Cooper's on 5th, West Des Moines

Owner Ryan Cooper has successfully maintained his restaurant's classy ambiance and feel through renovations. High-arched windows provide backlight for diners as well as views of the historic Valley Junction location, and an Old World wood bar showcases carved bearded faces so intricate they can fool gullible barbers. The updates harmonize with the chef's modern vision for traditional American dishes, which he calls "classy comfort food." The chef outfits spinach-and-artichoke dip with fresh crabmeat and grills bourbon-glazed burgers. He even smokes gouda and prepares kielbasa for mac ‘n' cheese to put an adult twist on a classic part of childhood, like equipping a tree fort with an ATM. The contemporary cuisine also complements more than 50 beer varieties such as Vanilla Porter and Strongbow, more than 16 wines, and full liquor selection.