Noce Jazz Club ★ 4.5
Des Moines' premier live jazz venue: an intimate Walnut Street club booking national acts with a quality cocktail and wine programme alongside the music.
Signature drink: Classic cocktails alongside a curated spirits list
Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Des Moines for grown-ups.
Where to drink
El Bait Shop ★ 4.5
The definitive Des Moines craft beer destination, El Bait Shop has maintained over 150 tap handles since opening in a renovated riverfront building.
Signature drink: 150+ tap handles of Iowa and US craft beer
The Contrary ★ 4.6
East Village's most accomplished craft cocktail bar, with a rotating seasonal menu built on locally produced spirits, house-made shrubs and fresh produce.
Signature drink: Seasonal craft cocktails with local spirits
Hessen Haus ★ 4.2
Des Moines' authentic German bierhalle, serving large-format steins of German draft beer alongside schnitzel, pretzels, sauerkraut and wurst in a massive
Signature drink: German draft beers in 1-litre and 2-litre steins
Big Grove Brewery ★ 4.1
The Des Moines satellite of the acclaimed Iowa City brewpub, Big Grove brings its range of well-crafted ales and lagers to a large, family-friendly space
Signature drink: Iowa City-originated craft ales and lagers brewed on-site
Twisted Vine Brewery ★ 4.0
A neighbourhood craft brewery on the SE 4th Street edge of the East Village, known for accessible hop-forward ales and a rotating seasonal programme.
Signature drink: Rotating roster of ales and seasonal special releases
High Life Lounge ★ 3.9
One of Des Moines' most beloved dive bars, High Life Lounge has a loyal neighbourhood following for cheap beer, irreverent character and occasional live
Signature drink: Miller High Life cans and shot specials
Beechwood Inn ★ 3.8
The quintessential Beaverdale neighbourhood bar, with a loyal regulars crowd, affordable pints and a relaxed atmosphere far removed from the downtown
Signature drink: Domestic and craft beers on tap
Wellman's Pub ★ 4.0
Lively East Village pub with multiple screens and Iowa Hawkeyes games; the covered rooftop patio is the neighbourhood's best warm-weather drinking spot.
Signature drink: Iowa Hawkeyes game day specials
Pints Pub ★ 3.9
A westside pub with a tight tap list focused almost entirely on Iowa craft production. The small, unpretentious space is exactly what it intends to be.
Signature drink: Iowa craft tap selection
Book food experiences in Des Moines
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Uncover the eerie secrets of Des Moines with our captivating ghost tour, where you'll wander through the city's most haunted and historic sites under the cover of night.