WDSM, DSM Bars

Cyched

CF Influencer
May 8, 2009
38,369
66,341
113
Colorado
Ha Shotgun Betty's and Tonic last Saturday gave me this revelation that those types aren't really my scene. Second that on dive bars!

A couple friends and I went out downtown for a bit after the basketball game on Saturday. I realized I now can't stand places I used to enjoy like Pints, Shotgun Bettys, etc.

I think that may have been the earliest I've called it a night.
 

Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
75,619
79,898
113
DSM
It has been a few...OK many years, but last time I was in there they had the music cranked. I was like....huh...this is a dive bar? We aren't dancing...I'd like to be able to talk.

OK...that made me sound old. Might be totally different now.

I'd say Royal Mile.

I usually end up at Locust Tap on weeknights so it’s usually pretty calm in there.
 

Cyched

CF Influencer
May 8, 2009
38,369
66,341
113
Colorado
A couple friends and I went out downtown for a bit after the basketball game on Saturday. I realized I now can't stand places I used to enjoy like Pints, Shotgun Bettys, etc.

I think that may have been the earliest I've called it a night.

Edit: meant Beer Can Alley
 

CloneFan4

Well-Known Member
Aug 5, 2010
5,882
5,593
113
West Des Moines
A couple friends and I went out downtown for a bit after the basketball game on Saturday. I realized I now can't stand places I used to enjoy like Pints, Shotgun Bettys, etc.

I think that may have been the earliest I've called it a night.

I'm with ya. I think I got all of that out of my system in college. To me its hard to beat funky background music, dim lights, and interesting conversation. Hard to get that at those bars on Court.
 

JP4CY

Lord, beer me strength.
Staff member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2008
74,552
95,533
113
Testifying
A couple friends and I went out downtown for a bit after the basketball game on Saturday. I realized I now can't stand places I used to enjoy like Pints, Shotgun Bettys, etc.

I think that may have been the earliest I've called it a night.
Same. The only ones I can stay late at are some of the Full Court bars because their quality of beer.
 

Cybyassociation

Well-Known Member
Mar 5, 2008
9,055
3,826
113
A few bars my friends and I frequent when I'm back in DM that might fit your vibe:

El Bait Shop/Hi Life Lounge
Shorty's
The Royal Mile
Star Bar
Ingersoll Tap
Carl's Place
Keg Stand (WDM)
I'm going to add the University Library Cafe too. They usually have the soccer games on, it's a small environment, quiet, good music, good food, good drinks.
 

JP4CY

Lord, beer me strength.
Staff member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2008
74,552
95,533
113
Testifying
Bradley's in West Des Moines. A dive bar without having to deal with all of the downtown BS
Agreed. When my wife (then GF) and I were dating she lived pretty close to Bradleys. Definitely a good place.
 

JP4CY

Lord, beer me strength.
Staff member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2008
74,552
95,533
113
Testifying
A couple places I’ll add to the list in West Des Moines are The Irish and Global Brew.
I hadn't ever heard of the Irish mainly because I don't go to West Glen but thru Google photos that looks like somewhere I could hang out. Looks like they have a good patio setup.
 

BillBrasky4Cy

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 10, 2013
17,479
31,791
113
Down Under in Clive is always a solid choice.
I'll also throw out a Ridgemnot recommendation.
This thread makes me wish that the Twisted Parrot was still around.
 

TheJackWePack5

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2011
11,555
11,475
113
Ankeny, IA.
Over the weekend I realized that as I'm getting older, I more so enjoy telling kids to get off my lawn than going to loud, dance scene bars.

What are decent suggestions for bars in the area where I can actually hear myself converse with another individual? I don't mind music, big fan of alternative (Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala type) just not overly loud. I'm 23 so nothing too old.
Are you married/settled down?

I don't think I've ever heard a 23 year old single person not enjoy the DSM night life.

In fact, I'd think think 23 is a few years younger than the average age you see at WDSM/DSM bars.
 

Cyched

CF Influencer
May 8, 2009
38,369
66,341
113
Colorado
Are you married/settled down?

I don't think I've ever heard a 23 year old single person not enjoy the DSM night life.

In fact, I'd think think 23 is a few years younger than the average age you see at WDSM/DSM bars.

Different strokes. Doesn’t sound like @CloneFan4 dislikes the nightlife, he just wants something a little more chill. I loved the loud party bars when I was fresh out of college. A few years later and I’ve got the same idea he does.
 

cyhiphopp

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
33,275
14,550
113
Ankeny
Different strokes. Doesn’t sound like @CloneFan4 dislikes the nightlife, he just wants something a little more chill. I loved the loud party bars when I was fresh out of college. A few years later and I’ve got the same idea he does.

I love the nightlife, I've got to boogie!
 

cyhiphopp

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
33,275
14,550
113
Ankeny
7 years down the drain then off to the Peace Corps?

I went to DMACC for a year. Got some credits, but not that much else out of it. Changed majors at ISU after a few years, then sped through my MIS degree with whatever credits applied from my previous major.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cyched