The Cheese Shop
833 42nd St,Ste B, Des Moines, IA, 50312
The Cheese Shop Menu
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Address :
833 42nd St,Ste B
Des Moines, IA, 50312 - Phone (515) 528-8181
- Website https://www.thecheeseshopdsm.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
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Windy R.
Very good selection of amazing cheese, meat and butter that you usually don't find elsewhere. The staff are always super friendly and willing to help you taste test and learn about new cheese types. Also a beyond excellent place to have lunch! Their grilled cheese sandwiches "toasties" are legendary.
(5)Jewel P.
This place is pretty amazing. Came here on a Wednesday night, when they do fondue. My suggestion, get here early, this place gets packed! Once we got our food, I got TASTE why they get so busy. The fondue was amazing, the bread soft and we ordered some stuff on the side such as small potatoes cooked in duck fat, their pepper jam and the fig spread. All of it pretty tasty. I can't wait to go back and try some of their cheeses and spreads. If you want a unique food experience, I suggest checking this place out!
(5)Patrick T.
Rolled into the Cheese shop yesterday to share a drink on the patio since it was so beautiful out! The Cheese shop is one of a kind in Des Moines! For me I'm Vegan so I don't do any of the Cheese stuff, but they have an amazing BEER selection! And I'm going to go out on a limb and say they would have the perfect Cheese to go with all of them! Tons of cheeses, other snacks, and sandwiches fill up the menu! Might be the only place in Des Moines where they have an actual Pig's Leg that they shave meat off of right in front of you! (Scary for a Vegan) but also kinda incredible to see in real life! The staff is super knowledgeable about the cheese and wine, and there was even a Wine tasting going on while we were there on a Thursday afternoon! Beautiful store inside and out! Make this your one, stop cheese shop!
(5)Jenn R.
Arrived at the Cheese shop around 5:15 to eat before a play. This place is small and seating is limited. Plan accordingly because this place is worth it! We ordered a meat and cheese plate. It was awesome! It was great to try cheese I normally wouldn't think to order. Also ordered the La Quercia and a bleu cheese grilled cheese. They were amazing! I will never look at a normal grilled cheese the same way. I have now been ruined for a standard GC. The service was amazing! Not only were they super friendly and attentive-but they also had so much knowledge to share about wine and cheese. Talking with the bartender was a highlight of my night as I learned so much!
(5)Erin O.
If you want to: eat something delicious; feel cool; and enjoy the best that Des Moines has to offer- patronize The Cheese Shop. I enjoyed a Toastie ($6) with Pepper Jam ($0.50). It's safe to say I've thought about this sandwich five times since that fateful lunch. It was served warm, buttery and ooey-gooey. The sandwich was so satisfying that I was able to eat half at lunch and the other half at dinner. Let's talk about atmosphere: awesome. I felt cool just sitting in the place. Great clientele, chill vibe, mouth-watering cheese all around us; no wonder people come back again, and again, and again. Prices are decent, our server was attentive. It's obvious The Cheese Shop has found an unexplored niche in Des Moines. Farm-to-table, locally-sourced dairy goodness -- and then some. I'd say this is gourmet fare at its best in the heart of Iowa.
(5)Matthew O.
Wow. Wow wow wow. What a great, great little place they've got in Des Moines. Artisan cheeses, incredible cured meats, and a cozy little spot on 42nd St. I had the Pig & Fig sandwich and loved it. Prosciutto, fig spread, crisp lettuce, ciabatta bread...wow. So good. Would love to order from their deli, would love to sample some of the other prosciuttos and meats they had -- definitely going to have to come back when we road trip to Chicago because this place is terrific.
(5)Abby R.
Staff is sooooo nice!! I'm glad we checked out this little shop as we explored Des Moines. Worth the price and is so unique and fun!
(5)Mike B.
Excellent service and recommendations. Had fondue and toasties with pepper jam on one and fig spread on the other. Both were amazing.
(5)Bill L.
