The 24 best lounges in Des Moines

By far, the most creative and cozy cocktail bar in Des Moines! Hello, Marjorie has the best vibe with incredible attention to detail—from the moody lighting to the décor. The cocktails are consistently delicious and unique, and the entire atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends. This is a must-stop for anyone looking for great drinks and even better memories. Highly recommend for those searching for an elevated and welcoming Des Moines cocktail bar.

We are from out of town and it was a Sunday evening that we were looking for a cocktail and were seeking out the "speakeasies" we've heard about. We found this place and it is everything we were hoping to find! Discreet entrance...eclectic atmosphere, great service from Madison (who also could answer all our questions about the decor and history) as well as delivering the best dirty martini I've had in a LONG time! Makes me wish I lived here :-)

I had heard about this bar but never been. We left Winefest's Sips in the City event in search of air conditioning on June 14, 2025 and this place did not disappoint. My friend got the Betty Blanco because she likes tequila and said it was great. Our server Kelsey was amazing. We had a great experience. It is a pretty dark bar, so bring your readers and get your phone flashlight ready.

We stumbled on this little place while staying at the Marriott downtown. It was a Monday night and our server Desi was a great addition to our little trip. The drinks were exceptional and the atmosphere made you feel warm and fuzzy.

Hands down one of the best cocktail bars Des Moines has to offer! Not only are the drinks absolutely incredible and their menu is always well curated and diverse to cater to everyone’s taste, but the atmosphere, music, and staff are just as divine as the drinks! Always treated like family when I go in with my friends. I feel welcome whether I’m dressed to the nines or in leggings and a Tshirt. It feels fancy and upscale without the pretentiousness that some high-end cocktail bars might have. Fair prices too!! And the speakeasy in the back is a MUST visit! 10/10 no notes. 🥂

Used to be my go-to spot for nice cocktails in Des Moines, but my last visit left something to be desired. The drinks look nice but the Prosecco on tap was gross tasting that night and my partner got a hugo spritz and it was basically purely elderflower liqueur. It was so gross, he couldn’t even drink it. We were never checked on after this and had to flag someone down for the check. Anyway, I probably won’t visit again when I’m back in town.

Our group of 4 had a splendid time at Hello Marjorie. We just had a couple cocktails later on a Saturday night. Two people had non alcoholic beverages that they said were quite tasty. I had the old fashioned which was very good and I don’t remember what my other friend got. Service was fantastic. My wife had to ask if the virgin margarita was actually virgin because it tasted so real and they brought out the bottle to show her. Really cool spot downtown Des Moines for a drink!

Bellhop has some great tiki drinks, but as another reviewer noted, it’s not a traditional tiki vibe - I’d describe it as modern exotica. A younger crowd as well. We had great service and there’s some pyrotechnics with at least one drink 🔥 😁

At first, we thought this place had potential. I ordered a double shot of Patrón that tasted suspiciously like José.. first red flag. Then my friend stood at the bar for 10 minutes trying to order while the bartender blatantly ignored her, serving everyone else around her. Weird energy. We came in excited, ready to stay all night and tip big, but the vibe was off. Ended up heading across the street instead and had the best night there. Save yourself the trouble! This place is all attitude, no hospitality. Very disappointing.

Had a great experience here. Wasn't busy when we went. Bartender gave us great suggestions. Overall a great atmosphere. The unique drinks were delicious as well.

Wow! So many drink options and all of them are in the spirit of tiki drinks. Before ordering I would ask if the drink if for two or one person, because some of them are really big! There is beer on tap as well. I would love some snack food here though, especially since tiki drinks tend to be strong and sneak up on you.

The bartenders here are extremely friendly and eager to make suggestions if you don't really know what you want. The drinks were spectacular. I especially love the vibe of the place!

Didn't give the food rating because I didn't order there, but everything else here is amazing. Great bartenders. Amazing THC drinks. Good music. Worth every penny.

They were quick to seat us and friendly. I learned I dislike margaritas but not their fault. Tequilas are just not my thing I guess. The bar tender mixed me a mystery mule as they weren't on the menu and it was delicious. I left a tip for the good drink. I'd go back with friends.

Great food and a large drink menu. Went for the funk'd beer special. Me and friends tried lots of wild, tart, and funky beers. We didnt find a bad one in the lot. Funky has ended but there are still lots to try.

The food was excellent! The number of craft drinks was exquisite. They will even make you a craft drink. BUT really the experience was the service by the server named Shoe. Shoe's table side manner was spot on and he knew what would be the perfect drink for us. Shoe was extremely knowledgeable and had great listening skills to help make the experience amazing. We also played a game of HOT ONES with the hot sauces which was a blast with the onion rings!! We will definitely be back and before our 11th anniversary.

We came in as a group of 10 and was able to find a table. We were very fortunate to have server Shoe and I will tell you he made the whole experience! Had great suggestions and played along with our shenanigans! Thank you for helping make the night fun. Great selection of beers and love our barn town!

What a place! So much stuff to see on the walls, but it’s not gimmicky feeling. The music is very 90’s punk on a Monday night which is fantastic, and goes either way the homemade feel of having boasted chicken that is juicy and crispy. There must be 200 beer options including 2 great hop water N/A options. They’re good enough you don’t need a bunch of other N/A choices I’d say! Friendly service. Right location!

i LOVE el bait shop. i come here frequently and it never disappoints. they’ve got such a wide selection of beer and food, there’s something for everyone here.

We have always had a great time at El bait shop. The last few times we've been lucky enough to get the same waiter, who is great, however I can't recall his name. He remembers our favorite drinks, stays on top of our needs. It's a favorite for us for sure!

Great beer selection! So many taps and so little time... Servers were great and pandered to my desire to watch Purdue Hoops at the bar. So many great beer recommendations, great local hot-sauce as well as great food. This is now one of my top go-to places in Des Moines!

This place has very limited veg options but the mushroom sliders (ordered without cheese) were excellent and quite filling. The space is really nice and much larger than I expected. The bartender was very friendly and accommodating and the food arrived quickly.

Katelyn killed it tonight! Great spot for a few cocktails!

The place was a lot of fun. I wish I lived there, so it could be my regular bar.

