50 Best Bars near Norwalk

“The torta was A+ ! First time there, excited to go back and try something else 👍“

“very cool vibe and great mix of smooth music. gives a big city vibe of a funky cool space that you want to share with friends“

“The people are fantastic! I went for lunch while I waited for the plane, they were busy, and I was worried I might not have time to eat. The kitchen cranked it out, I was so impressed!“

“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….“

“Great time hanging out!!!“

“I have walked by this place a hundred times.....finally stopped in tonight. The food was awesome and very reasonably priced. Very nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. A nice surprise....will definitely be back!“

“Love the location and food trucks on occasion“

“My family and I recently stopped at Smash Park in Des Moines on a whim for some family fun and food. The atmosphere was laid back and our kids thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor pickle ball courts and the arcade. Food, dessert and drinks were all crowd pleasers! And to go completely over the top, we left our blanket outside and Jerry answered my phone call, went outside to retrieve it from the bench where I left it, and mailed it back to me free of charge. In a world where kindness and customer support are harder and harder to come by, Jerry and Smash Park get a 10/10 from this family!!!“

“I didn't eat but this is a great place if you're looking for a biker bar that's relaxed and not trying to be corporate or flashy. The whole place is just relaxed and welcoming to gear heads or black sheep of the world. It was a breath of fresh air that was welcomed while traveling thru. I'll definitely be visiting again.“

“First time to try food from Jack's Place. Take-away tenderloin and onion rings. Tenderloin was a thicker cut and well seasoned. Toppings were crisp and tasty apparently very fresh. Onion rings were very crisp (a plus for me; I hate soggy rings/fries) and tasty as well. Definitely will eat here again and will highly recommend ...based on just the food I had.“

“great food - especially the sausage sandwich, pizza and burgers. good beer selection and good cocktails. the owners are super nice and the service is great. music on a lot of Friday nights. one of our go to spots when in DSM.“

“Outside sitting by the river is awesome. There is also inside seating for the hot days. All ages and great people and atmosphere.“

“We have been to visit The Republic several times and have had a phenomenal time each visit! The staff are second to none! Ask for Nicole Ripperger for great service!“

“Hands down my favorite bar. All the bartenders rock, the space is cozy, the drinks are actually reasonably priced, and they don’t skimp on the liquor. If it’s a busy night it can be HARD to find seating, but that’s most bars to be fair. Highly recommend“

“Awesome pub, really cozy feeling, great decor and mood. Great beer selection as well! Along with some of the best fries I think I have ever had. The Paddy Melt was delicious.
Will be back for sure! Gotta try some of their other burgers since the melt left such a good impression.
Don't sleep on this place like I did, drove past countless times and I am very glad I decided to drop by for lunch!“

“yes.....HOWEVER it's hit OR MISS!!! Sometimes it's literally freezing in there. and today.. well... today 😡🙄 Stopped in for a late lunch on my way home. I was so excited the overhead doors were open! Well, new shift bartender comes in and CLOSES THE DOOR. 🙄😡 If you have TWO tables who are sitting directly in front of the door, looking at you crazy while you struggle to close the door, maybe you should ask if they mind. I immediately CLOSED my tab. And the bartender just laughed about it when both of her waitresses let her know their tables were asking why the door was closed. It's Iowa, we crave days like this and being able to enjoy them. I would not have ordered my food if I knew the door would be shut, I would just go home and sit on my deck!!!“

“Bachelorette party gone wiggy!!! We had a great time!! Awesome atmosphere!! Fun time!!!“

“Courtney was our bartender tonight and she is AMAZING! Huge selection of drinks and each one is better than the next. Service is friendly and the patio is warm and welcoming. They don’t sell cigars anymore but they are walking distance to a smoke shop and you can smoke on the patio. The butterscotch martini is SO GOOD. if you have an opportunity to stop by for a drink from Courtney you absolutely need to.“

“I've been going to UpDown since the night I could legally drink. I have had so many great experiences. Tonight I was out with a friend and a guy touched her and made and offensive comment to her. The staff, Derek who was the doorman and Jessie who was the manager, handle my complaint immediately and respectfully. I truly appreciate knowing that UpDown cares about the comfort and well-being of their patrons to level I was shown tonight. Thank you so much for making sure that me and my friend were ok and taking us seriously.“

“Awesome place! Highly recommend for a fun evening.“

“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap“

“Classic Ingeroll dive bar.“

“Just a great bar, we meet our son there when we’re in town.“

“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.“

“Amazing spot to watch sports and enjoy drinks with friends!“

“Devin and Maddie are the only reason I come here. Drinks are always on point and service is amazing. Hard to find such good service especially on busy Saturday nights. They’re both so accommodating and knowledgeable, will be back every Saturday night and tell my friends !!! Thank you both for the best experience !!!“

