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    Hessen Haus

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    238 reviews
    #20 of 501 Restaurants in Des Moines
    $$ - $$$, German, Bar, European
    101 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4741
    +1 515-288-2520
    Website
    Menu
    Closed Now:See all hours
    All photos (55)
    All photos (55)
    Certificate of Excellence

    Ratings and reviews

    4.0 238 reviews
    #20 of 501 Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa
    Certificate of Excellence2015 - 2016, 2018 Winner
    RATINGS
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere

    Details

    CUISINES
    German, Bar, European, Pub, Central European
    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
    FEATURES
    Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar
    View all details
    features

    Location and contact

    101 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4741
    3.6 miles from Iowa State Fairgrounds
    Website
    +1 515-288-2520

    Menu

    APPETIZERS‏
    $7.99
    Wild Game Quesadilla
    A mixture of wild boar & duck w/ onions, peppers & cheese, placed between two flour tortillas then grilled to a golden brown
    $8.99
    Bavarian Nachos
    Crisp tortilla‏ chips piled high w/ chopped brats, Monterey jack & muenster cheese, banana peppers & pico de gallo, served w/ sour cream & salsa
    $7.99
    Gator Fingers
    Farm-raised alligator tail meat, sliced into thin strips, hand breaded & deep-fried to a golden brown, served w/ Creole honey mustard dipping sauce
    $8.99
    Armadillo Eggs
    A south Texas specialty made in our kitchen bacon-wrapped chicken tenders stuffed w/ sliced jalapenos & pepper jack cheese, served w/ ranch dressing
    $6.99
    Sauerkraut Balls
    A tasty combination of corned beef, pork, ham & sauerkraut rolled into balls, hand breaded & fried, served w/ thousand island dressing
    $8.99
    Schweine Flugel
    Four fried pork shank sections coated w/ our haus spicy barbeque sauce (pig wings)
    $8.99
    Peasant Plate
    a delicious‏ assortment of German cheeses served w/ thuringer sausage, salami, landjaeger sausage, bread & crackers
    $7.99
    Monster-Muenster Cheese Sticks
    our German version of buzzard Billy’s monster-Ella sticks, muenster cheese freshly breaded & served w/ marinara
    $6.99
    Reuben Rolls
    the classic Reuben ingredients wrapped up in a crispy fried spring roll, served w/ thousand island dressing
    $3.99
    Jumbo Soft Pretzel
    Freshly baked to order & served hot w/ cheese sauce for dipping
    SOUPS
    Cup $2.99
    Bowl $4.49
    German bier cheese soup
    A blend of creamy cheeses mixed w/ chopped bratwurst ~ delicious
    Cup $2.99
    Bowl $4.49
    Hessen Beef Stew
    Beef, carrots & celery make up this hearty stew
    SALADS‏
    $9.99
    Steinbach steak salad
    fresh mixed greens topped w/ sirloin tips, walnuts, Roma tomatoes, boursin cheese & sun-dried cherries, served w/ your choice of dressing
    $8.99
    Grilled Chicken Salad
    Fresh mixed greens topped w/ grilled, juicy chicken breast, roma tomatoes, shredded cheddar & jack cheese, served w/ your choice of dressing
    $5.99
    House Salad
    fresh mixed greens topped w/ walnuts, Roma tomatoes, boursin cheese & sun-dried cherries, served w/ your choice of dressing
    $3.99
    Side Salad
    Fresh mixed greens topped w/ roma tomatoes, cucumber, onion & shredded cheddar jack cheese
    DINNERS
    $14.99
    Wilde Schweine Wurst
    A savory blend of two sausages made w/ wild boar w/ cranberries, served w/ mashed potatoes & mixed vegetables
    $11.99
    Mac & Cheese Baden-Baden
    ``Mac & cheese the German way a tasty blend of muenster, Swiss & parmesan cheeses mixed w/ spaetzle & topped w/ your choice of chicken, pork or beef
    $9.99
    Veggie Spaetzle
    Sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, Roma tomatoes & fresh spinach in a light olive oil sauce, topped w/ shredded asiago cheese
    $12.99
    Kavetelli
    Graziano’s Italian sausage, spaetzle & marinara tossed together & baked w/ muenster cheese
    $11.99
    Bavarian Stroganoff
    German spaetzle presented in a rich sour cream sauce w/ mushrooms, onions & your choice of lightly seasoned beef or pork
    $13.99
    Schweinshaxe
    Extra large, seasoned, mild flavored pork shank, served w/ sauerkraut & German potato salad
    $11.99
    Schweine Flugel Dinner
    three, tender, bone-in pork shanks coated w/ our haus BBQ sauce & served w/ mashed potatoes & pickled red cabbage
    $10.99
    Goulash
    lean &‏ tender choice sirloin tips simmered in a rich Hungarian paprika sauce & served over spaetzle
    $13.99
    Kassler Ripschen
    Two tender & juicy smoked pork chops topped w/ our sweet raisin, spicy sauce, served w/ sauerkraut & mashed potatoes
    $11.99
    Fried Chicken
    One half of a juicy chicken perfectly seasoned then fried ‘til golden, served w/ mashed potatoes & red cabbage
    SCHNITZELS‏
    $13.99
    Wienerschnitzel
    Tender veal freshly breaded & fried to a golden brown, served w/ german potato salad & pickled red cabbage
    $12.99
    Jaegerschnitzel
    Tender pork cutlet hand breaded, pan-fried ‘til crispy then smothered w/ a mushroom & onion gravy, served w/ mashed potatoes & pickled red cabbage
    $13.99
    Black Forest Schnitzel
