Loved how different it was here! Tables were full, so we sat at the bar and the chairs were surprisingly comfortable. Service was fine at the bar, and the host at the front was kind. The pasta was fabulous, but the burger had room for improvement. No dessert menu YET (I was told it is in the works), but I look forward to coming back and sitting at a table with full service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Tobias Cross
Great place to eat and grab a cocktail downtown
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shay D
Great food, great drinks, great staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Taylor Noe
Everything was amazing— we had the vegan quesadilla, which was even better than our expectations, along with a few different cocktails. Every single cocktail was amazing, and the atmosphere was even better! Like was our bartender and he was terrific! My only complaint was I wish they were open later
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aubrey Schafbuch
New favorite place to go out in Des Moines! Food is perfect for a late night snack (or dinner) and every drink we tried was hands-down amazing. Staff is so kind and personable. Highly recommend!
raj devan
Thanks for such a gracious response! I've already been back for a second visit and it was excellent—you and the team are doing amazing work. I've updated my review and added that fifth star because you've absolutely earned it! As a fellow downtown promoter welcome to the neighborhood. We're lucky to have The Judges here, and I'm excited to watch you all continue to thrive. See you again soon! 🙏
The Judges — Verdict: Downtown Des Moines' Exciting New Destination Walking into The Judges, you immediately feel the thoughtful design—a striking blend of rustic charm and modern polish where contemporary lighting meets cozy, lodge-like warmth. Some corners whisper date-night romance while others invite casual gatherings with friends. The beauty? You can show up in a suit or jeans and feel perfectly at home. That versatility is exactly what downtown needs. Exhibit A: The Bruschetta Toasted sourdough topped with Sweet Peach Marmalade, Pickled Shallots, Prairie Breeze Cheddar, and Fresh Basil. The flavor profile here is genuinely inspired—the sweet peach glaze dancing with sharp cheddar and tangy shallots shows real culinary creativity. This appetizer hits all the right notes and sets the tone for an impressive meal. Exhibit B: The Double Bone Pork Chop This is the showstopper. A 16 oz chop gets a 24-hour brine before hitting the grill, then arrives with mashed buttermilk Yukon potatoes and roasted root vegetables, crowned with house-made smoked peach and sweet onion marmalade. Yes, it takes 25–35 minutes—but great things take time, and this is absolutely worth the wait. When the marmalade melts into those creamy potatoes, it's magic. Bold, flavorful, and exactly the kind of signature dish that gets people talking. Exhibit C: The Hanger Steak My friend declared this the winner of the night—and I completely understand why. A 10 oz cut gets an in-house chimichurri marinade, perfect grill marks, and comes with parmesan risotto and broccolini. The steak was cooked beautifully with incredible flavor. This dish absolutely delivers. Exhibit D: Legally Pink Cocktail Great name, great presentation. A refreshing vodka-based cocktail that's perfect for those who enjoy classic flavors with style. The People Behind the Experience Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure we felt taken care of—even thoughtfully packing up our leftovers. The genuine hospitality shines through from the entire team. Tyson, one of the owners, took time to stop by our table, and that personal touch made the evening even better. I've known him for nearly 20 years, and I've watched him pour his heart into hospitality. You can feel that passion throughout The Judges—from the design details to the creative menu to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Final Judgment The Judges is exactly what downtown Des Moines needs right now. A locally-owned restaurant with ambitious food, a beautiful space, and owners who genuinely care about creating something special for our community. As a fellow downtown I'm genuinely excited about what Tyson and his team are building. Supporting local businesses is what keeps downtown vibrant and thriving. Verdict: Guilty of bringing fresh energy, quality ingredients, and real hospitality to downtown Des Moines. Sentence: Multiple repeat visits to enjoy everything this place has to offer. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Welcome to downtown, Judges. We're thrilled you're here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mary Fleming
Really delicious sandwiches and salads. We didn't sample the drinks or dinner entrees, but we enjoyed the meal. My husband had the grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad and ate everything on his plate. And I had the house salad and it was excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denise Obrecht
A small restaurant with great interior design. Loved the law/court theme. Yummy drinks, steak and pork chop dinners looked amazing. I enjoyed their peach salad with steak. Went on a Tuesday night, could be loud if restaurant is full.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Blodgett
Judges looks great. The recent remodel of the space and the theme is fun. The cocktails made with care and the staff very friendly. The space is open and bright. Get a reservation if during a show night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denisa Kelley
I had the salmon dish and the Peach Perfect salad, both were absolutely delicious! The cocktails were amazing too. Can’t wait to come back and try more from the menu! Perfect addition to Court Ave!
Just had a terrific meal at Judges and our server, Jen, was wonderful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kay Forsythe
Walking in, loved the decor. It felt completely upscale, but welcoming and comfortable. Our server Jen was funny and attentive. The food...amazing. Had the Jalapeno Popper Dip...so good. Several of us had The Hanger, one had The Public Defender and one had the Grilled Chicken sandwich. The steak was cooked to perfection and sooo good. Thank you! Definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Hayes
Came in with friends after work to check out the new place and had a great time. Service was professional but not stuffy. I ordered a burger and truffle fries which were outstanding. I may have tried “a few” of the house cocktails The peach old fashioned was particularly good. Our server (Hannah) kept our glasses full, our table clear, and our spirits high. Had a fantastic time. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Ryan Lester
The food was absolutely incredible! The staff was extremely attentive and super friendly. Would highly recommend trying this place out!
