The catfish here comes Southern fried, golden brown, and parked next to two sides like collard greens and jalapeno corn. That combo alone could reorganize your whole afternoon.
The menu keeps going, too. Peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and lemon cake wait at the finish line for anyone still standing.
I like how this family-owned kitchen keeps things casual. Booths, tables, and baskets of comfort food are the whole point.
I believe that kind of setup lets the cooking do the talking.
Iowa has plenty of places to grab a quick bite. Very few of them make you think about greens simmered with turkey or a side called jalapeno corn.
So how long could you hold out once you knew all that was waiting nearby?
The Catfish That Earns Its Spot On Your Calendar
Golden, crispy, and served with two sides, the Southern fried catfish is the reason Good Eatins belongs on your radar. This Des Moines kitchen treats it like a signature dish, and it shows on the menu.
Catfish is one of the most talked-about items at the restaurant. It sits right alongside collard greens and sweet potatoes as a crowd favorite.
The beauty of the catfish meal is the freedom it gives you. You pick two sides, so every visit can taste a little different.
Want a classic Southern plate? Pair it with collard greens and candied sweet potatoes for a true comfort lineup.
Feeling bolder? Jalapeno corn brings a little kick that plays nicely against crispy fried fish.
Mac and cheese works too, if you prefer something creamy and familiar.
Here’s a practical tip worth remembering. The kitchen opens at 11:30 a.m., so an early lunch beats a long afternoon of daydreaming about fish.
Iowa isn’t exactly famous for catfish fry spots. That makes finding a dedicated soul food plate like this one feel even better.
Collard Greens Steal The Show More Often Than You’d Guess
Forty-three mentions. That’s how often collard greens come up in Google discussions about Good Eatins, more than any other dish.
A side outshining the main event is a funny twist. Yet here we are, talking about leafy greens like they’re celebrities.
The greens here are made with turkey instead of pork. That’s a helpful detail if you skip pork for health, taste, or personal reasons.
Smoked turkey gives greens a deep, savory flavor. It also keeps the dish hearty enough to stand beside fried catfish or wings.
So how should you order them? Start by pairing the greens with something crispy, since the contrast makes each bite more interesting.
Catfish and greens is the obvious match. Wings and greens work well too, especially if you like a little sauce on your chicken.
Greens are a big part of Southern food history. They were a staple in many Black family kitchens, often cooked slowly for Sunday dinners.
That tradition shows up on this Iowa menu in a real way. Order a side and see why it keeps grabbing attention.
Jalapeno Corn Might Become Your New Favorite Side
Corn with a spicy attitude is a rare thing on most menus. At Good Eatins, jalapeno corn is a standout side that people keep bringing up.
The idea is simple but clever. Sweet corn meets jalapeno heat, so you get a warm kick without a five-alarm fire.
It pairs well with nearly every meat on the menu. Try it beside fried catfish, wings, or BBQ meatballs for a fun flavor balance.
The full side list is long, and that’s good news. You’ll find mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, baked beans, and green beans with potatoes.
Spaghetti, potato salad, coleslaw, and fries round things out. Red beans and rice also shows up as a popular choice.
Picking two sides can feel like a tough test. One easy strategy is to grab one classic side and one adventurous side.
For example, combine jalapeno corn with mac and cheese. You get heat and creaminess on the same plate.
Bring a friend and swap bites. That way you can sample four sides in one visit, which is just smart planning.
Not A Fish Fan? The Chicken Lineup Has You Covered
Catfish may get the headline, but the chicken menu runs surprisingly deep. Fried chicken, wings, strips, rotisserie chicken, and grilled chicken all share the stage.
Wings come two ways, breaded and non-breaded. Each wing meal comes with two sides, just like the catfish.
That choice matters more than it sounds. Breaded wings bring extra crunch, while non-breaded wings keep things a little simpler.
Turkey strips are another fun option. You don’t see those on many menus, so they’re worth a try if you like something different.
The BBQ meatballs add a saucy twist to the lineup. They’re a nice pick when you want comfort food that isn’t fried.
Hungry for variety? The 2 Meat Combo lets you choose two meats and two sides in one meal.
That’s a great move for indecisive eaters. Grab catfish and wings together, then stop arguing with yourself.
There’s also a homestyle hamburger served with fries. It’s a handy pick for picky kids or anyone craving a classic.
