The look: The first feeling I had inside Big Al's Roadhouse was that I felt like I was sitting in a friend's kitchen. Part of this is due to the kitchen cabinets in one corner, the tables and chairs scattered around the place and the clean, neat appearance. And part of this is due to the relaxed nature of this easy-to-find and easy-to-ease-into Waukee hangout.
The crowd: "Why would you name a bar after a dog?" bar regular Poncho said, in reference to one of the bar's previous names, Yogi's Pub. "It was a great dog." Poncho is a familiar face at Big Al's and recounted the history of the bar. Despite Poncho, the typical crowd at Big Al's is early-to-late 20s, said bartender Melissa Davis, with some older folks mixed in. Waukee residents frequent the place, but a few stragglers or party buses from Des Moines sometimes stumble in.
The two drinks: Davis informed us that the standards such as Jack and Coke or Captain and Coke are popular at the bar, but she also introduced us to a popular shot with the younger crowd: a Starfucker. This bomb is a mix of Crown Royal and Watermelon Pucker, but you won't even taste the whiskey in this slightly sweet shot. Davis said they go through a lot of the shots, and one taste will explain why. Next up was a Pineapple Upside Down Cake shot. Not as sweet as the Starfucker, but still worth a try if you want something different than the usual. For beer fans, Big Al's serves a 32-ounce miniature pitcher of beer. Share with a friend, or more than likely, enjoy it all to yourself.
The grub: There is no menu at Big Al's, but word is there are appetizers served every day. Snacks such as popcorn chicken, little smokies or hot dogs can be found starting around 2 p.m.
The verdict: While it's a bit far for most people, Big Al's may be worth the trip.