Located below RoCA; entrance is in alley. Typical dive bar but shares menu with RoCA. Blackberry bramble cocktail is delicious. Also had Margherita flatbread which is also good. A little on expensive side but I would eat here again.

First time To Des Moines referred by a local. Awesome spot it your looking for a bit of a dive, but somewhat fancy :) this is the spot. Bartender Brent was awesome. Also, they offer a full menu from the restaurant upstairs and the food was awesome!

It's not that people don't know about Shorty's, it's just that if you aren't looking for it, you won't find it, either. The dark basement bar has music playing, sports on TV, and an atmosphere that can range from raging good times to casual drinks with friends. It's a nice spot tucked in downtown Des Moines. Go down the basement where the ceiling is a bit low and enjoy the dark man cave-like atmosphere for a couple cold ones.

We really liked this Bar, very comfortable, nice bartenders, can get really good appetizers. Loved the retro 60's vibe, it is my Era.

I absolutely love The Bartender's Handshake. Extremely good and interesting drinks at prices lower than most. They've also started small "tapas" style plates which they rotate frequently. Pictured is the best hummus I've ever had! The location is small and intimate, but clean and does not feel cramped. Lighting is dim and styling is retro. They have a back patio, which seemed decently sized, but sadly it was too cold to enjoy. I'd never think twice about coming here!

I couldn't love this place more. The drinks are phenomenal. No regular bartenders here, the mixologists really know what they are doing. I asked for a classic drink that wasn't on the menu and they didn't even hesitate. Boom, "Here you go! ". The atmosphere is very nostalgic. I grew up around the corner. So being in the back patio area with all the old school lawn furniture and vintage cups AND the location, feels very comforting. Add an awesome drink, it's perfect. I highly recommend if you're looking for a high-end (but not overly priced) drink with friends, or a quiet corner with a date. You won't be sorry.

Fantastic cocktail bar with fun signature drinks and affordable classics. The patio is great, and inside feels like a neighborhood spot that's been there for years. The bartenders are nice and knowledgeable, and will make you anything you can think of.

I am a regular here, have been here multiple times. Just got told “hey you cannot be here I kicked you out last week for spitting on the floor last week”, I am also a business owner on Ingersoll Ave and I’ve never disrespected an establishment, let alone the one I come to at least once a week. I don’t know if the bartender (Long blonde hair, glasses, male) was drunk or was racially profiling me for someone else but will not be supporting this establishment anymore going forward. This is not the safe space I thought I was and considering I was with a business partner it was very embarrassing. No thank you.

Quaint, little bar. Indoor seating is intimate. There's more outdoor seating than there is inside. The indoor space is beautiful. Bartender was very kind and knowledgeable. The drink concoctions are very interesting. I will say that I didn't love all of them but they were fun to try.

I'm hesitant to tell you how amazing Bartender's Handshake is because I don't want word to get out, but here goes... it's INCREDIBLE. The food is great but the cocktails are really the star of the show. We sampled several before we got to the Karate Kick and now I can't wait to go have it again. Very well balanced with a bit of a kick but not so hot you have to sip it gently for an hour. One of the best cocktails I've had recently and I do this a lot. :-)

Great service. Very friendly bartenders. The drinks were creative and delicious. It was noisy. There was a group of people who were quite loud.

Came in ordered a tequila sprite, the sprite was flat kindly told the bartender the drink was flat she asked her « manager «  to remake my drink with canned seven up. He then proceeded to point and me across the bar and scream “who this guy?” Then pour a small amount of sports from the gun and forces me to drink it saying it’s not flat and being extremely rude. Will not be going here ever again

I stopped in here this last weekend for the first time while bar-hopping in East Village. It’s probably my favorite bar I’ve tried so far. This place has a really unique theme and the darker, gritty atmosphere was really fun! They even had someone spinning vinyl, which I thought was a really nice touch! The staff were all very prompt and friendly and took the time to chat with me and make me feel comfortable all the while being attentive to the rest of the patrons. I will definitely be coming back soon!

Cool place, definitely a vibe and worth your time stopping in. Only down side is its small and can be extremely crowded.

I had an extremely disappointing and frustrating experience with this business. They lost my debit card, and instead of taking accountability or even expressing concern, they responded with denial, rudeness, and absolutely no sympathy. What made the situation even worse was how poorly the manager handled it. Rather than listening, investigating, or offering any kind of resolution, the manager was defensive, dismissive, and unprofessional. It felt like they were more interested in avoiding blame than actually helping a customer who was put in a vulnerable and stressful position because of their mistake. This is not how you treat customers—especially when their financial security is at risk. The lack of empathy and the refusal to accept even basic responsibility was shocking. If this is the level of care and leadership coming from management, I have no confidence in the rest of the operation. I will never return, and I strongly recommend others think twice before trusting this business with anything important. Edit: After reading the response from this business, I feel obligated to clarify the situation and correct the misleading narrative they’ve shared. The bartender who took the card outright lied and claimed he never had it, even though we saw him handle the transaction. There was no real investigation, no accountability—just denial. When we brought this up and asked for some kind of rectification, the manager literally told us to “shut up” and laughed. That’s how they chose to respond to a serious situation involving someone’s financial security. Eventually, they offered 15% off the bill—not as a goodwill gesture, but only after we pushed back on the disrespect. Their response here now suggests we were just “looking for a handout.” That kind of passive-aggressive, defensive tone only confirms how poorly this was handled from start to finish. Gaslighting the customer, and turning blame onto us is not how any reputable business should behave. Their passive-aggressive response here, full of backhanded apologies and minimizing language, only reinforces what we experienced firsthand: a complete lack of empathy, professionalism, and responsibility.

Very sexy place! I love to end my night here whenever I go out! Katie is my favorite bartender. Love it when they have a DJ! Limited on space but I kind of like that.

A cozy basement bar with an atmosphere that would feel at home in a Tarantino flick. While the bar focuses mostly on their tequila selection, they also have a few beers on tap. The DJ adds a nice touch to the atmosphere check it out!

Used to be more Lucifer themed, kinda lost its edge but the bar selection and service are still good.

