By Andrew brink
Welcome to Cityview’s Annual
Bar Guide. You may not need much
help in this area — you already
frequent a bar where everyone
knows your name. But Des Moines’s
bar scene, like the city itself,
is ever changing and always growing.
We hope the following listings
of bars and clubs inspire you
to visit different neighborhoods,
try new cocktails and patronize
any of these establishments that
help ensure we all have something
to do tonight.
neighborhood
bars
“Today we talk about the ‘pub’
but this is a term invented by
the Victorians, an abbreviation
of ‘public house.’ It was the
Romans who gave England its first
‘pubs’ almost 2,000 years ago.”—
Pub.com
We all know the difference between
a house and a home — the former
being just a pile of bricks; the
latter being where you keep your
heart and your own bottle of Jack
Daniels. But sometimes you run
out of Jack Daniels. Or you get
the urge to have a professional,
named Charlie, fix you a drink.
Or you want to listen to Journey
blasting from a jukebox. Whatever
the reason, you eventually hear
the call of your neighborhood
bar — a home away from home, a
public house, usually located
safely within stumbling distance.
Just as the presence of a warm
fire or a pet Pomeranian transforms
steel and siding into a home,
a neighborhood bar turns a sterile
city block into a community. Imagine
the east end of Ingersoll Avenue
without the Alpine Tap Room or
Flanagan’s. Imagine downtown,
a patchwork of insurance and financial
offices, without the bright interruptions
of El Bait Shop, High Life Lounge
and the strengthening pulse of
Court Avenue. What would Des Moines
be without its neighborhood bars?
The city would be a house, but
not a home.
101 Lounge
101 Third St.
Des Moines
283-1014
14th St. Tavern
3418 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
270-1654
A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717
A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227
All In The Family
4413 Fleur Dr.
Des Moines
285-7173
Alpine Tap Room
2720 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9717
The Bank
400 6th St.
Waukee
987-9783
Big Al’s Roadhouse
302 Highway 6
Waukee
(515) 978-5751
Bogie’s Pub
8980 Hickman Road
Clive
727-5900
Bradley’s Pub
1300 50th Suite 203
West Des Moines
22-9592
Brewer’s
2704 Strange Road
Ames
(515) 292-5041
The Cab
8460 Birchwood Ct # 900
Johnston
(515) 276-5930
Cabaret Lounge
8450 Hickman Rd., Suite C
Des Moines
276-9927
Carl’s Place
1620 Woodland Ave.
Des Moines
243-9727
Charlie’s Filling Station
305 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
274-9041
Cooney’s Tavern
3708 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
274-9877
Corner Pocket
125 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-1528
Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing
Co.
309 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2739
http://www.courtavebrew.com
Cycle’s Walnut Tap
2401 E. Walnut St.
Des Moines
262-1218
Deano’s
119 Main St.
Ames
(515) 233-3910
The Den
4369 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
334-0030
Denny D’s Bar
607 S.E. 30th St.
Des Moines
264-9816
Donna’s Lounge
4424 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
285-1830
Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman Road
Des Moines
278-6718
http://www.greatestbar.com
El Bait Shop
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
284-1970
Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge
2120 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
243-3333
Fox 1 Lounge
111 S. Fifth St.
Ames
(515) 232-2199
Francie’s
2100 Wakonda View Drive
Des Moines
285-5207
Front Row
6555 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
255-6912
The Garage
8517 Hickman Road
Urbandale
278-5778
Gene’s Place
2117 E. University Ave.
Des Moines
266-9423
Greenwood Lounge
3707 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
Gronau’s
1871 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
276-0001
http://www.myspace.com/gronaus
Groucho’s Lounge
2761 86th St.
