9 Best Dive Bars near Des Moines

Greenwood Lounge Cocktail Bar • $
3707 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

“Well I haven't been here in over 20 years but it hasn't changed one single bit. The dogs are still playing cards and pool on the walls and the booths are the same just a whole lot more worn. Actually the booth had a huge hole in the seat that you could see clear to the floor. The seating was missing tiles and you could see large holes in the ceiling too. It really didn't bother me because you expect this here...it was however the first time I have ever been here with the lights turned up. It definitely needs to have the light on much lower... The only other thing is the back door you have to enter from since the city removed most of the parking. It is so dangerous. The concrete is deteriorating and broken and the steps are very scary. I suspect people fall back there regularly...But over all it brought back fond memories of times long ago!!!“

4.8 Superb17 Reviews
Waveland Tap Bar • $
4704 University Ave, Des Moines

“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.“

4.9 Superb10 Reviews
L D's Corner Bar Bar • $
344 E Jackson Ave, Des Moines

“If you're a fan of dive bars, you'll enjoy yourself here. Your basic no-frills corner bar. Cheap drinks, pool table, juke box (the new touch screen computer type). If your cell phone's dead, they even have a power strip on the wall for your convenience. Nice touch! Sometimes busy, but never packed. Perfect spot to gather with friends without the crowd.“

4.9 Superb8 Reviews
My Brother's Place Bar •
2400 Dean Ave, Des Moines

Customers` Favorites

Breaded Mushrooms
Onion Rings
Philly
Fries

“I ordered delivery by DD. My order was Guinea grinder with onion rings. The grinder was good and on a nice soft hoagie roll. The door dash menu doesn't give you the option to remove the peppers. I hope they change that. The onion rings were not good, no flavor to them and definitely not worth the price. My first time trying this place.“

4.6 Superb14 Reviews
Bailey’s Pub N Grub Bar & Grill • $
918 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines

Customers` Favorites

Tink Special Hashbrowns
Smothered Hashbrowns
Everything Omelet
Basket of Fries
Steak Breakfast
Mini Corn Dogs
Cinnamon Roll
Cheese Sticks
Cheeseburger
Onion Rings

“Went this morning bright and early, 615, based on good reviews. Sure glad I did, breakfast was cooked perfectly and quickly and the special is <$10! Waitress and cook were super nice and they gave me free coffee when I said I was from Texas. Actually they give everyone free coffee, you can’t beat. Lunch specials sounded really good too, I highly recommend.“

4.5 Superb37 Reviews
Carl's Place Bar • $$
1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines

“This place is a dive in all the right ways! Bartenders seem to handle a crowd well and I never wait long for a drink. I appreciate that. Tuesday open mic is always fun but loud if you are trying to visit. Might take it to the back room or out front or back. Wings on Wednesday happy hour from the Keg Stand hit the spot. Can't say more or too many people will show up. Have to leave your mark and sign the wall somewhere. Seems like everyone in town has“

4.5 Superb41 Reviews
E 25th Pub & Grub Bar • $
509 E 25th St, Des Moines

Customers` Favorites

Philly Cheese Steak
Jalapeno Poppers
Chicago

“4.0* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 3* Value: 5* Service: 4* 08/06/2023 This place's Italian Beef was highly recommended by a reviewer on another site and finally got the chance to try it today. This is definitely a neighborhood bar - as several other patrons / regulars asked us how we liked our drinks and dinners. Granted, the area looks a little on the rough side as you pull up but the service and food were both great - all handled by one lady behind the bar. On the recommendation of another patron, we started out with Bloody Marys with pickle vodka and I highly recommend them - not too salty or thick. For our meals, my wife ordered the Italian Beef (see picture) and I went with the Chicago Dog (see picture). As always, we each shared tastes and found both dishes to be very good. Our neighbors ordered the Italian Beef with Cheese (see picture) and Chili Dog (see picture) - and both of them thought they tasted great, commenting especially about how good the chili was. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com“

4.4 Superb29 Reviews
Triangle Tap Bar • $
2506 Post St, Des Moines

“I can only rate the service and the drinks from one visit. That visit is enough to get me going back. The most perfect Bloody Mary you will find in Des Moines. Well crafted and delicious. Let's talk about value too. Triangle Tap knows that if the price is right, people will come!“

4.2 Good23 Reviews
The High Life Lounge Dive Bar • $
200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Chili Cheese Fries
Hot Beef Sandwich
Chicken Gizzards
Liver and Onions
Chicken Pot Pie
Beef Stroganoff
Meatloaf Dinner
Rarebit Burger
Fried Chicken

“Beer, beer, and more beer! Honestly probably the biggest beer selection I’ve ever seen at a bar. The amount of taps on the wall was crazy. The food was good too, I got the spam egg and cheese sandwich. For appetizer we got the bacon wrapped tots. This place was pretty awesome, if I lived here you’d see me in there pretty regularly.“

4.3 Superb86 Reviews
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