Great tasting and affordable food in a friendly and inviting environment. Our appetites were satisfied. If you’re in the area, would highly recommend this place for your family to grab a bite to eat. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.

I had to make this stop—liver and onions are one of my all-time favorites. The bonus? This place has a nostalgic, old-school ’60s Miller-themed bar vibe that’s just plain cool. I was greeted right away and grabbed a booth, perfect for people-watching while I decided on my order. I asked my waitress for heavy onions (the more the better), plus a side salad and broccoli. Let me tell you—they did not skimp on those onions, as you can see in the photo. The liver and onions were fantastic—so good that I’m planning to come back again before I leave this weekend. I even tipped the cook an extra $10 just for being generous with the onions. This is the kind of spot you’ve got to check out, not just for the food, but for the experience.

This place reminded me of the bars in Wisconsin growing up. The only thing that was missing was soming stuffed on the walls. Service was very friendly and food came out fast. Had the deviled eggs and poutine. Every part of it was delicious. If I'm back in the area, I'll be going back here for something again.

I was here 15+years ago and still has the same vibe (minus the shag carpet). I don’t recall eating here back then but had the bacon cheese burger and fries and it did not disappoint. Friendly staff to a out of towner.

Walking into High Life Lounge feels like stepping back a few decades in the best possible way. Wood-paneled walls, vintage beer signs, and that cozy “neighborhood bar” charm make the atmosphere a solid 5/5. Service was excellent. My waitress, Mercedes R., was on point the whole time — friendly, quick, and kept things smooth. She had that perfect mix of charm and elegance, the kind of presence that shows just enough to keep it classy and plenty to keep it memorable. Easy 5/5 there. For food, I started with the Chili Cheese Fries appetizer. They came out hot and hearty, loaded with cheese and chili over crinkle fries. They were tasty, no doubt, but the chili had that familiar mom-and-pop diner style. Good comfort food, but nothing that set it apart — I’d rate them around 3.5/5. The Chicken Pot Pie was my main course. It arrived covered in a pool of brown gravy, which was flavorful but not as rich as I hoped. I’d been looking forward to cracking into a crisp, golden crust, only to find it softened under the gravy. The crust itself was thick and layered, the chicken came in cubes (hard to say if it was fresh-made or not), and the veggies were just shy of fully cooked — not mushy, but with a good bite. In the end, it was filling and hearty, but the presentation and flavor didn’t quite deliver the wow factor. 3.5/5. The bar deserves some credit — plenty of beers on tap, kept cold and flowing. A nice spread without overcomplicating it. That’s a 4/5. What really made the place feel like home, though, was a nearby table of old friends swapping stories from the 70s. Those old goats set the bar high for an up-and-coming Billy goat like me, and it added a sense of warmth and nostalgia that money can’t buy. Final bill was $26.19 with tip, which felt fair for drinks, an appetizer, and a main course. Bottom line: Come here for the retro atmosphere, cold beer, and excellent service. The food hits the classic comfort note, but it’s the vibe — and people like Mercedes — that make the High Life Lounge worth the stop.

Couldn’t get much better! The broasted chicken is the best in the area. Tenderloin was awesome too. The old dive bar feel was something we love. The server was the best part!

Terrible service!!!! Enjoying time with adult friends at 4pm, laughing, and and drinking. The bartender looks like a tweeter himself. Was super disrespectful and short. Complaining of people being loud when it wasn’t. They were rude and disrespectful and dismissed. We left and didn’t continue business because of the unwelcoming atmosphere.

My friend and I had a blast at this place! So many different choices of video games! The neon lights add to the 80s/90s theme, and the drinks and pizza are really good too! If you’re looking for an arcade with classic arcade games with pizza that has stretchy gooey cheese, this is the perfect place for you! I know I enjoyed it! Only thing I would’ve changed was for them to play more 80s music and less modern crappy music. Other than that, perfect night out!

We had our wedding reception at Up Down. Jess was wonderful to work with. She answered all my questions and made sure everything went perfectly. The staff was awesome too. All of our guests had a blast and told us it was the most fun wedding reception ever. Thank you for making our day memorable and, most importantly, fun 😊

Very nice two story arcade in downtown DSM. Started coming here two years ago as it has become a post convention staple for Assembly Required, a local toy show 100% worth checking out. Pizza is great and slices are large. Beer list is good and there is a solid spread of beer types. Only caveat was they must have sold or swapped the GI Joe cabinet with another location. The bartender downstairs had no clue what I was talked about when I asked if it was somewhere else in the arcade. Might be good to train the team on what games are on site. I’ll be back again! Three beers, two slices, and a fiver for games put me at $30 with tip for the night.

Omg 21+ video game themed bar! Homemade pizza by the slice! But 2 floors of FUN!!

Up-Down is one of my favorite places to be. From all the different arcade games to the amazing service it just hits the spot! The drinks are made perfectly crafted to the way you want them and the pizza is to die for! Great place and great fun!

Fun atmosphere, good is OK. The gumbo was thick and similar to gravy. I like my gumbo slightly less than gravy consistency. Overall it was good.

We have visited this location multiple times and it is always a fun environment to grab some drinks and play some nostalgic games! They have a wonderful variety of game choices that everyone will enjoy! Our group is a big fan of the Shotski they offer as well!

A great calm place for those who want to meet out at a bar without the Hussle and Bustle. Staff was great, and new even. Drinks were good. Atmosphere A+

This place used to be our go to. I’m not sure if management changed or what, but, the menu and staff has changed. I ordered an old fashioned. The long haired guy fixed it and gave it to me. I noticed it didn’t have one of their in house made bourbon cherries in it so I asked for one. His reply, “you’ve been getting your old fashioned from the wrong place.” I told him this is the same place I always order them from and they always come with a cherry. He says, “well I don’t do them that way.” Nothing good lasts forever.

Just got an alert from credit card asking if i gave a 33% tip. Nope. This was the stunt of a late night bartender who took the liberty to add it themselves with the instant tip ipad receipt that no one likes. Why? Well, this was theft by an employee. Will not come back and now all know how ya operate. It has been declined and now Visa has flagged your business.

