I found The Saddle a home away from home. The energy matched my local small gay bar. I will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nicole Christ
What a great place! Be you, show up and have fun! Home of the 3/quarter pour. Eric was the best!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M L.
Went to grab a drink one night and say hello. The owners "straight" son came in. The bartender was hanging all over him, hugging him, which is cringey. The bar was basically empty when I arrived. Me, the bartender and straight/bi married guy who created a dialogue and conversation that kept going after he left. He was loud, opinionated and left on his own accord and not kicked out. The subject changed to sexuality and I made a comment about men and women being 1 chromosome from being either gender. And it's silly that we as humans judge so easily when men and women have so much in common and society wants to separate it and make it pink and blue. Basically saying that it doesn't matter who people are, there shouldn't be judgement, people can be on any end of the spectrum. Basically we just all need to accept each other and get along. The bartender became visibly and verbally upset. He said "I think it's time for you to leave". HUH!!!? I was pretty stunned because there was no reason at ALL he should have acted that way towards me. If he took my comments the wrong way, that's on him and his ignorance. You don't like the conversation then leave it. I've been going to this place for years. Off and on. I was going to message my friend and tell him, but it doesn't matter at this point. Besides, I thought you had to he 21 and older to get into the bar anyway. I'm so over Des Moines and it's gay community. Entitled and uneducated. Unfriendly. Stuck up. It's bizarre!!!! Get out of your town more and go experience a bigger city. Simple minded gays are not it.
Kevin Herink
Best bar in Des Moines. Strong drinks, great shows, food music, and an actually safe space for all.No clue why it's asking about food since they don't have a kitchen. But the bear events do grill a solid burger/brat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SE WS
On 6/3/23, my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of attending a drag show. It was a fantastic event filled with talented performers and a vibrant atmosphere. However, there was an unfortunate incident that I feel compelled to share.During the show, a remarkable moment occurred when an elderly lady with a walker was enjoying the performances. She was incredibly kind, tipping the drag queens and adding to the wholesome spirit of the evening. As the venue became more crowded, she found it difficult to navigate through the crowd. It was then that a young man, who happened to be standing near her, graciously lifted the rope of the VIP area so she could exit through the designated walkway.To our surprise, one of the drag queens nearby Lieza Diamond, reacted negatively to this act of kindness. She made a scene, expressing her disapproval loudly and causing discomfort for many attendees. This behavior was disappointing, especially considering this drag queen had recently received recognition for her talent.It is essential to remember that the actions of one individual do not represent an entire community. The drag community and the LGBT community, in general, are built on inclusivity, love, and acceptance. This incident should not overshadow the countless moments of compassion and support that we have witnessed within these communities.Let us use this incident as a reminder to continue embracing the values that make our community so special. It's important to uplift those who exemplify these values and contribute positively to our shared experiences. Together, we can create a space that celebrates diversity, kindness, and understanding.
Stephen Michael
Honestly the worst bar in Des Moines. The drinks are so sttrong they taste absolutly horrible. There is no food options at alll. No music except for show at 9-11 pm. The community that frequent this spot as a whole are awesome but the people that run this establishment are rude. I can barley move around, and forget trying to sit anywhere with the limited seating. I stopped here as well as a few other establishments over the last month around the area to find a nice bar burger and will be skipping this one.. I went out for a smoke and was told I couldnt come back in. I am guessing because they thought I was drunk, I had 4 drinks the whole night. There needs to be a actual GOOD gay bar with food and music and not such rude staff. Put this dumpster fire out of its misery.
Logan Brown
Always a good time! The people are always welcoming. Drag shows are best in DSM. Never been disappointed.
Mike H
Always friendly!
Adam Grimm
Always a double never a cover, best choice you will ever make in life.
Chele H.
A trip to Des Moines always includes a night here. This LGBTQI+ space has a nice staff and the neighborhood bar energy, especially during the week, makes for a perfect place for catching up with friends. Drink prices are lower than I'm used to in other cities which is an added bonus.
