1. Heroes
Find it: 216 Court Ave., Second Floor
Don’t let this bar fool you. It may be all (OK, mostly) business during happy hour. But as the night progresses, the drinking masses start to trickle onto the corner dance floor at this downtown locale. The lure of the dance at Heroes has been known to attract even the most rhythmically challenged individuals after enough social lubrication. Hours are 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 p.m.-2.a.m. Friday through Sunday.
2. Beechwood Lounge
Find it: 416 E. Walnut St.
The Beechwood is a Budweiser-themed throwback bar that twice-monthly turns its basement into a retro dance spot as DJs exclusively spin 45s. And for those who’ve forgotten the antiquated yet cult-loved musical format, a 45 is a vinyl record. Second Saturday Shakedown features Johnny 2 Tone and DJ Eight Ten spinning R&B, northern soul, New Orleans funk, rockabilly, exotica, oddities and more. The last Saturday of each month is Pressure Drop, an event hosted by DJ Eight Ten, who spins reggae, soul, funk and R&B. Dance events are from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Arriving at one of these little-known events in an otherwise stony lower-level is akin to Baby stumbling upon the secret after-hours, sexy, sweaty dancing for the first time, in, well “Dirty Dancing.”
3. Denny Arthur’s
Find it: 2400 86th St., Suite 7, Urbandale
Denny Arthur’s has a reputation. And we’re not talking about its proclivity for cougars looking to prey on younger men, though that reputation exists. The energy at this Urbandale bar is focused on the dance floor. It’s in the center of the room, and is flanked by seating on three sides, making it the main attraction for its patrons. Unlike other dance-centric bars in town, Denny Arthur’s picks up well before 9 p.m., so arrive early to sit in view of the mirror-ball dance floor. Hours are from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday.