Great cocktails and super helpful selecting a drink. Very cute outdoor space with bench seating, pillows, gas fireplaces and heaters. Inside is very nicely decorated and clean

One of the best experience I have ever had. All the drinks were made perfectly and tasted GREAT!!!... If you get Jason as your bartender you are in luck....Highly highly recommend.. make the trip , you will not regret it

When the bartender somehow senses your hunger and offers up her personal supply of thin mints, you feel welcome. I like how they break the menu down into classic and new-fangled cocktails. Something for everyone. Relaxed vibe, great cocktails, even better service.

Great drinks and great service yesterday afternoon. My group enjoyed having a conversation pit to relax in and our bartender kept up with our drinks seamlessly. Also appreciated the interesting cocktail choices and loved the Ancho Daddy. Spicy without being on fire... the only downside is that it's hard to stop drinking these.

Gorgeous little gem! The service, food, drinks and vibe were all absolutely amazing! The bartender was super kind and helped us decide what drinks to get. Wonderful first experience, we will definitely be back!

I stopped here for a drink and it has the cutest beachy tiki vibe. Great decor, seating areas and music, and friendly staff. I got a Saturn drink and it was delicious, and they make the drinks look just as good as they taste. I do wish they had a bit more on their menu, such as a glass of wine. Either way, a great stop for drink in a cool atmosphere.

Tyler and his team at Blue/Revival House did an amazing job helping us plan a birthday party. The food was amazing as usual, and the cocktails and atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect! Great place to hold an event, or pop in for a cocktail or two.

Love the ambiance/decor! Small cutesy bar. We like going on Sundays for the sushi specials (they use Blue Sushi's menu). The tap water has something wrong with it but that's the only downside :)

As a tiki bar lover, this place ticks all the boxes: great drinks, friendly service, and amazing atmosphere. The menu offers a good mix of classic tiki drinks and some with modern twists. And the vibes are just right…the floor-to-ceiling decor is incredibly detailed and well thought out. You really feel like you’ve left the Midwest when you’re here. Bartender Ben was lovely as well. If you’re a fan of tiki bars or just tasty fruity cocktails, don’t miss this place!

Revival House is such a gem in downtown Des Moines. The atmosphere hits that perfect balance between vibrant and relaxed tiki-themed without feeling overdone, just really fun and inviting. The highlight of the night was absolutely the bartender. Incredibly attentive, genuinely kind, and clearly passionate about making sure guests have a great experience. Their energy really made the whole visit feel special. I can see this becoming one of my new go-to spots, and I’d come back anytime.

Rebekkah was absolutely fantastic! She was the best bar tender I’ve had in so long! She made sure we had everything we needed. Checked on us multiple times and overall was just the sweetest person! Genuine and very hospitable!

Des Moines' cutest triangle shaped bar. Best cocktails, patio, and I hear the staff is pretty awesome too! 😉

Our favorite drinks date-night spot in DSM! Beautiful views, amazing drinks, beautiful patio. I love places with character and SA has so much character!!! In the winter their atmosphere is so cozy and cute. I’ll have to come back to this review and add more photos of that.

One of my favorite bars in Des Moines. Hosted my bridal shower here this past weekend and could not have asked for a better experience. Location is perfect and the staff is wonderful!

Tonight I went to Secret Admirer because I thought Silent Book Club would be there. However, they canceled. So, I sat there and read anyways. The bartender, Steven, was freaking awesome! He definitely made everyone feel at home. I would go back to Secret Admirer again just for his bartending. Please note I still like the place if he isn’t working. Just a serendipitous evening at an awesome bar. If you are in town and want an awesome place to have a drink, then I highly recommend!

Great little bar right by Court +bonus points for not being on Court. Drinks were tasty and staff were incredibly attentive. Received a great draft beer recommendation when I went! Cozy place with nice decor and intimate atmosphere, great for date nights and small group gathering.

Good cocktails, albeit a bit less complex and often lighter bodied than the traditional indoor cocktail bars (including Hello, Marjorie by the same group). It’s definitely a more summery/outdoors vibe in the menu but always worth a stop particularly on a nice day. Patio is gorgeous and there is free lot parking nearby on weekends and evenings.

I’m a big fan of Des Moines’ growing cocktail scene, and SA is a cool out-of-the-way spot that’s not really out-of-the-way. Cozy interior, but it really shines on warm days with a large back patio. The southwest sider was a perfect gin drink for a Iowa summer Saturday.

My wife and I visited The New Northwestern last night. We had a GREAT experience!!!!! I am a gin drinker and was super excited to try the gin flights. Duke the bartender was extremely knowledgeable when in came to the flights. I ended up doing a flight and a couple other cocktails. Every drink I had was fantastic. The tapas tasted wonderful. All the staff were friendly and attentive to the customers. There was live music as well. All in all it was a really great experience for a date night with the wife. We will definitely be going back.

Usually enjoy this place and spend a fair amount on my company events. Today I was asked to leave because of a “private event” in a rude manner. #1) If you need the money for your business and accept renting out your space for corporate events, they should be done during non-posted business hours.. so that people that drive to spend money at your establishment don’t do it for nothing #2) Hire friendlier employees that aren’t rude to some of your most loyal and profitable customers. My company, including myself, will not be returning.

Cute place in the East Village with some great cocktails. The building itself is an old hotel and the lobby is just gorgeous. We got the rose, an espresso martini and the Star-Zinger, and were all very happy. Will be back!

Came here for some pre-dinner drinks on two different occasions and they did not disappoint! Staff is very welcoming and professional. Drinks were both delicious and beautiful. The space was also visually appealing. This is what I look for when I go to cocktail bars!

Cool place. Stopped in before an event at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and loved it. Had live music which is always a plus. Nice selection of cocktails. Good service. Good vibe.

Great place to stop and grab drinks!! It is slightly small with tight seating, but well worth the wait...or just get there earlier. Our bartender was amazing and not only made great drinks, but made our experience wonderful!! Will always go back!

