By Jared Curtis
Lime Lounge
A new twist on Des Moines nightlife
Brothers George and Cornelius Qualley have run their mobile DJ company, Thunder & Lighting, for 12 years and have seen the local nightlife scene evolve. But after traveling to bigger cities like Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas, they knew there was something missing here. So after some hard work and determination, the Qualleys brought their own version of a big city urban bar to Des Moines with Lime Lounge.
“We’re both big fans of electronic and dance music, and we thought it was an element that was missing in town,” George said.
The brothers have succeeded. Lime Lounge is swank with its bare attire and ambient lighting. At night, customers can see the drink specials flashing on the frosted glass door as they drive by. The location on Ingersoll Avenue was a must for them.
“Ingersoll is a great neighborhood, and it’s really an outgrowth of the downtown area, so it was a perfect fit for us,” George said. “We offer a different type of nightlife atmosphere for Des Moines.”
Lime Lounge has your weeknights taken care of. On Tuesday, stop in for “Twofer Tuesday” and enjoy two-for-one domestic bottles and wells until close. Wednesday offers customers “bottle service on the cheap.” Patrons can stop in for a bottle of their “finest” vodka, gin, rum or tequila, which is served to the table complete with mixers and ice for $49.99. If bottle service isn’t your thing, enjoy buckets of beer starting at $10. On Thursday, stop in for the “Fab Five” from 5 to 8 p.m. and enjoy five different featured martinis for $5 each. And start your weekend out right on Friday night with “Five Dollar Flights” from 5 to 8 p.m. Patrons get a martini flight, three different mini martinis, for $5.
“Our Wednesday night special is great because it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the VIP experience,” Cornelius said.
Lime Lounge is also bringing in big-name DJ talent to town. On Dec. 12, DJ Dave Dresden, of Gabriel & Dresden, will be DJing, and tickets will be available on the bar’s Web site.
“It’s going to be great, but we will have limited space available,” said George.
The bar offers a wide selection of signature martinis, and patrons can enjoy an electronic/jazz format until 11 p.m. Then the music changes, depending on the DJ and the crowd.
“A lot of places are afraid of real electronic music,” George said. “We’re not trying to be underground but rather offer a style of music you hear everywhere else but Des Moines.”
The brothers have been pleased with their early success and look forward to spreading the freshness of the Lime Lounge.
“We offer a different kind of ambiance and vibe that you won’t find in any other bars in town,” Cornelius said. “We bring a new element to the neighborhood, and as the night goes on, the more the energy builds.” CV
Caption: Bartender Tracy Bechtold pours a Sexy Rex at Lime Lounge, 2706 Ingersoll Ave. Hours are 5 p.m. to close, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information and drink specials, visit www.limedsm.com.
