By Jared Curtis
Big Shots Sports Bar and Grill
Get your game on at the metro newest sports bar
There’s no place like home. Except on game day, when everyone likes to go to his or her favorite bar to see their team. But why leave the cozy confines of your house? That was the thought process for Roger French, the managing partner/owner of the metro’s newest sports bar, Big Shots Sports Bar and Grill.
“We set out to offer a completely different type of sports bar. We wanted the atmosphere to feel like you’re at a buddy’s house watching the game in his rec room,” French said. “We’ve got numerous TVs and games, but it doesn’t feel like an arcade though. It’s more like the ultimate basement.”
The bar is huge without feeling too spread out. Along with the numerous games (12 pool tables, three dartboards, three shuffleboards, two foosball tables, “Silver Strike Bowling,” “Golden Tee Golf” and “Big Buck Hunter”) the bar features two large couches in front of numerous TVs, giving customers even more of a home feeling.
“Everyone serves beer and food, but we’re all about atmosphere, and we treat our customers right,” French said.
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Specials include $2.50 domestic bottles, $1.50 domestic pints, $3 wells and $4 bombs. Big Shots also hosts numerous nightly specials. On Monday stop in for $5.50 pitchers. Tuesday offers two-for-one drink specials from 9 p.m. until close. Stop in Thursday for a pitcher, a pizza and pool for $10 from 8 p.m. to close. On Saturday and Sunday enjoy two-for-one Bloody Marys and screwdrivers and $4 bombs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as $5.50 pitchers during NFL games on Sunday.
“We have only been open for a month, but we are already have a regular crowd, and new people are stopping in every day,” said day manager Trina Ives.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the bar will celebrate its grand opening with a party starting at 9:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., they will feature the Iowa State game, at 6 p.m. the Iowa Hawkeyes’ game, and closing out the night will be the UFC fights. Along with the tent party, there will be drink specials and prize giveaways.
“We have a friendly staff, reasonable prices and a great mixture of people,” French said. “Stop in, relax with a drink and enjoy the game. You’ll feel like you never left your living room.”
Last call: Get ready to enjoy some liquid treats and maybe some tricks at the Halloween Pub Crawl on Oct. 31. The event, which benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation, begins at 5:30 p.m. at Cabaret West Glen with free pizza and drink specials. Busses will depart around 7:30 p.m. and visit four different bars before returning to Cabaret West Glen at midnight. At 1 a.m., there will be a costume contest with cash and prizes. Pre-register at www.desmoinespubcrawl.com for $20 or register the night of the event for $25. CV
Caption: Day manager Trina Ives serves up a “Minnesota Fats Cosmo” at Big Shots Sports Bar and Grill, 2800 University Ave., West Des Moines. Hours are 11 to 2 a.m., daily.
