Explore Arugula & Rye

Nestled at 5800 Fleur Dr in Des Moines, Iowa, Arugula & Rye is a cozy spot that’s quickly becoming known for its carefully crafted sandwiches and welcoming vibe. Walking in, you can tell the focus here is on quality-every sandwich is made to order and toasted to perfection, ensuring a fresh, flavorful bite from the first mouthful. The menu offers a variety of creative combinations, from classic toasted cheese enhanced with sun-dried tomato to more adventurous options, each thoughtfully assembled with attention to both flavor and presentation. While the rye bread may differ from what some patrons are used to elsewhere, it still provides a hearty and satisfying base that complements the fillings well.

The service at Arugula & Rye has a friendly, approachable feel, with staff attentive to your needs, though some visitors note that sandwiches may not always be served in strict order of arrival. This approach allows for larger or more complex orders to be accommodated without compromising quality, so the slightly longer wait is often forgiven when the sandwich arrives hot and ready. It’s clear that the team prioritizes getting each sandwich just right, rather than rushing through orders, which is reflected in the overall flavor and presentation.

One point to be aware of is that cups for water are charged separately, which might catch first-time visitors by surprise. Despite this small quirk, the experience remains largely positive, especially for those who appreciate the care put into each item. Whether you’re stopping by during a layover, running errands nearby, or simply craving a well-made sandwich, Arugula & Rye offers a solid combination of fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a casual atmosphere that makes lingering over a meal a pleasant option. With its mix of classic comfort and subtle culinary creativity, this spot has something to satisfy both those seeking a quick bite and those who enjoy savoring their food at a relaxed pace.

The variety of bread choices, paired with flavorful fillings, makes each visit a chance to explore different flavor profiles while staying within the comfort zone of familiar sandwiches. The staff’s warm demeanor adds an inviting touch, making it a place that encourages repeat visits for anyone passing through the area.

Photos Of Arugula & Rye

Business Info

  • Service options
  • Popular for
  • Accessibility
  • Offerings
  • Dining options
  • Amenities
  • Atmosphere
  • Crowd
  • Planning
  • Payments
  • Children
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Salad bar
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Bar onsite
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Casual
  • Family-friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
  • Accepts reservations
  • Checks
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Opening Times

  • Monday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday :

    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
LOCATION BAKERY SHOP

HOW TO FIND ?

CALL TO BOOK A TABLE & DELIVERY:

+1 515-256-5340

INFORMATION

5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States

Friday : 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM , Today :

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Giving a 4 because I think it deserves around a 3.5, and better than its current average. Friendly service, but sandwiches not made in order, so even though I walked in with only one person ahead of me, about 4 people (including 1 person with 4 sandwiches) were served before me. Sandwich had good flavor, but not sure brioche is a good bread for this sandwich.

Phillip Bassett

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My sandwich was hot, fresh and tasted great. The service was a little slower than expected but because they are making and toasting the sandwiches to order, I was totally ok with it. Will visit again on my next flight.

Seth Gilland

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I travel a great deal. I usually have very little funds but decided to check this place out. I stopped here on my way to the plane and I am not disappointed. Debating between a sandwich or pizza; I asked for an opinion...again, I am not disappointed. I chose the option suggested for my hunger. Pizza. 12" x 4" of great pizza. The crust was thin, flaky, but not overdone. I like a lot of sauce; and even though I would've liked a lot more, there was enough and didn't seem generic. I chose sausage and red onion, add mushrooms. Oh my goodness!! Expectations surpassed. The sausage had such an explosion of actual flavor...not generic ground. Red onion were perfectly done. The mushrooms? O yea! Cheeeeeeese u ask. Ha! It was a fantastical and beautimiss pizza I cannot speak for other's opinions of this place. The food was excellent, but the two ladies behind the counter were even better. UPDATE: Won't allow me to do a separate review, so I'll just add. A second stop for another $11 item. This round I chose a sandwich. The AR Cuban. Sliced pork and ham, sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, and Dijon mustard on ciabatta. Sooooo good. I'm not one for the 'kraut or spicy mustard; however, I admit I was intrigued. I was not disappointed. The Dijon was a bit much, so I thinned it out a little, but made certain to leave enough. I really enjoyed the crunch combo of the 'kraut & pickles. Different ladies this time, but still just as amazing!

Kevin Jones

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We decided to try Arugula & Rye for the first time. Before reading further, just note that if you ask for a cup for water, they do charge and don’t tell you! That I wasn’t impressed with. I had the toasted cheese with sundried tomato on rye. Rye isn’t what it is back home for me, but it was still a tasty sandwich and I did enjoy it.

Lorien Spilkin

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I tend to order a Cuban sandwich everywhere I travel in search of the "best". I even had them from the Miami area, so imagine my surprise when I experienced an incredible Cuban sandwich from the Des Moines, Iowa airport! Perhaps the stars were all aligned that day, but the sandwich was hot with a perfect crunch. The pork was almost as thick as a porkchop (which is not turkey from another review I read and can be a light pink which is totally fine for pork) and then of course the ham, melted Swiss, pickles and special mustard sauce. It was so juicy and tender that I went through a bundle of napkins. With tons of Cubans I've eaten over my many travels, this honestly was one of the best, perhaps "the" best thus far! The service was a little bit slow because the one girl was training the other girl, but that is totally understandable. The place was clean and tidy. My only complaint is that I will never be able to eat another one again unless I travel through an airport who has an Arugla & Rye. I bragged about this sandwich so much to my husband I was thinking of surprising him one weekend and using my frequent fliers miles to just fly us to Des Moines for the afternoon to get lunch!

Jill

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It was a good airport breakfast, like the Panera Bread, but better.

J B

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Just arrived at my destination and hungry walking out and saw this place make a quick stop to try the flatbread

Tiffany Jiang

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I was wanting a healthier, reasonably price option at the Des Moines airport. Argula and Rye was perfect! The avacadi toast looked amazing but I'm trying to be more carb conscious. When I mentioned this, an employee immediately offered to make it on egg instead of toast!!! The bacon on it was some of the best I have ever had and overall what I got was perfection!! So glad I found this restaurant and, if I flew from Des Moines regularly, it would definitely be my go-to.

D Clark