It’s finally patio season in Des Moines, so this guide couldn’t come soon enough. We’ve compiled our current favorite patios in the DSM area, broken up by type of place: brewery, bar, rooftop/courtyard, or restaurant. 

Featured Photo: The Stuffed Olive Des Moines Facebook


This list can and should be updated. Tag us in your adventures and slide into our DMs letting us know what you think, or what we should add. ❤️  Without further ado, in alphabetical order because we can’t possibly rank our favorites. Enjoy!


Bars


Bartender’s Handshake

  • Ingersoll: 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Vibes: Laid back, relaxed patio with incredible cocktails and small bites

Source: The Bartender’s Handshake, Facebook

Captain Roy’s

  • Birdland Marina: 1900 Saylor Road, Des Moines, IA 50313
  • Vibes: A dog friendly, bike trail patio bar and live music venue at the Birdland Marina

Source: Captain Roy’s, Facebook

Coa Cantina

  • East Village: 425 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: All the tequila drinks! Good for people watching during the day or partying at night

Source: Coa Cantina, Facebook

Ernie’s Boondock

  • East Village: 440 E Grand Ave, Des Moines IA 50309
  • Vibes: Relaxed atmosphere, perfect for people watching or midday meetups

The Hall

  • Valley Junction: 111 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • Vibes: Lively beer hall with live music and shade

Source: The Hall DSM, Facebook

Juniper Moon

  • Ingersoll: 2005 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: An intimate spot for craft cocktails

Source: Juniper Moon, Facebook

Secret Admirer

  • Downtown: 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Fresh cocktails with a view of the skyline. A great stop after the Farmer’s Market!

Source: Secret Admirer, Facebook

Truman’s Pizza Tavern

  • East Village: 400 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Pizza, brunch, watching sports—you name it, they’ve got it

Source: Truman’s Pizza Tavern, Facebook


Breweries


Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

  • Sherman Hill: 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Huge, great lawn games, large menu with delicious food options

Source: Big Grove Brewery, Facebook

Confluence Brewing Company

Source: Confluence Brewing Company, Facebook

Lua Brewing

  • Sherman Hill: 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Perfect patio in Sherman Hill, good beer and delicious seasonal menus

Source: Lua Brewing, Facebook

Singlespeed Brewing

  • East Village: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Huge patio, good brews and food Great for bike rides

Source: SingleSpeed Brewing Co, Facebook


Restaurants


Angry Goldfish Pub and Eatery

  • Southside: 2301 SW 9th st., Des Moines, IA 50315
  • Vibes: The perfect neighborhood bar nestled just outside of downtown

Source: Angry Goldfish Pub and Eatery, Facebook

Centro

  • Downtown: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Longstanding Italian with a slightly upscale ambiance complete with white tablecloth service

Source: Centro, Facebook

Eatery A

  • Ingersoll: 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Vibes: An absolute classic in Des Moines for happy hour, with specials including half off pizza and wine

Source: Eatery A, Facebook

Either/Or

  • Grand Ave: 6222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Vibes: Homey and eclectic, family and dog friendly, great for sipping on your favorite Lua beers and brunch

Source: Either/Or

Louie’s Wine Dive

  • University Ave: 4040 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Vibes: Extensive wine list, locally sourced cuisine and live music

Source: Louie’s Wine Dive, Facebook

The Latin King

  • Eastside: 2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
  • Vibes: What’s better than a European courtyard aesthetic with an aperol spritz in hand?

Source: The Latin King, Facebook

The Walnut DSM

  • Downtown: 1417 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Laid back, great food, great street

Source: The Walnut, Facebook


Rooftops / Courtyards

300 Craft & Rooftop

  • Downtown: 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Great for trivia and views of Downtown Des Moines, especially on a Friday night to catch the fireworks after an ICubs game!

Source: 300 Craft & Rooftop, Facebook

Jasper Winery

  • Downtown: 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
  • Vibes: Live music, events, and the best glass of sangria around!

Source: Jasper Winery, Facebook

Republic on Grand

  • East Village: 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Open air rooftop with gorgeous views day or night

Source: The Republic on Grand, Facebook

Stuffed Olive

  • Downtown: 216 Court Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: A large selection of martinis, front patio for dining and a spacious courtyard for drinking

Source: Stuffed Olive, Facebook

Surety Courtyard

  • Downtown: 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Live music, shareable bites, cocktails and Surety Slushies. A favorite for happy hours!

Source: The Surety Hotel, Facebook

The Cork 50131

  • Johnston: 6205 Merle Hay Rd Suite 130, Johnston, IA 50131
  • Vibes: Wine bar, date spot, patio area!

The Dam Pub

  • Beaverdale:  2710 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
  • Vibes: Casual neighborhood bar with ’90s theme and fun rooftop over Beaverdale

Source: 300 Craft & Rooftop, Facebook