The Waveland's Annual Iowa Cubs Tailgater 2012

The Waveland Coffee Shop sits right next to the Waveland Cafe on University Avenue in Des Moines. Plenty of people get the two mixed up on a Sunday morning, but if you've ever been to the tavern, you know the Waveland is a true "dive bar with ambience."

Every year, owners Phil and Connie Troge host a big blowout of a tailgate before an Iowa Cubs game in April. For $15 you get all of the food you can eat and beer you can drink from 5 - 7pm, plus your ticket to the game. We've been attending for the last several years and in case you missed it this year, we thought we'd show you all the fun.

Here's our two chefs du jour, CJ and Jeff. Chris 'CJ' Johnson is the bartender extraordinaire at the Wave on Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 6. Stop in and say hi and have one of his excellent Bloody Mary's. They manned the grill and were definitely in charge of the weiners.

Can't beat those grilled Sugardale JUMBO hot dogs.

The guys also had some red hots simmering in some beer and butter concoction with a big mess of onions. Tasty.

There's always a great selection of good food - this pasta salad was no exception.

And you'll find a wide array of hog dog fixin's including hot and sweet peppers, italian giardiniera, pickles, chopped red and yellow onions, horseradish, relish, you name it, it was there.  CJ also mixes up a bunch of specialty mustards - some were really HOT.

For the health nuts, there was even salad!

These little red hots pack a punch. 

I went with the classic onions, ketchup and pepper mustard. Mmmmm...

My friend Greg went for a 'garbage dog.' I don't even know what all is on there. 

Don't forget the Old Style! Tall cold 16 oz'ers are an essential for any tailgater.

Oh no! Lost a red hot. 

And in case you aren't a die hard Cubs fan like us, be assured they let anyone come to the Waveland Tailgater. Obviously. 

It's also the perfect occasion to wear my fuzzy Cubbie bear hat - which came in handy later when the sun went down, it started to rain, and the temperature dropped 20 degrees. Blue beards are also popular.

It's definitely a good time. Getting the whole group together for a photo is an annual tradition.

So make your plans for next year to join us at the Waveland's Annual Iowa Cubs Tailgater! Of course, you'll want to stop in at the Wave for a few beverages before next year. It's a great neighborhood tavern where the Old Style is always cold and you know the Cubs game will always be on. We'll see you there!

The Waveland Coffee Shop

4704 University Avene
Des Moines, IA  50311

515.255.5171

Hours

10am - 2am Daily

Check out their Facebook page here