Urbandale
331-2967
GT Lounge
3013 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
279-6444
Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520
http://www.hessenhaus.com
Hickman Pub
2335 Hickman Road
Des Moines
274-0965
The High Life Lounge
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
554-9535
Hugh’s Jungle Room
5715 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
253-9196
Hull Avenue Tavern
834 Hull Ave.
Des Moines
266-9338
http://www.hullavenuetavern.com
Irishman Pub
100 N. Howard St.
Indianola
961-9740
Jeannie’s Bottle
3839 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
278-9797
Just T’s
2400 Dean Ave.
Des Moines
266-9114
Kathy’s on Hickman
6705 Hickman Rd.
Des Moines
270-9921
Kelley’s
3606 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
277-3272
Kenny D’s
3925 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
263-9900
Kenny’s Pub
605 Ashworth Road
Waukee
(515) 987-0161
Keysters
3280 100th St.
Urbandale
252-1403
http://www.keysters.com
LC’s Corner Bar
344 E. Jackson Ave.
Des Moines
245-9050
The Lift
222 4th St.
Des Moines
288-3777
Limey’s Pub
1970 Grand Ave., Suite 29
West Des Moines
222-0476
Locust Tap
434 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
243-9399
Longest Yard
122 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-1710
Lucky’s
1119 Grand Ave.
Des Moines
288-5229
Lumpy’s
2428 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-4501
Maddy’s Place
1306 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8973
http://www.maddysplace.com
Manning’s Bar
2102 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
288-0030
Mary Go Round Lounge
6584 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
289-2096
Maxie’s West Lounge
1311 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-1463
Mickey’s Irish Pub
109 Welch Ave.
Ames
988-6425
http://www.mrmickey.purehost.com/clive
Mickey’s Irish Pub
1800 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
252-0248
http://www.mrmickey.purehost.com/clive
Mickey’s Irish Pub
50 Laurel St.
Waukee
988-6425
http://www.mrmickey.purehost.com/clive
Monihan’s Speakeasy Lounge
Fourth and Locust Streets
Des Moines
244-2151
Old World Pub & Pizzeria
4138 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
953-3700
Paddy’s Irish Pub
8675 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
331-3334
Park Ave. Pub
1101 Park Ave.
Des Moines
243-8328
PD’s Pub
3803 S.W. Ninth St.
Des Moines
243-9327
Peggy’s Tavern
3020 Forest Ave.
Des Moines
633-0475
Plaza Pub
6202 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
334-0871
Royal Mile
210 4th St
Des Moines
280-3771
Skip’s
4000 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-1820
Smokey’s Triangle Tap
2506 Army Post Road
Des Moines
270-1078
Some Place Else
1833 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-6394
Stan’s Place
4275 N.W. Second St.
Des Moines
243-9991
Stix Pool Hall
7211 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
274-0129
Stormy’s
6923 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
270-9818
Stranded by the Tracks
1922 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
265-9752
Suds on 2nd
2801 Second Ave.
Des Moines
243-9033
Sully’s Irish Pub
110 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
255-9970
Sunrise Tap
4155 Easton Blvd.
Des Moines
266-9368
The Twisted Parrot Lounge
6500 Hickman Road
Windsor Heights
309-0580
http://www.thetwistedparrot.com
Thumbs
2816 West St.
Ames
(515) 268-1556
Tim’s Time Out
201 S. Main St.
Grimes
986-3961
Toad’s Tavern
3002 State Ave.
Des Moines
264-8623
Triangle Tap
515 E. 6th St.
Des Moines
265-7265
University Library Café
3506 University Ave.
Des Moines
255-0433
Valley West Pub
1551 Valley West Drive, #253
West Des Moines
224-4104
Vic and Andy’s Pub
5114 S.W. Ninth St.
Des Moines
285-9326
Wellman’s Pub
2920 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9737
West End Lounge
2309 Forest Ave.
255-9760
Westport Lounge
800 First St.
West Des Moines
277-1991
Yacht Club
2617 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9208
Zimm’s Food & Spirits
3124 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
277-9929
EATERIES
If only one could live on vodka
alone. We hate to be the bearer
of such sobering news — especially
in our bar guide — but a strict
liquid-only diet leads to one
place, and hopefully it’s the
comfort of your own bathroom.
An enjoyable night out is more
of a marathon than a sprint —
we barflies must pace ourselves.
