Top 50 Bars
You voted Johnny's Hall of Fame top bar in central Iowa
1. Johnny's Hall of Fame
When you want to watch the big game, you go to Johnny’s
2. Toad's Tavern
Toad’s Tavern is located off busy East University Avenue, making it feel like a bit of a secret...
4. el Bait Shop
There are few bars that can impress beer lovers like el Bait Shop. With more than 100 beers on tap...
3. Royal Mile and Red Monk
The Mile has an insane assortment of Scotch and a selection of UK beers that extends well beyond...
MORE Bars & Clubs FEATURES
Wellman's
Though they share the same name, Wellman’s two locations are polar opposite of one another. Head to Ingersoll Avenue, to a jeans-and-T-shirt kind of place, where everybody knows your name. Visit Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop in the Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines and enjoy a cocktail at the sleek bar, or on the rooftop patio.
6. Mickey's Irish Pub
Another top 10 bar with multiple locations, Mickey’s Irish Pub satisfies the need to feel like an Irishman. Each Mickey’s location has a different owner and each appeals to a slightly different crowd.
7. Kelly's Little Nipper
From the decor to the people at the little dive, located just east of the Capitol, it boasts the old-school flair and charm that brings back regulars night after night, even with a recent change of owners.
8. High Life Lounge
While many Full Court Press bars boast menus of imported, obscure and hard-to-find beers, High Life Lounge keeps things simple and serves no beers created after 1979
9. Hessen Haus
Dark, strong beers like Spaten, Warsteiner and Paulaner fill giant glass boots to be shared among friends around the table. It’s the ideal place to hoist a stein.
Saints
Saints offers impressive patio spaces at locations in West Des Moines and its newer Beaverdale bar.
