Photos: Steph Griffith

Venture down the road to experience the different restaurants and shops on Ingersoll Ave.

Bistro Montage, 2724 Ingersoll Ave.

College typically means living on a budget, but if you’re going to splurge it might as well be on authentic French food. The white-table cloth restaurant is the perfect place for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. Two pre-fixed three-course menus are offered for those who want the full experience without the large price.

Hours
Tues.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m.

515-557-1924

Bauder Pharmacy, 3802 Ingersoll Ave.

Originally started by the first female licensed pharmacist in the state, Bauder Pharmacy has evolved to include a café that serves a small, yet classic menu. The family-run business offers traditional salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Over the years, however, the homemade ice cream has attracted fame. In 1984, “People” magazine named the strawberry ice cream as one of the best in the country. Check it out.

Hours
M-F 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

515-255-2021

Yacht Club, 2617 Ingersoll Ave.

You know it’s a dive bar when the name doesn’t make sense. The Yacht Club’s interior may lack the sophistication of a yacht, but the relaxed atmosphere and happy hour special overrides that. Check out the daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. that includes $2 draft beer.

Hours
Mon-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sat.-Sun.  11 p.m.-2 a.m.

515-245-9208

Ancient Ways, 3029 Ingersoll Ave.

Interested in exploring your spiritual side? This eclectic shop is a good place to start. In addition to selling incense, herbs, ethnic drums, jewelry, etc., you have the opportunity to meet with a spiritual mentor, Jo “Mariah” VonStein who blends ancient practice with the psychological insights of C.G. Jung. Seasonal classes are also offered ranging from tarot reading to the practices of Wicca. For a list of current classes and times check out the website: ancientwaysdsm.com.

Hours
Mon. 4-6 p.m.
Tues. 12-7 p.m.
Wed. 12-5 p.m.
Thurs. 12-5 p.m.
Fri. 12-5:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun 1-6 p.m.

515-280-3375

Big Tomato Pizza, 2613 Ingersoll Ave.

For those who like to forgo the traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza and mix things up, then Big Tomato Pizza Co. offers just that. With the exception of calzones and Italian fries, freshly made pizza is the only thing on the menu. That does not make the decision-making process any easier. Big Tomato offers two types of crust, four types of sauce and 35 toppings. Don’t feel like making your own? Try a house specialty pizza — chilli dog pizza or potato and onion ring. If you’re unable to make the short drive over, then just give them a call. They deliver “almost anywhere” for free until 3 a.m.

Hours
11– 3 a.m. daily

515-288-7227

Zzz Records, 2200 Ingersoll Ave.

CDs, cassettes, or vinyl — however you listen to your music, Des Moines’s oldest independent music store carries it. This music-lover’s paradise stocks about 12,000 LPs to browse. The small space and friendly, knowledgeable staff turns a trip to find some records into an adventure. For the hardcore collectors, Zzz sponsors the Des Moines Music Collector’s Convention four times a year. Check out the website for more information: www.zzzrecords.com.

Hours
Sun.-Mon. 12-6 p.m
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

515-284-1401