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Cover Story

Our 100 favorite bars

9/18/2013

You ever have one of those days when you just need a drink? A good, stiff, “I want to taste my money” kind of drink? When in search of a place to belly up, it doesn’t take a GPS navigation system, just a watchful eye to the left and to the right while driving down one of the metro’s many bustling corridors or back road routes. According to the Iowa Restaurant Association, within a 30-mile radius of Des Moines proper, you have about 530 places to rest your head, your belly or your boobs on a bar to toss back a drink or two. Of those, it’s hard to pick which ones are the best, but here is a list of 100 that our staff suggests.

Now grab a pencil and check off where you’ve been. Then check your score on the rate card. Cheers!

 

34 's sports grill logosBiz Card34’s Sports Bar

Valley West Mall, WDM

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa

515-224-4104

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.34sportsgrill.com

 

AJsOnECourtLOGOAJ’s on East Court

419 E. Court Ave.

515-282-1888

Daily 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/ajsoneastcourt

 

BeaverTapLOGOBeaver Tap

4050 Urbandale Ave.

515-528-8125

Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

www.beavertap.com

 

beechwood logo BAD origsBeechwood Lounge

416 E. Walnut St.

515-288-2337

Mon.-Fri. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

https://myspace.com/beechwoodlounge

 

BeerBucketLOGOBeer Bucket and Burgers

910 Hull Ave.

515-330-1891

Sun.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

 

BeerCanAlley logoBeer Can Alley

216 Court Ave.

515-222-2324

Sun.-Wed. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/BEERCANALLEYDM

 

Benchwarmers-Logo-HeaderBenchwarmers

705 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny

515-965-2556

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://ankenybenchwarmers.com

 

BenniLogo63012Bennigan’s

4800 Merle Hay Road

515-276-7777

Mon.-Thurs. 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

www.bennigans.com

 

billy joes bwBilly Joe’s Lounge

1701 25th St. #12, WDM

515-223-9944

Mon.-Wed. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 1 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.billyjoes.com

 

Blazing SaddleThe Blazing Saddle

416 E. Fifth St.

515-246-1299

Mon.-Fri. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.theblazingsaddle.com

 

blue moon piano LOGO 4cBlue Moon Piano Bar

5485 Mills Civic Parkway, WDM

515-564-7300

Tues.-Wed. 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.bluemoonduelingpianobar.com

 

BoonevilleBarBooneville Bar

35653 Ute Ave., Booneville

515-987-2237

Mon.-Wed. 2 p.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

www.facebook.com/BoonevilleBar

 

BRECKSLogo_Final_Page_1Brecks

207 Fourth St.

515-943-4995

Daily 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/BRECKSBAR

 

SAMSUNGBuddy’s Corral

418 E. Fifth St.

515-244-7140

Daily 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

https://myspace.com/buddyscorral

 

buzzard billys LOGO 4cBuzzard Billy’s

615 Third St.

515-244-2899

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.buzzardbillys.com/des-moines

 

Cabaret ANKCabaret Ankeny

2785 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny

515-965-5481

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

http://cabaretnightlife.com

 

Cabaret West Glen Martini LogoCabaret West Glen

560 S. Prairie View Drive, WDM

515-225-1105

Daily 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

http://cabaretnightlife.com

 

canzCans Bar and Grill

2956 E. Grand Ave.

515-266-2716

Daily 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/cansdmi

 

captains quartersCaptain’s Quarters

807 Main St., Adel

515-993-4417

Mon.-Thurs. 2 p.m.-12 a.m.; Fri 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

www.cqbrewing.com

 

Cattoors_tshirt_artworkCattoors

1306 Grand Ave., WDM

515-267-8973

Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/Cattoors

 

Charlie's Filling St#54051ACharlie’s Filling Station

305 Grand Ave., WDM

515-274-9041

Daily 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

 CVA_12PAGE 32

 

chicken coop logo 4cChicken Coop

1960 Grand Ave., Suite 23, WDM

515-223-0088

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.chickencoopsportsbar.com/WestDesMoines

 

codaCoda Lounge

401 Locust St.

515-365-7244

Daily 6 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.facebook.com/CodaDesMoines

 

cosmopolitan lounge LOGO 4cCosmopolitan Lounge

800 Locust St., Suites of 800 Locust Hotel

515-288-5800

Daily 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.800locust.com/lounge

 

PrintCourt Avenue Brewing Co.

