Norwalk is turning into a dining destination. Cooper’s Central Table and Cocktails opened in the middle of February, combining Valley Junction hospitality destinations Cooper’s on 5th and The Winchester Public House from owners Jason Rieper and Ryan Cooper.
Now another group of Des Moines restaurateurs expands their empire south to Norwalk. James Thyberg and Ryan Flattery — who also operate the tiki-themed Bellhop, Mexican and tequila destination Coa Cantina, and bar The Lamp in the East Village, as well as 300 Craft & Rooftop in downtown Des Moines — now have Sunset Lounge in Norwalk along with co-owner and chef Matt Linford, who also has 2nd Avenue Sandwich Truck.
The restaurant and bar opened at the beginning of February with a mix of pub fare and a kitchen that’s open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant also only serves customers who are age 21 and older.
Everything, with the exception of the chicken strips, is made in house.
Here’s a look at the menu at Sunset Lounge.
What to order at Sunset Lounge
Boursin-stuffed mushrooms: A toasted garlic panko dusting on top adds a bit of crunch to the rich mushrooms and Boursin cheese.
Deviled eggs: Diners are already raving about the deviled eggs, which come with a garlic chili crisp on top.
Cheese curds: A side of poblano ranch gives this dish an added kick.
The appetizers are in the $7 to $10 range.
Sunset smash: Your basic smash burger with two patties, topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
The Warrior: This smash burger features bacon, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, sriracha, fried onions and lettuce.
The Claremont: Swiss cheese, cremini mushrooms and balsamic onions elevate this burger.
Grinder: Graziano sausage in a red sauce comes topped with mozzarella and giardiniera.
The burgers and sandwiches are in the $10 to $17 range. Each comes with fries (a thicker cut, almost like British chips), potato salad or a side salad for $1 more.
The restaurant also offers salads, such as a Caesar and club with chicken strips and bacon in the $8 to $12 range.
Did you know?
Once the weather is warmer, Sunset Lounge will offer a patio.
Artist Van Holmgren designed the logo.
Also in the future, the restaurant will serve breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where to find Sunset Lounge
Location: 1409 Sunset Drive, Norwalk
Contact: facebook.com/sunsetloungenorwalk or instagram.com/sunsetloungenorwalk/
Hours: Open Sunday through Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., kitchen is open until 10 p.m. daily.
Happy hour: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $1 off all drinks.
(This article was updated with new information.)
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].