    Hand breaded pork loin smothered in a rich & creamy cheese sauce w/ ham, spinach & mushrooms, presented over a bed of spaetzle
    DIE GROSSE PLATTE
    Plus 4 shots of apfelkorn schnapps or 2 slices of german chocolate cake
    Serves 4-5 people family style
    $69.99
    2 Bratwursts $+4.00
    Includes a Side of German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut
    And red cabbage
    Mac & Cheese Baden-Baden
    Ein Halbes Hahnchen
    ½ Fried chicken
    Zwei Bratwurst
    Sauerkraut
    Mixed Vegetables
    Schweinshaxe
    Jaegerschnitzel
    SANDWICHES‏
    All sandwiches are served w/ lettuce, tomato, onion & pickle also w/ your choice of one of the following sides:
    $8.49
    Turkey Reuben
    a slight twist on an old favorite turkey, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese & thousand island dressing on grilled rye bread
    $7.99
    Reuben
    the classic sandwich w/ sliced, lean corned beef, our haus sauerkraut & melted Swiss cheese, served on grilled marble rye bread
    $8.49
    European grinder
    combines the‏ best of both world’s our own grinder mix made w/ graziano’s Italian sausage & rich marinara, topped w/ German muenster cheese on a hoagie bun
    $7.99
    Turkey Bacon Melt
    a delicious combination of moist turkey, crisp bacon, American cheese & muenster cheese grilled on Texas toast, dressed w/ a spiced aioli
    $7.99
    The Bismark
    chopped roasted pork, fresh mushrooms & onions sautéed w/ a sour cream au jus & topped w/ melted Swiss cheese, served on a large, toasted French roll
    $7.99
    Grilled Chicken Sandwich
    Chicken breast‏ fillet, grilled to perfection, served on a toasted bun
    $8.49
    German burger
    Two, ¼ lb beef patties topped w/ thick cut bacon & melted muenster cheese, served on a toasted bun
    $6.99
    Hessen Hamburger
    Two, ¼ lb fresh ground beef patties grilled to perfection, served w/ lettuce, tomato & onion on a toasted bun
    $7.99
    Hessen Cheeseburger
    two, ¼ lb juicy beef patties topped w/ your choice of melted American, muenster or Swiss cheese, served w/ lettuce, tomato & onion on a toasted bun
    GERMAN RETAIL FAVORITES
    Underberg
    Careful balance between valuable herbal ingredients & premium quality alcohol provides soothing digestive properties after a good meal; as well as general wellbeing 3.75
    Glassware
    Various steins, mugs, wheat glasses & boots are available in limited supply. Ask your server about current selections; w/ or without bier specials
    Snuff
    Enjoy free samples using the oringinal snuff catapult. Must be 21 to enjoy the unique experience in a range of exotic flavors. Tins available for purchase at various prices.
    Apparel
    T-shirts, polos, hats, etc. Available seasonally. Ask your server about the latest offerings
    DESSERTS‏
    $3.99
    Oma's Apple Crisp
    flame-roasted Fuji apples mixed w/ cinnamon & sugar, covered & baked w/ a sweet, crispy crust, topped w/ one scoop of vanilla ice cream
    $4.49
    German chocolate cake
    The traditional dessert made in haus a delicious, moist chocolate cake w/ a caramel, coconut & pecan topping
    $1.79
    Ice Cream
    One scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream
    $2.99
    Sauteed Apples
    sweet flame-roasted Fuji apples sautéed w/ cinnamon & sugar
    $4.00
    Echte Kroatzbeere Blackberry Liqueur
    the classic German specialty w/ the sophisticated taste of blackberries.
    $3.50
    Apfelkorn
    did apfelkorn‏ make the hessen haus famous or did hessen haus make apfelkorn famous? we’re not sure. sun-ripened apples give the distinct & unrivaled taste to this German apple schnapps.
    Snuff
    Enjoy free samples using the oringinal snuff catapult. Must be 21 to enjoy the unique experience in a range of exotic flavors. Tins available for purchase at various prices.
    Underberg
    Careful balance between valuable herbal ingredients & premium quality alcohol provides soothing digestive properties after a good meal; as well as general wellbeing 3.75
    Glassware
    Various steins, mugs, wheat glasses & boots are available in limited supply. Ask your server about current selections; w/ or without bier specials
    Apparel
    T-shirts, polos, hats, etc. Available seasonally. Ask your server about the latest offerings
    BIER HALLE SNACKS
    $1.50
    Chips
    Kettle cooked in plain, barbeque, jalapeno or salt & vinegar
    $3.99
    Jumbo Soft Pretzel
    Freshly baked to order & served hot w/ cheese sauce for dipping
    $2.50
    Landjaeger
    Fred usinger’s smoked & cured link a German tradition best enjoyed w/ bier
    $1.00
    Pickles
    Just that: big, green, pickled dills
    $1.00
    Pickled Eggs
    ipsi brand‏ pickled eggs straight from Nebraska
    $1.00
    Spicy Pickled Eggs
    Ipsi brand pickled eggs, add heat
    $2.00
    Pickled Polish Sausage
    Ipsi brand polishes w/ a pickled twist
    $1.50
    Red Hot Polish Sausage
    Ipsi brand pickled polishes, smaller, add heat
    Show full menu
    Reviews (238)
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    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews spaetzle pork shank brat black forest schnitzel german potato salad german chocolate cake soft pretzels pretzel appetizer reuben mac cheese bread pizza fries german food das boot german beer hall polka band
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    1 - 10 of 237 reviews
    Reviewed January 4, 2019
    Enjoyed the German cuisine