Key to maintaining a healthy balance
between buzzed and bonkers is
food. While it’s a great idea
to remain hydrated throughout
the night — by drinking one glass
of water per cocktail — it’s also
important to keep your stomach
lined with nachos, fried calamari
and fried potatoes loaded with
sour cream and bacon. Packing
away some solids will prevent
Mr. Tequila Shot from fighting
with Ms. Vodka Lemonade.
The eateries listed below will
inspire you to begin your evening
on the right note — perhaps with
some beef tips cabernet (Raccoon
River Brewing Company) or Oysters
Rockefeller (801 Steak and Chop
House). And don’t worry — nearly
every one of these establishments
serves liquor and will gladly
recommend the perfect wine to
be paired with your Bloomin’ Onion
or fried pickles.
25th Street Cafè
1229 25th St.
Des Moines
255-0535
801 Grand Steak & Chop House
801 Grand Ave., #200
Des Moines
288-6000
http://www.801steakandchop.com
Azalea
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines
288-9606
A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717
A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227
Anthony’s Lounge
805 17th Ave. S.W.
Altoona
967-9513
Appare Japanese Steakhouse
3769 86th St.
Urbandale
252-6358
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
3900 Merle Hay Rd.
Des Moines
251-8646
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
11410 Forest Rd.
Clive
633-8646
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
6301 SE 14th St.
Des Moines
974-8646
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
6190 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-8646
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
3741 Eighth St. SW
Altoona
967-8646
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
105 Chestnut
Ames
(515) 233-6452
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
1001 E. 1st St.
Ankeny
965-3444
Autographs Rock & Roll Sports
3828 100th St.
Urbandale
251-8899
http://www.autographsmenu.com
B&B
2712 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
255-8521
Baratta’s
2320 S. Union St.
Des Moines
243-4516
http://www.barattas.com
Baratta’s — State Historical
Museum
600 E. Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
281-3294
http://www.barattas.com
Baratta’s — West Des Moines
Harmony Building
5445 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
333-5105
http://www.barattas.com
Benchwarmers
705 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
964-8033
Bennigan’s
4800 Merle Hay Rd.
Des Moines
276-7777
Bennigan’s
1810 Army Post Rd.
Des Moines
309-3111
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
5990 University Ave.
West Des Moines
221-9900
http://www.biaggis.com/westdesmoines.htm
Billy Joe’s Lounge
1701 25th St.
West Des Moines
223-9944
http://www.billyjoes.com
Bistro Montage
2724 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
557-1924
http://www.bistromontage.com
Bonefish Grill
650 S. Prairie View Drive, Ste.
100
West Des Moines
267-0064
http://www.bonefishgrill.com
Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
500 Army Post Road
Des Moines
285-5733
Bravo Cucina Italiana
120 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-0660
http://www.bravoitalian.com
Brewer’s
2704 Stange Road
Ames
(515) 292-5041
Buzzard Billy’s
100 Court Ave.
Des Moines
280-6060
http://www.buzzardbillys.com
Cafè Beaudilaire
2504 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-7429
http://www.cafebeau.com
Cafè di Scala
644 18th St.
