethros across the street.
… moreBenjamin Duke
Buzzard Billy’s is a great place and it’s definitely in my top 10 places to eat around the Des Moines area – easily top 5 breakfast places in the Des Moines area. It hits all the criteria- quality of food, different selection of food, cost to portion size, atmosphere, quality of service and most importantly taste of the food. No matter if it’s Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or just an appetizer and a couple cocktails, there are plenty of quality options. Plus it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Iowa Events Center, perfect for pregame and postgame to whatever event you are attending.
… moreChris brown
The food was amazing and well worth the visit. I ordered the Small Billy’s hash browns and was completely full because the portion size was huge. Everything came out hot, fresh, and flavorful, and the meal was very satisfying. For the amount of food you get, the value is hard to beat. I only spent $14 for all of this food, which is impressive considering how filling and well prepared everything was.
The restaurant itself is nice and has a true local, hometown feel that makes it comfortable and welcoming. It feels like the kind of place regulars come to all the time, and you can tell they care about their customers. The service was friendly and attentive, and overall it was a great experience. I would definitely recommend this spot if you want good food, generous portions, and a great value.
… moreGUISEPPE LA TONA
Left my credit card by accident. It was there when I went back for lunch the next day. Food is great people are wonderful. Lots to choose from overall a great experience if you’re ever in Des Moines, Iowa stopping.
… moreRyan G
Service was awesome. Atmosphere was clean and lively. Food was absolutely amazing and the portion sizes were crazy!! The fried catfish and hush puppies are sooo good. Definitely will be back
… morechase waite
Our server was Flu and he was awesome!!!! He made us the best banana foster and all the food came out super quick. He made sure we had everything we needed and was cracking jokes!
… moreTheresa Harrison
Positives…lots of cool signage to look at and plenty of taps and variety for beer lovers. Beyond that, I’m trying to give them grace because the deer classic convention was happening and they were hopping with lots of folks in camouflage screaming over each other for their big cans of Busch light (no harm, no foul, just telling the truth). However, it was so loud, our chairs were constantly getting hit or hung over by other patrons (again, not their fault), and it was hard to get service. We got food but couldn’t get silverware. We had the armadillo eggs, which are a dried out, under seasoned ball of chicken with a couple sliced jalapeños in the middle and then wrapped in bacon and deep fried. We tried to work around the grissel and toothpicks that were hidden but finally gave up. It felt like it could have a good vibe, so might be worth another shot but this visit was rough.
… moreMelinda
After being in downtown DSM for almost 5 years I have finally visited Buzzard Billy’s! I ordered takeout from them when I moved to Iowa in 2020, but couldn’t taste anything (COVID). Fast-forward to 2025, my friend takes me here for lunch and the food was so satisfying! It’s Cajun-inspired fare. I got the Chicken Tchoupitoulas. It was so juicy and flavorful! What I love about Cajun food is the complex, smoky flavor profile with layers of savory spices. The heat isn’t overpowering but a well-integrated component of the overall flavor. I wouldn’t say this tasted like it was straight out of Louisiana, but they definitely incorporate my favorite parts of Cajun cuisine with more common American dishes. Plus, my Vegan and Gluten-free friend was able to eat a proper lunch here (with several modifications). This is a huge feat!
… moreSarah Heinz
Was here for lunch during a conference and most of the patrons were also conference attendees. We were seated right away and the wait staff was friendly and timely.
This has a huge menu so you could find anything you want to try, I had the blackened salmon salad. The salmon was good but the salad was pretty poor iceberg lettuce with shredded cheese, cucumber and tomatoes.
It was an easy stop for us since it was close by and we sat in the deck in beautiful weather.
… moreDave L
Ate dinner here with my son and his two grade school boys. We were here before attending the Iowa Event Center presentation of the Globetrotters. The restaurant
service was efficient and our waiter competent. Large portions of the dinner and well prepared. Great sports atmosphere and well worth the experience. Just across the street from the Event Center making it easy to get there. Highly recommend for all ages
… more