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: a
Signature drink: Iowa craft tap selection