50 Best Bars in Des Moines

“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“

“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!“

“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!“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

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

“I have walked by this place a hundred times.....finally stopped in tonight. The food was awesome and very reasonably priced. Very nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. A nice surprise....will definitely be back!“

“Best pizza in Des Moines.💏👍“

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

“I had the most unbelievable chicken wrap that wasn’t on the menu from Jack’s Place ever, thank you Caitlin l, it was awesome.“

“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.“

“love this bar, coldest beer in town .“

“Outside sitting by the river is awesome. There is also inside seating for the hot days. All ages and great people and atmosphere.“

“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!“

“Pool, darts, TVs, Touchtunes when no live music, and open for early happy hours 3pm Wednesday through Saturdays. 1pm on Sundays. Pizza and ice cream for late night noms. Walnut (same owner) close by for food too. Awesome stage and live local bands. Usually free shows. chill vibes. Live Karaoke on Wednesdays. Great addition to Des Moines.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“We were visiting with friends on a Thursday night sitting at the bar.

Service: Excellent
DRINKS: Wonderful
Food: we had chips, queso and salsa. I highly recommend this!

The pariaso ahumado was very delicious. The pineapple puree and hot honey was a fantastic combination of flavors along with the mezcal. I had 3. Get one for yourself!“

“Hands down my favorite bar. All the bartenders rock, the space is cozy, the drinks are actually reasonably priced, and they don’t skimp on the liquor. If it’s a busy night it can be HARD to find seating, but that’s most bars to be fair. Highly recommend“

“Women were gorgeous and polite..only thing is alcohol to expensive“

“We have visited this location multiple times and it is always a fun environment to grab some drinks and play some nostalgic games! They have a wonderful variety of game choices that everyone will enjoy! Our group is a big fan of the Shotski they offer as well!“

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

“My go to for comfort food which is mostly this sausage sandwich, I’m 100% Italian and have consumed almost every sausage sandwich in Des Moines, this one is the best to me… because it’s different! Will love you always and forever!“

“Classic Ingeroll dive bar.“

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

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

“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!“

“Great little place if not on patio.“

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

“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!“

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

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

“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“

“You walk in and instantly feel comfortable and welcome.“

“Not sure if there are many places like this one in Iowa. Very different from your sports/dive bar. Here, the ambiance and music go to a more sophisticated level. The drinks are thoughtfully designed and crafted for a complete experience.
Probably one of my favorite bars in town.“

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

“Delicious in Des Moines! Staying at the Renaissance, made it super easy to pop into the Revelry for dinner. Between the two of us, we ordered the Revelry Burger, Devilish Eggs and the Asian Crunch Salad. All of which came out perfect and tasted delicious. We travel a lot and you got the feeling the food on the plate was constructed with care and intention. The vibe is pretty chill but elevated. Comfy couches (we lounged on a little before dinner and after!) and the bar seemed to be busy with people chatting with the bar tender. Fancy cocktails... but we stayed true to ourselves with the Old Fashioned and it did not disappoint. Recommend for sure.“

“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.“

“Amazing spot to watch sports and enjoy drinks with friends!“

“The Park Avenue Pub has been around forever, well known on the Southside of Des Moines and largely remains unchanged. Still operating under normal pub hours and participating in local pool league tournaments. If you’re looking for fancy, this is not your place. If you’re looking for an old school simple watering hole and place to grab a bite, this is it. A small group of us still get together periodically on Saturdays for sausage sandwiches and a couples beers. Always a thumbs up on the sandwiches and they are reasonably priced. Also, plenty of parking in the back.“

“Great atmosphere and great people.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“I was in town visiting some friends when we decided to stop in here. Food was AMAZING, drinks were FANTASTIC although I think a lot of that had to do with our amazing bar tender Adrina. She was super quick with the drinks and made the best expresso martini I've ever had! Thanks Adrina/Civeche “

“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 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?✴??????“