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“

“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!“

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

“We had an amazing time at Francies. The food was amazing. I had the steak and peppers sandwich and fries. The fries were so good.“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

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

“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.“

“love this bar, coldest beer in town .“

“Classic Ingeroll dive bar.“

“Best club sandwich in the city“

“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!“

“Great little place if not on patio.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!!“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“Great atmosphere and great people.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

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

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

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

“nice little gem hidden on the southside.“

“Great place to go and hang out. Wonderful atmosphere and Most Friendly Staff. You'll love it here!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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?✴??????“

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

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

“Use to love going there for a Cooler. Good times.“

“Delicious food and drinks!!“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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!)“

“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.“