We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Thursday night deals around Des Moines. You’re so close to the weekend and yet still so far away. Celebrate an early Friday or “thirsty Thursday” at one of these hot spots in Des Moines, serving up Thursday specials to round out a week well done. Wind down for the week (or start your weekend off early!) with these Thursday night specials and events in Des Moines.
Last Updated: March 2025
Thursday Night Deals + Happenings
Bubba: $6 Sips + $10 Sliders
- Thursdays, 4 p.m. – close
- Bubba, 200 10th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Our fav, local Southern hot spot is serving up Sips + Sliders Thursdays! For $10, choose between either pulled pork, pulled chicken, or brisket sliders. Then, pick your $6 sip from a variety of options such as; old fashioneds, Bubba julep, Old Forester Bourbon, Bubba Hazy IPA, or a select wine by the glass. So, put your fancy pants on and head over to Bubba!
Ceviche Bar: Lobster Roll Thursdays
- Thursdays, all day
- Ceviche Bar, 223 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Lobster is a rare commodity these days living in Central Iowa. Craving that sweet, salty goodness? Do not fret- Ceviche is serving up lobster rolls every Thursday! What once was hard to find, you can now get right downtown. Pair this with one of their signature mojitos and it’ll have you dreaming of sandy beaches and rolling waves.
Up-Down: 10 Cent Tokens + $2 Off Signature Cocktails
- Thursdays, all day
- Up-Down, 500 E. Locust St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Not food-related but hey, who doesn’t love a little after-work fun? Up-Down has a great Thursday night special with 10 cent (yes, cents. Haven’t used that currency in a while) tokens and $2 off signature cocktails. Also, they’ve got some BOMB pizza.
Kelly’s Little Nipper: $9.50 Philly Basket + $3.50 Long Islands
- Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Kelly’s Little Nipper, 1701 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Sometimes, there’s really nothing better than some good ol’ bar food. Kelly’s Little Nipper can satisfy that craving with a $9.50 philly basket (including a side AND a drink) and $3.50 Long Islands. This spot is great to sit back and unwind, hanging out with the eastside locals.
Chelsie’s Courtyard Diner: $1 Burger Night
- Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Chelsie’s Courtyard Diner, 300 MLK Pkwy, Suite 170, Des Moines, IA 50309
Ladies and gentlemen. This is it. The king of all burger deals. $1 burgers. Yes, that’s it. A burger for one dollar, one buck, 100 pennies. Don’t believe us? Head over to Chelsie’s and find out for yourself.
Captain Roy’s: Karaoke + Smashburger Special
- Thursdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Warm up those vocal chords for a night of karaoke at Captain Roy’s! Sing your heart out to soulful tunes, or take out your post-9 to 5 frustrations on some heavy metal rock. Captain Roy’s is also serving up a smashburger special, so make sure to grab one and a pint of a local DSM brew to wash it down!
Clyde’s Fine Diner: Fiesta Thursday
- Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Clyde’s Fine Diner, 111 E Grand Ave Suite 111, Des Moines, IA 50309
NEW to the weekly rotation- Clyde’s is hosting Fiesta Thursdays, with a rotating menu every week. Enjoy 3 courses and agua fresca for only $38! Be on the lookout on social media for when a new menu drops to get the lineup AND enjoy occasional popup food/drink specials. Check out their Insta for the latest menu!
Fresko: $10 Sushi Rolls + Suntory Highball
- Thursdays, all day
- Fresko, 909 Locust St Ste. 103, Des Moines, IA 50309
Calling all sushi lovers!! Fresko has $10 ALL sushi rolls on Thursdays, including $10 Suntory Highballs! What are those you might ask? It’s a smooth, sweet drink made of suntory, orange bitters, Angostura bitters, black walnut bitters, and apricot vanilla honey. Sounds delish, right?!
MALO: Grilled Chicken + Filet Mignon Fajita Special
- Thursdays, all day
- MALO, 900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Forget Taco Tuesdays, when you have Fajita Thursdays!! MALO is a DSM fav and serves up quite the unique menu of entrees and sides, a Mexican-Latin fusion of sorts. Make sure to order a marg when you go, and check out their pork belly tacos or Malo fries!
Sully’s Irish Pub: 2-for-1 Domestic Draws, Bottles, Wells & Cans + $14 Steak Night
- Thursdays, all day
- Sully’s Irish Pub, 110 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Thursdays at Sully’s Irish Pub is twofer night! Get 2-for-1 on all domestic draws, bottles, wells and cans. The pub is also slinging steaks on Thursdays. Starting at 5 pm, you can order their 8 ounce steak and potato meal with a side of garlic bread all for just $14. Dinner is served!
- Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- The Stuffed Olive, 216 Court Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Stuffed Olive is the go to bar for all things martinis in the metro. On Thursdays, they are offering a buy two, get one free special on all martinis so gather up some friends and work your way through the yummy menu!
Are you a small business with a Thursday night deal or event that you’d like included? No problem – just drop us a message at the link below.
