Christopher's: Beaverdale's Italian-American landmark since 1963
Baked lasagna, steak de Burgo, and a lounge happy hour at a family restaurant that has been welcoming Des Moines for more than 60 years.
Some restaurants are trendy. Christopher's is a tradition. The same family took over this Beaverdale restaurant on February 1, 1963, and more than 60 years later, it's still family-run and still one of the places Des Moines goes for a birthday, an anniversary, or a Tuesday night that needs a good plate of pasta. The welcome at the door is part of the tradition too.
What to order
Christopher's is known for Italian-American cooking that the family has perfected over decades. Start with the baked lasagna, the house classic. If you like heat, the penne diavolo is hot and spicy. Steak lovers should go for the steak de Burgo, the Des Moines favorite, or the filet mignon. There are seafood and chicken entrees too, a petite portion menu if you want something lighter, and pizza and sandwiches on the menu as well.
Every night has a special
Monday is a 10 oz prime rib with salad and your choice of potato. Tuesday is Red's Fried Chicken, crispy and golden brown, with a salad and potato. Wednesday is half-price wine by the bottle when you order two entrees of $22 or more. Thursday is surf and turf at market price.
Start in the lounge
Christopher's has a full bar with a solid wine list, liquor, and national and local beers. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 5 to 6pm in the lounge, with $3 domestic bottles and $4 drinks. It's a good place to meet friends before dinner, or to stay for one more after.
Planning a party
The banquet room seats anywhere from 2 to 110 guests and has its own entrance, with parking just north of the building. Christopher's handles everything from rehearsal dinners to staff parties, and the catering menu can be built around your group. There are take-and-bake options too, if you want Christopher's at home.
Good to know
The dining room opens at 5pm, and reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends. Christopher's closes on major holidays, including Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Go: 2816 Beaver Ave, Des Moines (Beaverdale) · Dining room opens at 5pm · 515-274-3694
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