Where do I even start with this place...when I first heard about this place I just assumed it was a shop where you go buy cheese to take home to eat and cook. I thought, ehh I'm not that big into fancy cheeses so I may pass on checking this place out. It was after checking out Yelp reviews that I found out they serve actual meals and food here along with their full service cheese counter (like a local butcher but for cheese). We walked in and at first it appeared to be just a busy cheese shop with a good number of people waiting to order their cheeses and meats. A kind staff member recognized our confusion immediately and asked if we were here to get an order or to eat lunch, we happily said we were here for lunch and we were seated at a table. The decor is very...cheese shop-like haha, and I've never been in a cheese shop, it was nice and "real". There aren't too many tables so I wouldn't be surprised if they lacked seating some days for lunch or dinner. The staff members are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the products they serve. We had a few questions regarding the menu and everything was answered to our satisfaction. For those who are wondering, they have a separate menu for those eating in that is not on the menu board at the counter. Also, for those eating in, anything on the counter board is free game to order for your meal. Same goes for all their drinks and wines. I ordered the standard Toastie, which is a grilled cheese sandwich and I believe the item they are best known for. You can added different meats to it, but I just kept it plain. Obviously I had to get a cup of tomato soup with it because you have to eat grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup or else the fabric of the space time continuum will rip. IT WAS AMAZING! THE TOASTIE AND THE SOUP OHH , NOT GONNA EXAGGERATE, BEST GRILLED CHEESE IVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! The texture, flavor, everything was perfect! My wife ordered the special Mac and cheese which was a special that day. It was a bit pricey and the dish itself was complex with complex ingredients. It tasted pretty good and exotic, but for the price I would stick to their simple dishes which I know they will knock out of the park. We also got two drinks, ginger ale and root beer, they were both good and would recommend them. We are counting the days until we make a repeat visit back here! So many things I want to try! You will love the atmosphere and staff as well, I'm glad our town has a place like this!
(5)Angie K.
What a charming place! I came in on a weekday night, and the place was buzzing with locals- good sign! There's a separate counter for ordering your cheese, charcuterie and food to-go, and there are a few bar seats, tables and also a communal table for those who want to stay and eat. I ordered a glass of wine and the Royal Ham and Cheese Toastie (grilled cheese sandwich varieties). The bread they used was divine, the sunny-side fried egg on top was perfect. Of course, I had to get a cup of Tomato Soup- I thought this was the best part of the meal. The soup had a smoky taste to it and ranks as one of the best tomato soups I've tried. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Des Moines!
(5)Ni C.
Fun place to go while in Des Moines. The grilled cheese is good - and if you really, really like bleu - they have one too. Wine list and charcuterie are also really top notch. Soup was good - it didn't blow me away, but good. Give it a shot. They have a nice snacky/gifty selection as well. Recommend!
(4)Thao P.
Just ate here and had a wonderful experience! The cheese shop is a cute dainty place that offers an impressive array of local cheeses and meats. Great place to go for wine and cheese plate. I didn't know this till recently but they also have a fantastic cafe menu that includes mac and cheese and toasties (kind of like grilled cheese sandwiches) I had the Royal Ham and Cheese Toastie and it is AMAZING! It's a Toastie with ham, cheese, bacon and then lathered with a succulent cheese sauce on top. It reminds me of a Croque Monsieur but with a cheese-based sauce instead. Also tried a regular Toastie with fig jam and it has the perfect contrast of sweetness and saltiness. Mac and cheese here is also delicious. They use pasta that more closely resemble penne noodles. Will need to try a cheese plate next time I come in here. Kind of an under looked gem here that I think more people should try!
(5)Heather J.
Love the local! Strolled into here on #shopsmall to check out their menu and see what all the buzz was about. The staff was riveting...immediately welcoming us, interacting to find what/if we had cheese needs and offering a sample was one of the first things they did. Samples. Try before you buy! The best places do this! I needed a gruyere type cheese for a turkey burger topped w/ pear & arugula that I was attempting to replicate from a meal during my recent travels. They scoured, ok maybe perused their offerings and immediately picked out samples of things they thought would compliment my recipe needs. I sampled 4 or 5 different cheese between my requests and my friend that was with me. I walked away with the perfect cheese!
(5)Elise S.