Have already been to the New Northwestern twice since it opened and love it. Great original antique architecture and decorating. Had the best Gin & Tonics ever in their cocktail flight. Also great charcuterie boards. The owner Jeff is good at checking in and taking care of you. Check it out

Boy, did we feel cool when we got to go to the secret speakeasy behind Hello Marjorie. We asked the bartender what the rationale was for the bar and she said it was meant to be a smaller, more intimate venue where they could mix complex cocktails. They were complex for sure! We highly recommend the Lemon Bar. My friend did not care for her drink and the bartender Josh made her a different one. He was so accommodating, even moving a giant hot dog so we could all sit together at a table (go visit this bar- the hot dog will make more sense). Highly recommend. We had a great experience!!

This is an awesome spot with exceptionally great staff everyone was attentive and friendly. I had their signature Old Fashioned (highly recommended!), and my friend ordered their signature Cosmopolitan. Both were expertly made. I will absolutely be going back soon.

Fantastic cocktails! Some of the most inventive and depth and combinations of flavors anywhere around Des Moines. Certainly pricier than nearly every other cocktail bar in town but they are making fantastic drinks. Service was great as well when we were there. They have a “Scoops” section of the menu which are essentially boozy sorbet servings. Dark, classy, speakeasy type vibe in the back of Hello Marjorie. You can make reservations for a table as it’s a small place, or show up and hope to snag a first come first served bar seat.

The host was very kind to let us in even though it was packed with only 1 bartender. We went around 10 pm on a Saturday. The theme was 'No Menu,' which meant you told the bartender a few flavors you like, and he'd make you drink based on your preferences. My husband went with whiskey influences, and both were flavorful and sweeter than I would have predicted. He loved both drinks. For my first drink, I asked for lavender, elderflower, honey flavors. I forget what he called it, but it was decent. The second one I asked for tajin. He made me a margarita with butterfly pea flower (or whatever makes your drink purple), egg white froth, tajin on the rim and he said, "I forget what else - I blacked out when making it." 🤣 Bartender and atmosphere was awesome 🫶

One of my favorite cocktail bars, which I try my best to visit any time I’m in Des Moines. Definitely hidden - you have to know where you’re headed in order to find it, but the drinks are absolutely outstanding. The presentation is top-notch, and the flavors are out of this world. If only I lived closer - I’d be a regular!

A really cool speakeasy within a bar. Downright experimental drinks that really work! Delicious drinks and a friendly staff that can tell you all about them. Loved it!

This place gets my vote for the most special cocktail bar in central Iowa. While all of Nick Tillinghast’s bars (Hello, Marjorie…Secret Admirer) are absolutely fantastic, Good News Darling is the crown jewel. Dark and intimate, unique and consistently high-quality, this is the place to go for a truly special date night out. Mixologists here are highly skilled and take special pride in inventing and delivering amazing drinks. Presentation is first-class. Value is also strong, considering the high-quality drinks served here. It’s a small place and reservations (through the website are a must. Service is both personal and very consistent. If you’re looking to impress or simply feel pampered, there’s no other place like it in Des Moines. Staff very proficient in explaining ingredients and bringing them together in drinks that can only be found here. There’s no other place like it.

The old place is still a dive bar! But! They have some good bands playing in a little spot that has great service and drinks! It's a great little neighborhood bar, and that's all it is.

Typical s.all "dive" bar! Not the cleanest, cash only, but has the best, cheapest drinks you'll find, & some of the finest local musicians play here 7 nights every week with no cover!

Great times at this old neighborhood bar on Ingersoll with these greatly gifted musicians on Wednesday nights! The amazing "Jeff Banks" on guitar & vocals, "Tony McGhee" on drums, & recently joining the group is "Dante Ware" on Bass & backup vocals! Des Moines is blessed with so many amazing musicians, live music venues, promoters, supporters, servers, bartenders, & fans, we never seem to lack several great choices of places to go enjoy great local live musicians! We have many of the best musicians here, that can do covers better than the originals! No offense! Just truth!

Very strong, delicious drinks. Simple bar. Music for entertainment. Bartender was rude and there was a guy who was homophobic and said a slur.

Lacks pretension, does what they do well. Great music and positive welcoming people. I'll be back time and time again.

Great local live music and cheap drinks! A bit of an older crowd which I welcome at this point in time!

Best live music with the best crowds. Great service and very historical building.

Winchester Public House has a very unique atmosphere and fantastic selection of bourbons, whiskeys and bavarian beers. Specialty cocktails are unmatched in the metro...but they can cost $16 a pop. Totally worth it though. No food or snack options available which google review photos may show, they might sell pub pretzels. Great atmosphere and friendly bartenders who know their stuff!. Clean bathrooms.

I love coming here for the great cocktails and service. Although this time, it was somewhat embarrassing. A friend and I stopped for conversation and a few drinks. After a couple rounds, we decided to move on. When I said we were ready to close out, the bartender proceeded to ring up my tab. From approximately 20 ft away, he announced so the entire bar could hear my total..... not cool. My friend gave me a funny look as I, too, was a bit dumbfounded. We will be back.

Edited my first review. First time we enjoyed the cocktails and place but nothing blew us away then. Second time we literally spent hours here - the bartender led us on a cocktail journey! And a great sazerac which is super rare. Fantastic! And every time since then has been fantastic. Some of the best cocktails and people in the city!

Love the Winchester. Been here several times in the last year since we moved to the area. They have TRUE mixologists and a drink list to die for. The beer list is impeccable. They made the part of the bar that holds all the booze bottles. Have them tell you about it. We will return again and again.

Adrianna rocked. She made custom cocktails that were amazing. I love this place and stop in whenever I am in West Des Moines.

We went out for drinks, the staff was very attentive and had great suggestions. Every drink was created to perfection. I really enjoyed the Winchester old fashioned and the case of the Mondays. We are looking forward to a return visit.

Nice cocktail bar in the Valley Junction. Great selection of hand made cocktails and beers on tap. Couple bar snacks available after 4pm, but no true food menu. Awesome stop for just a drink, loved the ambiance!

The Lift has the best atmosphere of any bar in DSM. It’s low-lit and comfortable, worn in but not dirty. Ava is a stellar bartender. Always nice to visit for a few gimlets and a few games of chess.

Sitting I. The bar now. Great atmosphere and I didn’t get a martini but they made my Hendricks and tonic extra lime perfect. It’s crazy that ppl can’t do it right but they t was perfect. Service is perfect served fast bartenders very welcoming

The bartender's handshake could never. The one bartender is spinning vinyl and shaking cocktails simultaneously. Lana del Rey is drinking a spaghett in the corner. Art is on the walls.

