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LIVE MAPIA

Des Moines Nightlife

Best Bars in Des Moines

5 venues

Hello, Marjorie

cocktail bar
4.6

A stylish and sophisticated cocktail bar with a mid-century modern vibe.

Downtown

El Bait Shop

beer bar
4.3

A legendary beer bar with over 200 beers on tap.

Downtown

The Bartender's Handshake

cocktail bar
4.8

A cozy and intimate cocktail bar with creative and delicious drinks.

Ingersoll

The Republic on Grand

rooftop bar
4.2

A chic rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline.

East Village

Up-Down

arcade bar
4.5

A fun and lively arcade bar with a great selection of retro games.

East Village

Best Night Out in Des Moines

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Hello, Marjorie

Downtown ·

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

The Republic on Grand

East Village ·

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Noce Jazz Club

Downtown ·

Nightlife Neighborhoods

East Village

The East Village is a vibrant and historic neighborhood with a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to go for a night out, with a variety of options to choose from, including trendy cocktail bars, lively pubs, and unique music venues.

Best for: Trendy bars and live music
Crowd:

Downtown

Downtown Des Moines is the heart of the city's nightlife scene, with a wide variety of bars and clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail lounge, a lively sports bar, or a place to dance the night away, you'll find it in Downtown.

Best for: A little bit of everything
Crowd:

Court Avenue District

The Court Avenue District is a popular destination for nightlife in Des Moines, with a concentration of bars and clubs in a lively and energetic atmosphere. It's a great place to go for a fun and casual night out with friends.

Best for: Bar hopping and a lively atmosphere
Crowd:
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
East VillageTrendy bars and live music
DowntownA little bit of everything
Court Avenue DistrictBar hopping and a lively atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nightlife like in Des Moines?

Des Moines has a surprisingly diverse and vibrant nightlife scene, with a wide variety of bars and clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail lounge, a lively sports bar, or a place to dance the night away, you'll find it in Des Moines.

What are the best bars in Des Moines?

Some of the best bars in Des Moines include Hello, Marjorie, El Bait Shop, The Bartender's Handshake, The Republic on Grand, and Up-Down. These bars offer a variety of experiences, from craft cocktails to arcade games.

What time does nightlife start in Des Moines?

Nightlife in Des Moines typically starts around 9:00 PM and goes until 2:00 AM. However, some bars and clubs may have different hours, so it's always a good idea to check before you go.