This place is incredible. Run! Don't walk. It's obvious that the amount of skill and love that goes into this cheese selection is second-to-none. I saw cheeses here that I've only read of and the scope of hard-to-find, domestic artisan cheeses is breath-taking. Don't let the prices scare you off - remember that nobody expects you to buy a full pound of cheese. (But no judgement if you do). As an added bonus, there's a small, but well-selected section of fun accompaniments for all this amazing cheese you're purchasing. Think along the lines of stone-ground Taza chocolate, Quince and Apple preserves, home-grown La Quercia charcuterie, and a selection of awesome olives. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a dizzying array of cheeses. Sounds like a winning combination to me!
(5)Linda S.
I visit The Cheese Shop every chance I get. Generally my sister and I order a glass or two of wine and a wonderful cheese plate and call it lunch. It has always been a truly enjoyable experience. On one visit we did not like the wine we ordered and a replacement was offered immediately- no fuss, no attitude - just flawless good taste and service. This is a gem of a spot and Des Moines is lucky to have it!
(5)Dave M.
Great atmosphere, wine selection and of course the cheese! There is no other place in Des Moines that I have run into that offers a more interesting selection of cheeses. The place is small (located across from Roosevelt High School on 42nd), so avoid peak hours like lunch or happy hour. But if you want a unique tasting experience, with a fine selection of wines, you will love the character of this place. Guys - think a romantic night out as a starter or a casual Saturday afternoon.
(4)Brenna P.
Found exactly what I was looking for. Very helpful, friendly staff. Didn't eat there this time but will definitely be back!
(5)Keren F.
Wonderful selection and knowledgeable staff. I just wish there was more space. Unless you go in the middle of a weekday the dining area is packed. The small space does add to the charm, but also disappointing when you have to leave because there is nowhere to sit.
(4)Misty H.
great service, happy people, yummy cheese, wine and fresh cut meats. Need I say more?
(5)Chitterne B.
Better than Zingerman's. Yeah, I said it. This is the first legitimate excuse I have come up with for coming to Des Moines from Chicago. The service and cheese selection is unparalleled in the Midwest and probably the country. I've only had one chance to sit down and try their weekend menu, but it was fantastic - by the time my group walked out, we'd "had" to order almost every dish on the menu. No reservations, though, and it can get a little crazy later in the day; be prepared to wait to pounce on a table.
(5)Brooke P.
I LOVE everything about the cheese shop. The Cheese. The Staff. The Beer. The Food. Ohhhh and the Fondue is so good!!!
(5)Mark G.
How did I forget to review this place!?!? Very professional cheese shop, great selection, cozy inside, employees have good product knowledge, and they put a lot of effort and pride into their business. If you're a cheese fan then this is the spot for you. I especially love them for recommending Mt. Tam from cowgirl creamy, such an amazing cheese!
(5)Zane S.
Still in love. I've met friends here, had first dates here, and have celebrated the end of the week with coworkers here. I drag friends who haven't been and insist on it with visitors. In a moment, its become a neighborhood institution.
(5)Angel M.
Great food. Friendly staff. Lots of varieties of cheeses. I just wish they had more seating. The bacon Mac and cheese is different but amazing!
(5)Ben H.
Having lived in Chicago for 12 years, one of the things that that worried me most about coming back to Iowa was the potentially precipitous drop off in great restaurants. Places that not only have great food, but also a hip, yet inviting atmosphere. After a bit of a rocky start (good food in the suburbs is a bit of a "tough crowd"), we came upon The Cheese Shop and from the second we walked in, we knew this was going to be one of "our places". Don't let the quasi strip mall location fool you, this place is legit. It's small, it's charming, and has exposed brick. What more do you want? Creative beers you won't find anywhere else? Check. Grilled cheese "toasties" that reaffirm your faith in humanity? Check. A staff that is friendly and hip without being hipster? Boom goes the dynamite. The ham and cheese royale toastie was a caloric gift from heaven. The Off Color Apex Predator beer made me want to become an alcoholic. I wanted to put the giant block of prosciutto behind the counter next to my bed, and just feed off of it every night until I'm bedridden. It's not big or fancy, but is definitely 'farmhouse chic'. But once you try those toasties, you won't really care. You could eat those things in a padded cell and they'd taste just as good.
(5)Veronica K.
