Either/Or pairs a playful patio with a varied menu

The overall read

Either/Or holds a 4.5 Google rating from 821 reviews, a strong showing for a moderately priced restaurant with a setup that differs from the usual dining room. Public feedback points to a place built for flexible visits: a quick bite, a family meal, brunch or a sizable group gathering.

The broad menu is part of the appeal. One reviewer specifically praised the food and variety, while others focused more on drinks, service and the outdoor setting. The rating suggests most diners leave satisfied, though the available comments also reveal some inconsistency between indoor and patio experiences.

The patio is the main attraction

The outdoor area is the clearest reason to choose Either/Or over a more conventional restaurant. Reviewers describe a fresh, comfortable patio with outdoor fireplaces and a playground where children can stay occupied after eating. That combination makes it particularly practical for families who want a meal without expecting younger diners to remain seated the entire time.

It also appears capable of handling groups. One party of 17, including children, reported being well taken care of and singled out the patio and play area as reasons to return. That does not guarantee every large-party visit will run smoothly, but it is useful evidence that the restaurant can accommodate more than a standard table.

The atmosphere may matter as much as the menu here. Either/Or looks best suited to diners who value room to spread out, an active outdoor setting and a less formal pace.

Service depends on where the table is

Service reports are mixed, and seating location may be the dividing line. Diners seated inside have described prompt seating and kind, friendly service, even when the parking lot appeared packed. The large group also reported attentive care.

A separate repeat customer found patio service substantially weaker than indoor service. That party encountered slow refills, a tonic-water mix-up and food arriving at different times. Some guests were left without drinks when their meals appeared, and the group eventually had to go inside to seek assistance. For anyone prioritizing tight pacing or frequent check-ins, an indoor table may be the safer choice.

Parking can also create the wrong first impression. One reviewer nearly left after finding the main lot full, then used a lower lot near the outdoor sports fields and discovered the restaurant itself was not even half full. Diners may want to allow a few extra minutes to sort out where to park.

Food feedback is not uniform

The strongest positive food comment highlights quality and menu variety, but the sample also includes a notably poor brunch experience. That diner praised both service and drinks while describing the food as bland and questioning the freshness of strawberries in a garden salad. Staff reportedly explained that some berries were marinated for a brunch tart, but the response did not resolve the concern.

Taken together, the public feedback favors Either/Or most for its family-friendly layout, patio and versatility rather than for one recurring signature dish. It remains a compelling Des Moines option for groups and parents, with the caveat that patio service and food execution may vary.