About Table 128
When I opened Table 128 in 2013, I didn’t just want to build a restaurant—I wanted to create a table worth gathering around. For eight years, our Clive location became a home for meals shared, friendships formed, and seasons celebrated.
When we closed in 2021, it was bittersweet. But it wasn’t the end. Over the next few years, I carried that same spirit with me—traveling, tasting, learning, and dreaming about what was next. Those experiences sparked new ideas and, ultimately, a second concept that brought a different kind of fire to the table.
In 2024, we brought Table 128 back to life in downtown Des Moines at Gray’s Landing. The move downtown matters. It puts us in the heart of a growing, vibrant community—a place where neighbors, travelers, and friends can meet at the same table. It’s more accessible, more connected, and more alive than ever before. For me, it’s a chance to cook for more people, share more stories, and continue building something meaningful in the city we love.
And just a few weeks later, Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen opened its doors, introducing Mediterranean-inspired flavors and wood-fired cooking to the Drake neighborhood.
Both restaurants are rooted in the same philosophy: celebrate ingredients, honor the season, and create spaces where people feel welcome.
— Chef Lynn Pritchard
Saturday Chef’s Tasting Menus
One of the traditions I’m proudest of is our Chef’s Tasting Menu. Since 2014, every Saturday night has been dedicated to creating something new—three courses, written like a story, designed for one night only. I’ve never repeated a menu, and I don’t plan to.
These dinners are an opportunity to be adventurous: to try flavors you might not expect, to discover something new, to connect over food in a way that feels personal. Whether you’re celebrating or simply curious, I’d love for you to experience this tradition with us.
Our Story & Timeline
May 2013 – July 2021: Table 128 opens in Clive. Chef Lynn establishes a loyal following with inventive, approachable cooking and a welcoming atmosphere.
2022 – 2023: While Table 128 is on pause, Lynn travels, explores new flavors, and begins dreaming about a second concept—one rooted in fire, flavor, and gathering.
May 1, 2024: Table 128 reopens at Gray’s Landing in downtown Des Moines, continuing its legacy with a refreshed space, expanded menu, and renewed energy.
May 29, 2024: Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen opens its doors, bringing Mediterranean-inspired flavors and wood-fired cooking to the Drake neighborhood, adding another layer to our story.
Our Philosophy
At Table 128, food is guided by seasonality. Ingredients at their peak inspire the menu, ensuring every dish feels fresh and rooted in the moment. My philosophy is simple: cook with care, honor the ingredient, and let the table become a place for connection.
Our menus are modern American at their core—approachable, inventive, and always changing. From a bright salad at lunch to a comforting entrée at dinner, the goal is to make every plate feel thoughtful and balanced.
Why Downtown Matters
When we reopened Table 128, we chose downtown Des Moines, IA for a reason. Being at Gray’s Landing puts us in the center of a community that’s growing, evolving, and full of energy.
It’s where neighbors meet travelers, where friends gather after work, and where a simple meal can feel like something more. For me, cooking here is a chance to connect with more people, share more stories, and bring our table closer to the heart of the city we love.