The sandwiches here are amazing! I can't say enough good things about this place. My husband and I ate here last weekend and we couldn't believe we hadn't come in here sooner. I thought they sold only cheese. I didn't know they had a charming little cafe that served such great food. Right when we walked in, we were greeted with the wonderful aroma of meats and cheeses. That alone got us salivating. The whole place was buzzing with diners. Every once in awhile there would be customers coming in to buy meats and cheeses at the counter, too. I could tell this was a very popular spot. We were lucky to grab the last free table. We had come there with the intention of ordering one of their toasties (grilled cheese sandwiches), but one of their very friendly employees informed us that they were out of the bread that they use for the toasties. We were disappointed, but undaunted, we ordered one of their other sandwiches. We figured we couldn't go wrong no matter what we ordered. I got the Muffaletta and a cup of soup, and my husband got the Pig and Fig. It took a while for them to make them for us. But once we took a bite, we understood why. Perfection like that takes time. Our sandwiches were so good we were rendered speechless! I thought I had tasted good sandwiches before like those from South Union Bread Cafe or the B&B Deli, but those were nothing compared to this. This place has ruined all other sandwiches for me. Thanks a lot, Cheese Shop! Their roasted tomato soup was out of this world, too. We want to go back again next week and try their toasties and every other sandwich on their menu. I also want to try their mac and cheese and a charcuterie plate. It makes me so happy that a place like this exists. When I've visited sandwich places in other cities like Chicago or Fort Collins, I've always wished that Des Moines had a place like that where you could get an extraordindary sandwich. Now I don't have to wish anymore or feel sandwich envy. We have our own great little sandwich place. I almost don't want to tell anyone else. I want it to be my own little secret. But their food is so great, I feel that I must share this with everyone. I want this place to stay in Des Moines for good.
(5)Brittany S.
Would I like a sample? Ohhhh, I don't know, it's such a difficult decision. What's that you say? A complimentary hunk o' Portland bleu washed in a pear wine mixture? Alright, alright, you don't have to pull my leg. From the adorably friendly "cheese man" behind the counter to the diverse collection of chutneys, jams, and jellies, this place is a little slice of heaven (especially for those of us who at any given time have 5+ different types of cheese in the fridge.) I was on a mission to create a cheese board during my visit, so I enjoyed being able to sample and find a mixture of options ranging from sharp and gritty to smooth and nutty that would please a variety of palates. And, if you're on a search for Iowa-based queso, The Cheese Shop is the place to go (easily spotted 10+ local options). I rounded out my cheese board by purchasing a ridiculously delicious spicy plum chutney (I'm stocking up next time), fig cake loaf and fresh bread from La Mie next door. My next visit is bound to be one of two scenarios: pulling up a stool at the bar to tip back some vino with a generous slab of Iowa cheese in front of me or 2.) attending one of their fondue nights (only $30 for 2 people - not shabby!). **Note: the strip mall this business is located in makes for an ideal afternoon mosy - oil/vinegar/liqueur shop along with fresh breads and pastries from La Mie.
(5)Greg M.
You can't go wrong ordering anything off the menu,its all very good! CJ's love/passion for cheese is beyond obsessive which I think is OK. CJ and his crew do an amazing job
(5)Erin H.
This is a go-to place for us for date night and I love it for a girls night out. The staff is incredibly friendly and it's clear they want to share their love and knowledge of their cheeses and cured meats. Normally we do a cheese plate and sometimes an additional item. One recent visit, we were there around lunchtime and ate from the menu. I had the mac and cheese, which was truly amazing, the best I'd ever had. My husband had a panini sandwich that he raved about. Another plus is that they have a wide selection of wines and beers and the mark up tends to be fairly low. The location is small, but that adds to the charm. We've never had to wait too long for a table or a seat at the bar. We've also just stopped in and bought cheeses to enjoy at home. They are always very helpful in selecting cheeses to go with our tastes or the type of event/meal we're having.
(5)Christine B.
