31 Best Cocktail Bars in Des Moines

“I got a chance to see Napoleon Douglas perform his “For Once In My Life” show here. Breathtakingly good! I hope to catch it every time he does it moving forward.“

“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.“

“The vibes were immaculate, I was blown away by the staff, the energy, the time they took to explain/recommend the cocktails. And on top of all that, it started at the top, the owner was behind the bar, greeting and conversing with every customer. It felt like the most well run business run by mind reading best friends“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

“Finn’s is a great bar!! Everyone is so kind and welcoming, the staff are all awesome, and the drinks are great! It’s such a vibe there and as a lesbian in and interracial marriage, my wife and I have never felt uncomfortable at all. All the patrons are great!“

“Amazing drinks and atmosphere!“

“We stopped there after my birthday dinner for a drink and to see what this was like. I grew up in Highland Park. My mother managed the Park Fair Record Shop for about 17 years. I worked there, too. It was like a home away from home. Chuck's Pizza was a favorite! My wedding cake came from the Highland Park Bakery. I remember Klein's Department Store, too. I bought my husband a powder blue leisure suit there and blue suede shoes back in the 70's! Memories...lol!
I was so surprised to find out the Highland Underground was once Klein's! We were there on a week night and they weren't busy, but the drinks were good, friendly waitress, and the 70's decor was fun! We got a kick out of the phone on the wall at our table and the prank that followed when the waitress told me to answer it. I'd like to go back and try their fondue next time!“

“A tight knit clan rolls there, the regulars, but ever expanding I think. I didn’t feel too much an outsider, but the guy sitting next to me was there exactly for that reason, to wander and be the quiet stranger at a mid town pub. It’s quaint and an asset to the neighborhood. Thank you.“

“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.“

“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!“

“On arrival we were warmly greeted by Kevin who took us through the restaurant past the kitchen, a few back halls and,,.surprise, a hidden cocktail bar! Kevin was a fun and friendly Bartender (Actually the GM). There bar was being updated so a few it may were not available. That did not keep us from enjoying our visit. In addition to our cocktails the provided pickled veggies and finished us with handmade dark chocolate. Delightful! Once they finish their updates, no doubt will be a fun, unique place to have a drink!“

“Thank you Alex for the delicious cocktails & conversation. One of my new faves. We look forward to visiting again“

“And amazing waitresses!! Had a blast night listening to Stark Raving Madge😊“

“We hired Nightingale to bartend our wedding reception. Can not recommend highly enough! My husband and I had a pretty specific vision for what we wanted for the bar, and from the first meeting Heather and Tovka clearly committed to learning and achieving that vision. Great communication throughout the months leading up to the day, and heard a ton of compliments from guests about the service and drinks. The bar they set up exceeded our expectations! Hire these folks right now.“

“Samy the delivery driver was very pleasant when asking for my signature to confirm my order.
My food was delivered on time and still hot!!
This my 2nd time eating fromTullpa Restaurant!!! Love it!!! Will definitely pass the word around town again!!
Peace and Blessings!!“

“grabbed breakfst at the breakfst club in ia n it totally hit the spot. food came out hot fresh n plenty of it. coffee was good too. staff was upbeat n kept things movin even when it got busy. chill vibe all round — def a spot id swing by again for a mornin boost.“

“I can honestly say I did not expect a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines but it was AMAZING!!!!

I’m mad at myself that I forgot my servers name, but he was amazing!! Every single dish was incredible, the wine selections were perfect, and I couldn’t pass on the banana split!

Money was spent, but it was worth every dime!“

“Absolutely love this place! Last year, I became a fan at the Farmer's Market so I was glad when they opened a brick and mortar so close to me. I'm from Houston and we have a large Caribbean culture so I know good Caribbean food. And Palm's is it here in DSM. Great food and drinks, and exceptional service.“

“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.“

“Bears fans need to come and watch a game“

“Great little place if not on patio.“

“Very good. We will return. Clean place also.“

“My new favorite Mexican restaurant! I got the lunch special steak fajita. Delicious! The service was fast and if a worker that wasn’t serving me saw I needed something they handled it. A truly team player atmosphere from the workers. The restaurant its self is gorgeous. So much beautiful art work to admire. If you’re in the area a perfect choice.“

“Had a very disappointing experience at DZO Korean BBQ yesterday. There were 5 of us (3 adults, 2 kids), was charged an 18% gratuity on our bill of over $200+. Upon checking online reviews later, it appears this charge only meant for parties of 6 or more. This policy was never disclose to us by the staff and we weren't even given a copy of the receipt (thank to my daughter for taking a video of me holding the receipt was able to see charges). To make matters worse, my daughter also left an additional tip, unaware of the hidden charge. Their website also fails to mention this 18% gratuity. I feel this lack of transparency regarding the gratuity and incredibly misleading like they are taking advantage of their customers. Diners should be very cautious and double-check for unexpected charges.“

“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!“

“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!“

“My husband and I decided to do an impromptu date night and showed up here. Everyone was exceptional, from our greeting by Elvira, our server Joanie, and we even chatted with the GM Tyler who happened to be in tonight. Joanie let Tyler know it was our first time in and he was kind enough to surprise us with the most flavorful, mouth watering brussel sprouts we have ever had. Everyone was so attentive and the vibe was awesome. I am not a sushi fan, but know my hubbie loves sushi so I wasn't expecting much. The vegan options are great! I had the Eden roll and was so impressed that I can't wait to go back and try more vegan rolls! We had the chocolate egg rolls for dessert and o.m.g. Save room you guys. You won't regret it!! We will totally be back, I have to try more!“

“The food and overall experience was 5 Stars as usual. Splash never disappoints. Our server Amber was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive without any sense of hovering. The Crab Cake appetizer is amazing. The Chilean Sea Bass was absolutely perfectly prepared. We have been dining at Splash for years and are never disappointed.“

“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 “

“Rooms were a bit on the small size. There was not enough closet space or dressers for clothes. We only had three in the room and we had to use our suite cases to keep our clothes in. The beds were comfortable. Service on the concierge level was outstanding. The banquet meals were over priced and not worth the money we paid for them.“

“Service, food. Ambiance is great.“