“Awesome place! Highly recommend for a fun evening.“
“very cool vibe and great mix of smooth music. gives a big city vibe of a funky cool space that you want to share with friends“
Customers` Favorites
“My family and I recently stopped at Smash Park in Des Moines on a whim for some family fun and food. The atmosphere was laid back and our kids thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor pickle ball courts and the arcade. Food, dessert and drinks were all crowd pleasers! And to go completely over the top, we left our blanket outside and Jerry answered my phone call, went outside to retrieve it from the bench where I left it, and mailed it back to me free of charge. In a world where kindness and customer support are harder and harder to come by, Jerry and Smash Park get a 10/10 from this family!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….“
Customers` Favorites
“The people are fantastic! I went for lunch while I waited for the plane, they were busy, and I was worried I might not have time to eat. The kitchen cranked it out, I was so impressed!“
Customers` Favorites
“We had lunch here yesterday, absolutely delicious burgers. Ate every bite, nice atmosphere. Yummy ice cream sundae to finish off. 10/10“
“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“
Customers` Favorites
“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.“
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“coolest bar we have been in...bartender was super friendly“
“Run… Don’t walk to The Empire! Friendly staff / great food.“
Customers` Favorites
“If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by!! Best service and food in town! Leah H is your go to girl. She is top notch and will take great care of you!“
Customers` Favorites
“I stopped here for a drink and it has the cutest beachy tiki vibe. Great decor, seating areas and music, and friendly staff. I got a Saturn drink and it was delicious, and they make the drinks look just as good as they taste. I do wish they had a bit more on their menu, such as a glass of wine. Either way, a great stop for drink in a cool atmosphere.“
Customers` Favorites
“Best club sandwich in the city“
Customers` Favorites
“Olivia was great and deserves a pay raise“
“This is a fun little bar if you're headed to a concert at Val Air. It's full of regulars But we didn't feel judged as outsiders as we walked in. It's an old building with a dive bar feel But there are certain things that make it feel like someone really cares. For example the drinks like screwdrivers and greyhounds are made with fresh squeezed juice, the bartender rotates the glasses, and everyone has greeted as they walk in the door. The only downside is that it's a cash only bar and the ATM was down so we had to leave.“
Customers` Favorites
“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 had not been to Ducktail in ages. It's a great bar. Clean with nice decor and a full bar. We went there to listen to a local band called The Adaptors and the atmosphere was great. Everyone was having a great time, enjoying the awesome music and relaxing.“
“love the open mic on Wednesdays!! the guys ben and kyle are awesome very welcoming and supportive! If your a musician or just a fan of live music come on out always a good time!“
Customers` Favorites
“The sandwiches, sides and beer have me coming back for lunch every week. I love the creative burgers with locally-sourced, fresh meat. Brandy and her staff have made me feel welcome from my first visit.“
Customers` Favorites
“Great prices for drinks and a quick bite. The outside makes it seem smaller than it is, but there's a pool table, games and multiple spots to sit, watch games or hang out. I wish they'd fix up the bocce ball court in the back though! There's a lot of potential for the outside area, especially during the summer and fall football season. Needless to say, it's a great location for all Southsiders and friends!“
“The bison dinner was a work of art! This was my first time having bison and I would definitely come back for the dinner again! And their specialty drinks have great names with amazing flavor…. Staff was phenomenal and I really can’t say enough great things… Definitely a must to eat here!“
“such a fun atmosphere to enjoy great bands and dance the night away!!!!“
“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!“
“The owner is an absolute saint, he is so nice and a great human being! However, the bartender Megan Hampton is honestly the worst human being I’ve ever met in my life. She was rude to me the second I walked into the bar, then she screamed at me, I went to another bar, and the bartender said Megan did the exact same thing to her and her boyfriend. She openly talks about using cocaine and other inappropriate talk around the bar. She is single-handedly ruining the reputation and good name of Poncho. If you don’t believe me, sit at the bar when Megan is working and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.“
“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.“
“They've really tried to change in the last 5 years or so. They offer daily special meals like steak night (mondays) and taco night (tuesdays). The steaks are legit some of the best I've ever had. Served with very well seasoned grilled onions and mushrooms.
Always great service. Small hometown feel. Love it!
They could improve the beer and liquor offerings. Very limited and no taps.“
Customers` Favorites
“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap“
“5 stars for atmosphere and live music. Can consistently find live music here and drinks a very reasonably priced. If you're looking for fancy go elsewhere. If youre looking for consistent service, cold drinks and music then head on in.“
Customers` Favorites
“Best damn burger ever. And I’ve had PLENTY And this place BY FAR has THE BEST burger and service. Music is a touch too loud but it’s a pub so I get it. Otherwise great! So glad I came and will becoming back. Again GET THE BURGER!! so good!!! I didn’t take a photo in time because I ate it so fast lol. Thanks for a great dinner.“
Customers` Favorites
“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.“
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“It's a really nice place and it is classy too...“
“Use to love going there for a Cooler. Good times.“
“great people, great atmosphere, good music, all ages, so much fun.“
“Great little place if not on patio.“
“I stumbled upon this bar on my trip across country recently. I stopped mainly because I run a fantasy football league, with GOAT as the main theme.Got there just in time to catch the end of a football game had some great food and really rich bar staff.“
“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!)“
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“Just a great bar, we meet our son there when we’re in town.“
“Good music, cold drinks, and dive bar atmosphere. The beer selection is great and drinks are inexpensive. Bartenders may look like they lead a motorcycle gang but have always been friendly and helpful. The team running trivia on Wednesdays do a great job too and make it a great time.“
Customers` Favorites
“Love the bar, free pool on Sundays, weekly specials, and friendly bartender. The reason I give it a 4 out of 5 is because the dj sucks. He takes a lot of smoke break, his mic smells like stale cigarettes, he sings the longest songs taking away time from the customers that are there to sing, and his equipment needs better sound quality. It drowns out the singer. So other than needing a new dj I say it’s a great place to visit!“
“Love this place and good vibes!“
“Perfect spot and community. It’s my Iowa spot...#dive bar“
“Hidden gem this. Drinks were great. Staff was awesome. The whole place has an unpretentious, laid back vibe. Soundtrack makes you feel cooler than you really are, and TV’s had The Office and No Reservations on. What’s not to love about that. Glad I checked it out before everybody knows about it.“
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“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!“
Customers` Favorites
“{{restaurant.reviews}}“
Loading...
“Really nice owners and great service. A hidden gem for sure“