I admit, I was skeptical. Best grilled cheese ever - really? How could that be? But my pal had seen a special on public television and was convinced we should to there. Well, welcome to this little shop that manages to cram in an amazing assortment of cheese, just the right vintages and price points of wines and beers, a few bikkis for purchase here and there (JIC you want to host your own charcuterie night), and just enough bar seating and tables to convince you to stay. Service was spot on from all who helped us, including the most enthusiastic waitress ever, but not in that annoying kind of way. Prices were completely reasonable, especially given that we are of the philosophy of "if 4 oz is good, then 8 oz is better." Food, from the ridiculously amazing grilled cheese to tomato soup to cheese board to housemade pate and pickle sampler) was amazing. I only have a few gripes: 1) why aren't you in Omaha, where I live?, 2) why isn't my belly bigger to fit in more delectable samplings?, and 3) they could use some non-bar stools. I was with a group of mature ladies who had a tough time saddling up on those stools, so would have appreciated some lower-to-the-floor seating options. Nonetheless, we heart you Cheese Shop.
(5)Melissa M.
I find it hard to put into words how awesome The Cheese Shop is. If you're someone who knows good cheese, good wine, good food...you have to come here. End of story.
(5)Gabe N.
Awesome wine. Great cheese and meat selection. Great staff. We stopped by on Saturday, had wine and cheese meat and appetizers selection including awesome toastie of blue cheese and honey! Some of the cheeses and sausage that we didn't like we're substituted with other delicious choices. Great experience. Will be back for sure!!!
(5)Lark P.
This place is fantastic. Try the la Quercia toastie, and the meat & cheese platter or charcuterie platter. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, offering great descriptions of the platters when they arrive at your table. Also a great shop of cheese, chocolate, wine and some beer. I can't say enough how much I love everything they serve and sell.
(5)Lindsay E.
Just tried the charcuterie board. Amazeballs. Five meats and crostini and mustard and chutney and ..... I could brag about this place for days. Got some cheese to take home. Get the challerhocker if they have it. Cheese on.
(5)Doug H.
Passing through Des Moines? Live in Des Moines? Not planning on Des Moines? Get your butt to this place. Amazing wine, charcuterie and cheese, and super friendly staff. The. Bomb.
(5)Emily H.
not really a big fan of cheese because i didn't really grew up with it (born and raised in China)...but this place is one of the best I've ever had! tugged away seemingly in the middle of nowhere, i visited on my last day in Des Moines, the food is just amazing and the atmosphere is very friendly. the staff there are very knowledgable and encouraging, definitely give it a try if you are in the area also, it has a really cool washroom, with a bookshelf full of books in there (all sorts of books lol)...and also a case of wine bottles overall, nice cosy little shop :)
(5)Andy R.
As I travel this great country this morning, I'm foregoing my usual pastime of wandering the airport people-watching and gadget-testing in order to sit down and write this review; such is the extent of my feelings about The Cheese Shop. I was always jealous of my friends in other cities who seemed to have neverending access to places with great cheese plates, choice cuts of cured meats, and quality beer. To coin a phrase, this made me "Supey Jealbots 7000." Until I found The Cheese Shop. On a quest one evening for a great grilled cheese sando, I stumbled upon reviews of TCS online, and recalled having walked by this place at the familiar Shops at Roosevelt, where i've gone to get my hair cut since i was a little tyke. The Grilled Cheese sandy's (or toasties, as they are called by the staff) are second to none. I had half with arugula pesto and half with fig spread. There aren't enough "excited!" popkeys in the world to describe how wonderful these were. My only regret about The Cheese Shop is having not taken a selfie with my meal. After all if there isn't a selfie, did it really happen? FInal verdict: run, don't walk to The Cheese Shop. Everything on the menu can be described as nothing less than supey amazeballs.
(5)Ramen N.
This is our little hiding spot on a afternoon off work. We love to come in, and just graze on a cheese plate and maybe a toastie or Mac and cheese. We each take turns picking a bottle of beer or wine off the shelf. Please Des Moines, patronize this place. I want to see it here for a long time time.
(5)Joe F.
Nothing has changed except the hipsters. They hired a couple.
(5)Shelana L.
AMAZING!! Not even sure how to explain. You like WINE, CHEESE AND YUMMY MEATS AND PICKLED VEGGIES??? They have a extremely knowledgeable and personable staff. I've never tried pickled veggies, I did. I have a new fav. Special thanks for getting me out of my comfort zone.
(5)Drew M.
I could easily spend hundreds of dollars here. It's seriously out of control how many exquisite cheeses they have here. They are incredibly knowledge, friendly, and will let you try just about everything until you land on something you like. I wish I had the time to sit down and hang out here for a while. It's like having a personal attendant to give you all sorts of information and history about everything you are trying, and that to me is incredible. 5 Stars.
