The Crafty Mac Named Among America’s Best Mac and Cheese Destinations by National Publication

Des Moines Virtual Kitchen Earns National Recognition

We’re excited to share that The Crafty Mac has been named one of America’s best mac and cheese destinations by culinary publication BestCitiesFor.com. This honor places our Des Moines-based virtual kitchen alongside established restaurants like Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Seattle, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami, and Murray’s Cheese Bar in New York City in their “America’s Most Innovative Mac and Cheese Destinations in 2025” feature.

The feature, published on April 10th by Culinary Editor Emma Richardson, highlights ten exceptional mac and cheese destinations across America. The Crafty Mac is the only virtual kitchen to make this prestigious list, representing a significant acknowledgment of how the restaurant industry is evolving.

A Milestone for Virtual Kitchens

Being included in this nationally recognized list represents an important moment not just for The Crafty Mac but for virtual kitchens everywhere. As the only delivery-only establishment featured among traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, this recognition affirms that exceptional dining experiences can extend beyond physical dining rooms.

The BestCitiesFor.com article specifically mentions our BBQ Mac, featuring our cheddar base topped with Smokey D’s award-winning chopped pork, crispy fried onion tanglers, and BBQ sauce. The article also notes our Nashville Hot Mac for its balance of heat and creaminess.

The Changing Landscape of Dining

Richardson’s article concludes with observations about how virtual kitchens are transforming the restaurant industry: “The inclusion of The Crafty Mac on this list signals a significant shift in America’s culinary landscape. As virtual kitchens continue to gain prominence across the country, innovative chefs are embracing this new model to deliver exceptional dining experiences directly to customers’ homes.”

The article also includes perspective from food industry analyst Michael Torres, who notes that virtual kitchens are “democratizing access to chef-driven cuisine” and allowing restaurants like ours in Des Moines to “compete on the national stage based purely on the quality and creativity of their food, rather than location or ambiance.”

About The Crafty Mac

The Crafty Mac specializes in craft mac and cheese available for delivery throughout the Des Moines metro area. As a virtual kitchen, we focus exclusively on our made-to-order mac and cheese dishes, available through online ordering for delivery or convenient front-door pickup.

Our menu features a variety of mac and cheese creations, from our BBQ Mac to our Nashville Hot Mac, all made with our signature Cavatappi noodles and homemade cheese sauces. Each dish is crafted with quality ingredients and creative combinations that elevate classic comfort food to a gourmet experience.

The full article can be found on BestCitiesFor.com