Such a cute place - love the atmosphere, and the martinis are great.

Go here with my boyfriend, have never had a bad time! They have art exhibitions on the walls, sometimes local music and events! Overall a really nice place to get some drinks and maybe catch a show!

Bar tender was nice. Very small bar with a nice atmosphere. Drinks were good. $9 each. They have a small area for a band but there is not enough space for a normal audience area. The bar is on the ground floor.

Love the martinis here! Great specials throughout the week! Staff is pretty nice. Seat yourself. Nice, intimate place to meet a friend or two.

Unique place with great food! It was relatively busy when we arrived with a 25 minute wait to dine inside Zombie Burger. They also had patio seating for a slightly shorter wait. While waiting we took the opportunity to do some of the photo ops and noticed a Ramen place attached. Turns out, it's all the same place with the same menu and this side could serve us immediately. The lady was super welcoming and friendly. We ordered fried pickles, a cheeseburger, Dawn of the Dead, Walking Ched, & T-Virus all with fries. Everything was made to order and delicious. Fries were perfect.... perfect batter, perfect flavor, perfect crunch. It was a little on the pricey side, coming in at over $86 without tip. Overall, it was family friendly and a good experience.

Fun! Friendly! Delicious! We came into town for the Nicotine Dolls/Wic Whitman concert from Minnesota, a few local Ladies we were standing near told us about Zombie Burger so we hung around on Friday to see the sights until they opened. We are so glad we did! The leather Face was to die for. And the Brussel sprouts with the Zombie sauce was AMAZING! We sat outside as it was a beautiful breezy day, then this FREAKY TRUCK PULLED UP! AND A PIG MAN JUMPED OUT WITH A CHAIN SAW!!! How fun! I asked my wait staff if it was just because it was October? They said Nope, they were from the slaughter house where they get their meat from..."Just making their weekly delivery!" Talk about perfect timing to be there! It totally completed our AMAZING girls trip to Des Moines. It was my mother's 78th birthday getaway...one she will NEVER forget! Thank you Nicotine Dolls Wic Whitney and ZOMBIE BURGER!!!!!

I've been here a handful of times over the past few years. The burgers are decent and the milkshakes are always pretty good. My favorite thing to get every time is the Goat Cheese Poppers, though. So good! Especially with the raspberry dipping sauce. Somehow, it just works! I'm not sure when they added the ramen, but my hubs brought it home tonight. It was alright. The broth was a little too bitter and the char sui was cooked weird for being in ramen. It was still decent, but I think I would just stick with the burger after my next year-long hiatus. Love the updates to the inner-space, and the kiosks for ordering take-out. Novelty food, for sure. But if you like jalapeño poppers then definitely try theirs!

Des Moines I stop here for dinner. Tonight was our first time eating dinner here. The food and service is fantastic. The prices are reasonable This is all-time favorite restaurant due to the fantastic food, creativity of the menu and the atmosphere. I am a huge fan of Zombie movies and shows. I love all the decor throughout the restaurant, and the Zombie news on the back of the menu is a nice touch.

Tried Zombie Burger for the first time and had their special K-Pop Ramen Hunters—absolutely delicious! I don’t usually handle spice very well, but the staff was awesome and swapped the spicy broth for pork broth, which I really appreciated. On top of that, their cereal shakes are a must-try—sweet, fun, and just as good as they sound. Definitely a spot worth checking out!

Sure it’s a little gimmicky but it’s an indulgent treat every once in a while. I got a cinnamon toast crunch shake which it’s exactly as sweet and delicious as you’d expect. I also got the Juan of the dead burger with lettuce (no bun) and the veggie nut patty. I was expecting a lettuce wraps but was pleasantly surprised it was more like a salad. The veggie patty was unique and not your typically black bean burger. The burger was cheese and the sauce was creamy. I appreciate they gave the sauce on the side so it wasn’t soaking wet. It’s a bit pricey but worth it. Parking meters and garage nearby are finicky but not the restaurant’s fault.

Zombie Burger – 4/5 The food was really good, but what truly makes Zombie Burger stand out is the killer theme. The place is packed with clever, zombie-style takes on classic movie posters, and the atmosphere is an absolute vibe — everyone there seemed to be having a great time soaking it all in. I ended up giving it a 4/5, but honestly, that’s only because I think I ordered the wrong burger. I’ll definitely be back to try another one — this place is too fun (and too tasty) not to.

I had been to Louie's Wine Dive a few times before Friday, August 15, but usually for apps and drinks, not a full meal. On this occasion, I ordered the chicken piccata. It was amazing. I literally cleaned my plate, and it was a very generous portion (see picture). Our server was friendly, attentive, and took care of us perfectly. I will definitely be back!!

Went here for an early Valentine's Day dinner with the wife to avoid crowds. First, I will say that even though they were somewhat busy and we didn't have a reservation, we were able to get a table quickly, which was nice. The table they had us at was very small, even for just 2, which was a bit of a downside. Our server was very professional, and did a good job checking in during the meal without being overbearing. I got the 4 pork gnocchi. I was a bit worried that the red wine sauce might be too strong, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the dish a lot. The only downside is that there weren't as many pork pieces as I would have expected; the dish was great, just a little light on meat, especially given its name. My wife got the Pumpkin Marscapone Ravioli with chicken. She thought the sauce was actually much too sweet, and though the chicken was good, the dish was just not as good as she'd hoped. She put a generous amount of salt and pepper on, which improved it, but she still ended up eating less of it than she would have if it had been more savory. We also got a chocolate molten cake to share. This was small, but given how intense the flavor was turned out to be just the right size. It was good, but easily took twice as long as our entrees to come out (nearly 30.minutes just for this; we weren't sure if the order just got in at a bad time, it what, but the wait for the desert was the worst part of the experience for the night. The atmosphere was also good, with jazz music played just loud enough that other tables talking were just a din, but not so loud you couldn't talk at your own table. The lighting was also good. The only bad part was that our table was more like the size of an end table, but we made do with it Overall, this place was very good, with just a couple little things that could be improved. We'd go again.

