Don't bring animals to this Ark (but kids are ok)!

Noah's Ark restaurant is one of those restaurants that you don't always think about frequenting when there are so many hip, new restaurants popping up around town.  I know there are a lot of mixed reviews about Noah's Ark and there can be long waits in the evenings.  But, we've really enjoyed Noah's Ark for lunch and with kids actually!  They have coloring sheets to occupy the little ones while you decide what to eat, and this is a pretty big place, so the tables are spread far apart enough that people probably won't be bothered by kids. And your kids (and you) won't be bothered by boring conversation from the nearest table either.  It's really a cozy environment where you feel like you can just relax and enjoy your lunch while the kids color and play.  Not busy and not stuffy at all.

Anyway, the food is good.  I'm not going to say it's on par with say, Cafe di Scala, but it's always good.  They now offer gluten-free pizza and pasta and they also have lunch specials everyday that are in the $8.95 range.  

The servers are always friendly and if you ask nicely, they will bring the kids those little animals that they put in their cocktails.  They are tiny colored plastic animals (you know, sticking with the Ark theme) that keep the kids occupied for a while when they bring them.  We now have a collection at home. Not a huge deal, but anything that brings 10 minutes of happiness to a 5 year old so you can enjoy your meal, makes a huge difference.  


The kids meals are on the pricier side, but they are big.  One kids pizza can feed two to three kids easily as it's just their small 10 inch pizza with an added drink.  The creamy house dressing for the salad is really good and the garlic-butter rolls are awesome.
  

They are also advertising that you can now come into the bakery area just to pick up some bakery items like cheesecake, chocolate cake, etc.  They look really good!


All-in-all we like, Noah's Ark for a relaxing family lunch that keeps the kids entertained enough to enjoy a nice meal.  It's in a convenient location right near the intersection of MLK and Ingersol on Ingersol Ave. in Des Moines.  We've only had positive experiences there for lunch.  Have you tried Noah's Ark for lunch yet?