Bix & Co. is a Valley Junction favorite

BIX & CO.
111 Fifth St., West Des Moines
515-606-1115
www.bixandco-wdm.com
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A bar and restaurant opened just one year ago has quickly become a Valley Junction favorite.

Bix & Co. Kitchen Sports Bar is located in a prime spot at the corner of Fifth and Railroad in West Des Moines. A brand new brick building complements the other vintage buildings in the area.

Bix’s highlight is its large wrap-around patio. Throughout the summer on Thursday evenings, folks flock to the Valley Junction Farmers Market. With bags full of produce, patrons scramble to get a good seat after an evening of shopping. Music lovers know Bix is the prime spot to listen to the Music in the Junction bands, plus people-watch.

The patio’s umbrellas provide shade and a cool spot, depending on what Iowa weather you’re dining in. You know its summer when you feel your icy drink sweating between the cracks of the table with wet drops landing on your leg.

Or, take a seat inside. Comfy booths resemble a baseball glove. A large corner table holds a view of the bar and restaurant area. A solid wood table, handcrafted from elm, locust, walnut and maple, represents the neighboring cross streets of Valley Junction. Low-top table seating offers streetside views.

Bix has a full bar with local and domestic beers, NA beers and mocktails, ensuring everyone stays hydrated. Wine by the glass or bottle won’t set you back; the most expensive wine tops out at $36 a bottle.

Every day drink specials include a bucket of five domestic beers for $20 or five White Claws — mix-and-match — for $25. Add a shot of Prairie Fire, Fireball or Dr. McGillicuddy’s Mentholmint for $3.50.

Happy hour Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. includes $6 house wine plus domestic draws and wells for $4. Or try a house margarita or mule for $5.

The menu doesn’t overwhelm with dozens of choices. The pizza is the shining star. The cracker-thin pizza crust with homemade sauce and dough rings in a $24.99 for a 14-inch size. Choose from Italian beef, margherita, white chicken, plus a couple with Des Moines’ staple of Graziano sausage. Come during the lunch hour for a 10-inch build-your-own pizza for $18.99. A gluten-friendly cauliflower crust is available for any pizza.

The rest of the menu includes apps, sandwiches and burgers, starting at $11.99 up to $18.99. If you’re a brunch lover, here’s your opportunity for hangover food, including a  breakfast pizza with white sauce. Or order cheese curds, which can soak up any late-night consumed beverages. “The carnivore” comes in a burrito bowl or on nachos and includes thick-cut Des Moines Co. Bacon, Canadian bacon, breakfast sausage and colby jack cheese. Wash it down with a brunch cocktail, consisting of Bix’s iced coffee with vanilla vodka, Bailey’s and Rum Chata, topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. 

Trivia nights are offered occasionally. Sports fans can choose from a couple dozen televisions. There are even TVs on the patio. During markets on Thursday evenings, an after-party musician performs an acoustic set.  

Head on over to locally owned Bix and experience the Valley Junction vibe. ♦