Des Moines
244-1353
Cafè Lovish Coco Bar
2512 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-9900
Cafè Shi
2514 Chamberlain St.
Ames
(515) 292-2910
Cafè Su
225 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-5102
Carlos O’Kelly’s
631 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 232-1500
Carlos O’Kelly’s
4371 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
334-3331
Carlos O’Kelly’s
6250 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
953-0554
Carlos O’Kelly’s
4055 Westown Parkway
West Des Moines
225-4321
Centro
1011 Locust St.
Des Moines
248-1780
http://www.cetrodesmoines.com
Champps Restaurant & Bar
101 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines
440-6565
http://www.champps.com
The Cheesecake Factory
101 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines
457-9888
Chef’s Kitchen
1903 Beaver Ave
Des Moines
(515) 255-4411
Chicago Speakeasy
1520 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
243-3141
Chicken Coop Sports
Bar and Grill
1960 Grand Ave Suite 23
West Des Moines
418-2716
Chili’s Grill & Bar
11411 Forest Ave.
Clive
226-1744
Chili’s Grill & Bar
2601 SE Delaware
Ankeny
963-8400
Chips Rotisserie Bakery &
Bar
2502 S.E. Tones Drive
Ankeny
964-2112
http://www.chipsrestaurant.com
Clay’s Restaurant
4830 Maple Drive
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
262-7520
Click’s Cyberbar and Café
Valley West Mall
Des Moines, 334-3724
http://www.clickscyberbar.com
Club 2000
422 Indianola Rd.
Des Moines
245-9769
Club Car Restaurant & Lounge
13435 University Ave.
Clive
226-1729
The Continental
428 E. Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
244-5845
Cosi Cucina Italian Grill
1975 N.W. 86th St.
Des Moines
278-8148
Court Avenue Restaurant &
Brewing Co.
309 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2739
http://www.courtavebrew.com
Crave Grill
5513 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-9991
http://www.cravegrill.com/desmoines
Croz Nest
2139 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
963-8338
D’s Main Gate
2956 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman Road
Des Moines
278-6718
http://www.greatestbar.com
El Bait Shop
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
284-1970
El Rodeo — Clive
1310 N.W. 118th St.
Clive
440-2210
http://www.elrodeo123.com
El Rodeo — Des Moines
1234 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
265-0551
http://www.elrodeo123.com
El Rodeo — Urbandale
7420 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
251-7647
http://www.elrodeo123.com
Felix & Oscar’s Restaurant
& Pub
4050 Merle Hay Rd.
Des Moines
278-8887
http://www.felixandoscars.com
Fire Creek Grill
800 S. 50th St., Ste. 110
West Des Moines, 224-0500
http://www.firecreekonline.com
Fireside Grille
523 Eighth St. S.E.
Altoona
(515) 967-8122
Flanagan’s Restaurant & Lounge
2120 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
243-3333
Flarah’s
1903 Beaver Ave
Des Moines
277-1935
http://www.flarahs.com
Fleming’s Steakhouse
150 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-2916
http://www.flemingsteakhouse.com
Francie’s
2100 Wakonda View Dr.
Des Moines
285-5207
The Funny Bone Comedy Club
560 S Prairie View Drive, Ste.
100
West Des Moines
270-2100
http://www.symfonee.com
Gateway Market Café
2002 Woodland Ave.
243-1754
Des Moines
http://www.gatewaymarket.com
Gerri’s Tavern
232 E. 30th St.
Des Moines
265-8383
Granite City Food and Brewery
12801 University Ave.
Clive
224-1300
http://www.gcfb.net
Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520
http://www.hessenhaus.com
Hooters of Des Moines
1480 22nd St.
West Des Moines
224-9464
http://www.hooters.com
Huhot Mongolian Grill
4100 University Ave.
Des Moines
457-9090
http://www.huhot.com
Jesse’s Embers
3301 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
225-6011
http://www.jessesembers.com
Jesse’s Embers West
265 50th St.
West Des Moines
225-9711
http://www.jessesembers.com
Jimmy’s American Cafè
1238 Eighth St.
West Des Moines
224-1212
http://www.jimmysamericancafe.net
Johnny’s Hall of Fame
302 Court Ave.
Des Moines
280-6679
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
6800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-0848
http://www.johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
Johnny Mac’s Bar and Grill
2279 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
263-1186
Joseph’s Steakhouse
4001 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
327-9000
Kahunaville
1551 Valley West Dr.
West Des Moines
457-806
http://www.kahunavilleiowa.com
Kelly’s Little Nipper
1701 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
265-2031
Kenny D’s
3925 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
263-9900
Kung Fu Tap and Taco
210 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
285-8226
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
6350 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
278-5279
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
111 Army Post Rd.
Des Moines
256-8901
La Pizza House
1013 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
288-2211
Lefty’s
509 E. 25th St.
Des Moines
266-9205
Legends American Grill
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
5906 Ashworth Road
West Des Moines
267-8150
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
8460 Birchwood Court
Johnston
270-6300
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends Bar and Grill
1280 Copper Creek Drive
Pleasant Hill
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
119 Stanton Ave., #117
Ames, (515) 598-9300
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Limey’s Pub
1970 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
222-0476
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
1801 22nd St.
