Celebs Love This Hidden Spot After Shows
301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, USAThu Oct 30 2025
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Work in Progress is a restaurant and bar tucked under the Val Air Ballroom. It's a place where celebrities often end up after performing at the venue. One night, the staff found Bill Murray wandering around the back. They thought he was lost, but it was just the comedian looking for a place to relax after his show. He had already eaten at the neighboring Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club.
This isn't the only time a famous face has shown up. G-Eazy, members of Gwar, and even bands like Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes have been spotted there. Some just want a drink, while others get behind the bar to pour their own. The staff says most of them are pretty chill.
The restaurant has a cool vibe, with Polaroid photos signed by bands hanging next to the bar. But it's not just about the fame. Work in Progress has a simple menu and a unique name that sometimes confuses people. Some think the place is still under construction because of the name. This makes it harder for them to attract customers.
The restaurant works closely with Tom Archer’s to promote each other. Staff at Tom Archer’s will tell diners about specialty drinks available next door. This helps bring more people to Work in Progress.
Recently, the restaurant got a new chef, Joe Messina. He's focusing on a smaller menu that the small kitchen can handle. Fried chicken lips and a loose meat sandwich are still on the menu, but he's also working on a Detroit-style pizza using focaccia dough from Tom Archer’s. This could be a big hit.
Work in Progress is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a. m. to 10 p. m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a. m. to midnight. The kitchen closes at 9 p. m. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out, especially if you want to spot a celebrity or two.
https://localnews.ai/article/celebs-love-this-hidden-spot-after-shows-97cc61b8
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