“Love this place and good vibes!“

“Great prices! Great people!“

“The Park Avenue Pub has been around forever, well known on the Southside of Des Moines and largely remains unchanged. Still operating under normal pub hours and participating in local pool league tournaments. If you’re looking for fancy, this is not your place. If you’re looking for an old school simple watering hole and place to grab a bite, this is it. A small group of us still get together periodically on Saturdays for sausage sandwiches and a couples beers. Always a thumbs up on the sandwiches and they are reasonably priced. Also, plenty of parking in the back.“

“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.“

“This is a fun little bar if you're headed to a concert at Val Air. It's full of regulars But we didn't feel judged as outsiders as we walked in. It's an old building with a dive bar feel But there are certain things that make it feel like someone really cares. For example the drinks like screwdrivers and greyhounds are made with fresh squeezed juice, the bartender rotates the glasses, and everyone has greeted as they walk in the door. The only downside is that it's a cash only bar and the ATM was down so we had to leave.“

“I can't say enough of the bartender. In my book she was great has all the skills to make a bartender. Came in just to kill some time. But found myself haveing a great time playing pool with other customer and enjoyed the outdoor space. Great place to take a bike ride and stop to stretch your legs. I will be going back there 5?✴??????“

“This place is a vibe. The outside is so unassuming you’d think you’d be walking into some random basement in the middle of nowhere but once inside you are engulfed in an experience of good drinks, good company, and great music. If you like tequila and mezcal this will be a great spot for you! Coming from out of state I am glad I was brought here as it certainly was a unique experience to be offered in Des Moines.“

“nice little gem hidden on the southside.“

“There are few places on Earth where a dive bar and fine dining coexist. Shorty’s is one of those places. It’s kinda like quilt made of denim and white tablecloth. You’ll understand when you go, as you should, and see the highly rated restaurant that sits atop Shorty’s, allowing the shared menu. Like a delicious hat on a drunk man’s head. The 3 times I was there the only thing that outshone the food and drink was the bartender. What a gem.“

“Best spot in the neighborhood💯🖤“

“The service was fast, staff very friendly. The drinks we had were very well made and we loved the selection! It's definitely a darker hole in the wall vibe, and it's pretty small here so don't come expecting a fancy cocktail experience. But I'll stop in again sometime for another quick drink!“

“Great place for karaoke on tue and thurs best sound in town“

“I ordered via DoorDash and did not go into the restaurant. I was a little underwhelmed with the portion size of the fried mushrooms; they were good, just expensive for the size. Regarding the pizza, I think the price was very reasonable and it tasted good.

I would recommend this place, overall I’m satisfied.“

“Best music,wanted a bar that made u feel in ur 20's again. and wanna just dance lol,yet without too many people and it's small,but very nice abdyet has everything a big bar would have for entertainment:great music,pool tables,pinball machines,darts,etc!( Plus I have to mention the nice staff,as well as super friendly people who end up conversing with!)“

“Wonderful bar to catch some live music or just play some pool. The night we went there was only one bartender and she was absolutely killing it. Didn't get her name but hopefully she got some credit for how well she did. Definitely will be coming back in the future. Thanks for a wonderful time Fremont!“

“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.“

“Highly recommend! Very glad that we stopped here on our way through Iowa. Had a bunch of different appetizers (portobello fries, roasted Brussels sprouts, pretzels with beer cheese, pub salad) and beignets for dessert, all of which were delicious. They have a huge variety of beers, as well as some really tasty cocktails, and we enjoyed creating our own flights. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the bartender in particular was very knowledgeable about all the different breweries, styles and particular beers. The space was clean and comfortable. It would be the perfect place to host a party. Wish we had this place in our city!“

“Everytime I've come here Kaos (my S.D.) and I are welcomed with jokes and smiles. The management went above and beyond for me one night bcuz they truly care about their patrons. They didn't know me personally but made sure I was OK. Cathy is completely amazing and always busy behind the bar it seems..by herself. (She rocks it & deserves a raise) and the dj dude is pretty funny. Definitely recommend this place. Wish I had found it sooner!!!!“

“Everyone on the east side of Des Moines remembers this place as "Johnny Macs". Now as "Champs", it definitely has the potential to bring in the clientele. It is cleaner, brighter, and more diverse. As a black guy on the east side, I was shown all love both times I came here. I highly recommend this spot, especially on weekdays (when I will get to meet new patrons).“

“I stumbled upon this bar on my trip across country recently. I stopped mainly because I run a fantasy football league, with GOAT as the main theme.Got there just in time to catch the end of a football game had some great food and really rich bar staff.“

“Beautiful atmosphere a place for the community“

“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 “