West Des Moines
233-9606
Longest Yard
122 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-1710
Lucca
420 E Locust St.
Des Moines
243-1115
Mama Lacona’s
2743 86th St.
Urbandale
771-3600
Mary Go Round Lounge
6584 NE 14th St.
Des Moines
289-2096
Maxie’s West Lounge
1311 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-1463
Mezzodi’s
4519 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-3333
Michael’s Restaurant & Lounge
4041 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
255-9894
Mickey’s Irish Pub
1800 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
252-0248
http://www.mrmickey.purehost.com/clive
Mickey’s Irish Pub
50 E. Laurel St.
Waukee
987-9604
http://www.mrmickeysirishpub.net
Mosaix Restaurant & Wine
Bar
5014 EP True Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-3450
Murphy’s Bar and Grill
2675 100th St.
Urbandale
334-0633
http://www.murphysbarandgrill.com
Noah’s Arc
2400 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
288-2246
Nick’s Bar and Grill
9769 University Ave.
Clive
221-1338
Ohana Steakhouse
2900 University Ave.
West Des Moines
225-3325
http://www.ohanasteakhouse.com
Okoboji Bar and Grill
1223 Copper Creek Drive
Pleasant Hill
265-8055
http://www.okobojigrill.com
Okoboji Grill — Ankeny
2010 SE Delaware Ave.
Ankeny
964-9443
http://www.okobojigrill.com
Okoboji Grill — Johnston
8481 Birchwood Court
Johnston
276-5255
http://www.okobojigrill.com
Okoboji Grill South
6050 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
287-1979
http://www.okobojigrill.com
Orlondo’s Bar and Grill
4337 Park Ave.
Des Moines
244-3637
Outback Steakhouse
10901 University Ave.
Clive
221-3309
Outback Steakhouse
2410 S.E. Tones Drive
Ankeny
963-1243
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
110 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-7772
http://www.pfchangs.com
Park Avenue Pub
1101 Park Avenue
Des Moines
243-8328
Pasticceria
215 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-3151
Raccoon River Brewing Co.
200 10th St.
Des Moines
362-5222
http://www.raccoonbrew.com
Ranallo’s on Third
417 S.W. Third St.
Ankeny
964-9510
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
4508 University Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8900
http://www.rockbottom.com
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
4502 University Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8400
Royal Mile
210 4th St
Des Moines
280-3771
Sam & Gabe’s Italian Bistro
8631 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale
271-9200
http://www.samandgabes.com
Skip’s
4000 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-1820
Spaghetti Works Restaurant
310 Court Ave.
Des Moines
243-2195
Splash Seafood Grille
303 Locust St.
Des Moines
244-5686
http://www.splash-seafood.com
Taki Japanese Steakhouse
2677 86th St.
Urbandale
331-3030
http://www.takisteakhouse.com
Tandoor
1221 8th St.
West Des Moines
440-2911
Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill
205 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
255-9827
Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill
1755 50th St.
West Des Moines
223-6700
TGI Friday’s
3340 Westown Parkway
West Des Moines
223-8443
http://www.tgifridays.com
Tommy Farrell’s Italian Ristorante
& Lounge
1300 S.E. 1st St.
Des Moines
282-5550
Trostel’s Dish
12851 University Ave.
Clive
221-DISH
http://www.dishtrostels.com
Trostel’s Greenbriar
5810 Merle Hay Road
Johnston
253-1024
http://www.greenbriartrostels.com
Tumea & Sons
1501 SE First St.
Des Moines
282-7964
Tursi’s Latin King
2200 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-4466
http://www.tursislatinking.com
University Library Cafè
3506 University Ave.
Des Moines
255-0433
The Urban Grill
3651 86th St.