Start With Fried Pickle Spears Before The Main Event
Spears, not chips. The fried pickles at Good Eatins come in long spears, which means more pickle and more crunch in every bite.
The appetizer menu gives you plenty of ways to start. Fried okra, chicken egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings all make an appearance.
Fried okra is a Southern classic worth trying. Okra has a mild, grassy flavor that turns snacky once it gets a crispy coat.
Chicken egg rolls are a fun surprise on a soul food menu. They show that this kitchen likes mixing tradition with a little creativity.
Here’s a smart ordering tip. Share one appetizer with your table instead of ordering several.
Meals come with two sides already. Too many starters can leave you waving the white flag before the catfish arrives.
Soup fans have options too. Broccoli and cheese soup and cheesy potato soup are both on the menu.
A cup of soup can be a cozy pick during a chilly Iowa winter. Just remember to save room for dessert.
Save Room, Because Peach Cobbler Is Calling Your Name
Dessert at Good Eatins reads like a Southern grandma’s recipe box. Peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and lemon cake lead the way.
Peach cobbler is one of the most mentioned desserts here. It’s warm, fruity, and a fitting finale to a fried catfish feast.
Sweet potato pie is another soul food staple. It’s a cousin to pumpkin pie but often richer and deeper in flavor.
Fans of cake have choices too. Lemon cake brings a bright, fresh finish, while strawberry cake leans sweet and fun.
Cheesecakes are also on the dessert list. So are vanilla and chocolate ice cream for anyone who likes things simple.
Here’s a sweet idea. Order cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you can, since warm and cold together is hard to beat.
Too full after your meal? Take dessert home and enjoy it later on the couch.
That’s not giving up. It’s planning ahead, and your future self will thank you for it.
A Fresh Address Brings Easier Parking And More Room
March 2025 marked a big move. Good Eatins relocated to its current home, giving the restaurant a fresh start in a new spot.
You’ll find it at 5418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310. The building previously housed Wasabi Chi, so some locals may recognize the address.
The newer location offers ample parking. That’s a quiet win when you’re hungry and don’t want to circle the block.
Inside, the dining area is spacious. There are both booths and tables, so groups and solo diners can find a comfy seat.
The restaurant sits near Merle Hay Mall. That makes it an easy stop before or after a shopping trip.
Families in nearby neighborhoods like Urbandale have a short drive. Folks from across Des Moines can reach it without much fuss either.
Moving a restaurant takes real effort and commitment. It shows a family-owned business that’s serious about sticking around.
So update your map app. The old address won’t get you any catfish now.
Plan Around These Hours Or Risk A Sad Monday
Mondays and Tuesdays are off-limits for catfish cravings. Good Eatins stays closed both days, so mark your calendar wisely.
Wednesday through Saturday, the doors open at 11:30 a.m. They stay open until 8 p.m., which covers lunch and dinner nicely.
Sunday hours are a little shorter. The restaurant runs from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for an after-church or weekend meal.
That schedule makes Sunday a great family day. Soul food and Sunday dinner have gone together for generations.
Short on time? Pickup is available, so you can grab your meal and head home.
Delivery is another option for lazy evenings. You can also place orders online directly through the restaurant.
Online ordering is handy during busy workdays. Order ahead, swing by, and skip the wait at the counter.
A little planning goes a long way here. Nobody wants to show up hungry on a Tuesday and stare at a locked door.
Family-Owned Warmth Makes The Whole Meal Feel Homemade
Behind every plate is a family business. Good Eatins is family-owned, and that personal touch is part of its charm.
The owner has been noted as friendly and helpful with menu choices. That’s great news if you’re new to soul food and need guidance.
Not sure what to pick? Ask for a suggestion and let the experts point you toward a favorite combo.
Warm buns have been mentioned as a little bonus while you wait. It’s a cozy touch that fits the homestyle spirit.
The atmosphere stays casual from start to finish. Come in your work clothes, gym gear, or Sunday best, and you’ll fit right in.
De’s Special adds a personal flair to the menu. It includes chicken strips, one side, and a drink for a quick, simple meal.
Supporting a family-owned spot means supporting your community. Your lunch helps keep a local dream going strong in Iowa.
So skip the drive-thru next time. A plate of catfish with a side of real hospitality is waiting.
