Business Details
Your Trusted Pizza & Pasta Destination in West Des Moines
Tavern has been a cornerstone of West Des Moines since its founding during the Great Depression. Acquired in 1945 by John and Mary Rilei, the business began as a modest tavern with a pool table, bar, and a few booths. In 1950, the iconic grinder sandwich was introduced, followed by our now-famous thin crust pizza, both of which became instant classics. In 1988, longtime friend Chuck Celsi took ownership, preserving Marys original recipes while infusing authentic Italian Calabrese flavors from his heritage. To meet growing demand, Chuck expanded the restaurant in 1990 and opened Tavern II in 1995. Today, Chucks six children continue the family tradition, ensuring every dishfrom our patented pizza sauce to house-made Italian sausageis crafted with care.Our commitment to quality extends to fresh-baked bread and homemade pasta, all prepared in our kitchen using time-honored methods. With over 70 years of service, we remain dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience rooted in history and family values. Our menu reflects decades of culinary expertise, blending tradition with innovation to deliver unforgettable flavors. Whether dining in or carrying out, guests can trust in our unwavering dedication to excellence, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Services
Thin Crust Pizza
Homemade Pasta
Italian Sausage
Catering Services
Gift Cards
Highlights and features
- Weve served West Des Moines for over 70 years with consistent quality and tradition.
- Our recipes, including patented pizza sauce, are preserved from the original founders.
- Family-owned operation ensures personalized attention to every dish and customer.
- Authentic Italian Calabrese flavors reflect generations of culinary heritage.
- All ingredients, from bread to sausage, are made fresh in-house daily.
Services
Thin Crust Pizza
Our signature thin crust pizza features a patented sauce recipe perfected over decades. Hand-tossed dough supports premium toppings like house-made Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella. Every slice reflects Chuck Celsis commitment to Calabrese traditions while satisfying modern tastes with creative combinations.
Homemade Pasta
Pasta dishes start with Grandmas secret sauce recipe, slow-simmered for rich flavor. Freshly made noodles accompany hearty meatballs, tender chicken, or seasonal vegetables. Each plate honors Mary Rileis original methods while incorporating contemporary Italian culinary techniques.
Italian Sausage
Our Italian sausage is crafted in-house using Chuck Celsis family spice blend. Pork is ground daily to ensure optimal texture for sandwiches, pizza toppings, or standalone servings. The recipe remains unchanged since 1988, guaranteeing authentic Calabrese flavor in every bite.
Catering Services
Event catering delivers our most popular dishes to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Menus feature customizable pizza stations, pasta bars, and signature sandwiches. Orders include serving utensils and setup assistance, with delivery available across West Des Moines.
Gift Cards
Digital and physical gift cards offer flexible dining options for any occasion. Available in customizable denominations, they can be used at both Tavern locations for meals, takeout, or special events. Cards never expire and feature secure online balance tracking.
Questions
What makes The Tavern's pizza unique?
Our thin crust pizza uses a patented sauce recipe developed in the 1950s and house-made Italian sausage from Chuck Celsi’s family spice blend.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full catering with customizable menus featuring our signature pizza, pasta, and sandwiches for events in West Des Moines.
Are gift cards available?
Digital and physical gift cards are available in any denomination, valid at both Tavern locations with no expiration date.
What are your operating hours?
We serve Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM and Friday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM at both West Des Moines locations.
Is your food made in-house?
All bread, sauces, Italian sausage, and pasta are prepared daily in our kitchen using original recipes from our founders.