Urbandale, 278-1016
http://www.theurbangrill.com
Valley West Pub and Grill
1551 Valley West Dr.
West Des Moines
224-4104
Waterfront Seafood Market
2900 University Ave.
West Des Moines
223-5106
http://www.waterfrontseafoodmarket.com
Waveland Café
4704 University Ave.
Des Moines
279-4341
Winston’s Pub & Grille
601 Locust St.
Des Moines
245-5454
Zen
400 Walnut St
Des Moines
288-9606
Zimm’s Food and Spirits
3124 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
277-9929
Adult
Clubs/Bikini Bars
The following are two scenes
from the classic film “Showgirls,”
starring a post-“Saved by the
Bell” Elizabeth Berkley (as newbie
showgirl Nomi Malone) and post-“Twin
Peaks” Kyle MacLachlan (as saavy
Zack Carey), in which a wayward
young woman turns her life around
by becoming a wayward Las Vegas
showgirl.
Scene One:
Zack Carey: Nice dress.
Nomi Malone: Thanks. It’s a Ver-sayce.
Zack Carey: It’s “Versace.”
Nomi Malone: What?
Zack Carey: It’s Versace. It’s
pronounced “Versace.”
Nomi Malone: Oh.
Zack Carey: You have great taste
and you look beautiful.
Scene Two:
Nomi Malone: It’s not fair!
Zack Carey: It’s not about fair.
It’s about power.
OK, so “Showgirls” was nominated
for both the Worst Picture of
the Decade (which it won) and
Worst Drama of Our First 25 Years
(which it didn’t win) by the Razzie
Awards, but its impact on pop
culture and its popularizing of
strippers, or showgirls, made
it a winner for fans of bikini
bars (and the three people who
actually cared about Elizabeth
Berkley’s acting career).
The scenes above are works of
fiction. To witness some real,
live showgirls, and to create
some cult-classic memories of
your own, visit any of Des Moines’
adult clubs and bikini bars listed
below.
Beach Girls
6220 Raccoon River Dr.
West Des Moines
226-8587
http://www.beachgirlsbar.com
Big Earl’s Goldmine
4745 N.W. Second St.
Des Moines
237-9902
Dangerous Curves
111 5th St., Ames
(515)233-5445
122 Welch Ave., Ames
(515) 292-9210
The Lumberyard
1504 N.E. 54th Ave.
Des Moines
265-1019
http://www.iwantwood.com
Minx Show Palace
1510 N.E. Broadway Ave.
Des Moines
226-2744
http://www.stripclublist.com
Outer Limits
6560 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
289-1745
sports
bars
When I was a boy, my family moved
from Iowa to Wisconsin. After
the move, my dad, a lifelong Iowa
Hawkeye fan lacking cable television,
would spend evenings sitting in
his car parked in our driveway.
He would battle the car radio,
trying to tune in to the evening’s
Hawkeye football or basketball
game. Sometimes he would be lucky
and catch the black-and-gold signal
on WHO Radio, in which case we
wouldn’t see him again for hours
unless we brought him out a beer
and some chips.
Meanwhile, as time and society
progressed, the popularity of
sports bars grew. They became
a lifeline for displaced sports
fans by offering what most households
lacked — an infinite amount of
sport (from hockey to hot dog-eating
contests) playing across an infinite
number of television screens.
And the Guinness on tap and hot
wings served with a side of homemade
ranch dressing didn’t hurt either.
Eventually, instead of fighting
with his radio for a half-decent
signal, my dad would drive to
a nearby sports bar and cheer
along with his fellow homesick
Iowans. So raise a glass to our
city’s sports bars. Without them,
some poor sports fan would be
left to drink alone in his station
wagon.
Autographs Rock & Roll Sports
Bar
3828 100th St.
