In the heart of Beaverdale, one of Des Moines’ oldest and most charming neighborhoods is Christopher’s Restaurant. Christopher’s has a long and proud history in Des Moines dining as this location has been serving not only Beaverdale but the entire Des Moines Metro area for more than 81 years.
In the early years Christopher’s wasn’t Christopher’s at all but was “The Chicken and Rib Shack”. In 1955 it was sold to Arnie Christopher who not only changed the menu but renamed the restaurant to “Christopher’s Restaurant”. Five years later Arnie sold the restaurant to Don Dawson who in turn sold the restaurant to its present owner, Joe Giudicessi, in 1963.
Upon purchasing the restaurant one of the first things Joe planned was to change the name from Christopher’s to Giudicessi’s. After receiving a quote of $500.00 to change the sign, Joe decided that “Christopher’s Restaurant” didn’t sound too bad after all. And so “Christopher’s” it would remain and begin the story of one of Des Moines’ oldest and finest restaurants serving traditional Italian and American cuisine with a creative flare.
Since Joe’s purchase in 1963, Christopher’s would go through many changes, from one small dining room and small 10 seat lounge to 3 intimate dining areas, Des Moines’ only 30 seat horseshoe shaped bar with a spacious cocktail area, a large private dining room and expansive kitchen.
The menu too has gone through many changes over the years, but some favorites have remained such as Pasta & Meatballs, Lasagna, Hand-breaded Cheese Sticks and of course the Creamy Italian Dressing to name a few. All our menu items, whether an old favorite or newly created, are made from scratch using only the best ingredients, and some old family recipes.
Over the years it has truly become a family affair as Joe’s children Rene, Ron and BJ joined the restaurant and now run the day to day operations.
So from the Giudicessi family to you we look forward to serving you for years to come and thank you for making Christopher’s a Des Moines dining tradition.