(5)Christopher F.
This is a truly fantastic shop. Amazing cheese selection, local and international, along with beers, wines, olives, jams, crackers, etc. All top notch! They also have an incredible menu for eating in, sandwiches and Mac & cheese and all the rest. Also, our local coffee shop Zanzibar's roasts a blend just for the Cheese Shop and it's delicious. Get a Pig & Fig and coffee. No turning back!
(5)Caroline M.
I had my inaugural visit last week and I'm totally regretting not coming here sooner!! This is one of the best places I've visited since moving to Des Moines last summer. Not only do they serve all kinds of CHEESE, it's a totally cute (and tiny) restaurant, too! While not ideal for groups, its definitely a prime location to kicking off a Girls Night Out, a place to bring your parents, or most definitely a sexy cheese date. Choose from a cheese plate, charcuterie plate, pickle plate, toastie, wine, beer, foie gras(!!!), mac & cheese....Oh my (cheese) God. I promptly ordered a glass of wine--a handful of red and white selections by the glass ($8-10/glass). Keep an open mind and tell them what kinds you like--they will steer you in the right direction. You can also select bottles of vino, and I overheard a price of $20 for a rose, which I thought was a steal! I got the toastie that was on special, which is a cute name for a grilled cheese. Really tasty and served with two tiny cornichons. One of my dining companions shared her pickle plate, as we were all curious. It included pickled cauliflower and carrots...very unique, not to mention delicious! The cheese plate had 4 varieties of cheese, and fyi all accompaniments are are sold a la carte. So order bread. And anything else you like whilst nibbling on cheese. I just love this place. Really. You must go! (And yes, I happily used the word 'cheese' 9 times in this review. Oops. Make that ten.)
(5)Kendra A.
First, I must admit that I know, and work with/in a way (La Quercia), CJ and Kari (owners of The Cheese Shop), all the time, BUT, I don't believe by reading all of the other reviews, that I am a biased AT ALL! The Cheese Shop is AMAZING! And a great addition to the Des Moines local scene! ALL of the staff is extremely knowledgeable about all of the items they sell, AND they make!!! This is a DEFINITE must stop for anyone who loves amazing food! Cheese, olives, cured meats, unique and cooked to order foods, wines, beers, etc! Can I possibly give them a 10 star rating????
(5)Elizabeth L.
The pimento Mac and cheese was TO DIE FOR!! The toastie was amazing as well. Great wine and beer selection. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Christal H.
One of my favorite places to pick up cheese and charcuterie for parties; a quick lunch, or a random afternoon in house with friends. Their wine and beer selection are great compliments as well!
(5)Rick H.
I just walked away from my first visit to The Cheese Shop of Des Moines. Pried myself away, kicking and screaming, actually... The shop is not just filled with delicious collection of cheeses, it was also filled with a great sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and great ideas for using and appreciating the options available. Coupled with some solid knowledge about their goods and a healthy dose of locally produced items... ah, I could have hung out all morning in this foodie haven. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of waiting my turn at the counter (a smidge crowded though it was) and look forward to my next excuse to stop by and see what new and interesting wheel has been rolled in.
(4)K H.
Great cheeses, pates, and proscuittos. Perfect place to start out a date night. Great wine and beer selection, especially for craft beers.
(5)Katie H.
My first time there was last night for fondue and wow! Thoroughly impressed. Great knowledgeable staff with excellent recommendations. Such a relaxing environment. It's small so get there early! Definitely will be coming back. Over and over again.
(5)Zach A.
Brian was amazing! Very knowledgeable in everything we asked. The selection is large and diverse great time
(5)Alexis R.
Oh to have unlimited funds and a ridiculously nutso metabolism.... A girl can dream. This place is bonkers. The staff is so friendly and so, so knowledgeable. We had a largeish group (large for the space) and the staff were really amazing to us all evening. I'm so happy I finally got to try it. Eat the Rarebit. It was way too rich. So good. And the mac 'n cheese...I heard about that before I ever walked in the place. You really can't go wrong. Grab a glass (or bottle) of wine, order a cheese plate, and enjoy.
(5)Megan H.
