Birthday brunch at Kelly’s Little Nipper! We’ve been meaning to check this place out for a while, and I finally made it one of my birthday wishes—and I’m glad we did.
We grabbed seats at the bar (because of course we did), and were lucky to be served by the owner’s daughter, who was also training a new hire. Even after a late night, she didn’t miss a beat—friendly, efficient, and totally on top of things. Absolute rock star.
The vibe here is eclectic and full of character—definitely a bit old and quirky, but clean and packed with personality. You can tell this place has seen its share of good times. Heads up: the floors are decidedly not level, so tread carefully!
We kicked things off with some solid Bloody Marys—simple but done right. (Yes, I added a beer back. No regrets.)
Kim ordered the Kelly’s Steak Sandwich ($16)—loaded, fresh, and delicious. I went for the brisket tacos ($15) with a side of onion rings (+$2). The tacos had great flavor thanks to the tender brisket, but they were a little heavy on the sauce for my taste. Still a solid pick.
Being Sunday, we were treated to a free order of Kelly’s Corn ($6 value), with explicit instructions not to eat it too early and to try it with the house bread. We followed directions—and yes, it was delicious.
The cook was super friendly, working hard in a very tiny kitchen, and even popped out to check on us a couple times. You don’t always see that level of attention.
By the time we left, the place had really filled up—clearly a neighborhood favorite. We’ll absolutely be back.
Pro tip: Check their website or social pages for live music nights. The outdoor venue looks awesome, and we were kicking ourselves a little for not planning around that.
One small note to the owner: There were quite a few flies around the dining area—not terrible, but noticeable. They mostly kept to themselves, but still a bit off-putting indoors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann Riley Caldwell
Didn't expect it to be a bar atmosphere. Thought is was going to be a more traditional restaurant but all good. Not a lot of tables. Friends liked the pork tenderloin sandwich which is why we went there. I had the Grinder sandwich and it was not good. Too much bread and not much meat and nothing exciting. What was great was the corn and the onion rings and cheese curds. Also the pizza rocked. They have free small bites of pizza for happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm Monday thru Friday. I wish I would have ordered a pizza. Serve staff was also the bartender so had to go ask for a couple of things I needed but it was ok. Staff were super nice and friendly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
amanda skidmore
Ordered the Brisket Tacos, onion rings, and the guinea grinder. The food was delicious! The atmosphere was chill. We will definitely be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray Gallardo
Well we decided to give Kelly's Little Nipper another chance. Several months ago we ordered two tenderloins because we had them before and really enjoyed them. They were overly cooked. The server offered to replace them but we chose not to have two others made. Today, 03/02/2025, my wife ordered loaded Hash Browns and a half order of Biscuits and gravy. It was very good. I thought I would try a tenderloin again. This time it was raw in the middle on one side and cooked on the other. The hostess/bartender was very kind as was the owner. We overheard the owner say to the cook "drop a new one". It came back very quickly that made me wonder. The tenderloin was over cooked again. I think the cook took the tenderloin off the bun and dropped it back in. The server was very kind and apologetic again. She asked if I wanted another one and I opted no to. I was disappointed that the owner never stopped to apologize. I don't think we will be back. If we do I will not order a tenderloin. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Ryan Nicholas
Place use to have great food, But quality went down and price went up on everything and the service is terrible.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
J B.
The Sunday cook isn’t as good and consistent as the other cook. Disappointed. Onion rings overcooked, sausage on breakfast sandwich was way overcooked- Rubber. and he just threw a piece of cold cheese on top without melting it. the B&G gravy was lukewarm. Come on dude, a little effort. Take some pride and at least try to uphold reputation of this usually good bar food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
RC Evans (Razor)
Decent crowd and pleasent staff. Perfect location for a fast in and out or sit and chill with a few friends.
Loved everything. Best tenderloin I've had,the onion rings are so darn good. I'll be back to try that grinder!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Breaded Tenderloin
Jay McNerney
A hidden gem! We were planting trees near the establishment, and the owner kindly came out offering us soda, fries, and cheese curds. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and the cheese curds were absolutely fantastic—I’d come back just for those! The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. It's a cozy little spot that’s worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Paulson
Unique hole in the wall restaurant. Will visit again if/when I return to Des Moines.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
nicole owens
Love Jeff - what am amazing personable owner!! When we left the gentleman that was bartending and serving was so polite- and even asked who we were - AMAZING SERVICE. Had a local beer was very delicious loved it - But the FOOD... onion rings are a must here. Grinders night - I got hot & mild peppers with fries FREAKING SCRUMPTIOUS (seriously)This will be our weekly stop!! If I would of found before we moved to Winterset may have stayed in Des Moines. LOVE THE PEOPLE - GOOD FOOD WAS A BONUS!! Thank y'all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samuel
Good food and service with a neighborhood bar feel. Great stop, glad we did.
