There are sandwiches you eat out of convenience, and then there are sandwiches worth mapping out a route for.
Des Moines has quietly earned a reputation for doing classics right, and Francies is one of the clearest examples of that philosophy.
The Reuben here isn’t trying to be trendy, it simply delivers the kind of layered, deeply satisfying bite that keeps people coming back for years.
Corned beef stacked with intention, tangy sauerkraut, and just the right amount of Thousand Island on grilled rye, it’s a straightforward formula executed with real care.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a single sandwich can be worth the drive, Francies will give you your answer.
A Cozy Bar Feel That Makes the Sandwich Taste Better
Wood walls, close tables, and happy chatter set the scene before the first bite ever reaches your mouth.
Francies feels like a neighborhood hangout where people come for lunch, game day, and easy dinners after work.
The room can get loud, but that noise often feels like part of the charm rather than a problem.
The no-frills setting matters because a Reuben is not trying to be fancy.
It needs toasted bread, warm meat, tangy sauerkraut, melted cheese, and dressing that pulls everything together.
In a relaxed bar like this, the sandwich fits the mood perfectly.
Visitors should expect a small, busy place, especially around lunch or Friday evening.
Going near opening time can help if you want quicker seating and a calmer meal.
If you enjoy places where servers move fast, locals joke across tables, and food arrives without much fuss, Francies gives the Reuben a stage that feels just right for a road trip stop.
The Reuben Has Real Local Reputation
A good Reuben earns its praise one messy bite at a time.
At Francies, many guests bring up the sandwich when talking about favorite meals in Des Moines.
Some even compare it with other top Reubens in town, which says a lot for a casual bar menu.
The appeal comes from balance.
The bread should have crunch without cutting your mouth, the meat should be warm and generous, and the sauerkraut should brighten the rich cheese and dressing.
When those parts work together, the sandwich feels filling but not boring.
One reviewer called the Reuben awesome and placed it among the best in the area.
Another said it used to be a go-to order and is still great, even after changes over the years.
That kind of honest praise is useful because it comes from repeat customers, not just one lucky visit.
If you are planning a food-focused drive, order it hot and give yourself time to enjoy it before the plate cools.
Fries That Deserve Their Own Detour
Plenty of sandwiches get forgotten because the side dish falls flat.
Here, the fries are part of the story, especially the crinkle cut kind that show up in several customer comments.
Guests have praised them for being crispy outside and soft in the middle, which is exactly what most fry lovers want.
That texture helps the Reuben feel like a full meal instead of a quick snack.
After a rich bite of corned beef and cheese, a salty fry gives your taste buds a reset.
A cold drink makes the whole plate even better.
Some people say they eat the fries first, which is a bold move when a famous sandwich is sitting nearby.
For a road trip meal, that matters because every part of the plate should feel worth the stop.
Ask for ranch if you like dipping, since guests often mention it as a favorite.
The smartest plan is simple, arrive hungry, order the Reuben with fries, and avoid filling up on appetizers too soon.
Fast Lunch Service Helps Road Trippers Stay on Track
A road trip meal should not eat up the whole afternoon.
Francies opens at 11 AM most days, and guests often mention quick, friendly lunch service when they arrive early.
One reviewer said a line formed soon after opening, which is a helpful clue for anyone planning the timing.
Getting there close to 11 can make the visit smoother.
You may find easier parking, shorter waits, and a kitchen that is ready to move.
That is useful if the Reuben is your main goal but you still have errands, sightseeing, or miles ahead.
The staff is often described as attentive, fast, and team-focused.
Like any busy restaurant, mistakes can happen, and a few reviews mention slower moments during packed times.
Still, the overall pattern points to a crew that works hard in a small space.
For the best experience, check the hours before leaving, remember the restaurant is closed on Sunday, and call ahead if your group is large.
The Menu Gives Backup Plans for Every Appetite
Not everyone in the car may be chasing a Reuben.
That is one reason Francies works well for a group, because the menu has plenty of backup choices.
Popular mentions include the French dip, Italian sausage sandwich, Cuban, tuna melt, patty melt, burgers, nachos, wings, and queso dip with grinder meat.
A strong supporting menu matters when one dish is the headline.
If the Reuben fan is thrilled but everyone else feels stuck, the trip loses some fun.
Here, reviews suggest many plates have loyal fans of their own.
The nachos are often described as huge, and several guests praise the burgers and sandwiches.
One person loved the Buffalo chicken salad with creamy parmesan dressing, while another highlighted the peach jam burger.
That variety makes the stop easier for families, couples, or friends with different tastes.
A smart move is to order one shareable starter, then let each person pick a sandwich or burger.
Just save room, because the portions sound hearty enough to slow down even a hungry traveler.
Drinks and Game-Day Energy Add to the Fun
Sports bar energy can turn an ordinary sandwich stop into a memory.
Francies is known as a low-key game-day spot with beer, cocktails, and American pub food.
That makes it a natural place to watch a matchup while working through a hot Reuben and fries.
Several guests mention good drinks, stiff pours, mules, and one of the best Bloody Marys in town.
For travelers who are not drinking, the food still carries the visit, and at least one regular praised steady coffee service at the bar.
The point is comfort, not showiness.
If you want quiet conversation, choose a slower hour rather than a big game window.
If you enjoy crowd noise, friendly banter, and a room full of people relaxing, the busier times may be more fun.
Responsible planning is key, especially if you are driving after the meal.
Have a designated driver, pace yourself, and focus on the sandwich first.
The Reuben may be the reason to visit, but the lively setting helps the trip feel complete.
Know the Address Before You Go
A great food stop becomes easier when the details are clear before you leave home.
Francies is located at 2100 Wakonda View Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, making it a Southside Des Moines stop with a strong local following.
The listed phone number is 515-285-5207, which is useful if you want to confirm hours or ask about a busy time.
Current posted hours show service from 11 AM to 9 PM on Monday and Tuesday, 11 AM to 10 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 AM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is listed as closed.
Always check the restaurant website or call before a long drive, since hours can change.
The place has a 4.7-star Google rating from more than 1,200 reviews, which helps explain why it draws steady crowds.
Because it is small, patience helps during peak times.
Put the address into your map app, arrive with a flexible mood, and plan the Reuben as the main event.
Why the Road Trip Feels Worth It
Food road trips are rarely about polished perfection.
They are about finding a place that feels honest, tastes good, and gives you a story to tell afterward.
Francies fits that idea because it combines a talked-about Reuben with a friendly, busy, lived-in bar atmosphere.
The best way to enjoy it is to keep expectations simple.
Do not look for fancy plating or a silent dining room.
Look for toasted bread, satisfying portions, crisp fries, quick-moving servers, and the kind of local energy that chain restaurants have trouble copying.
Reviews are not perfect, and no restaurant gets every visit right.
Some guests have mentioned loud noise, occasional wait issues, or mixed feelings on other menu items.
Even so, the strong rating and repeated praise for sandwiches, fries, service, and atmosphere make the stop stand out.
If your idea of a good trip includes a warm plate, a cold drink, and a table in a place with personality, this Reuben gives you a tasty reason to point the car toward Des Moines.