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!“

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

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

“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!“

“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.“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

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

“love this bar, coldest beer in town .“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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“

“Great atmosphere and great people.“

“I've been going to UpDown since the night I could legally drink. I have had so many great experiences. Tonight I was out with a friend and a guy touched her and made and offensive comment to her. The staff, Derek who was the doorman and Jessie who was the manager, handle my complaint immediately and respectfully. I truly appreciate knowing that UpDown cares about the comfort and well-being of their patrons to level I was shown tonight. Thank you so much for making sure that me and my friend were ok and taking us seriously.“

“Classic Ingeroll dive bar.“

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.“

“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?✴??????“

“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.“

“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.“

“nice little gem hidden on the southside.“

“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.“

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

“I ordered via DoorDash and did not go into the restaurant. I was a little underwhelmed with the portion size of the fried mushrooms; they were good, just expensive for the size. Regarding the pizza, I think the price was very reasonable and it tasted good.

I would recommend this place, overall I’m satisfied.“

“This place is a vibe. The outside is so unassuming you’d think you’d be walking into some random basement in the middle of nowhere but once inside you are engulfed in an experience of good drinks, good company, and great music. If you like tequila and mezcal this will be a great spot for you! Coming from out of state I am glad I was brought here as it certainly was a unique experience to be offered in Des Moines.“

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

“The service was fast, staff very friendly. The drinks we had were very well made and we loved the selection! It's definitely a darker hole in the wall vibe, and it's pretty small here so don't come expecting a fancy cocktail experience. But I'll stop in again sometime for another quick drink!“

“Great place for karaoke on tue and thurs best sound in town“

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

“Everyone on the east side of Des Moines remembers this place as "Johnny Macs". Now as "Champs", it definitely has the potential to bring in the clientele. It is cleaner, brighter, and more diverse. As a black guy on the east side, I was shown all love both times I came here. I highly recommend this spot, especially on weekdays (when I will get to meet new patrons).“

“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!)“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Beautiful atmosphere a place for the community“

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

“I'm biased about Highland Park Lutheran Church. Basically, my mother is the pastor of the church. Though I will say is you're looking for a welcoming place to find God, then you definitely will. Also, the congregation is very welcoming as well. DO COME AND SEE WHAT A GREAT PLACE OF WORSHIP THAT YOU'LL FIND WITH Highland Park.“

“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!“