Close to the convention center:
Spirit of 77 – [although everyone should try to go to The Sports Bra, if they can!]
Nong’s on SE Ankeny with outdoor seating: chicken/rice, ramen, and sandwiches. All veggie friendly.
A bar that is near and dear to my family, a 15 minute walk away: Produce Row
The Eater lists are solid! If you can, go to a food pod! Like this one:
Prost & associated food carts on N Mississippi
– Mole Mole Mexican
– Matt’s BBQ
– Burger Stevens
– Beer 🍻
Toki is also good and not too expensive.
I’d always recommend Nostrana (also run by family friends) and I hope to get to Kachka soon.
Also, whatever is still open from this page I created in 2015, plus all of the outdoor things!