Proudfoot & Bird Brings Polish to Des Moines Dining

The public verdict

Proudfoot & Bird holds a 4.6 Google rating from more than 400 reviews, a strong result for a restaurant in the very expensive price tier. Public feedback consistently frames it as an elevated American dining experience built around polished service, careful preparation and an intimate atmosphere. Diners commonly choose it for birthdays, date nights and return visits rather than casual meals.

The overall impression is of a dining room that takes details seriously. Reviewers describe food as properly cooked, attractively presented and well seasoned, while the staff receives repeated credit for being knowledgeable and attentive without becoming intrusive. Several comments also point to management taking an active role in keeping meals on track.

What stands out on the menu

Farmer’s Cheese is the clearest recurring recommendation. It appears repeatedly in the available reviews and is consistently described in positive terms, making it the safest starting point for a first visit. Other dishes earn individual praise, including roasted heirloom carrots, wedge salad, Lee’s green salad, scallops, Chicken & Biscuits and pork chop.

The mains appear to be a particular strength. Scallops were praised for their cooking, while one diner singled out a medium pork chop for its seasoning, presentation and sweet potato purée. Chicken & Biscuits received a more qualified response: the chicken and gravy landed well, but the biscuit was considered somewhat hard. That isolated criticism does not overturn the broader pattern of well-executed food, though it does show that not every component earns unanimous approval.

Service and atmosphere

Service is one of Proudfoot & Bird’s strongest themes. Multiple reviewers describe staff as friendly, informed and attentive. Specific servers receive praise, but the wider pattern matters more: diners generally feel looked after, and return visitors report that standards remained high months later.

The room is characterized as intimate, cozy and elevated. The bar also earns approval for comfortable seating and enjoyable drinks, making it more than a waiting area. One Saturday review noted that two bartenders appeared stretched during the dinner rush, leading to occasional difficulty getting their attention. That sounds more like a peak-period staffing issue than a persistent service failure, but it is worth considering when planning a busy weekend visit.

Value and final take

Proudfoot & Bird is not positioned as a budget-conscious option. The listed price level is very expensive, and one review specifically flagged a pricey wine upcharge. Another mentioned a $10 split-plate fee for Chicken & Biscuits. Diners who dislike supplemental charges may want to clarify policies before ordering or sharing an entrée.

Even with those cautions, the public record is notably favorable. Strong cooking, attractive presentation, warm service and a comfortable special-occasion atmosphere account for the high rating. Proudfoot & Bird looks best suited to diners who value execution and hospitality enough to accept a premium bill.