Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations can be made through our online Reservations page or by calling Splash at (515) 244-5686. We recommend planning ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays, and special occasions.

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill is located at 303 Locust St in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. We are in the heart of downtown, making Splash an easy dinner destination before or after an evening out in the city.

Splash is currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. We are closed Sunday and Monday. Holiday hours may vary, so check our website for the latest information before visiting.

A public parking ramp is located adjacent to the building and is accessible from 4th Street. Street parking is also available throughout downtown Des Moines.

Smart casual attire is a great fit for Splash. Our dining room is polished and welcoming, whether you are joining us for a relaxed dinner, date night, business meal, anniversary, or special celebration.

Yes. Jet fresh seafood has been at the heart of Splash Seafood Bar & Grill since the beginning. Seafood is flown in from coastal markets across the country, including Boston, Seattle, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii, bringing fresh coastal flavors to downtown Des Moines.

Absolutely. Oysters are a signature part of the Splash experience. Our selections may include oysters on the half shell along with specialty preparations such as Rockefeller, Crab Bienville, Scampi, and other seasonal offerings. Ask your server about the current selections.

Yes. While fresh seafood is our specialty, the menu also includes steaks and other selections for guests looking for something from land rather than sea. Check the current menu for tonight's offerings.

Splash offers an extensive wine program designed to pair with our seafood, along with cocktails, beer, spirits, and nonalcoholic choices. Our wine program has earned recognition from Wine Spectator over the years.

Gluten free options are available. If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, please let your server know before ordering so our team can discuss the current menu and available preparations with you. Guests with specific concerns are encouraged to contact the restaurant before their visit.

Special occasions have been part of the Splash story for decades. From anniversaries and birthdays to date nights, business dinners, and milestone celebrations, our seafood, wine, attentive service, artwork, aquariums, and immersive dining environment create a setting designed to make an evening feel memorable.

Yes. Splash offers options for intimate dinners, celebrations, corporate gatherings, private parties, and larger occasions. Visit our Private Events page to explore the available spaces and submit an event inquiry.

Splash offers several private event options depending on the size and style of your gathering, including the Piranha Room, Private Dining Room, Main Dining Room, and Whole Restaurant Buyout. Food and beverage minimums may apply and can vary based on the event, date, and group needs. Our team will review specific minimums and availability with you directly.

Depending on availability, groups of approximately 12 to 15 guests may be able to make a standard reservation without reserving a private room or committing to a private event minimum. Contact our team so we can help determine the best option for your group.

Yes. Splash takes a custom approach to catering rather than offering one standard catering menu. Tell us about your event, guest count, location, and what you have in mind, and our team can help explore options tailored to your occasion.

Catering inquiries are welcome for weddings, corporate events, outdoor events, golf tournaments, private parties, celebrations, and other special occasions throughout the Des Moines area.

No. An event inquiry is the first step in planning and is not a confirmed reservation. A Splash representative will follow up with you to discuss availability, event details, and next steps.

Yes. Splash offers digital gift cards delivered electronically as well as physical gift cards that can be shipped to a mailing address. Visit our Gift Cards page to choose the option that works best for you.

Splash began in 1998 with owner Bruce Gerleman's love of fishing in the Florida Keys. His travels through Key West, Islamorada, and Key Largo introduced him to local island cooking and inspired him to bring those flavors and that attention to fresh seafood home to Iowa.

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill was founded by Bruce Gerleman, whose passion for fishing, hospitality, and the flavors of the Florida Keys helped shape the restaurant into the downtown Des Moines destination it is today.

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill surrounds guests with an immersive dining environment inspired by life beneath the sea. The restaurant features colorful mural work by local artist and designer Saley Nong alongside nine large saltwater aquariums filled with coral and tropical ocean fish.

The experience now also includes a state of the art digital video wall showcasing the Great Barrier Reef. The installation adds movement, color, and depth to the dining room while creating a more immersive and elevated atmosphere for guests.

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill features a new state of the art digital video wall showcasing the Great Barrier Reef. It was installed to create a more immersive and elevated dining experience while enhancing the ambiance throughout the restaurant.

The moving underwater imagery complements Splash's saltwater aquariums and ocean inspired design, giving guests another view into the beauty and movement of life beneath the sea.

Yes. Splash has earned longstanding recognition for both its dining experience and wine program, including honors from DiRōNA and Wine Spectator. Visit our Press page to explore awards, features, interviews, and community stories.

Follow Splash Seafood Bar & Grill online for restaurant news, upcoming events, special offers, fresh seafood features, and a closer look at what is happening at Splash.