By Jared Curtis
Drink
The original fun bar
Des Moines and the suburbs have seen their share of dance clubs come and go over the years. Owners can change, names can change and the clientele certainly changes, too. But despite it all, there is some consistency in the business, and one doesn’t have to look far to find it.
Drink continues to be one of the most popular bars in the metro. The bar’s early success was a direct result of the work and money that owner Tom Baldwin put into the place. Baldwin continue to operate other bars and businesses, but he sold Drink last February to three partners — Jason Schroeder, Brokie Schroeder and Dean Quirk — and they have been running things smoothly ever since.
“We were looking for a bar, and we knew this place already had a built-in clientele,” said Jason Schroeder. “Drink is a well-known place, and this area is a great location for a bar.”
Happy Hour runs from open until 7 p.m. Specials include $2 domestic draws and bottles, $5 domestic pitchers, $3 wells and $4 specialty drinks. Monday through Thursday, patrons can enjoy $5 all-you-can-eat wings and free homemade pizza.
“We have a great Happy Hour crowd,” Schroeder said. “But Thursday and Friday nights are the most popular.”
Drink offers a different special every night. On Monday, patrons can try “Beat the Bookie,” which allows customers to make prop bets during Monday Night Football. Winners receive “Drink” bucks. and at the end of the night, an auction is held with numerous prizes available. Patrons can also enjoy $5 domestic pitchers, $7 buckets, $1 domestic draws, $2 calls, $4 shots and $5 bombs during the game. Stop in Tuesday nights for two-for-one specials. On Wednesday, Drink hosts live music (with no cover) along with $2.50 wells and domestic draws. Thursday offers a special that is one of the most well known deals in town — Drink’s Birthday Thursday. During your birthday week, stop in Thursday night and drink for free. You also receive a birthday cup, T-shirt and a free gift. Every one else can enjoy $2.50 Captain and Coke and Long Island Ice Teas along with $2.50 draws. On Friday, enjoy $1.50 domestic bottles and a free food buffet. Stop in Saturdays, starting at 9 p.m., for 25-cent drinks. And on Sunday, patrons can play free pool and enjoy $4 domestic pitchers.
“Our specials bring in a wide mix of customers,” Schroeder said. “We are a great destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as birthday parties, especially on Thursday night.”
Drink has 26 beers on tap and more than 30 in the bottle, which patrons can enjoy on the bar’s large, all-season patio. The bar has three pool tables, two video games and 12 TVs, to help entertain customers. While there, try one of the house specialties, the “Shark Bomb.”
“One of our bartenders made it up during ‘Shark Week’ on the Discovery Channel,” said bartender Meghan Sherwood. “It’s has a fruity taste, but it’s got a few different kinds of booze in it, so it’s pretty strong.”
If you’re in the mood for a ghostly scare, Drink will host a Halloween party on Oct. 31.
“It’s going to be a great time, and we’ll be offering plenty of drink specials and prize giveaways,” Schroeder said.
Although the new owners have only been in control for nine months, they like the way business has been flowing and are looking forward to serving new and loyal patrons in the future.
“We have a great crowd, offer good drink specials and people love the patio,” Schroeder said. “Drink is the place to be.” CV
caption: Bartender Meghan Sherwood pours a “Shark Bomb” at Drink, 8410 Hickman Road, Clive. Hours are 4 p.m. to close (2 p.m. on Fridays), daily.
