The View Nightclub offers four bars in one

With bold makeup, big hair and bigger personalities, drag shows provide entertainment for countless Des Moines residents. Man or woman, gay or straight, you’ll find all types of people gathered to watch the shows.

The View club has opened in the former Le Boi location, and it’s new and improved in countless ways. Previously one would walk into the club and find him or herself immediately on the dance floor. There was also an after-hours club there called The Red Light and no real stage. The new owner of The View, Rusty Brammer, who was the previous owner of The Garden, has made some impressive changes to the club. Now there is a designated entryway to pay cover. From there, guests can decide to go one of four separate areas (that’s right — four) that make up the club: the show lounge, the dance bar, the rooftop sports bar or the patio. There is new carpeting throughout the bar, and a freshly-built stage in the show lounge. The rooftop sports bar will also have TVs showing sports. Does it seem strange for a gay club to have a sports bar? Maybe. But Brammer wanted to give the people of Des Moines some variety.

Summer is quickly approaching, and the people of Des Moines are itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine after months of bone-chilling temperatures. When looking for a place to hang out for the night, Brammer is happy to give one major reason to choose The View.

Much like its predecessor Le Boi, The View boasts “the best drag show in town” every Friday and Saturday night.

“When I was choosing the name, I thought of some different things, and then I just looked off of the patio. Then I said, ‘You know, let’s just call it The View.’ Because the view from the patio here is spectacular. I don’t think there’s a better view at a patio bar in Des Moines — or at least downtown,” Brammer said.

As for the show lounge, Brammer is just the man to give Des Moines the drag shows it needs. Brammer, himself, has been performing for 17 years as well as having previously traveled the country as a pageant promoter. Having been in the drag scene for that amount of time has provided him with the skill to know what works and what doesn’t.

“We’re going to have nationally-renowned names, and this is going to be the best drag show in town,” boasted Brammer.

But what makes his shows different? The answer was short and quick.

“Dina Cass,” Brammer explained. “She is a six-time national title holder, and she has traveled the country. She is going to be our emcee and our show host. She is probably one of the best in the business. That’s going to be the beginning of what sets us apart. I’m only booking entertainers who are on a certain level; it’s not going to be just anyone who can perform. They’re going to be very professionally run shows and very organized.”

Brammer is looking to create a classy club featuring bartenders who are known and loved by the community. He isn’t building a club for the party scene. Instead, it’s for the people who want to enjoy the club’s four atmospheres in a sophisticated and fun way.

So this summer take the crew and go to The View for endless entertainment, great drink specials, better bartenders and the best view in town. Chances are you’ll soon be coming back for more. CV

The View
508 Indianola Road (the former Le Boi location)
Hours: Wed. – Sat. 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Showtime: Fri. – Sat. 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. in the show lounge
Buy one, get one free well drinks: 9–10 p.m.