Charlie’s Filling Station

“Saturday Night Live.” “Jaws.” “All In the Family.” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

It was 1975 when these shows and movies were popular. Meanwhile, one other 50-year landmark is still going strong.

Charlie’s Filling Station, located at 305 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines, was created from an old gas station. Charlie Sovich sold the bar two years ago. Andrew Tomes bought the landmark spot. He explains why.

“When I was young, I used to go to Charlie’s all the time,” he says. “After I moved back, I forgot how much I liked the place.”

Tomes fixed up a couple things, but as an ode to maintain the same vibe, his goal is to keep the bar the same. 

“Brand equity is such a tradition for so many years,” he says. “I want to pay respect to people before us. I’m humbled and honored to carry on into the future.” 

Charlie’s interior décor is simple. Traditional black stacking chairs, bucket bar stools, white ceiling tiles, orange tables and wood paneling are among a weathered laminate bar that is reminiscent of a classic dive. Beer signs, game machines and a random non-working pay phone complete the look.

A bevy of regulars sauntered in during the late afternoon. One gentleman got off his phone, ordered a pitcher of beer and, within three minutes, his companion sat next to him, filling up her beer glass.

There are two must-drink items to order when you’re here — either Iowa brews or freshly squeezed juice drinks. Two juicers on the counter are surrounded by large oranges and grapefruits. I saw the bartender grab fruit from a stack of more than a half dozen cases of fresh citrus. 

The bartender sliced the fruit and stuck a half in the juicer, then tossed the rind in the garbage. After pouring it over ice and vodka, she served it to the waiting patron and repeated the process throughout the evening. Prices are reasonable for fresh juice: $7 for a screwdriver with house liquor and about $8 for call liquor such as Tito’s. There is no better way to get your Vitamin C fix and check off your daily fruit intake on the food pyramid. If you purchased a similar drink at a trendy cocktail joint, it would surely cost double.

The PBR beer came in PBR logo glass, as my Belly Up companion’s favorite beer draft was just $4. Or, take advantage of Iowa’s craft beers, such as Confluence’s Des Moines IPA, Big Grove Brewery’s Easy Eddy, Toppling Goliath’s Pseudo Sue and Exile brews.

A half dozen televisions dot the place, but it is not all focused on sports. Free salty popcorn satisfies the munchies. No food is served; however, an occasional Sunday potluck brings friends together. 

The bar is popular with bicyclists as a trail is close by. Two patios offer options essential to Iowans. Is it a shade or sun day? With Iowa weather, it is nice to have both options covered.

As we left, a patron cleared the table, and another group took our place, just as they have done every day for the past 50 years. ♦