Loved how different it was here! Tables were full, so we sat at the bar and the chairs were surprisingly comfortable. Service was fine at the bar, and the host at the front was kind. The pasta was fabulous, but the burger had room for improvement. No dessert menu YET (I was told it is in the works), but I look forward to coming back and sitting at a table with full service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great place to eat and grab a cocktail downtown
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great drinks, great staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was amazing— we had the vegan quesadilla, which was even better than our expectations, along with a few different cocktails. Every single cocktail was amazing, and the atmosphere was even better! Like was our bartender and he was terrific! My only complaint was I wish they were open later
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
New favorite place to go out in Des Moines! Food is perfect for a late night snack (or dinner) and every drink we tried was hands-down amazing. Staff is so kind and personable. Highly recommend!
Thanks for such a gracious response! I've already been back for a second visit and it was excellent—you and the team are doing amazing work. I've updated my review and added that fifth star because you've absolutely earned it!
As a fellow downtown promoter welcome to the neighborhood. We're lucky to have The Judges here, and I'm excited to watch you all continue to thrive. See you again soon! 🙏
The Judges — Verdict: Downtown Des Moines' Exciting New Destination
Walking into The Judges, you immediately feel the thoughtful design—a striking blend of rustic charm and modern polish where contemporary lighting meets cozy, lodge-like warmth. Some corners whisper date-night romance while others invite casual gatherings with friends. The beauty? You can show up in a suit or jeans and feel perfectly at home. That versatility is exactly what downtown needs.
Exhibit A: The Bruschetta
Toasted sourdough topped with Sweet Peach Marmalade, Pickled Shallots, Prairie Breeze Cheddar, and Fresh Basil. The flavor profile here is genuinely inspired—the sweet peach glaze dancing with sharp cheddar and tangy shallots shows real culinary creativity. This appetizer hits all the right notes and sets the tone for an impressive meal.
Exhibit B: The Double Bone Pork Chop
This is the showstopper. A 16 oz chop gets a 24-hour brine before hitting the grill, then arrives with mashed buttermilk Yukon potatoes and roasted root vegetables, crowned with house-made smoked peach and sweet onion marmalade. Yes, it takes 25–35 minutes—but great things take time, and this is absolutely worth the wait. When the marmalade melts into those creamy potatoes, it's magic. Bold, flavorful, and exactly the kind of signature dish that gets people talking.
Exhibit C: The Hanger Steak
My friend declared this the winner of the night—and I completely understand why. A 10 oz cut gets an in-house chimichurri marinade, perfect grill marks, and comes with parmesan risotto and broccolini. The steak was cooked beautifully with incredible flavor. This dish absolutely delivers.
Exhibit D: Legally Pink Cocktail
Great name, great presentation. A refreshing vodka-based cocktail that's perfect for those who enjoy classic flavors with style.
The People Behind the Experience
Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure we felt taken care of—even thoughtfully packing up our leftovers. The genuine hospitality shines through from the entire team.
Tyson, one of the owners, took time to stop by our table, and that personal touch made the evening even better. I've known him for nearly 20 years, and I've watched him pour his heart into hospitality. You can feel that passion throughout The Judges—from the design details to the creative menu to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Final Judgment
The Judges is exactly what downtown Des Moines needs right now. A locally-owned restaurant with ambitious food, a beautiful space, and owners who genuinely care about creating something special for our community.
As a fellow downtown I'm genuinely excited about what Tyson and his team are building. Supporting local businesses is what keeps downtown vibrant and thriving.
Verdict: Guilty of bringing fresh energy, quality ingredients, and real hospitality to downtown Des Moines.
Sentence: Multiple repeat visits to enjoy everything this place has to offer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Welcome to downtown, Judges. We're thrilled you're here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really delicious sandwiches and salads. We didn't sample the drinks or dinner entrees, but we enjoyed the meal. My husband had the grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad and ate everything on his plate. And I had the house salad and it was excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A small restaurant with great interior design. Loved the law/court theme. Yummy drinks, steak and pork chop dinners looked amazing. I enjoyed their peach salad with steak. Went on a Tuesday night, could be loud if restaurant is full.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Judges looks great. The recent remodel of the space and the theme is fun. The cocktails made with care and the staff very friendly. The space is open and bright.
Get a reservation if during a show night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the salmon dish and the Peach Perfect salad, both were absolutely delicious! The cocktails were amazing too. Can’t wait to come back and try more from the menu! Perfect addition to Court Ave!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Just had a terrific meal at Judges and our server, Jen, was wonderful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Walking in, loved the decor. It felt completely upscale, but welcoming and comfortable. Our server Jen was funny and attentive. The food...amazing. Had the Jalapeno Popper Dip...so good. Several of us had The Hanger, one had The Public Defender and one had the Grilled Chicken sandwich. The steak was cooked to perfection and sooo good. Thank you! Definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came in with friends after work to check out the new place and had a great time. Service was professional but not stuffy. I ordered a burger and truffle fries which were outstanding. I may have tried “a few” of the house cocktails The peach old fashioned was particularly good. Our server (Hannah) kept our glasses full, our table clear, and our spirits high. Had a fantastic time. Looking forward to coming back soon!
The food was absolutely incredible! The staff was extremely attentive and super friendly. Would highly recommend trying this place out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jalapeno Popper Dip, Sweet Corn Ribs
We sat at the bar and our server was so kind! The food we ordered was also delicious and we will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...