It just doesn't get any better than The Cheese Shop. My extreme addiction to cheese is both well-documented and well-known to those around me. When signs for The Cheese Shop began appearing a few months ago, you can bet I started counting down the days. I knew I was going to love it, but how could I possibly know just how fantastic it would turn out to be? This is no ordinary cheese shop. The variety and scope of cheeses available at any given time are staggering. The Cheese Shop works with European importers, wineries, etc. to ensure the selection is world-class. And you can tell the owners are so enthusiastic about bringing something unique to Des Moines! Fondue nights, cheese classes, pairing classes - it seems like they've got a new event to announce every few weeks. My boyfriend signed me up for a cheese course for my birthday, which was basically the best present ever. CJ (one of the owners) led the class; we tried six different cheeses and three wines; I was sitting next to an empty seat which meant I got double the cheese; it was an all-around great night. Lately they've been expanding their food selection, which means I now have a legitimate reason to hang out in a cheese store for upwards of an hour. But seriously... the cheese plates, the accompaniments, and the other creations that come out of their kitchen are so terrific. Grab a beer from the cooler and order a cheese plate - now that's my idea of a Saturday afternoon. Did I mention how knowledgeable everyone on staff is? You aren't just served the food; you learn about the food. Where did this cheese come from? How do they make it? You'll find out. I'm always struck by the knowledge and passion exhibited by the owners and the staff. Many things have come and gone in this particular storefront over the last few years. My fingers are crossed that The Cheese Shop is here to stay!
(5)Kevin T.
Spectacular Cheeses, Great wines and as a beer fan, they have some fantastic selections you just can't find anywhere else in IA. Only downfall is their location is pretty small and usually full of people.
(4)Monica S.
Highly recommend this place! One of the best spots in Des Moines!
(5)Rachel L.
CJ's knowledge and passion about cheese is best paired with a delicious wine or beer, as I learned at last night's Tuesday night classes. I hadn't visited The Cheese Shop prior to this, but I'm already trying to figure out how I can get more amazing cheese into my life. They offer a variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, chocolates, beers, and wines. Basically the best non-dinner dinner ever. I agree -- RUN as fast as you can to The Cheese Shop today.
(5)Charles C.
Amazing place! Their selection, knowledge and menu includes so much. Cheese, wine, beer and meats...with so much personality and quality. We can't wait to go again and try more! We also love picking up items to take to parties and other gatherings...unique and tasty items that other quests end up wanting to try more of.
(5)Jessica L.
I really enjoy stopping in to The Cheese Shop to pick up a variety of cheeses, olives, peppers, wines, etc. Almost all of my experiences have been wonderful - great service and a wide variety of high quality products. One of my friends adores the Paradise Blue Cheese and on one visit, they were sold out of it. I asked which would be the next best choice as I am not a fan of blue cheese, I wouldn't be able to make a good selection. The head cheesemonger started to offer me a taste of one but I reminded him that I don't like blue cheese so he just ate it and said, "So, which one do you want?" He apparently didn't feel like giving me any suggestions so then I reviewed the numbers on the cards because they are supposedly like a scale from mild to strong so I was looking for a comparable rating. The head cheesemonger then told me that the ratings don't matter because it is just one person's opinion and that my friend's opinion may be different. As I have visited The Cheese Shop weekly since it opened, I was very surprised to experience this rather rude customer service. I debated just setting down the 3 packages of cheese that I had already selected and leaving but I didn't have much time to go to another store and peruse a new and far less spectacular selection. I would like to think that he was just having a bad day but if that would have been my first visit, it would likely have been my last. I have returned since then and he was more cordial but still not as friendly and helpful as my first dozen visits. The other employees are still very friendly and eager to please the public so I plan to continue my weekly visits.
(4)Dennis T.
Had a simply amazing lunch there today. Food was all freshly made, organically grown, and reasonably priced. Staff was helpful and nice. Dining area was clean and fun. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Allison S.
Love this place! If I was closer, I would regularly purchase cheese and meat from The Cheese Shop. As someone who tries to support local businesses, I really appreciate that The Cheese Shop is a start-up business for a husband and wife, and that they are bringing culture and great food into this community. I will go again! Staff had high energy levels and very positive attitudes. Great place.
(5)