Whether you love a nice, quiet cocktail or want an evening to rock out with a live band, Des Moines has a bar just for a hot night out on the town. Check out the best bars in town for every taste and occasion.
4040 University Ave
515-777-3416
Yelp: 4 stars, 77 reviews
El Bait Shop has 185 beers on tap and has the world’s largest selection of American craft beer. This is definitely the place to go for any beer connoisseur, but even beer novices can enjoy themselves with live music and traditional diner food.
200 SW 2nd Street
515-284-1970
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 192 reviews
The best sports bar in town is a staple on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines. Wellman’s Pub has great people with the best patio to sip on your favorite drink.
2920 Ingersoll Avenue
515-245-9737
Yelp: 3 stars, 17 reviews
The Royal Mile has the best selection of whiskey around and a whole wall of choices. This bar has an exceptional home-like appeal with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well.
210 4th Street
515-280-3771
Yelp: 4 stars, 80 reviews
What do most people want after a long day at work? Mario Kart, life-sized connect four, arcade games, skee-ball, and a few drinks. What else is there to say? Check it out for yourself!
500 East Locust Street
515-243-4322
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 50 reviews
This 60’s style dive bar has a very appropriate top seller: Miller beer. The High Life Lounge was also named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine and was featured on Man vs. Food.
200 SW 2nd Street
515-280-1965
Yelp: 4 stars, 122 reviews
The best of the best cocktails reside here. Americana has a great happy hour, delicious Bloody Marys, awesome bartenders, and not to mention food just as good as the drinks.
1312 Locust Street
515-283-1312
Yelp: 4 Stars, 198 reviews
This vintage bar features live music from a variety of genres every week and open mic night with music, comedy, magic, and more. This joint will fit the budget nicely with free to $10 covers too. The Gas Lamp will keep you entertained and wanting to come back for more.
1501 Grand Avenue
151-280-3778
Yelp: 4 stars, 13 reviews
A popular spot located in the heart of the Downtown entertainment district, Mickey’s Irish Pub is best known for its patio. This is a perfect spot to have a drink during the Farmer’s Market, after work, or late night fun.
206 3rd Street
515-288-8323
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 11 reviews
Wooly’s hosts artists from a variety of genres of music and comes equipped with a full bar. The shows can be for all ages or 21 and over and range from $5.00 to $50.00. A night here can be expensive depending on the show but definitely worth it.
504 East Locust Street
515-244-0550
Yelp: 4 stars, 17 reviews
One of the oldest bars in Des Moines, the Hull Avenue Tavern is a great local dive bar. This old bar had a makeover just a few years ago appealing to all ages. Hull Avenue has drink specials for a steal, cozy environment, and live music making it a must see.
834 Hull Avenue
515-266-9338
Yelp: 5 stars, 2 reviews
The best day drinking spot is right outside of Downtown Des Moines and has drink specials that are just as enticing as the food. Eatery A features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and an extensive wine and beer list.
2932 Ingersoll Avenue
515-282-8085
Yelp: 4 stars, 126 reviews
Fong’s pizza features tasty tiki drinks, Iowa beers, and the famous crab Rangoon pizza. This is a unique experience with a lot of conversation pieces perfect for a first or the 40th date, friends night out, and everything in between.
223 4th Street
515-323-3333
Yelp: 4 stars, 323 reviews
This bar proudly crafts quality fresh smoothies and juices. The Juice Company is an all-natural healthy bar alternative for refreshing drinks and cleanses.
845 42nd Street
515-334-9917
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 19 reviews
The Garden is the best lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender bar in Des Moines. Not to mention they consistently have the best drink specials in the area. Look no further, The Garden has the best drag shows and entertainment shows around.
112 SE 4th Street
515-243-3965
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
Featuring tasty cocktails, beer, and wine, Juniper Moon may be the new kid in town, but it's already making a name for itself as a top-notch cocktail bar.
2005 Ingersoll Avenue
515-369-7786
Yelp: 4 stars, 8 reviews