309 Court Ave.

515-282-2739

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (May-October: Sat. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.)

www.courtavebrew.com

 

Daytonas logo cob 4c outlinedDaytona’s All Sports Cafe

4875 Merle Hay Road

515-331-0996

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

derrys loungeDerry’s Lounge

4845 Merle Hay Road

515-278-2810

Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

 

dosrios-whiteDos Rios

316 Court Ave.

515-282-2995

Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (November-March: Closed Mondays)

www.dosriosrestaurant.com

 

Down Under Bar & Grill Logo color addedDown Under Bar and Grill

8350 Hickman Road, Clive

515-278-6718

Mon.-Thurs. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.greatestbar.com

 CVA_12PAGE 36

 

e 14th st tavernEast 14th Street Tavern

3418 E. 14th St.

515-266-3446

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/pages/E-14th-St-Tavern

 

el bait shop distressed LOGO 4cEl Bait Shop

200 S.W. Second St.

515-284-1970

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://elbaitshop.com

 

exchange logoExchange, The

216 Court Ave.

515-202-4500

Mon.-Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

http://exchangedsm.com

 

ExileExile Brewing Company

1514 Walnut St.

515-883-2337

Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

www.exilebrewing.com

 

Untitled-1Flying Moose

8980 Hickman Road, Suite 101, Clive

515-251-7000

Daily 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/TheFlyingMooseDM

 

fongs logoFong’s Pizza

223 Fourth St.

515-323-3333

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://fongspizza.com

 

garden LOGO 4c 2008The Garden Nightclub

112 S.E. Fourth St.

515-243-3965

Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

www.grdn.com

 

gas lampGas Lamp

1501 Grand Ave.

515-280-3778

Daily 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.gaslampdsm.com

 

TOKENGoodSons

2815 Beaver Ave., Suite 102

515-255-1912

Mon. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.goodsonsbeaverdale.com

 

gramercyGramercy Tap

400 Walnut St.

515-288-9606

Tues.-Sat. 4 p.m.-Close

www.gramercytap.com

 

HEROESD22aR01eP01ZLHeroes

216 Court Ave.

712-579-9454

Tues.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sun. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/pages/Heroes

 

hessen haus logo HORIZ 4cHessen Haus

101 Fourth St.

515-288-2520

Mon.-Tues. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.hessenhaus.com

 

high life lounge NO TAGS low resHigh Life Lounge

200 S.W. Second St.

515-280-1965

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://thehighlifelounge.com

 

house of bricksHouse of Bricks

525 E. Grand Ave.

515-727-4370

Mon. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 5-11 p.m.

www.thehouseofbricks.com

 

jimmysJimmy’s on Eighth

1238 Eighth St., Windsor Heights

515-457-2953

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-Close; Sun. 10 a.m.-Close

www.jimmyson8th.com

 

johnnysJohnny’s Hall of Fame

302 Court Ave.

515-280-6679

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.johnnyshalloffame.com

 

Image converted using ifftoanyJoker’s

216 Court Ave.

515-237-5427

Thur.-Sun. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/jokersdsm

 

Kamodo KlubKamodo Klub

214 Third St.

515-288-3113

www.facebook.com/pages/KAMODO-KLUB

CVA_12PAGE 40

 

PrintThe Keg Stand

3530 Westown Parkway, WDM

515-327-7429

Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/thekegstand

 

Kelly's Little NipperKelly’s Little Nipper

1701 E. Grand Ave.

515-265-2031

Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/KLN515

 

Krazee KafeKrazee Kafe

1410 Broadway Ave.

515-264-9440

Mon.-Thurs. 2-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 2 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun. 2-10 p.m.

www.bronzingexperience.com

 

kung fu tapKung Fu Tap and Taco

210 Indianola Ave.

515-285-8226

Daily 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

kungfutapandtaco.blogspot.com

 

Latitude LogoLatitude 41

6170 N.W. Polk City Drive, Polk City

515-984-9512

Mon.-Wed. 3 p.m.-Close; Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-Close; Sat.-Sun. 8:30 a.m.-Close

www.latitude41barandgrill.com

 

liftThe Lift

222 Fourth St.

515-288-3777

Mon.-Fri. 5 p.m.-Close; Sat.-Sun. 7 p.m.-Close

http://dmlift.com

 

lime lounge logoLime Lounge

435 E. Grand Ave.

515-333-4643

Tues.-Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.limelounge.com

 

longest yard LOGOThe Longest Yard

122 Fifth St., WDM

515-274-1710

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Longest-Yard-Valley-Junction

 

lot 33Lot 33

3701 Ingersoll Ave.

515-490-9647

Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/lot33onIngersoll

 

lucky monkeyThe Lucky Monkey

102 Third St.

515-243-9338

Sun.-Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 7 a.m.-2 a.m.

facebook.com/luckymonkey.dm

 

mavericksMavericks

165 S. Jordan Creek Parkway #120, WDM

515-226-8407

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.maverickssportspub.com

 

SAMSUNGMickey Finn’s

7020 Douglas Ave.

515-270-8738

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

mickeys clive logoMickey’s Irish Pub Clive

1800 N.W. 86th St., Clive

515-252-0248

Mon.-Thurs. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

http://themickeysirishpub.com

 

Untitled-8Mickey’s Irish Pub Downtown

206 Third St.

515-288-8323

Mon.-Sun. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.mickeysirishpub.com

 

mickeys WAUKEE 2008 4cMickey’s Irish Pub Waukee

50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee

515-987-9604

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.mickeyswaukee.com

CVA_12PAGE 20 

 

miss kittysMiss Kitty’s

8800 Swanson Blvd., Clive

515-327-1303

Wed.-Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

http://kittysusa.com

 

mulletslogoMullets

1300 S.E. First St.

515-244-1443

Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

www.mulletsdm.com

 

