Bars For A Guys Night in Des Moines, IA

Top bars for a guys night

#1 - The Blazing Saddle

Des Moines' oldest gay bar, affectionately known as the "Gay Cheers," has been a cornerstone of the East Village since 1983. Open 365 days a year, it offers daily happy hours, trivia nights, and a variety of drag shows. With a motto of "Always A Double, Never A Cover," patrons enjoy generous drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

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#2 - Confluence Brewing Company

Brewery · $$

Located just south of downtown Des Moines near Gray's Lake, Confluence Brewing Company offers a spacious taproom with both indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery is known for its 'Beer-A-Week' initiative, releasing new beers weekly alongside their annual favorites. Their outdoor beer garden and deck are dog-friendly, and there's ample bike parking with access off the Gray’s Lake bike trail. Food trucks often visit the venue, offering a variety of food options to complement the beer selection. Confluence Brewing Company has been recognized for its quality craft beers, earning accolades such as 'Best Local Craft Beer' in CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines poll for 2022.

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#3 - Coa Cantina

Cocktail bar · $$

Nestled in Des Moines' East Village, Coa Cantina is a tequila lover's haven, boasting over 125 varieties. Their Coa Margarita, crafted with blanco tequila, house-made orange curacao, and fresh lime juice, is a standout. The menu features street tacos, elote, and ceviche, with the elote earning particular praise. The intimate setting, housed in a historic 1880s building, offers a cozy ambiance. Recognized as Best East Village Bar and Best Local Margarita in recent polls, Coa Cantina is a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

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#4 - Hessen Haus

Pub · $$

Hessen Haus is a German beer hall in Des Moines' Court District, housed in a former train station. It offers over 50 German beers on tap and a menu featuring traditional dishes like schnitzels and bratwursts. The rustic interior with communal tables and a spacious outdoor patio creates a lively atmosphere. A highlight is the "Passing of the Boot," a drinking game involving a two-liter glass boot.

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#5 - Up-Down

Arcade bar · $$

Up-Down is a retro arcade bar in Des Moines' East Village, offering over 60 classic arcade games from the '80s and '90s, including favorites like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat 3. The two-story space features pinball machines, three skee-ball alleys, and life-size Jenga and Connect Four. Games are just 25 cents each. The bar boasts an extensive craft beer selection with 20 beers on tap and a variety of bottles and cans, as well as '80s and '90s-inspired cocktails. Pizza by the slice is also available. Must be 21+ to enter.

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#6 - Captain Roy's

Beer garden · $$

Perched along the Des Moines River at Birdland Marina, Captain Roy's is a lively riverside bar and eatery that has become a local favorite. Its spacious outdoor patio, accessible via the Neal Smith bike trail, offers a relaxed setting for enjoying live music, a diverse menu, and a wide selection of canned beers. The venue is family and dog-friendly, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

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#7 - Bellhop

Cocktail bar · $$

Bellhop is a vibrant tiki bar in Des Moines' East Village, known for its eclectic mid-century modern decor featuring vintage suitcases and retro travel posters. The menu offers Polynesian-inspired cocktails, with the "Des Moines Daiquiri" being a local favorite. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike.

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#8 - Francie's

Sports bar · $$

Established in 1987, Francie's Bar & Grill is a locally owned neighborhood spot on Des Moines' Southside, just off Fleur Drive. Known for its half-pound Angus beef burgers and homemade dishes like Italian sausage sandwiches and Buffalo wings, the bar offers a casual atmosphere with a selection of domestic and specialty beers. Voted the Best Southside Bar in Des Moines by CITYVIEW in 2019, it's a go-to for both residents and visitors looking to relax and enjoy a game.

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#9 - Beaver Tap

Dive bar · $

Nestled in Des Moines' Beaverdale neighborhood, Beaver Tap is a cozy spot known for its hearty breakfast options and classic pub fare. Their menu features generous omelets, including the Enchilada Omelette, and standout dishes like the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. The bar offers a selection of craft beers on tap and hosts live music and free pool nights, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

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#10 - Nightingale Cocktail

Cocktail bar · $$$

Located in Des Moines' Historic East Village, Nightingale Cocktail is a sleek, modern bar that transitions from a relaxed lounge to a vibrant nightclub as the evening unfolds. By day, it offers a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails in a comfortable setting; by night, it energizes with live DJs and a dynamic dance floor. The venue boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, enhancing its lively atmosphere. Notably, the bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails, including the Lavender Dream and the coffee-infused Press On, which have garnered praise from patrons.

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