Back Roads Lounge

Best bar in iowa

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Live Music Night – Great Venue for Bands!

We came here to see a band we love — Sister Sarah — and had a great time!

The location is super convenient, just off the interstate in a shopping center. We heard it used to be a bank, and yes — we checked the vault… sadly, no forgotten stacks of cash. 😄

There are multiple entrances — front, back, and side — and from what we observed, the locals seem to use the front while the band crowd tends to come in through the back. Just an observation, but kind of fun!

The bar itself is huge and double-sided, which makes getting a drink quick and easy, even when it’s busy. There’s plenty of seating and lots of entertainment options — darts, pool tables, and big TVs. Before the band started, they moved and covered the pool tables to make room for a dance floor, and even turned off the background music and TVs during the show — a nice, respectful touch.

We had no problem getting drinks — they were well-priced and served fast, even with a crowd. Every staff member we interacted with was friendly and accommodating. Food options appear to be limited to frozen pizzas, but hey — that’s better than nothing. (And there are several food options just steps away outside the main entrance if you’re looking for more.)

The space is surprisingly large and easily handles a crowd while still offering room to dance. Maybe next time we’ll join in!

Yes, it still looks a bit like a bank — but it works! Honestly, they should turn the vault into a VIP lounge. That would be amazing.

We’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of our favorite bands playing here.

PRO TIP: You can get here easily via back roads too — super handy if you’re avoiding the interstate!

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Great place for drinks & live music with no cover on weekends.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Only person who talked to me told me to pull my hat up before I ever got my drink! Not a very friendly conversation with a woreout old sad lady who clearly made poor life choices!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

If you love darts amd live music its the place to be.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 4

Place is Pacted nowhere to sit. Can't see the band..

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 2

Great new bar! The layout is fantastic and perfect for live music lovers.

No food served here. Lots of bartenders on busy nights. Great drinks served promptly. Great bands on weekend.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great place to grab a drink with friends or a date. Nice pool tables and dart boards. There is a sweet safe there as well

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always a good time. I’ve never eaten there though. Bartenders are always friendly and attentive. They don’t have twisted tea which is my go to so the bartenders always have suggestions for alternative drinks and I’ve never been disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Nice place, great to play pool

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

This bar is the kind of place you can show up in PJs, a full-blown suit, and anywhere in-between. One of the greatest upscale hole-in-the-walls I've come across. The bartenders are amazing, the clientele all cool, and they have both pool & darts. And it's got great space! What else can you ask for?

Big bar

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

We've seen this place headed to the car wash on several occasions and finally checked it out. The bartender was extremely friendly, it was very clean and much larger than expected. We will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Really enjoy this place, love the new addition dance floor. Owner is a great guy.