50 Best Bars near Carlisle

“I love sister’s place for so many reasons. The staff is amazing. They always make my husband and I feel like we’re party of the sister’s place family. The food is also VERY good. Obviously it’s not Johnny’s but it’s the best bar food I’ve had. I love that they always do specials to change it up a bit. Gives me something to look forward to. Lastly, I love all the events from live music, to trivia, to music bingo sister’s place has it all!🖤“

“The great staff, very friendly and personable, the awesome customers. Happy hour 5-7pm! Great place to put your feet up and have a cocktail after a long day.“

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

“coolest bar we have been in...bartender was super friendly“

“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!“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

“That pizza is crack. The service is friendly and amazing.“

“I didn't eat but this is a great place if you're looking for a biker bar that's relaxed and not trying to be corporate or flashy. The whole place is just relaxed and welcoming to gear heads or black sheep of the world. It was a breath of fresh air that was welcomed while traveling thru. I'll definitely be visiting again.“

“I took these pictures 2 years ago and just found them on my camera, but we also went there a few weeks ago as well. If I had only gone a few weeks ago, I probably would have given this a four-star review. Our server was not friendly at all. I don't think she was necessarily mean, I think that's just her personality. But the first time we went the server was absolutely amazing! He was very friendly and accommodating. I feel like this place should be busier than it is. Both times we went there it was not packed but I don't know how it isn't. Maybe it's because it's off a side street and not on the main drag. But I absolutely love it! The theme is amazing and they've done such a great job with the design and decor. So many places you can take pictures. So many different seating arrangements to accommodate any size party. There's bar seating, tables, benches, couches, etc. Ironically both times we went to this place. We were celebrating my daughter's birthday and we were bar hopping in downtown Des Moines. I absolutely loved the vibe and I recommend it to anyone who is in the area!“

“Best club sandwich in the city“

“Great little place if not on patio.“

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

“Fair proced drinks but amazing selection of retro games. With everything being a quarter it takes a while to blow through $5. The tilt sensors on the pin ball machines are turned way down compared to anywhere else I have played allowing you to actually save a ball. Amazingly even with all the machines being old retro game only 2 were down when I was in, top notch experience. Wish I would have gone with friends to play some super smash bros.“

“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.“

“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 food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!“

“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊“

“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap“

“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.“

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

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

“If anyone is looking for a bar in downtown Des Moines I always recommend this place. We have been here several times and I enjoy it every single time. I feel like I could walk around and look at the decorations and still not see everything. The owner has and opened several bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines and every single one I've walked into I absolutely love. They all have their own theme/ vibe. He is so incredibly talented and creative. They have a great cocktail menu and we've even had dessert here. I'm a bit older so it's a little dark so I had to use my phone to look at the menu. There are a lot of different seating arrangements so it can accommodate different size parties. You could sit at the bar, tables, booths, etc. I believe they take reservations and if you plan on going I recommend you get one. It always seems very busy. Also, they used to have a speakeasy in this bar but now they are opening a larger space across the street. Which makes me a little bit sad because it was so special! It was so unique and I understand it was very small and they want to have a larger space. But that's actually why it made it really cool! I do wish them the best though! And we will have to try it out when it opens.“

“nice little gem hidden on the southside.“

“Just a great bar, we meet our son there when we’re in town.“

“My absolutely favorite place in DSM. Food and drinks are incredible. Exceptional service. Awesome people and vibe. 10/10/10 recommend. Go try it you will not be disappointed.“

“Ken’s is a very nice speakeasy and it’s no secret. Food was good and drinks were also really good. Being from Texas it was nice to taste some of the local beer. Sorry no pics I can’t believe it myself. Well I guess your gonna have to come see for yourself. Thank you to all the staff. We were on a company sponsored event and Ken’s knocked it out of the park. Overall a great experience.“

“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.“

“I was very impressed with the service and knowledge of the bartender. I happened to ask if they put dairy in their espresso martinis because I am dairy free and she let me know that they had two different dairy free creamers and made me an amazing drink!“

“Did not expect to find a place like this in Des Moines it was so cool. The staff is amazing, shoutout to Frankie and Sunny who were so attentive and just had an awesome vibe. DJ disconnect was on the scene playing bangers and giving the bar a great energy. Loved my visit to the Black Sheep and the bartenders truly made the night great.“

“So for some reason this year at the fair: 2025, all the selections seem to be candy-flavored beer. Cotton candy, mango raspberry / lemonade etc. I really like beer. I've liked it since I was 13. I don't want a fruity or gimmicky beer. When I go for a craft beer I want either a good IPA maybe a twist on local stout or a full-bodied ale maybe a smooth summer lager. As for the Beer Tent self itself, it's pretty loud in there. The combination of piped in music, and people partying. it's definitely a party atmosphere.“

“Great prices! Great people!“

“I can't say enough of the bartender. In my book she was great has all the skills to make a bartender. Came in just to kill some time. But found myself haveing a great time playing pool with other customer and enjoyed the outdoor space. Great place to take a bike ride and stop to stretch your legs. I will be going back there 5?✴??????“

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

“Best music,wanted a bar that made u feel in ur 20's again. and wanna just dance lol,yet without too many people and it's small,but very nice abdyet has everything a big bar would have for entertainment:great music,pool tables,pinball machines,darts,etc!( Plus I have to mention the nice staff,as well as super friendly people who end up conversing with!)“

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

“There are few places on Earth where a dive bar and fine dining coexist. Shorty’s is one of those places. It’s kinda like quilt made of denim and white tablecloth. You’ll understand when you go, as you should, and see the highly rated restaurant that sits atop Shorty’s, allowing the shared menu. Like a delicious hat on a drunk man’s head. The 3 times I was there the only thing that outshone the food and drink was the bartender. What a gem.“

“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!“

“I LOVE the burgers! and the crispy chicken wraps are amazing. all the bartenders are absolutely wonderful and so nice!“

“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.“

“Bike night on Wednesdays!“

“my daughter and I stumbled upon this neat place today. she has the classic burger with a side of fresh fruit and she loved it. I had the grinder with a side of amazing tomato bisque soup. we shared some tasty chicken loaded nachos and will definitely be making the 45 minute drive again very soon. our waitress was a lovely lady named Tatum(I cannot remember how your name is spelled,I'm so sorry). she was rocking the bar and taking orders all by herself. she constantly made sure we were doing ok. 10/10🤟“

“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! one of the best Happy Hours in Des Moines!! We got the whipped ricotta, char board and a tenderloin with fries and everything was BEYOND expectations. Service was amazing and the atmosphere was great!! Highly recommend!!“

“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.“

“Love Bomb bar, great atmosphere. Perfect place to hang on any given night. The owner is kind and the employees really help you to feel welcomed.“

“Beer Is Cold. Dilly Dilly. 😎“

“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.“

“Best dinner and drink experience. Our waiter was so polite and accommodating. Food was great! Drinks were on point! Thanks for the great service! Our waiter ran down the street to give me my sunglasses I had left behind. Went above and beyond the entire time!“

“We just celebrated our marriage there with drinks and tacos! They had a killer beer and taco deal going on. We thought the drinks were delicious, the ambiance was perfect, and the staff and service were top-notch!! I would highly recommend, and can’t wait to head back!“