False 9 brings old-school pub vibes to Valley Junction

9/2/2026

When you are craving a casual neighborhood pub with happy hour, drink specials and entrees less than $18, head to The Junction. 

Valley Junction in West Des Moines is home to the False 9 Social Club, which opened in March 2026. It occupies the former space of Mitzi’s. Before that, it was a general store and deli.

False 9’s name is an ode to soccer lingo. The nine refers to striker, or the person who scores the most goals. Oftentimes, the game is played with a false nine pulling defenders out of position to disrupt the defense, creating space for teammates to attack.

The owners are soccer fans with soccer matches playing on the tube. A rerun of the final World Cup played, and I can finally declare that I watched a game.

With black bar stools and a few booths, the weathered spot resembles a long lost bar of yesterday. There’s kitschy music and sports posters on the walls, including a wall featuring Iowa athletes.  

If you are looking for food and drink specials, arrive for happy hour, Monday through Friday. From 3-6 p.m., select drafts cost $3; $4 for house wine, draw and domestic beers and well drinks; $5 for call liquor, craft beers and seltzers; and $6 mules. Happy hour also takes place during the Valley Junction Farmers Market, so it is a hopping spot to imbibe. 

The liquor selection doesn’t include 20 vodka flavors or an extensive whiskey list, like some cocktail bars. False 9 serves straight-up, basic drinks –– think Jack Daniels, Black Velvet or Jameson. One trend they embraced is the canned cocktail craze. Viewing the beverage cooler, I counted more than 80 different canned beverage flavors including beer, cocktails, non-alcoholic and THC-infused beverages. 

Various food specials are offered five days a week. Tuesdays include all appetizers at half price. That means Birra egg rolls cost $7, wings $8 and pickle balls for $6.50. No, these are not the kind of pickle balls you hit with a paddle. These trendy pickle-flavored, deep-fried balls are made with cream cheese, pickles and garlic, served with dipping sauce. 

Casual pub fare rounds out the menu. The Steak Pie includes slow braised beef in a puff pastry with veggies and seasonings, served with gravy and mashed potatoes ($14). On Mondays, the Steak Pie is only $10. 

On Thursdays, order $10 jacket potatoes, which are a baked potato loaded with different toppings each week. Previous toppings include Birria, queso fresco, pico de gallo, or chili cheese. Whatever flavor, plan on lots of cheese, butter and sour cream.

Look for fish and chips, bison burgers and several chicken dishes, including golden-fried half chicken with mashed potatoes. End with a British dessert, Banoffee Pie, made with graham cracker crust, topped with bananas, caramel and whip cream for $7.

Still hungry on the weekend? Come for brunch, where favorites such as walnut blueberry pancakes are served.

Eclectic music, such as “Wipeout” and “A Tear in My Beer,” provided a backdrop for an entertaining, casual evening, nearly matching the music posters plastered on the walls. 

False 9 is one neighborhood bar that is sure to be a long-time staple in The Junction. ♦

Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She has covered many ordinary people living extraordinary lives.