Belly Up To...

Doug’s Pub & Grub

By Jackie Wilson

4/2/2025

When walking into a new bar, patrons often experience an instant vibe.

The vibe at Doug’s Pub & Grub is friendly and welcoming, a neighborhood bar feel that many patrons crave.

With a name like Doug’s Pub & Grub, one would logically expect to find a guy named Doug as the owner. Not here. The place is not named after anyone named Doug. Rather, it is branded after the street it is located on — Douglas Avenue in Urbandale.

Ron Evison and Tricia Wilson own the business and the building, which was the former U Neighborhood Bar and Grill and, before that, Victors.

They gutted the place, remodeled the inside and opened for business on Jan. 16.

Inside, the space is spruced up with simple gray and black décor. With TVs playing and March Madness in full swing, the sound is typically on for Iowa team games.

Décor includes pictures of athletes and bar memorabilia. A giant whimsical postcard from a fictional Doug, who never returned to his pub, is plastered on one wall.

Ron proudly declares he is a “Southsider” and grew up enjoying numerous Italian restaurants near his home. So, expect to see lots of that inspiration in his menu items, including the famous Graziano sausage in recipes.

The menu, which is still being tweaked, includes 11 sandwiches. An Italian tenderloin includes their own marinara sauce, breaded tenderloin, capicola, mozzarella and banana peppers on a kaiser bun for $17. Other sandwiches vary ranging form $9-$15. Each is served with seasoned fries, tater tots or cottage cheese.

The apps includes bone-in wings with Doug’s homemade rub for $14. Cheesy items include cheese bread, cheese curds, mozzarella bites and tatchos (tater tot nachos).

Different salads and soups are offered, plus an occasional daily special. Like most any neighborhood bar, pizza is a must-have for hungry folks downing a few beers. A 12-inch thin crust ranges from $11 to $18.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m. and includes $1 off drinks and appetizers. A limited breakfast menu is served on weekends.

What else can you do besides eat and drink? At Doug’s, you can play games, listen to music, dance and even sing. The night I was there, Party Party – The Ultimate Karaoke band offered karaoke music played by a live three-piece band. If you have always wanted to sing with a live band, here is your chance.

Most Saturdays offer live music. Karaoke with a DJ is on Friday nights. Bingo is played on Tuesdays. Other drink specials are paired with events throughout the week.