Best bars in Des Moines area

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Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
68,676
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DSM
Not sure if mentioned and not sure if craft beer lover but Exile and Confluence can be easily stopped at.
 

bellzisu

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Apr 15, 2006
6,917
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Norwalk
Confluence is a great time with people who craft beers... Just watch out cause the beers sneak up on you fast.
 

cybsball20

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Nov 26, 2006
12,740
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Des Moines, IA
Don't skip the Royal Mile.

But go upstairs to the Monk!

I would start at Bait shop to eat and have some great beers then move to 4th st. Avoid third street unless you are just trying to get some tail. Hessen Haus, PBR Bar, The Lift, and of course Royal Mile and Monk.

Then go over to Court Ave Brew Pub for a round of Root Downs. After that, if you feel ragey, hit third St. (Mickeys, Beer Can Alley, Echange, Johnny's) but I would probably head to Fongs for some late night slices
 

rudiskilz

Member
Apr 28, 2010
205
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18
40
West Des Moines
Just hop on the big yellow bike!

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The Big Yellow Bike
 

Al_4_State

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Mar 27, 2006
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Driftless Region
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Is this a legit thing? I isn't know of any cougar bars. Time to go hunting

Denny Arthur's is, without question, the most ridiculous (in terms of hilarity and absurdity) bar scene I've experienced.

About 2/3rds of the clientele are people in their 40's-50's clearly trying to hook up. Dressed over the top and acting like a bunch of college kids. It's all you can do to keep from laughing the entire time. There's a massive dance floor. A pack of young single guys could just clean up on a Cougar pack in there.
 

Tre4ISU

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Dec 30, 2008
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Estherville
Denny Arthur's is, without question, the most ridiculous (in terms of hilarity and absurdity) bar scene I've experienced.

About 2/3rds of the clientele are people in their 40's-50's clearly trying to hook up. Dressed over the top and acting like a bunch of college kids. It's all you can do to keep from laughing the entire time. There's a massive dance floor. A pack of young single guys could just clean up on a Cougar pack in there.

This has been noted.
 

The_Architect

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2006
13,422
2,032
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Denny Arthur's is, without question, the most ridiculous (in terms of hilarity and absurdity) bar scene I've experienced.

About 2/3rds of the clientele are people in their 40's-50's clearly trying to hook up. Dressed over the top and acting like a bunch of college kids. It's all you can do to keep from laughing the entire time. There's a massive dance floor. A pack of young single guys could just clean up on a Cougar pack in there.

100% accurate but the cougar quality is sub-par.
 

capitalcityguy

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Jun 14, 2007
8,332
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Des Moines
But go upstairs to the Monk!

I would start at Bait shop to eat and have some great beers then move to 4th st. Avoid third street unless you are just trying to get some tail. Hessen Haus, PBR Bar, The Lift, and of course Royal Mile and Monk.

Then go over to Court Ave Brew Pub for a round of Root Downs. After that, if you feel ragey, hit third St. (Mickeys, Beer Can Alley, Echange, Johnny's) but I would probably head to Fongs for some late night slices

This is pretty strong itinerary here. I'd time Mickey's patio a bit based on the weather that night. Great place to hang, people watch. Love Royal Mile, chillin' at The Lift and can't top the fun at passin' das Boot at Hessen Haus!

Nice thing about going down to Court Ave area is there is such a variety, you can just keep hopping to the next place. R - don't drink and drive!
 

chadly82

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Sep 10, 2009
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Brecks has the hottest bartenders around and it's also the best bar in the history of the universe.
Lani does braless sundays for football just fyi, also OP Beer Can Alley will be great for your buddies if they are country boys