Favorite Bar Des Moines area

DaddyMac

Well-Known Member
Oct 18, 2006
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That's what makes me laugh - all I have to do is turn the OTHER WAY, and I'll have been there!

I went to High Life Lounge last year after the Mediacom Classic, and it was crazy-busy. I can only imagine after an I-Cubs game.

Try it this summer - it'll probably be dead most of the time. Typical DSM - flavor of the month. In fact, we went several times this past summer and there were maybe 10 people in there . Week night however.

As said - pretty decent food. Not limited to mexican. Good sandwiches and usual bar food. Can't beat the price, particularly the specials. Same goes for High Life. Burger baskets for 2.50 or something.
 

clones26

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Nov 8, 2006
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Urbandale
I went to High Life Lounge last year after the Mediacom Classic, and it was crazy-busy. I can only imagine after an I-Cubs game.

It is awesome after a weekday noon game, many drunk people skipping work or "sick" for the day. Definately makes you forget its a weekday afternoon until you come out of the brown shag and into the daylight hammered at 5:30..ahh summer
 

DaddyMac

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Oct 18, 2006
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It is awesome after a weekday noon game, many drunk people skipping work or "sick" for the day. Definately makes you forget its a weekday afternoon until you come out of the brown shag and into the daylight hammered at 5:30..ahh summer

The shag is brown?

I must have been more drunk than I realized - thought it was GREEN.

:eek:
 

Jables22

Active Member
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Oct 15, 2007
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I love these bars too. Bait shop is owned by them too.

Hessen Haus, High Life, El Bait Shop, Royal Mile, and Buzzard Billy's are all run by a group called Full Court Press. I think Shorty's is as well. They are all my faves.

I highly reccomend the $2.50 cheeseburger & tater-tot basket at the High Life!
 

CYdTracked

Well-Known Member
Mar 23, 2006
18,658
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Grimes, IA
Here are a few of my favs. Not particular order really, just depends on what part of town I'll be in or mood I am in:

Twisted Parrott
Maddy's
Down Under
Trophies
Mickey's
High Life
And for some reason I am drawing a blank but there is a bar on Douglas between Victor's and Walgreen's that I can't think of the name but it's an Irish name I believe.

Least 2 favorites:
Drink
Crush

I can't stand either place. Drink is always too crowded and people bumping into you, Crush is too expensive and "snobbish" for my taste.
 

brianhos

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Staff member
Bookie
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Jun 1, 2006
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Trenchtown
So they are building a Tonic in ankeny, anyone know if that will be smoke free? Is it open yet?
 

cybsball20

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2006
12,735
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Des Moines, IA
Here are a few of my favs. Not particular order really, just depends on what part of town I'll be in or mood I am in:

Twisted Parrott
Maddy's
Down Under
Trophies
Mickey's
High Life
And for some reason I am drawing a blank but there is a bar on Douglas between Victor's and Walgreen's that I can't think of the name but it's an Irish name I believe.

Micky Finns
 

jumbopackage

Well-Known Member
Sep 18, 2007
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I love all the downtown Full Court Press bars. I'd also like to add Francie's off of Fleur to the list. Great place to catch a game, and the grinders are tough to beat. I tend to steer away from the "chain" bars (i.e. Legends, Rookies etc) just because they all feel so generic.
 

dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
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50131
There is also a bar over by the fair grounds that has good wings. The place is a little rough and I feel a little gay when I drive my VW in the parking lot but the beer is cheap and the wings are good.
 

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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I almost forgot about crappy beer night at Buzzard Billy's. Our bar scene would suck donkey if it wasn't for Full Court.
 

4429 mcc

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2007
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Wall Street
There is also a bar over by the fair grounds that has good wings. The place is a little rough and I feel a little gay when I drive my VW in the parking lot but the beer is cheap and the wings are good.

Gerri's Tavern E. 30th great wings...WHAT THE "F" ARE YOU LOOKIN AT!:realmad: Say that and everyone will leave you alone or kick your butt!

Just kidding it is a little rough around the edges but everyone pretty much keeps to themselves....unless its Thurs-Sat night.
 

isufbcurt

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2006
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Newton
There is also a bar over by the fair grounds that has good wings. The place is a little rough and I feel a little gay when I drive my VW in the parking lot but the beer is cheap and the wings are good.

Toads?
or
the racing theme bar right outside of the main fairground enterance (can't remember the name)

Also in Altoona a place called Fireside is a good spot for some quality women.
 

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