MurphysMurphy’s Bar and Grill

2675 100th St., Urbandale

515-334-0633

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. during football season

www.murphysbarandgrill.com

 

OldchicagoOld Chicago

3800 Merle Hay Road

515-727-1300

Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.oldchicago.com

 

olde mainOlde Main

316 Main St., Ames

515-232-0553

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.oldemainbrewing.com

 

orlandos logo - bad orig 4cOrlondo’s Bar and Grill

5245 N.W. Beaver Drive

515-331-1922

Mon. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.orlondos.com

 

other place pizza LOGOThe Other Place

12401 University Ave., WDM

515-225-9494

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://theotherplace.com

 

overtime bar LOGO 4c rusty and blackOvertime

4810 N.W. 86th St., Urbandale

515-727-4992

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://overtimepizza.com

 

Pal JoeysPal Joey’s

6224 Grand Ave.

515-224-9028

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

SAMSUNGPhil’s Bar and Grill

9956 Swanson Blvd., Clive

515-270-0959

Mon.-Fri. 12 p.m.-Close; Sat. 10 a.m.-Close; Sun. 11 a.m.-Close during football season

 

Pints Pub and PatioPints Pub and Patio

319 Court Ave.

515-282-9999

 

quintons bar & deli LOGOQuinton’s

506 E. Grand Ave.

515-244-6624

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://quintonsdm.com

 

RidgemontThe Ridgemont

7460 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights

515-276-0129

Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/theridgemont

 

rock bottomRock Bottom

4508 University Ave., WDM

515-267-8900

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.rockbottom.com

 

Ron's Dawg HouseRon’s Dawg House

2117 E University Ave.

515-266-8900

Daily 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

royal mile LOGO 4cRoyal Mile

210 Fourth St.

515-280-3771

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://royalmilebar.com

 

Rumors Bar and GrillRumors Bar and Grill

6500 Hickman Road

515-208-5663

Mon.-Wed. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-12 a.m.

 

Saints PubSaints Pub + Patio

265 50th St., WDM

515-440-4703

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://saintspub.com

 

Sambettis (3)Sambetti’s

1430 Second Ave.

515-245-9780

Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/pages/Sambettis

 

ShortysShorty’s

208 Court Ave.

515-288-2536

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://shortyssomewhatfancybar.com

CVA_12PAGE 24 

 

shotgun bettysShotgun Betty’s

5535 Mills Civic Parkway, WDM

515-309-0744

Daily 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/shotgunbettys

 

TheStandardThe Standard

208 Third St.

515-243-4456

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.thestandarddsm.com

 

FINALSully’s Irish Pub

110 Grand Ave., WDM

515-255-9970

Mon.-Thurs. 3 p.m.-Close; Fri.-Sun. 12 p.m.-Close

http://sullysdesmoines.com

 

LOGOTally’s

2712 Beaver Ave.

515-279-2067

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

http://tallysbeaverdale.com

 

Tapz PubTapz Pub

8450 Hickman Road, Clive

515-270-2266

Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Tues., Thurs. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.tapzpub.com

 

toads tavern LOGOToad’s Tavern

3002 State Ave.

515-264-8623

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

www.toadstavern.net

 

PrintTonic

5535 Mills Civic Parkway, WDM

515-225-6755

Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

www.tonicbars.com

 

trophys 4c WHITE OUTLINETrophy’s

2701 Douglas Ave.

515-255-1111

Mon.-Tues. 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.plazalanesdm.com/trophys

 

twin peaksTwin Peaks

4570 University Ave., WDM

515-528-8294

Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com

 

SAMSUNGThe Underground

500 E. Locust St.

515-243-4322

Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

http://dsmunderground.com

 

University Library CafeUniversity Library Café

3506 University Ave.

515-255-0433

Mon. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-12 a.m.

www.facebook.com/UniversityLibraryCafe

 

vaudeville mewsVaudeville Mews

212 Fourth St.

515-243-3270

Hours depend on concert or event schedule.

www.vaudevillemews.com

 

WellmansWellman’s

2920 Ingersoll Ave.

515-222-1100

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://wellmanspub.com

 

wellmanswestWellman’s West

597 Market St., WDM

515-222-1100

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

http://wellmanspub.com

 

whiskey dixxWhiskey Dixx

215 Fourth St.

515-288-3880

Sun.-Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/WhiskeyDixx

 

woolysWooly’s

504 E. Locust St.

515-244-0550

Hours depend on concert or event schedule

www.woolysdm.com

 

yankee clipperYankee Clipper

312 S.W. Maple St., Ankeny

515-964-9484

Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

www.facebook.com/pages/Yankee-Clipper

 

ZimmsZimm’s Food and Spirits

3124 Ingersoll Ave.

515-277-9929

Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m. CV

CVA_12PAGE 28Check out the answers to the Belly Up quiz HERE!

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