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“

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

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

“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“

“Best pizza in Des Moines.💏👍“

“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.“

“Fantastic space decorated by the total babes from nearby Divine Times Vintage in authentic 70s style. Amazing staff - especially KC! Staff Tally and Tess are great too. Perfect for late night cocktails, vibes, and cheese/chocolate fondue with friends.“

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

“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.“

“love this bar, coldest beer in town .“

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

“I always have such an amazing time at Jacks! Great food and drinks and amazing staff!“

“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.“

“THEY GOT FREE RESTROOMS AND THOTS!“

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

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

“I had my team Christmas party at Captain Roys on December 10th. The venue is decorated nicely for the holiday season, music was a perfect volume, bartender was sweet as pie, and the food was hot and delicious. Thank you Captain Roys for being so awesome! Check it out!“

“Run… Don’t walk to The Empire! Friendly staff / great food.“

“can't remember the bartenders name but he was good it wasn't crazy busy but he remembered what you where drinking and my friend had said she likes to have a water after every couple of drinks and he remembered every time to give her water. the crowd is a variety of everybody. the ski ball was busy all night so I never got to play wich is the reason for my 4 rating... the games are only one token and the drinks arent overpriced making it an ideal place to hang out if you dot have a lot of cash but wanna do something. it is extremely dark in there though. oh and I wish they made food later. pizza stops at 8.amd that stinks cuz who doesnt like to eat a slice of greasy pizza after drinking for awhile-noone....lol! ihad a fun tiem, haven't been to any other arcade places so I've nothing to compare it to, but still it's a cool little 2 story hangout!!“

“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“

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

“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“

“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.“

“Classic Ingeroll dive bar.“

“nice little gem hidden on the southside.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Been coming here for years. For the money and just in general it is the best place to grab a drink in the city. Bartending staff, especially Anne, is second to none. The new owner did a great job preserving a lot of the core charm that the previous owner and his brother cultivated over many decades, while putting his own stamp on it. You may hear people complain about how things used to be not understanding that this place has always been a gem.“

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

“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?✴??????“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Celebrated my Dad's 71st B-day at this est. & was blown away by the service & how accommodating they were. Catered to my Dad making his night special & memorable.
Drinks were great w/ jello shots being my fav.. I'm beyond thankful for all that joined us.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Great little place if not on patio.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“