Smoking Goat Pub

“GOAT” doesn’t just refer to a hay-eating, climbing, hooved domestic animal. It is also an acronym — Greatest Of All Time — often referring to sports icons. Yet there is another GOAT in town. This one refers to a bar, The Smoking Goat Pub.

Located at 3015 Merle Hay Road, the place opened in June 2023 in a building that has housed several bars over the past four decades. Owners cleaned up and renovated the former Wisco Pub, including the front bar area that now features brick with a calming video screenscape of a fireplace.

The décor features — you guessed it — pictures of athletes throughout the place. A wall of Iowa GOATS includes Caitlin Clark, Shawn Johnson, Nile Kinnick and more. A wall-size mural painted by local artist Laura Todd also showcases other GOATS. The pictures provide discussion starters about who is really the best athlete.

The rest of the décor is simple with black barstools and several televisions for watching your favorite GOAT’s teams.

Hit the spot for happy hour, which is week-long. That means every day of the week from 4-7 p.m. is happy hour. Where else can you find discounted drinks on a Friday or Saturday night? Choose from domestic beers for just $3. Or purchase $2 Gotcha well drinks. Gotcha Spirits is Iowa-made vodka, gin, rum and whiskey, all made from Iowa corn. 

The menu includes more than a half-dozen appetizers. The onion ring tangler basket for $8.99 is a popular crispy and salty option. 

Owner John Muelhaupt keeps things interesting by bringing in guest chefs. On Soul Food Monday nights, a chef offers menu items such as catfish, po’boy sandwiches, black-eyed peas and more. Tuesday nights include various BBQ items and sides. Friday nights are steak nights for $15, which includes a potato, salad and bread. Or opt for the walleye for $20.

Basket options include their signature offerings — smashburgers. A build-your-own smashburger starts at just $12. Add extra toppings, such as cheese, bacon, portobello mushrooms and more for a small charge. Baskets include Cajun crinkle fries or garlic parmesan fries. Or upgrade to the tanglers for just two extra bucks.

They also have wings, chicken sandwiches, cod and bratwurst. The prosciutto garlic herb flatbread is topped with garlic herb cheese spread, goat cheese crumbles, hot honey, prosciutto and arugula for $17.

Various specials on food and drink are paired with major sporting events. For example, get 10 wings for just $10 on Sundays during game day. Head over on Wednesdays for bingo starting at 7 p.m. Looking for a place to sing? Then come over to the Smoking Goat for karaoke on Friday nights. Breakfast is served on weekends, starting at 9 a.m.

The spot offers an ideal gathering place to host birthday parties, as it is centrally located between Des Moines and the suburbs.

If you are looking for the GOAT of all happy hours in Des Moines, head over to the Smoking Goat Pub. ♦