50 Best Bars near Ankeny

“Excellent service and food!“

“If you’re looking for a place with professional, polished, emotionally stable employees… keep driving.

Carney Tap has somehow assembled the Avengers of sarcasm.

Cheyenne has perfected the art of making you feel welcome while simultaneously making you question every life decision that led you to order another round.

Kyle acts like he’s one minor inconvenience away from quitting every shift, yet somehow remembers everyone’s drink before they even sit down. It’s unsettling.

Tina has mastered that “I’ve seen it all” look. You could walk in riding a llama and she’d just ask if you wanted your usual.

Tracy somehow keeps the place running despite being surrounded by what appears to be organized chaos. Either she’s a magician or she’s accepted her fate.

Kinleigh… proceed with caution. She has a dangerous habit of stealing hearts. If you bring your wife, don’t be surprised if she suddenly starts questioning whether she’s been limiting her options. Consider yourself warned.

And then there’s Kevin, the owner. Whoever trusted him with owning an establishment clearly lost a bet. He’s somehow managed to create a place where everyone knows everyone, everyone’s laughing, and strangers become regulars after one visit. Frankly, it’s suspicious.

The worst part about Carney Tap is they remember your name, your drink, and probably your embarrassing stories. You can’t even sneak in pretending you’re a respectable adult anymore.

10/10. Terrible for your wallet, outstanding for your happiness.“

“Sure, it's a strip mall bar that's pretty much a dive, but I love it. Staff is surprisingly attentive and polite for how busy it can get and I've never had much of an issue with the clientele. Love coming hear to watch Hawkeye, Cyclone or Cubs games. Insanely low prices also. One of my favorite bars in the city.“

“Didn’t feel like cooking so I called to pick up some burgers on the way home. Turns out it was a good idea. I’m never disappointed w any of the food I’ve gotten here. I always see the owner in there greeting customers and leaving the table full of smiles. This is the best example of local hospitality and food I can think of. Stop in and have a burger or a sandwich or some pizza or even a drink. You will be satisfied with your decision and may even wonder about being a regular. I’m glad this place is open.“

“Best bar in Ankeny. Great people, music, and drinks. Never a bad time at the Goodtimes“

“Kaden is always really nice and engaging whenever we order from the Hyvee Market Grille section! The last few times we’ve ordered from him he always has nice suggestions and makes good conversation. I hope he gets paid good because he deserves it!!“

“Trailside Tap is a must-visit in Ankeny! The back patio is amazing. The Berry Summer Salad and Three Pepper Burger were packed with flavor and just the right size. And do yourself a favor—order the Mulberry Mule. You won’t regret it!“

“Huge lunch portion! Great food!“

“We were in for lunch yesterday, my grandson wasn't feeling well. Our waitress refused to wait on us. She must have gotten the manager, he was a real trooper, took our order and delivered our food. I thought it was unprofessional of her. But we were suppose to get salad, he even said he forgot the salad and never brought it. Never again!!!“

“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….“

“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!“

“We had lunch here yesterday, absolutely delicious burgers. Ate every bite, nice atmosphere. Yummy ice cream sundae to finish off. 10/10“

“Best pizza in Des Moines.💏👍“

“love this bar, coldest beer in town .“

“Great little place. Definitely for the Cubs fans. Great variety of bomb drinks. I had the Capri sun and that's exactly what it tasted like. Black cherry rum with an orange monster Delicious. Bartender was great, friendly and helpful. Will be going back when we are in town again.“

“Had an absolutely amazing time with the staff while we ate our dinner and had a few drinks. The food was great, 10/10“

“THEY GOT FREE RESTROOMS AND THOTS!“

“Love this place… brought friends with us last night, great female server, very friendly… only complaint, wish u had tap beer.“

“In Johnston for work and saw the sign and thot I would give it a try. Seems like local people and very nice. Bartender was great. Will definitely come back next time in town. Thanks for the hospitality!“

“Great atmosphere and great people.“

“New owners came in and dropped a coat of paint on this bar, hired a great manager (shout out Jess!) and made the place feel more inviting. Plus, hard to beat one of the best steak dinner deals in town on Thursdays. Excited to see what they do with a planned expansion to the kitchen. Looking forward to some breakfast.“

“I think Mary go round is the most comfortable bar in Des Moines u never have to wait for a drink and prices are reasonable“

“We went for steak night and my expectations were exceeded. The steak was cooked perfectly, had great flavor, and was good sized without any gristle. The baked potato and toast were good. Looking forward to going back.“