Birthday brunch at Kelly’s Little Nipper!
We’ve been meaning to check this place out for a while, and I finally made it one of my birthday wishes—and I’m glad we did.
We grabbed seats at the bar (because of course we did), and were lucky to be served by the owner’s daughter, who was also training a new hire. Even after a late night, she didn’t miss a beat—friendly, efficient, and totally on top of things. Absolute rock star.
The vibe here is eclectic and full of character—definitely a bit old and quirky, but clean and packed with personality. You can tell this place has seen its share of good times. Heads up: the floors are decidedly not level, so tread carefully!
We kicked things off with some solid Bloody Marys—simple but done right. (Yes, I added a beer back. No regrets.)
Kim ordered the Kelly’s Steak Sandwich ($16)—loaded, fresh, and delicious. I went for the brisket tacos ($15) with a side of onion rings (+$2). The tacos had great flavor thanks to the tender brisket, but they were a little heavy on the sauce for my taste. Still a solid pick.
Being Sunday, we were treated to a free order of Kelly’s Corn ($6 value), with explicit instructions not to eat it too early and to try it with the house bread. We followed directions—and yes, it was delicious.
The cook was super friendly, working hard in a very tiny kitchen, and even popped out to check on us a couple times. You don’t always see that level of attention.
By the time we left, the place had really filled up—clearly a neighborhood favorite. We’ll absolutely be back.
Pro tip: Check their website or social pages for live music nights. The outdoor venue looks awesome, and we were kicking ourselves a little for not planning around that.
One small note to the owner: There were quite a few flies around the dining area—not terrible, but noticeable. They mostly kept to themselves, but still a bit off-putting indoors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Didn't expect it to be a bar atmosphere. Thought is was going to be a more traditional restaurant but all good. Not a lot of tables. Friends liked the pork tenderloin sandwich which is why we went there.
I had the Grinder sandwich and it was not good. Too much bread and not much meat and nothing exciting. What was great was the corn and the onion rings and cheese curds. Also the pizza rocked. They have free small bites of pizza for happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm Monday thru Friday. I wish I would have ordered a pizza.
Serve staff was also the bartender so had to go ask for a couple of things I needed but it was ok. Staff were super nice and friendly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ordered the Brisket Tacos, onion rings, and the guinea grinder. The food was delicious! The atmosphere was chill. We will definitely be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well we decided to give Kelly's Little Nipper another chance. Several months ago we ordered two tenderloins because we had them before and really enjoyed them. They were overly cooked. The server offered to replace them but we chose not to have two others made. Today, 03/02/2025, my wife ordered loaded Hash Browns and a half order of Biscuits and gravy. It was very good. I thought I would try a tenderloin again. This time it was raw in the middle on one side and cooked on the other. The hostess/bartender was very kind as was the owner. We overheard the owner say to the cook "drop a new one". It came back very quickly that made me wonder. The tenderloin was over cooked again. I think the cook took the tenderloin off the bun and dropped it back in. The server was very kind and apologetic again. She asked if I wanted another one and I opted no to. I was disappointed that the owner never stopped to apologize. I don't think we will be back. If we do I will not order a tenderloin. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Place use to have great food, But quality went down and price went up on everything and the service is terrible.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The Sunday cook isn’t as good and consistent as the other cook. Disappointed. Onion rings overcooked, sausage on breakfast sandwich was way overcooked- Rubber. and he just threw a piece of cold cheese on top without melting it. the B&G gravy was lukewarm. Come on dude, a little effort. Take some pride and at least try to uphold reputation of this usually good bar food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Decent crowd and pleasent staff. Perfect location for a fast in and out or sit and chill with a few friends.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great little out of the way place!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Just ok. The live music did not help the vibe.
Must go. Great food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Loved everything. Best tenderloin I've had,the onion rings are so darn good. I'll be back to try that grinder!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Breaded Tenderloin
A hidden gem!
We were planting trees near the establishment, and the owner kindly came out offering us soda, fries, and cheese curds. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and the cheese curds were absolutely fantastic—I’d come back just for those! The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. It's a cozy little spot that’s worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unique hole in the wall restaurant. Will visit again if/when I return to Des Moines.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love Jeff - what am amazing personable owner!! When we left the gentleman that was bartending and serving was so polite- and even asked who we were - AMAZING SERVICE. Had a local beer was very delicious loved it - But the FOOD... onion rings are a must here. Grinders night - I got hot & mild peppers with fries FREAKING SCRUMPTIOUS (seriously)This will be our weekly stop!! If I would of found before we moved to Winterset may have stayed in Des Moines. LOVE THE PEOPLE - GOOD FOOD WAS A BONUS!! Thank y'all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food and service with a neighborhood bar feel. Great stop, glad we did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped, Nipper Snapper Burger
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