Posted April 20, 2016in Belly Up To...
Have you ever wondered how Kung Fu Tap & Taco received its name? Brad “Fatty” Smith is the co-owner and bartender, and he said his partner first thought of idea. “My partner said, ‘What if we called it, Kung Fu?’ ” Smith said. They both laughed, but they didn’t
Read More →
Posted April 13, 2016in Belly Up To...
Before the building was the Beechwood Lounge, at various times it was a bank, a federal prison and even an LGBT bar, at least according to longtime bartender Nic Bell. “There used to be a poll and dance stage right here,” Bell motions to the rear area of the
Read More →
Posted April 06, 2016in Belly Up To..., Cover Story
Granite City has been a staple restaurant and brewery in Clive for 15 years, especially as the spot for one of the best brunches in Des Moines. In those 15 years, Granite City’s buffet-style brunch has seen little change, until now. “We’ve had one of the more successful brunches in
Read More →
Posted April 01, 2016in Belly Up To...
Churches around the country and the metro are consistently looking for ways to make attendance easier, more convenient and more entertaining. Most offer coffee, allow casual dress and provide childcare. But one downtown church is raising eyebrows while pushing this concept to a whole new level. According to city documents,
Read More →
Posted March 23, 2016in Belly Up To...
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope. It’s Superman and Batman arguing about Tanya Tucker and Reba McEntire while sipping on bottles of Schlitz. Welcome to All in the Family Lounge. “It’s a neighborhood bar,” said Manager Deb Fisher, when asked what makes the place special. She’s worked
Read More →
Posted March 16, 2016in Belly Up To...
“Everybody calls it a dive,” said Candice Crane, the bartender at Stan’s Place on Second Avenue. She goes on to say they’re also known for doing “free pours,” which means they don’t measure how much alcohol goes in each drink. “That’s kind of rare,” she said. The sign out front
Read More →
Posted March 09, 2016in Belly Up To...
It’s Friday afternoon, the sun is shining, and it’s skipping work weather. It’s a perfect day for bellying up at Vickie’s Bar, located just south of Euclid on Second Avenue. “What’s up killer?” said a man sitting at the bar as the door closes. “ARF!” a wiener dog in a
Read More →
Posted March 02, 2016in Belly Up To...
Donna’s Lounge on Southeast 14th Street is full of Bitches. Now hear this out. Put your pen down, and hold off a second on your angry email to the editor. The group of ladies that assembles at Donna’s for a few suds and a little socializing call themselves Bitches. “That’s
Read More →
Posted February 24, 2016in Belly Up To...
Location, location, location. When buying a home or property, location is the most important factor, according to some. Apparently that applies to bars, too. 300 Craft and Rooftop chose the third floor of the 300 MLK complex due to the availability of a patio, but also the great view it
Read More →
Posted February 17, 2016in Belly Up To...
The sign above the red brick building features a shapely dame who is scantily clad, impossibly proportioned and wearing a sailor’s cap atop her flowing blonde locks. She’s rocking high heels, sporting short shorts with a blue kerchief tied around her neck. The animated image leans flirtatiously against a three-olive
Read More →
