Principal Riverwalk Restaurant at Wells Fargo Arena

Last dined: 4/25/08

I have dined at the Riverwalk (at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA) restaurant 3 times, all before shows at Wells Fargo (as that is the only time it is open, for events). The first time was not too long before it had opened. They were doing a prix-fixe menu at this time. I remember that the food was solid, if a little pricey.

The second time was not too long ago, before the John Mayer concert. They had a menu posted on the website, and we had all perused it & found items to try. When we arrived, we were told they were only serving the bar menu because there were not enough reservations to have a full menu. We were made to choose from your typical bar fare, nachos, chicken fingers, burgers & sandwiches. It was fine, $8-12 for everything.

The third time was 4/25. I called to see what they were doing with the menu (after the last experience...). They had about 3 apps, 3 entrees, 3 desserts, none of which sounded great. Two of us ended up having the fettuccini with shrimp, and a light alfredo sauce which tasted like it should cost $7, however the price was double that. The two others in our party opted for a salad & a dessert. Also over priced. The service was terrible, many tables that ordered after us got their food before us. It took about an hour from the time we ordered. The waitress was not terribly apologetic about it either.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of restaurants within a block of Wells Fargo, so if you are with someone who cannot walk very far you don't have a lot of options. But I will say there are hot dog & pizza vendors inside, and next time I will probably be opting for that.

I will not be going back to the Riverwalk Restaurant.