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. In true dive bar fashion, some socials are not regularly updated. It’s best to go check them out IRL!
Featured Image: Daniel Lee, Unsplash / Last updated April 2025
Our Fav Dive Bars in Des Moines
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 1960s style corner bar, but also great cheap food. Come to relax with a Miller High Life and bacon wrapped tots, you’ll be glad you checked this one out!
Alpine Tap
- 2720 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Tuesday – Saturday, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Another time-honored bar on Ingersoll Ave, the Alpine Tap has been a favorite neighborhood bar for nearly 80 years. It’s a great spot to catch a game, play a round of pool, or listen to some tunes on their classic jukebox. Don’t forget your cash!
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.
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, you are sure to find a welcoming face when you are there.
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.
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.
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 jukebox, 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.
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, a friendly atmosphere, and generations of regulars at the Waveland Tap. They also have 14 beers on tap and a homemade bloody.
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’ll also find full food menu at this fine pub. Be sure to check their social pages for daily deals and updates.
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, quaint neighborhood bar in Johnston featuring a full food menu and stiff drinks. Lynn’s offers bingo every Thursday evening as well.
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, this spot offers plenty to indulge in, from a full food menu to delicious drinks. Stop by on a Tuesday to try their famous bread-dough tacos! You can also enjoy their patio or book their small party room for a gathering.
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 true dive bar in every sense, this gem sits just south of Des Moines along the bike trail, making it the perfect stop. Be sure to bring cash, as it’s a cash-only establishment.
All the deets. You might even find yourself a good souvenir with their logo while there 😉
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. They’re 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.
Source: The Avenues
Greenwood Lounge
- 3707 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Monday – Saturday, 2:15 p.m. – 2 a.m.
An Ingersoll classic, 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 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.
Beechwood Lounge
- 416 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. & Friday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Legend has it that Beechwood was once a bank and even a federal prison. Named after Budweiser’s beechwood aging process, this welcoming spot has a large selection of beers on tap and the 2nd Ave. Sandwich food truck is parked outside, providing quality late-night eats several months of the year.
GT
- 3013 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- 2 p.m. – 2 a.m., 7 days a week
It’s been described as a “punk-rock” cheers with over 90 different kinds of beer, several whiskey options, and old-school racing decor. While there’s no food menu, patrons can bring in an outside snack. Swing through Ted’s Coney Island across the street and wash down your gyro and fries with a cold beer.
Lefty’s
- 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Monday 7 p.m. – 12 a.m, Tuesday – Sunday 5 until close