Urbandale
251-8899
http://www.autographsmenu.com
Autographs Extreme
2005 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
(515) 963-8999
http://www.mc2usa.net
Bear’s Restaurant and Lounge
302 S.W. Maple St.
Ankeny
(515) 964-5084
Champps Restaurant & Bar
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
440-6565
http://www.champps.com
Charlie’s Filling Station
305 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
274-9041
Coach’s Corner
1261 Eighth St.
West Des Moines
223-8808
Corner Pocket
125 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-1528
Daytona’s All Sports Cafè
4875 Merle Hay Rd.
Des Moines
331-0996
Dickie Doogan’s
Roadhouse Grill
1201 E. Army Post Rd.
Des Moines
256-3261
Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman
Des Moines
278-6718
http://www.greatestbar.com
Eddy’s Sports Bar
1360 N.E. 54th Ave.
Des Moines
266-9097
Front Row
6555 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
255-6912
The Garage
8517 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale
278-5778
Guiseppe’s
1500 S.E. First St.
Des Moines
Johnny’s Hall of Fame
302 Court Ave.
Des Moines
280-6679
http://www.johnnyshalloffame.com
Johnny Mac’s Bar and Grill
2279 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
263-1186
Kathy’s on Hickman
6705 Hickman Road
Des Moines
270-9921
Krieger’s Restaurant
7450 Bridgewood Blvd.
West Des Moines
440-0337
Legends American Grill
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
5906 Ashworth Rd.
West Des Moines
267-8150
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
8460 Birchwood Ct.
Johnston
270-6300
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends Bar and Grill
1280 Copper Creek Dr.
Pleasant Hill
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Legends American Grill
119 Stanton Ave., #117
Ames
(515) 598-9300
http://www.legendsamericangrill.com
Lori & Roy’s Place
2301 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-3668
Luxx
2060 94th St.
Clive
270-LUXX
http://www.luxxclub.com
Mickey Finn’s
7020 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
270-8738
Pal Joey’s
6224 Grand Ave.
Des Moines
274-9028
Fat Boys
200 Gateway Dr.
Grimes
986-0355
Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
2180 NW 156th St.
Clive
Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
6151 Thornton Ave.
Des Moines
282-8045
Scooter & Bab’s Sports Bar
918 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
266-1491
Shooter’s Hideaway
6336 Hickman Rd.
Windsor Heights
270-3887
South Port Sports Bar and More
1101 Army Post Road, Suite E
Des Moines, 953-0473
Sportsman’s Lounge
123 Main St.
Ames
233-6320
The Stadium at inPlay
615 Third St.
Des Moines
333-5050
Sticks
1555 SE Delaware Ave.
Ankeny
(515) 963-3353
Sudsuckers
1511 E. Army Post Road
Des Moines
256-9715
Suzy Q’s
6810 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
251-8578
T.R.’s Sports Bar
7500 University Ave.
Clive
255-9985
Tanner’s Pub
9956 Swanson Blvd.
Clive
270-0070
Third Base Sports Bar
1720 25th St.
West Des Moines, 221-0150
Tim’s Time Out
201 S. Main St.
Grimes
986-3691
Trophy’s Sports Bar & Grill
2701 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
Victor’s Sports Bar
7500 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
278-9575
Upscale/Dance/Urban
The bars and clubs below offer
talented DJs, generous dance floors
and an opportunity to see and
be seen. Some, like Luxx and Liars
Club, offer VIP bottle service,
allowing you the luxury of drinking
out of your very own bottle of
Grey Goose Vodka. Others, like
Cosmopolitan Lounge, provide a
cigar menu, where you can indulge
in complex aromas while drinking
a $300 martini.
They all validate one’s desire
to occasionally ditch your pair
of jeans for a Max Azria skirt
just waiting to be taken for a
whirl, or trade in your sandals
for some true Marc Nason dancing
boots. And they each transport
us to a better place and mood.
As one friend recently told me
as he pub-crawled through downtown,
about to enter the boisterous
and bright Court Center, “I don’t
feel like I’m in Des Moines right
now.” Surprise: you are.
Aura
2700 University Ave.
West Des Moines
418-7520
http://www.auradesmoines.com
Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
500 Army Post Rd.
Des Moines
285-5733
Cabaret at West Glen
560 S Prairie View Dr.
West Des Moines
225-1105
http://www.myspace.com/cabaretwestglen
Club A.M.