I found The Saddle a home away from home. The energy matched my local small gay bar. I will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
What a great place! Be you, show up and have fun! Home of the 3/quarter pour. Eric was the best!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went to grab a drink one night and say hello. The owners "straight" son came in. The bartender was hanging all over him, hugging him, which is cringey. The bar was basically empty when I arrived. Me, the bartender and straight/bi married guy who created a dialogue and conversation that kept going after he left. He was loud, opinionated and left on his own accord and not kicked out. The subject changed to sexuality and I made a comment about men and women being 1 chromosome from being either gender. And it's silly that we as humans judge so easily when men and women have so much in common and society wants to separate it and make it pink and blue. Basically saying that it doesn't matter who people are, there shouldn't be judgement, people can be on any end of the spectrum. Basically we just all need to accept each other and get along. The bartender became visibly and verbally upset. He said "I think it's time for you to leave". HUH!!!? I was pretty stunned because there was no reason at ALL he should have acted that way towards me. If he took my comments the wrong way, that's on him and his ignorance. You don't like the conversation then leave it. I've been going to this place for years. Off and on. I was going to message my friend and tell him, but it doesn't matter at this point. Besides, I thought you had to he 21 and older to get into the bar anyway. I'm so over Des Moines and it's gay community. Entitled and uneducated. Unfriendly. Stuck up. It's bizarre!!!! Get out of your town more and go experience a bigger city. Simple minded gays are not it.
Best bar in Des Moines. Strong drinks, great shows, food music, and an actually safe space for all.No clue why it's asking about food since they don't have a kitchen. But the bear events do grill a solid burger/brat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
On 6/3/23, my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of attending a drag show. It was a fantastic event filled with talented performers and a vibrant atmosphere. However, there was an unfortunate incident that I feel compelled to share.During the show, a remarkable moment occurred when an elderly lady with a walker was enjoying the performances. She was incredibly kind, tipping the drag queens and adding to the wholesome spirit of the evening. As the venue became more crowded, she found it difficult to navigate through the crowd. It was then that a young man, who happened to be standing near her, graciously lifted the rope of the VIP area so she could exit through the designated walkway.To our surprise, one of the drag queens nearby Lieza Diamond, reacted negatively to this act of kindness. She made a scene, expressing her disapproval loudly and causing discomfort for many attendees. This behavior was disappointing, especially considering this drag queen had recently received recognition for her talent.It is essential to remember that the actions of one individual do not represent an entire community. The drag community and the LGBT community, in general, are built on inclusivity, love, and acceptance. This incident should not overshadow the countless moments of compassion and support that we have witnessed within these communities.Let us use this incident as a reminder to continue embracing the values that make our community so special. It's important to uplift those who exemplify these values and contribute positively to our shared experiences. Together, we can create a space that celebrates diversity, kindness, and understanding.
Honestly the worst bar in Des Moines. The drinks are so sttrong they taste absolutly horrible. There is no food options at alll. No music except for show at 9-11 pm. The community that frequent this spot as a whole are awesome but the people that run this establishment are rude. I can barley move around, and forget trying to sit anywhere with the limited seating. I stopped here as well as a few other establishments over the last month around the area to find a nice bar burger and will be skipping this one.. I went out for a smoke and was told I couldnt come back in. I am guessing because they thought I was drunk, I had 4 drinks the whole night. There needs to be a actual GOOD gay bar with food and music and not such rude staff. Put this dumpster fire out of its misery.
Always a good time! The people are always welcoming. Drag shows are best in DSM. Never been disappointed.
Always friendly!
Always a double never a cover, best choice you will ever make in life.
A trip to Des Moines always includes a night here. This LGBTQI+ space has a nice staff and the neighborhood bar energy, especially during the week, makes for a perfect place for catching up with friends. Drink prices are lower than I'm used to in other cities which is an added bonus.
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The place has been around since 1983. We were there in the early evening and the drinks were great. We felt very welcomed by everyone!
Great service! A friendly gay bar in Des Moines Iowa!
Great bar. Drinks are excellent
Lively on a Saturday night. Good music
Dogs are welcome during the day.