Chug some lagers at the Biergarten

The Des Moines metro area has its share of sports bars with televisions, where sportscasters holler play-by-play action. Or there’s the raucous watering hole, playing booming music on its speakers in a stuffy standing-room only venue. 

This summer, try something different. 

It’s time to get away from the typical bar scene for a refreshing change at the Des Moines Biergarten, a pop-up beer garden located in Water Works Park just east of Lauridsen Amphitheater. It’s run by Alec Davis with Dough Co. Pizza.

The Biergarten is a completely open air bar under a vast tree canopy with loads of fresh air. Hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 9 p.m., depending on the weather. It opened a few months in 2022 and will remain open until October.

As it’s located right off the bike trail, dozens of bicyclists stopped along their route one midafternoon. As the clouds rolled in, bikers quickly scrambled, hopping on their seats as thunder loomed in the distance.

The Biergarten is based on the true German beer garden where Germans chugged lagers in the open air in a park-like setting. Teri Wood TeBockhorst, with the Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation, says, “I had someone from Germany come last fall, and she said it was as close to a traditional beer garden as she’s been to.” 

They do that by serving the beer in heavy glass mugs instead of flimsy plastic cups for a cool refreshment.

They’ve got several German beers and local pours. Beers vary from a Paulaner Hefeweizen to a Big Grove Easy Eddy, along with a half dozen others on tap. A half-liter sells for $6; a full liter for $12. Don’t worry, Iowa beer drinkers can still get their Busch Light cans for $5. They also offer seltzers, ciders, pop and a handful of wines in cans or bottles.

A limited menu includes brats, hot dogs, pretzels and chips. However, a German-inspired menu, via a food truck, will be available this summer.

For seating options, there’s picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and a favorite — hammocks. Just be careful if you decide to hold a mug of beer and attempt to sit or stand up from the hammock. It’s not so easy one-handed, as witnessed.

Live music is offered several evenings a week. Sunday afternoons is a leisurely time for Local Bands, Brews and Bikes, where Water Works Park is teaming with the Des Moines Music Coalition to bring local musicians for a laid-back park concert. TeBockhorst says the events encourage park usage. 

“We’ve had an incredible steady stream of people celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and company appreciation parties. Families and pets are encouraged to stop by and use our beautiful park space,” she said.

The next time you’re biking the trail or walking Gray’s Lake, take a stroll through the colorfully lit tunnel under Fleur Drive to discover a hidden gem in the park at the Des Moines Biergarten. Prost! ♦