Written by: Claire Tuchek & Madison Stano, Des Moines Girl Contributors

Looking for a low-key night out but with maybe a little sizzle? Look no further than some of Des Moines area’s finest dive bars. 

When we say dive bars, think – small bar, hole in the wall, been there for years but with a really great atmosphere, quite a bit of foot traffic and a lot of good times.

Disclaimer: Opening and closing hours subject to change. Please double check with all businesses’ latest listed hours. 

Featured Image: Daniel Lee, Unsplash

Our Fav Dive Bars in Des Moines

Carl’s Place

  • 1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • 10 am – 2 am every day, 7 days a week

Carl’s situated in Sherman Hill is definitely on the way home from everywhere no matter where you are headed. More recently Carl’s has taken on new neighbors in the last few years with Big Grove Brewery and Lua Brewing in walking distance to Carl’s. Carl’s is sure to serve up strong drinks, weeknight specials, and home to darts and pool.

Check it out.

Locust Tap

  •  434 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. & Friday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.

This corner bar located in the East Village, it is the perfect place to stop in for a drink or a few depending upon where you want the night to take you. Start early, start late and you are sure to find a welcoming face when you are there.

All the info.

Norm’s Pub

  • 400 6th St, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. & Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Open since 2019 on the triangle of Waukee town center. You will find great drinks, pool, darts, and a great patio and pickleball court out back.

The deets.

Kenny’s Garage

  • 605 Ashworth Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Open 7 days a week, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. 

Located on the triangle of Waukee town center. You can find live music at Kenny’s every Friday and Saturday and bingo on Sundays.

Get the info.

Stevie C’s

  • 204 SE Main St, Grimes, IA, United States, 50111
  • Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Eccentric is how they describe themselves and we couldn’t agree more. With 100’s of beer tap handles hanging from the ceiling, a juke box, a patio out back, and a couple pool tables- what more could you need for a night out? And if you’re hungry when you go stay for some pizza or other bar food.

Check em’ out

High Life Lounge

  • 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Not only will you find the ‘champagne of all beers in this 1960’s style corner bar, but also great cheap food. Come to relax downtown with a Miller High Life in hand and you’ll be glad you checked out this one. 

All the deets.

Waveland Tap

  • 4704 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

One of Des Moines oldest neighborhood bars. You can find daily specials at the Waveland Tap, a friendly atmosphere and generations of regulars. They have 14 beers on tap and a homemade bloody.

Get the info.

Stormy’s Dixieland Tavern (Stormy’s)

  • 6923 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA, United States, Iowa
  • Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Urbandale’s oldest since 1938. Daily specials and even better deals during football season! You can find a full food menu as well at this fine pub. Be sure to check their social pages for daily deals and updates.

Check it out.

Lynn’s on Merle Hay

  • 6014 NW 59th Ct, Johnston, IA 50131
  • Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.

A small, but quaint neighborhood bar in Johnston featuring a full food menu and stiff drinks. Lynn’s offers bingo every Thursday evening as well.

Check it out.

Yankee Clipper

  • 312 SW Maple St, Ankeny, IA 50023
  • Monday – Saturday,  9 a.m. – 2 a.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Established in uptown Ankeny in 1943, you are sure to find something to indulge in from their full food menu or one of their delicious drinks. Heck, stop by on Tuesday for their famous bread-dough tacos. They also offer a patio and a small party room.

Get the info.

Cumming Tap

  • 117 N 44th St, Cumming, IA 50061
  • Tuesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Sunday – Monday, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

A very true dive bar if I do say so myself, situated just south of Des Moines and along the bike trail it is the perfect stop. If stopping by, be sure to bring your cash with you as they are a cash only bar. You might even find yourself a good souvenir with their logo while there 😉

All the deets.

Shorty’s

  • 208 Court Ave Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Tuesday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 12 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.

A self-proclaimed “somewhat fancy bar”, Shorty’s is located almost speakeasy-style in the bottom of ROCA on Court Ave. Their known for some pretty good jams, dancin’ and some no frills charm. A perfect hideaway from the usual Court Ave bar scene of loud and crowds aren’t your thing.

Check em’ out

Source: The Avenues

Greenwood Lounge

  • 3707 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Monday – Saturday, 2:15 p.m. – 2 a.m.

An Ingersoll classic, and nestled right next to Manhattan Deli, let Greenwood Lounge entertain you with a night of live music and classic bar fare. Patrons rave about the variety of live music, with bands from all around the metro coming in to show off their talents. 

The deets.

The Yacht Club

  • 2617 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Monday – Saturday, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. & Sunday, 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Much like the Greenwood Lounge, this Ingersoll haunt makes for the perfect stop for a casual after dinner drink. Where the prices are low but the vibe is high, local DSM citizens come to the Yacht Club for live music and even pop-up events throughout the year. 

All the info.

Looking for even more guides? Check out our full “drink” category of guides below.

All the “drinks” guides.