In Confidence

1000 Walnut St, Des Moines
(515) 528-7733

Recent Reviews

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G Paredes

Outrageous service based on skin color!! Our blue eye blond friends were served without any problems, while we darker skin were asked to leave before we were able to order our drinks. Money is green everywhere. Racism is old, arent we supposed to be Iowa nice??

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Justin Moreau

I have no choice but to leave a one star review. If I could leave a 0 for the manager I would. I finally convinced my wife to stay here because she loves speakeasy's and the unique drinks they have for our night cap. They were closed for a private party. It was the end of the night and most of the guests had left already. The restaurant bar tender was nice enough to ask if we could go down, and the manager of the speakeasy said no. We were there at 11:45 and they are supposed to be open until 1:00 AM. The hotel, hotel staff, and especially the valet were amazing. If they somehow make up for us being super excited to go there on our rare kid free weekend, and then being let down in the worst way, I'll change my review. It kind of left a damper on the whole weekend.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Stefano Lanza

My smoke old fashion was a good one!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

karen Janchevis Lanza

Just drink in there

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tyler DuBry

Wonderful spot. Drinks are good. Speakeasy vibes are probably a 3/5… it tries.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Luke Baumbach

We visited the speakeasy for a post-wedding celebration, expecting a memorable end to the night in a fun setting. Instead, we encountered a disorganized and inhospitable experience that soured the occasion.

Despite having a reservation for a room in the speakeasy, the hostess seemed overwhelmed, repeatedly running upstairs and downstairs to “figure out” if we could be accommodated. Her concern about fitting our group suggested the bar was tiny, yet when we were finally allowed down, just a few at a time, the space was massive and at least 50% empty.

The staff’s flustered demeanor and vague communication were baffling, especially as they separated the bride and groom, leaving the groom stuck upstairs for much of the night.

Our group was placed in a side room which they wouldn’t allow more people into even though there were many empty seats. Half our party, including the groom (split from the bride), was forced to stay in the upstairs bar due to the staff’s inexplicable restrictions. We would have gladly split into two groups in the speakeasy if offered, given the ample space.

The lack of hospitality was staggering for a hotel speakeasy, showing no empathy. Splitting up a bride and groom was unacceptable.

On a positive note, our server was exceptional, and the drinks were well-received. However, the overall experience was a letdown, marked by poor organization and zero effort to provide a positive experience.

I hope management takes this feedback seriously and reconsiders their approach to customer service, rather than offering a generic apology in response to this review.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 1

Darren Kirby

Only had drinks, no food so can't rate that. Fun entrance to get in, then stairs to the lower level. Dimmed lighting provides a good atmosphere to enjoy drinks and relax.

Watched the quartet set up their instruments and get tuned up. They started at 8pm and more people filtered in as they started playing. Great group, wished we could have stayed longer.

Great venue, the drinks were excellently made, and the staff was attentive without being pushy. Highly recommend for those looking for live music and delicious drinks with the vibe of days gone by.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Michael Whitley

I'm was really excited to visit this place. Bartending staff was energetic and entertaining, but the drinks were just ok. I guess I expected more ambiance than drapes hanging on walls, it felt more like my dad's basement bar concept than a classy cocktail lounge. Would not recommend 😕.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 5

Bo

Great music and cosy atmosphere.

Anonymous Snail

Come enjoy a solid espresso martini... if you can find it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Samantha

This place has so much potential. The location is neat, and that's where it stops. The drinks are nothing special and not worth the prices. The worst part was the bartenders speaking louder than the customers discussing personal and work issues.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 2

Benjamin Roghair

I recently had the pleasure of visiting In Confidence, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! The drinks were not just good; they were great! The bartenders really know their craft and went out of their way to recommend some unique cocktails that I absolutely loved.

The wait staff were equally friendly and attentive, making sure my friends and I felt right at home.

The atmosphere was relaxing and unique, perfectly blending comfort with a touch of elegance. To top it all off, we enjoyed some fun live jazz that really set the mood for the evening. It was the ideal backdrop for a night out.

I can’t wait to go back! Highly recommend In Confidence to anyone looking for a delightful night out.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Caasi Heckman

The ambiance of this place is awesome. Love the secret door to go down. And the dark romantic atmosphere. The bartenders were busy, but very nice. My only issue was the drinks on the menu. They were good, yes, but WAY overpriced for what you got. $18 for a premixed drink is a little steep. A speakeasy is supposed to be all about craftsmanship and pride in your cocktails. Yes it takes time to make a drink, and yes it may be faster to premix your drinks, but not for that price. Take pride in your mixology, that's what your patrons are expecting from a speakeasy. Premixing is something I'd expect from an Applebee's, not this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ginger Snapped

Alyx Birmingham

Incredible place located in downtown Des Moines! We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Billie Jean Bachmann

In Confidence reminds me of someone who had the idea of making a speakeasy but had limited creative flair and detail and gave up after buying most of the furniture.

The drinks are over priced, limited in selection and brand type, and poorly made.

Actually, there’s a better way to put this in perspective for those who may not travel a lot. Compared to Texas Roadhouse (TR) this is how In Confidence (IC) measures up:
Atmosphere (in relation to loudness): TR +1
Atmosphere (in relation to repair): TR +1
Service (in relation to speed): TR +1
Service (in relation to quality): TR +1
Drinks (in relation to value): TR +2
Drinks (in relation to presentation): TR +1 (they actually garnish their drinks)
Drinks (in relation to taste): TR +1
Variety of alcohol: TR +3

In short, if you want a more talented bartender with better selection where you can hear your partner and a table that isn’t on the verge of falling over, go to Texas Roadhouse. If you’re a college kid who wants to insta a boring drink at a speakeasy, go here. If you’re a social media influencer (or human) who is used to proper cocktails, go to Texas Roadhouse.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

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