Great place overall. The service was excellent, and the staff was friendly and professional. Live jazz was performed as part of the Wednesday night schedule, which created a fantastic atmosphere for dinner. The food was served hot and fresh and was plated well. The crab cakes were delicious.

Food is consistently good, service super, love live jazz nights. Cameron and Alexis deserve raises as they were incredible!! Thank you for delicious food, atmosphere and top notch service. Love open table for reservations! New app to track points, easy to know where I stand. Keep up the great work Louies!!

Decided to come here for my belated birthday brunch because the patio is dog-friendly and because the menu seemed to accommodate dietary restrictions for my friends. My gluten-free and Vegan friends ended up getting just homefries and a bowl of fruit for $5 each. The portions were very small for that price point. The restaurant does have GF bread but there were a lot of dishes that were already prepped where they couldn't have certain ingredients removed. The rest of us enjoyed our food and drinks. My only personal complaint is that the Fig & Ricotta Toast didn't have enough Fig or Ricotta on it. Also, the herbed ricotta tasted kind of weird. More fig, maybe in the form of a jam, and either a neutral or spicy/tangy ricotta would have been better. There was so much arugula I felt like I was eating a messy salad with no dressing. Other than that, food (and drinks especially) took longer than normal to come out and it seemed like there was enough staff to accommodate us. We arrived before it started filling up (at 11) so I'm not sure if they were just busy training or something else. The server was really funny though and helpful to us. It's too bad that the bar and kitchen couldn't be more efficient.

Best cheese curds I’ve ever had & they are GF! 🙌🏻 The crab Benedict, chicken sandwich & burger were very good! The ball got dropped with the breakfast potatoes & French fries…soggy & not very hot. (Could have been timing?) Loved being able to sit on the patio in the shade & seeing its dog friendly! Server was nice but late in taking our order & clearing our plates. I’ll definitely be back for another Limoncello Spritz & Squeaky Cheese (curds) with my dog, Blue!

Great patio sitting once the sun moved toward the horizon enough. So many tasty dishes to choose from, many of hhem gluten free. Server even made sure we got a second drink order in just before their special ended.

I have been here three times, most recently on September 5. It's such a fun place for a drink on a Friday afternoon. Awesome setting, great food, good outdoor vibes. We will definitely be back!!

I've lived in Des Moines most of my life and I've driven by this little place more times than I can count, and never thought much of it. Apparently I've been missing out! My wife and I got invited to go see a live cover band and not only was the band immaculate, shout-out to Suade, but so were the vibes. Everyone was really nice and welcoming, the drinks were well poured and the food was delivered, even outside, with a smile and well wishes. We got some french fries and ranch to share and they were too good! It can be a little intimidating as a lesbian couple to enter new spaces but we were assured that we were welcomed with open arms and were encouraged to be ourselves. Will definitely be coming back here!

This Italian eggrolls was fire! I’ve never heard of it before so I was intrigued. I’m definitely a patio person and I love being by the water. Music is always good. 10/10

I had high hopes for this place but was more than disappointed with the service I received. The bartender was extremely rude and when asked a drinking suggestion was told - I dont know. Tried ordering food but was told kitchen closed early that day. I was however completely impressed with the environment and other customers. I loved the vibe of the outdoor area & the fun crowd of bike riders. Everyone seemed to be having alot of fun. I gave a 1 out 5 stars for the poor service. 1 out 5 stars for kitchen closing early. 5 out of 5 stars for outdoor area & fun crowd of bike riders. I would go and try out Captain Roy's a second time due to the good vibes.

We visited Captain Roy's Saturday evening during an outdoor concert. The band(Suede) was great and this review is no reflection of their performance. We arrived about 20 minutes before music started. We ordered drinks and appetizers from the outdoor bar. We were given a table number so runners could find us. An hour went by, no food. When hours two came and went without the arrival of food, I canceled the order. The bartender tried to talk me out of canceling admitting avg food times were at 1.5 hours. I understand the place is packed and they were very busy, but 1.5 hours is unacceptable TAT, especially for apps. I've never waited that long for food anywhere. If we weren't there for the music I'd never have waited the 2 hours before saying something. If we ever go again, we'll be eating first.

Nice environment, great atmosphere but the sodas are watered down like really watered down, food took 55 mins we ordered poppers, fish and chips and chicken tenders. Leave the coleslaw alone, pasta was good. They send a young man out on an scavenger hunt to find your number instead of calling it out to come and get it especially when there is a ton of people he is very sweet, poor guy. Regardless the staff is nice and friendly.

The outdoor setup is very casual and open. The canopies outside are a nice touch and provide extra shade during the hot summer months. A pontoon boat turned into a music stage is setup for bands to play, also outside, set up right next to the water at the entrance to the small Birdland Marina. The indoor bar itself is small but with the amount of room outside it really doesn't matter. A full bar inside with a nice selection of familiar domestic beers and regional microbrews. I will go back again for other bands or events, because overall it is a pretty cool place, and with it being right on the water there really isn't a lot of places around the area like that. Adult recess was the theme last night and it was pretty darn busy!!! I could see that being a regular thing there. It was my first time attending that event. A little more help serving drinks and a better method of getting drinks to customers would make things go a little more smoothly.

When there's great music you can overlook a lot. It's bare black rooms with a bar. No ambiance other than what's created by the musicians. I don't believe they serve food. Only drinks.

We had our wedding at Noce and it was truly the most incredible experience. Their staff is attentive, responsive and kept the vibes high the entire day. They handled every request, paid attention to every detail and ensured our band was set up for success. Kristen, Max and Molly were can’t thank you enough for your help! This is the BEST place to celebrate your special day.

Max Wellman has created and fostered one of the warmest, most welcoming, creative and lovely rooms in all of Central Iowa with Noce! It is among my favorite local gems to introduce locals and visitors alike to. The jazz music line-up is always evolving, and Max has such a gift for curating a calendar that elevates other artists (musicians, singers, dancers and more). I have so many fond memories made here over the past 9 years. It's a grown-up night out that's not stuffy or stale, and the service is always a beautiful ballet to watch, too! Highly recommend visiting early and often throughout the year, any time Max and/or Napoleon are singing or for all of the Voix de Ville and holiday shows you can snag tickets for. You won't be disappointed!