(after-hours club)
217 E. Second St.
Des Moines
280-3331
Club Statik
217 E. Second St.
Des Moines
280-3331
Cosmopolitan Lounge
800 Locust St.
Des Moines
288-5800
Christopher’s
2816 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
274-3694
Crush
2249 NW 86th St.
Clive
707-8117
http://www.myspace.com/danceclubcrush
Drink
8410 Hickman Rd.
Clives
270-6274
http://www.theoriginalfunbar.com
Ducktail Lounge
1809 NW 86th St.
Des Moines
727-5670
Envy
214 Third St.
Des Moines
http://www.envydm.com
Gronau’s
1871 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
276-0001
http://www.myspace.com/gronaus
Liars Club
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
745-8105
http://www.liarsclubdm.com
The Lift
222 4th St
Des Moines
288-3777
The Loft
801 73rd St.
Windsor Heights
244-1411
Lucca
420 E Locust St.
Des Moines
243-1115
Luxx
2060 94th St.
Clive
270-LUXX
http://www.luxxclub.com
Miss Kitty’s Dance Hall and Cyber
Saloon
8800 Swanson Blvd.
Clive
327-1303
http://www.mc2usa.net/mk
Monihan’s Speakeasy Lounge
401 Locust St.
Des Moines
244-2151
Mosaix Restaurant & Wine
Bar
5014 EP True Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-3450
The Royal Mile
210 Fourth St.
Des Moines
280-3771
Star Bar
2811 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
288-1405
Taki
Japanese Steakhouse
2677 86th St.
Urbandale
331-3030
Tonic
5535 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-6755
http://www.toniciowa.com
Vieux Carre
1720 25th St.
West Des Moines
221-2317
gay and
lesbian
Just like Blondie and the soundtrack
to “Dreamgirls,” Des Moines’ gay
and lesbian bars aren’t solely
enjoyed by gays and lesbians —
they also capture the attention
of straight people. But this isn’t
news to most, judging by the fact
that herds of people in Des Moines
celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette
parties or the fact that it’s
Friday (or even Sunday) the Blazing
Saddle, Buddy’s Corral, Frat House
or the Garden. Where else can
you find the city’s friendliest
dance floors, stiffest drinks
and an endless parade of Drag
Queens? No one can resist their
invitation to come out — and have
some fun.
The Blazing Saddle
416 E. Fifth St.
Des Moines
246-1299
http://www.theblazingsaddle.com
Buddy’s Corral
418 E. 5th St
Des Moines
244-7140
Frat House Night Club
508 Clifton St.
Des Moines
284-1074
http://www.frathousenightclub.com
The Garden
112 S.E. Fourth St.
Des Moines
243-3965
http://http://www.grdn.com
music
bars
Drinking goes hand in hand with
many things. Pizza. Cigarettes.
Conversation. Riding in an airplane.
Baseball. Dancing (especially
if you can’t). But few things
enhance a good buzz more than
music, particularly if it’s live,
with a band, just feet away, rattling
your mug of Boulevard Wheat with
some head-rocking bass. You name
it; you’ll find it in the Capital
City. From alt-country to jazz,
blues, folk, acoustic, punk, electronic,
classic rock, pop and metal, drinking
never sounded sweeter than in
one of Des Moines’ music bars.
A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717
A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227
B&B
2712 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
255-8521
Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
Des Moines
244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
The Continental
428 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
244-5845
Court Avenue Restaurant &
Brewing Co.
309 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2739
http://www.courtavebrew.com
Cycle’s Walnut Tap
2401 E. Walnut St.
Des Moines, 778-3036
Finish Line Show Lounge
Prairie Meadows Racetrack &
Casino
Altoona
967-1000
Grand Piano Bistro
506 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
243-2380
http://www.thegrandpianobistro.com
Hairy Mary’s
2307 University Ave.
Des Moines
255-2456
http://www.hairymarys.com
Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520
http://www.hessenhaus.com
House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
| 
Bar
Guide: