Now or Later Restaurant & Lounge
If you're looking for a spot where great food and a relaxed vibe meet, Now or Later Restaurant & Lounge in Des Moines is the place to be. Located at 3750 E University Ave, this cozy yet vibrant spot offers a perfect mix of comfort food and an inviting atmosphere, making it ideal whether you're popping in for a quick bite or a night out with friends.
One of the restaurant's standout features is its mouthwatering menu. If you're a fan of Italian-inspired dishes, you can't go wrong with their Cavatelli or Ravioli Casserole—both options are rich in flavor and perfect for indulging your cravings. For something creamy, the Creamy Parm will surely satisfy, while the Tuscan Chicken brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to the table with its savory blend of herbs and spices. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.
But it's not just the food that makes Now or Later Restaurant & Lounge special. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a lounge area that gives you the perfect space to unwind, whether you’re enjoying a meal with family or catching up with friends. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy great food, and linger over a drink if you feel like it.
So whether you're in the mood for comfort food or something a little more adventurous, Now or Later Restaurant & Lounge has something for everyone. It’s one of those hidden gems in Des Moines that’ll have you coming back for more.
Reviews
I was greeted immediately upon entering. A good sign. I asked to be seated at the bar and was obliged. Also a good sign. The bartender acknowledged me immediately and let me know she'd be with me as soon as the patron next to me finished his long-winded order. When she came to me, I asked to order a 1/2 order of onion rings. She was kind enough to let me know a ¼ order was also an option. I elected to go with that along with some of their homemade ranch. While not then french-fried style I prefer, they were very lightly breaded. And plentiful! The o-rings were a great way to start the meal. When I ordered the cavatelli, the bartender let me know that mushrooms were in the sauce I was going to order and if that was OK. Ugh--no! Mushrooms are terrible. I'm glad she told me and I elected a different sauce. The only disappointing part of this visit was the cavatelli is actually conchiglie pasta. Not the firmness one expects. But the sauce was zippy enough for me to leave this review at a four (actual cavatelli would have been a five). The creamy parm dressing on the salad had bold highlights and was also well crafted. As the kids say these days, the dressing "slapped". I appreciate the fact that the salad was served on a salad plate. The bartender was very helpful and guided me throughout the process. The DSM area could use more people like her. It seemed like many regulars came in as they were known by name. I hope to become one as well; I wish Now & Later wasn't as far from Johnston as it is.
We stopped here for lunch on a Tuesday. It was fairly busy, but we were able to sit right down. Our waitress was attentive. I had ravioli casserole and hubby had the special of the day - - beef stroganoff. The servings were large and it came with very tasty bread. Start the meal with a good salad. The creamy Parm is delicious.
Now or Later reminds me of going out to eat with my grandparents 30 years ago. Old style decorating, homemade cooking, and even though they are always busy with people waiting to get in, it's always relaxing with great food.
Stopped by this local restaurant on Saturday evening about 630. Waited about 29 minutes for a table. The waiting area is very small and right by the bathrooms. Ordered onion rings and breaded mushrooms for appetizers. The onion rings are good, the breaded mushrooms were ok, but the sauce they serve with them is very good. Steak deburgo fit entree off the recommendation of some strangers, the steak was incredibly tender with fantastic flavor. Our server Randi, was spot on with recommendations, very friendly and attentive. We look forward to returning
Old-school joint. Server told me it's 29 years old. Fried chicken, smothered chicken, meatloaf, all on point. Even the salads and baked potatoes are excellent.. Four dollar beers. What's not to like go now or later?