    If you enjoy German style food, this is the place to go in Des Moines. They offer a wide selection of foods in the German tradition. The one issue here is the parking. There may be a couple of places by the restaurant, but plan...More

    Date of visit: October 2018
    Thank Carole M
    Reviewed December 30, 2018
    Food was great

    Food was great. New experience for us going to a German Restaurant. I had the Beef Stroganoff and my hubby had the Goulash. He said his was very good. The goulash didn't look like your typical goulash you think of but a rich hearty stew....More

    Date of visit: December 2018
    Thank D. B
    Reviewed November 18, 2018 via mobile
    A taste of Germany

    We were meeting our daughter here in Des Moines and I located this place when searching restaurants. I lived un Germany for 4 years and this is the most authentic place outside of Germany. The atmosphere when we walked in took me back to southern...More

    Date of visit: November 2018
    Thank trooper198
    Reviewed October 11, 2018 via mobile
    Great German Beer

    Best selection of German beers in the Midwest. I personally enjoyed their German wheat beers. Unique German fare, that is delicious and just the right amount. The bartender never kept me waiting and was very pleasant.

    Date of visit: October 2018
    Thank paulsJ9965ZU
    Reviewed August 27, 2018
    Great selection of german food and Beer

    started with pretzel appetizer delicious I Had the goulash has a pork schnitzel with gravy red cabbage and spatazel HUGE selection of beer great service inside like german beer hall

    Date of visit: August 2018
    Thank Ernie88
    Reviewed August 19, 2018
    Go for the beer, have something to eat

    Hessen Haus has about 170 different beers from Europe and America. Great selection!! A “full” is liter of beer, and they keep them coming. The food is okay, I ordered the goulash and others ordered the jaeger schnitzel. There was not much meat in the...More

    Date of visit: August 2018
    Thank Jackofalltrades1960
    Reviewed August 15, 2018
    Good German 'Beer-Pub' w/Fun Food & Service!

    Tempted by their online menu & photos (and many memorable meals in Germany), we dropped in for dinner: her 'Jagerschnitzel' (breaded pork cutlet w/mushroom gravy) & red cabbage; my 'Scheinshaxe' (grilled pork shank) w/sauerkraut & German potato salad...plus 2 good draft Bavarian beers...all tasty, USA...More

    Date of visit: August 2018
    Thank wildswanDelaware
    Reviewed June 27, 2018 via mobile
    Decor is Amazing

    My husband, daughter and I, came here in April, as part of a medical celebration supper. It was our second visit to this establishment. The decor is always interesting, the service amazing and the food is intriguing! The German meatloaf is the best. The German...More

    Date of visit: April 2018
    Thank TLaehn2011
    Reviewed June 18, 2018
    Went for Saturday afternoon lunch.

    The Sauerbraten was outstanding as well as the pickled eggs!!We ordered 2 small beers that were also great. This is a place that you can share a dinner. We will be back for sure!!

    Date of visit: June 2018
    Thank 85triciar
    Reviewed June 11, 2018 via mobile
    Hidden Gem

    I cannot believe it took me so long to try this place. I came here for lunch with my boyfriend and we ordered the Mac n cheese and stroganoff. He ordered a beer and I ordered a cocktail. We shared the cheese sticks, which were...More

    Date of visit: June 2018
    Thank Amy5182
    View more reviews
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    Questions & Answers
    Ask a question
    Matt B
    January 27, 2017|
    AnswerShow all 7 answers
    Response from davidjensen399 | Reviewed this property |
    We were there on a Friday night and there were people there with children. It was around 7pm. Had not gotten to rowdy yet.
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