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 out by type of place: brewery, bar, rooftop/courtyard, or restaurant. Enjoy!

Featured Photo: The Dam Pub in Beaverdale. 

As we were being faked out by Spring in March, and even a little in April, we took this time to round up all the new and existing patios just waiting for warm weather. 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.

Bars

Bartender’s Handshake

  • INGERSOLL: 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Vibes: Laid back, relaxed patio with upscale 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 bike trail patio bar and live music venue at the Birdland Marina, also dog friendly!

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 in the day or partying at night

Source: Coa Cantina, Facebook

Ernie’s Boondock

  • EAST VILLAGE: 440 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
  • Vibes: Relaxed atmosphere perfect for people watching or midday meet ups.

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

  • DOWTOWN: 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. An all around place for any vibe.

Source: Truman’s Pizza Tavern, Facebook

Breweries

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

  • INGERSOLL: 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Huge, great lawn games, tons of great food options

Source: Big Grove Brewery DSM, 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 menu. Great for bike rides

Source: Lua Brewing, Facebook

Peace Tree Brewing Co.

  • EAST VILLAGE: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Perfect stop in the East Village. Always has great pop ups and events!

Source: Peace Tree Brewery, Facebook

Singlespeed Brewing

  • EAST VILLAGE: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Huge patio, great 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

Eatery A

  • INGERSOLL: 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Vibes: An absolute classic in Des Moines for happy hour. Who doesn’t love 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. Great for bike rides.

Source: Either/Or

Louie’s Wine Dive

  • UNIVERSITY AVE:
  • Vibes: Great wine selection, locally sourced cuisine and live music.

Source: Louie’s Wine Dive, Facebook

Rita’s Cantina

  • EAST VILLAGE: 401 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Need a marg? Need a flight of margs? Go to Rita’s on a hot summer day/night.

Source: Rita’s Cantina, 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

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

Jasper Winery

  • DOWTOWN: 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: The fanciest rooftop that the East Village has and the food is good too!

Source: The Republic on Grand, Facebook

Surety Courtyard

  • DOWNTOWN: 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Vibes: Live music, shareable bites, cocktails and Surety Slushies at the Surety Hotel Courtyard. 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!