Get Messy At This Des Moines Seafood Place

The Des Moines seafood scene is a bit thin, but The Seafood Trap has been in business for over a year next to the Iowa Capitol and it's a popular spot! We invited owners Felix Baccam and Elizabeth Barefield in to tell us about this quirky restaurant. 

Due to our midwest location, Des Moines seafood options aren't as plentiful as they could be. Those of us who love eating food from the ocean typically find our options in central Iowa run out fairly quickly. So when we heard about The Seafood Trap, we HAD to learn more.

The Seafood Trap Enters The Des Moines Seafood Scene.

The concept of the Seafood Trap is unique and, before they came on the Des Moines seafood scene, didn't exist anywhere in Iowa. It's basically a seafood with the option to select various seasonings and food options. But they don't serve it up like a traditional restaurant. 

Everything comes to your table in a giant bag! Food at the Seafood Trap is family style, and comes seasoned and mixed in a giant bag –  everyone just digs in! It's popular in bigger cities like Chicago and LA, and now in Des Moines! They also provide "protection" from the messy eating style and give you a bib. 

They do have beer available, but for the wine drinkers out there, you are welcome to bring your own bottle for a small corkage fee. Best of all, the Seafood Trap is conveniently located right next to the Capitol, next to Des Moines' East Village. This also means it is officially on my side of the city. (For those unaware, my co-host Adrianne Branstad has officially labeled me Mayor of the East Side.) 

Have you tried the Seafood Trap or do you have a favorite location in the Des Moines metro? Are you a seafood connoisseur that knows the great seafood locations in the metro? Leave a comment and let us know! 

Listen to the Full Interview!

Learn About More Central Iowa Food options.