A Historic Dinner Theater Has Officially Reopened in Iowa

Last spring, it was announced that an iconic Des Moines theater would be making a comeback. Now, The Ingersoll is back and better than ever!

The Ingersoll's History

Located at 3711 Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines, The Ingersoll Theater was built in 1939 and was one of the first in Iowa to be built specifically for films with sound. According to the website, the building had a total price tag of $35,000, which would equate to over $800,000 in 2026!

For many years, the Ingersoll thrived. But, by the 1970s, business had slowed down, which resulted in the theater's closure in 1977. That wasn't the end of the story, though. Just a couple of years later, The Ingersoll was transformed into a dinner theater, which gave the space a new life. The website reads:

"Throughout the 1980s and into the ’90s, it hosted beloved musicals, comedies, and tribute performances—all paired with meals in an intimate, cabaret-style setting."

By the early 2000s, The Ingersoll was struggling again. It became a restaurant for a short time and then a nightclub, before eventually shutting down for good in 2014. The building fell into a state of disrepair over the following years, putting its future in jeopardy.

But then, in 2022, an Iowan named Connor Delaney decided to purchase The Ingersoll and bring it back to life! After extensive repairs and renovations, the historic building was once again ready to welcome guests as a dinner theatre, and it reopened to the public just a few short weeks ago in late 2025.

The New Ingersoll

The official grand opening ceremony for The Ingersoll was held on Saturday, December 28th, and there are already plenty of shows on the calendar for 2026. If you're planning to visit, the website says to expect "elevated cuisine, craft cocktails, and electrifying performances in a stylish setting that blends our classic character and rich history with modern upgrades, and state-of-the-art technology."

As far as the food goes, The Ingersoll doesn't have a set menu for all of their shows. Each show's menu is curated specifically to match the theme of the entertainment. Some examples of dinner entrees that the venue serves include Grilled Iowa Raised Hanger Steak, Ginger Teriyaki Salmon, Honey Herb Roasted Chicken, Beef Wellington, and Vegan Roasted Root Vegetables and Mushroom Ravioli.

In case you're wondering, yes, the meal is included with your ticket. The FAQ page of The Ingersoll's website reads:

"Your event ticket includes our house greens salad with choice of dressing, a selection of entrée options, warm house breads and butter along with coffee, tea and iced water services."

There are other items you can pay to add-on to your meal, like appetizers and desserts, plus upgraded entrees. You can read more about the food HERE.

Much like the food, The Ingersoll also offers specialty cocktails that are created specifically for each performance. The website says that the cocktail menu is "a fresh mix of timeless classics and inventive, show-themed creations." Wine, local craft beer, and mocktails are also available. These beverages are not included with the price of your ticket.

Upcoming Shows

The Ingersoll's calendar is already filled with live musical performances from several different genres, plus comedy revues and a drag brunch. And, all of the shows through the end of February include a free dinner, which means they have reduced ticket prices! You can check out the full rundown and purchase your tickets in advance HERE.

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