“A nice little bar. Great conversations. Friendly bartenders but they'll kick you out if you're trouble. Loud music on the Touchtunes / jukebox. 5 overhead flat-screen TVs. No food served but chips are available for purchase. Might even see an occasional Amishman come in and sell naked goods.. Pool table for those so inclined. Nice little place. Come on down to sit at the bar and read a book.“

“GoodSons on Beaver Ave is the quintessential neighborhood bar. Have a seat, and you're surrounded by friends. Nice rotation on the taps, including many local brews, and a plentiful selection of cocktail options. The food is a delectable selection of paninis and bar favorites. Come in, have a seat, you are welcome!!“

“I was riding my bicycle with several friends from Johnston Town Center to Polk City. On the way back we rode over the Sailorville Dam and stopped in to the Boat House. What a fun time. The place was amazing and the free popcorn was a great surprise.“

“it's a great neighborhood bar. Bingo on Wednesday nights is awesome. i have came several times.“

“It’s obviously…the coolest place to hangout! 🍹🎉“

“Great food Great music awesome outside in the summer. I give this place a 💯.“

“Great service. Delicious food, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special evenings like car show, Halloween weekend and many other events at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The menu has options for everyone. Best food you can get on the grounds and reasonably priced. Amazing service day or night.“

“We have been to visit The Republic several times and have had a phenomenal time each visit! The staff are second to none! Ask for Nicole Ripperger for great service!“

“great service, cheap prices . go there befriend Pam. shes amazing“

“IF YOU RUN THIS PLACE, FIX THE MUSIC PLAYLIST.

Ok, for the rest of you: Ernie’s is the best bar in DSM. Cheap drinks, good atmosphere, cool bartenders, and the food truck sells great burgers. Recently the owner(s?) has/have enforced a strict playlist on the place (which is worse than letting your bartenders pick the music, if that needs spelled out), but this is a recent hiccup in a place that I frequent and love.“

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

“best place at the fairto watch drunk idiots make fools of themselves, if you're lucky you'll get a glimpse of some of our glorious leaders and their wives in all their glory, have your cameras ready!“

“Wonderful bar to catch some live music or just play some pool. The night we went there was only one bartender and she was absolutely killing it. Didn't get her name but hopefully she got some credit for how well she did. Definitely will be coming back in the future. Thanks for a wonderful time Fremont!“

“Discover a delightful haven for your sweet cravings ? Personally, I can't resist the allure of the cheesecake baklava. Planning to return soon for some exquisite Bosnian/Turkish coffee paired with a heavenly slice of cake. Wholeheartedly recommend this place!“

“Bike night on Wednesdays!“

“The staff & the regulars are super friendly. The bartenders remember my name & what I like to drink. Sometimes I don't even have to ask. 😁 This is a great place to go hang with friends or by yourself. If you do go in by yourself, it won't be long before someone strikes up a conversation.“

“We went here for a drink cuz our regular bar was closed for the night. The bartender was rude and ignored us even after I said hi to her. parking lot sucks. Bathroom sucks. Other customers gave rude dirty looks. We will NEVER be back. Poor example for our east side.“

“Arrived sometime after five on this Thursday night. The bar was half full and I was greeted by several patrons. The bartender was quick with a smile and a warm greeting. Pamela is not just beautiful but funny and warm. I ordered a Margarita andI that was a great choice. Atmosphere, comradeship I left feeling Good. If you are looking to unwind, meet some good people, good drinks, great service, I highly recommend ROYS. Very clean and sorry no pictures my camera is broke.“

“It's a really nice place and it is classy too...“

“Staff is always good and the happy hour pizza is the best deal in town. As a pinball fan, they have a great selection of pins at a great price, but it's always disappointing when the new Stern machines aren't hooked up to the internet to utilize the Insider Connection. Seriously guys, it's not that hard to connect the machines to the wifi.“

“A staple for when you're in town for the Drake relays. We were a little surprised to find out that they did not put the Drake Relays slogan on the other side of the t-shirts due to the extra cost. Really? Peggy customers will gladly pay the extra few dollars for their relay souvenir.“

“Fun place! Great bartenders“

“Perfect spot and community. It’s my Iowa spot...#dive bar“

“I remember when I was a kid going to this place when it was called Anthony’s. Hawk Haven with the awesome leadership, great staff, and an awesome environment have far surpassed the expectations of anything that’s been there prior. With it being family owned knowing there locals from here I’d highly recommend to anyone.“

“Awesome little bar. Heather the bartender was very attentive and very friendly. Got served quickly. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommend.
I have food at a five, but they dont serve food. Im sure if they did it would be a five star review.“

“Went tonight for steak night! Best steak I've ever had! TJ on the grill was the absolute BEST! He definitely knows what he's doing! Will definitely be back! Great food, great drinks and great atmosphere!“