Not Your Court Ave Experience

"Going out for the night!" Translation: heading downtown for dinner, drinks and entertainment. It's tried and true. But if this is your routine, there's a lot of 515 you've yet to experience. Here are some trendy new restaurants on the outskirts that offer a whole night's worth of downtown-caliber fun.

GoodSons
Martinis and panini are unofficially the greatest duo ever. GoodSons serves up a dozen types of panini. Try the chicken pesto or Margherita panini as an entrée, and the chocolate or berry panini for dessert. The atmosphere is hip and urban, so you won't dare classify your meal as "bar food." Ask the bartender for a martini to complement your meal. The menu is a work of art, and one of the bartenders infuses the vodka himself.
1215 Beaver Avenue
Beaverdale
(515) 255-1912
GoodSons-Martini.com

Skybox Lounge
"Experience a luxury sports atmosphere that's a level above"—says the tagline at Skybox Lounge. It's technically a sports bar, but you wouldn't know it from the upscale décor and extensive wine, cocktail and martini menus. Order "a level above" with lobster linguini or hickory smoked sirloin. Or stop in for appetizers and pizza on game night. Skybox hosts events with local sports teams, too.
1261 Eighth Street
West Des Moines
(515)223-8808
SkyboxIt.com

Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant
Hit a new high note with Blue Moon's live entertainment. Dueling grand piano acts from around the country lure an energetic crowd Thursday through Saturday. Local bands, jazz and blues musicians rock the stage the rest of the week. With a full restaurant menu (served until 10 p.m.), three bars and a lounge-like upper level, this place keeps you there all night.
5485 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines
(515) 564-7300
BlueMoonDuelingPianoBar.com