We just had our son’s wedding and reception at Noce. The staff is AMAZING. Huge thank you to Napoleon. He’s definitely a superstar and so kind. The space is very accommodating and lovely. If you book, request Napoleon- you will not be disappointed! Thank you Noce.

The atmosphere is very suits like. It’s a beautiful place, and the vibe was dark and relaxed, but not my kind of scene. Plus while we were there for 15 minutes, no one came to ask us if we wanted to order anything. We ended up leaving.

We went for our first time and the Des Moines Big Band was amazing! What a fine group a talented musicians. Table service was attentive and the atmosphere is so nice! Can't wait to go back soon!

An amazing venue and superb staff. Super helpful guy at the front desk. Great jazz! Late night shows are often free with drink specials. I wish I lived closer. I would be here once a week. Honestly the set up and audio is as good as the Blue Note or Ronnie's in London. Definitely go here!!!

I haven't been here in a long time. So, the other night I stopped in with friends. I noticed some things that definitely need attention! First, the chairs need new seats, but even more, the seat on the ladies toilet is completely broken! I'm sorry, but that's totally unacceptable! Fix it!!

My Friday night visit was decent with a friendly talkative bartender that didn’t push me out quickly after a 12 pm last call. Saturday was crowded with a bartender that catered to the regulars. She was slow to the point of maybe this line of work isn’t your calling. She could figure out prices as she charged me 12$ for two beers/2shots on to change to 15$ and finally 18$. Not cool anyway you look at it even if she wasn’t good at middle school math. I didn’t mind the atmosphere. All kinds of weirdness but nothing bad. Weird seating with a booth a table a few seats at the bar and an area in the middle that made to sense at all. I can’t give the YC a poor review because it’s something you might experience in a true backwoods dive bar. Opening the door of the Yacht Club is kind of like a Cadillac up on blocks in Kim Reynolds front yard….

Drake/Ingersoll area dive bar that has survived for a reason

Bartender was awesome! He served us quickly and had fun jokes and banter to go with it!! It wasn't super busy when we went but I'm guessing that had a lot to do with the Dew Tour going on. DO NOT park in the parking lot next door (gas station and such) if you don't want to get towed. Park behind the building or on the street.

Had a good time with "THE PEOPLES BAND"! Two Phenomenal female vocals & keyboard player! the entire band was fun. Service was great, drinks were great! The bar itself could definitely use a major cleaning & complete remodel/update! Very small to accommodate a full piece band, with extremely limited seating & standing room! Do not park on the side in the gas station parking lot next door unless you want to pay to get it out of impound, after gas station owner has it towed! We didn't allow all that to ruin our fun though! 😁

Friendly staff and crowd and great Ingersoll Ave. location. I often love the bands that play this small, cozy venue, but small is the operative word here. When there's live music, the place is packed to the rafters. There isn't a good (or comfortable) place to take in the show. This place would be great if it was just a wee bit larger.

Bartenders, kind of atrocious to people that aren't regulars. Conversation was more important than getting us drinks...but let's talk about the fact that it was fun it was a very diverse dive bar crowd and it just felt like the music could lead to a dance party at any second... Some places have energy this is one of them. You can feel that there's a culture here and just willingness to have fun. Any place though where you let a pretty girl come in with the puppy is awesome.

Came here a few times, drinks were cheap enough service was okay at best and to be frank they could clean better. I don’t expect bartenders to be all that personable at a venue like this. But apparently as other people have mentioned they may close early if they are not busy no big deal. After contacting the bar they know they don’t really handle it all that well and it’s an on going issue. Last night was will be my last night there.

Meg was our server during the Iowa game. It was pretty busy. She provided exceptional service, drinks stayed filled, she was also really fun to interact with during our time there as well. Kudos to Meg.

Place is relatively new. Man! The service was unreal! And the live music was great!

Ever want that old west bar feeling, you know the one, where at any minute someone may walk in the door and draw a gun on the crowd. This is your place. Getting metal detected on the way in even solidifies this feeling. The rubbers in a claw machine add a touch of class. Only missing the dancing girls and man on a piano. Disappointing there are no horses tied up out front.

A great place to spend a night out with the girls!! Drinks weren't to expensive and it had a big dance floor!!! Very clean and had very friendly workers!! Music was kindof slow at some points but I guess that's a personal preference of music!!

We came in this weekend to see Tyler Hammond play. The general manager Joe took great care of us all night. HUGE downfall... women's bathroom!!!! 2 stalls are not enough and when we went out side we asked the bouncer if we could come back in since we had been there since 8. he said no, we would have to pay a cover. we are from Iowa City and the bars downtown do not do that.

Went into Beer Can Alley for the first time the other day not knowing what to expect. I'm not a country fan by any means but the drinks were good and I saw someone "trying" to line dance. I don't know what could be more entertaining than that so it's got my vote as a place to check out. If you're looking for something a bit different downtown Des Moines this place is worth checking out.

We love it here. This is our new go to spot in Ankeny. Service is great, food is fast and delicious. The shaker margaritas are amazing!

My partner and I stopped for a drink while traffic cleared. My preferred spirit wasn’t available, but the friendly bartender’s recommendation was spot-on. The prices were quite reasonable. I plan to return soon!

The cocktails we had were pretty decent. But it was less then I expected. It was a short menu if you are looking for something tasty and unique. Not the most attentive bartender considering there was only one other person there besides us.

Swung by and had a great time! Had some of the draft selection. Good vibes. Would recommend swinging by if you’re in the area.

Decent little bar with a good whiskey selection. The cocktail list is mostly classics and mules - nothing too special but fairly well made. Vibe was missing something when we were there, and it smelled strongly of bleach which was a bit off putting for a nicer bar.

Craig is awesome! Very knowledgeable about different whiskeys and informative. Would highly recommend to anybody.

Loved the bartender! She was full of good conversation and energy! The bar itself was amazing as well, chandeliers to set the mood and good drinks to finish it off. I Also love the 1800’s style saloon bar and Tommy Gun sitting and hanging above! Vintage!