Really love the layout! I like the different seating options and how it can really change the…read moreambience from one side of the room to the other. The service was good. The staff know what they're doing. The drink options are pretty good too. I like that you can order food too. It's a great place to get together with friends.

This bar is also in the basement, across from the black sheep. The lighting is better, pretty big…read morewith lots of seating options. They offer food however the kitchen was already closed. This is a whiskey bar, the only cognac they have was corvosier. I ordered a shot anyway.

Gorgeous jazz bar with exceptional drinks. I'm a huge Old Fashioned fan. I tried both the smoked…read morebutter pecan and the cinnamon one. Delicious. Service was excellent from a new bartender on his second night. Ice cubes were a fun touch. This is a great date night location.

My husband and I love speakeasies, whenever we visit cities we get excited about trying one out, so…read morewe've been to quite a few. This one was disappointing. LOWS: Food: Mozzarella sticks were pale and bland. The red sauce tasted like canned tomato paste. The charcuterie board was a let down too. The prosciutto was overly slimy and smelled spoiled. The bread wasn't a fresh sourdough like advertised, it was a Texas toast. HIGHS: Cocktails: The drinks we had were great! They have over 100 different bourbon and a variety of cocktails. Mixed Feelings: Music: The band Nola was fantastic. They matched the vibe we were expecting. But no one told us about the $5 (per person) cover charge. It wasn't on the menu, the website or the reservation nor was it mentioned to us verbally. Ambiance: The decor and dark chairs were great. However I've never been to a speakeasy with wide open windows that let so much light in.

Cute place. It has great space both inside and out! The owner is splendid along with the woman…read morewho was working with her. They both are so knowledgeable and full of suggestions. We did a tasting of all the offerings. It was done by the owner and she imparted her wisdom on the process of distilling and flavor profiles. I personally learned I don't like liquor without it mixed with something. They had a band and a sushi/pho food truck and the outside space has lovely views...the craft cocktails are quite nice too! If you are looking for something to do on a weekend this place should be added to your list.

Very peaceful patio that was dog friendly. Live music inside was very good. You could just barely…read morehear it outside. The breeze was wonderful and patio was shaded. Seating comfortable. The berry sparkler was wonderful. Revelation mulberry gin and citrus soda with huge berries. We also had the dirty martini which had a unique flavor and was delicious. Service was friendly with a smile. They even found a dog bowl for water which they added ice to for the girls. For a first visit it was a plan again visit. Great atmosphere, great service and very very good cocktails.

Well I liked Whiskey River a lot more than some of the other reviewers here! Came here with a group…read moreafter a football game, and the place was packed, and every inch of every wall was covered with holiday lights. Where I'm from, they would call this a Christmas Bar and charge $50 just to get in! The service was amazing and the food was decent bar food. Great music, bartenders jump on the bar to dance, big screens with more football. What's not to love? Try the fried pickles!

8/17/26 11:30 p.m…read more Where to start? Well, when you walk in, you're greeted with a prominent musty smell and an incredibly sticky floor. The overall decor is very "college frat house," lol. Don't get me wrong, it's fun, but it's all over the place. Including the moose head full of bras, lol. The condensation from the AC ductwork is dripping all over the bar, including on the tables, chairs, and pool table. It wasn't too busy, but the bartender on shift didn't seem to want to acknowledge us while we waited at the bar to order. For the majority of the time we were there, she seemed as if she didn't want to be working and did not seem very happy. We did wind up getting a smile from her by the end of the night, though, and she seemed to cheer up a little. The bathrooms were an absolute disaster, and I would recommend risking a ticket going outside rather than using those bathrooms. They looked and smelled as if they hadn't been cleaned in months. Overall, the prices were not too bad. The specialty shots seemed a little steep for the small amount of alcohol that was actually in them, but they're "specialty," so...

Hello again Fort! I've benefited from your secret a couple…read moretimes now. Tonight before the Disturbed concert is no different. The crowd was minimal. We ordered drinks and an appetizer to share at the bar. I keep recognizing the bartender and I am sure she is there most of the time. My friend and I got a new item on the menu tonight. Even she had not gotten to see it yet. We got the Graziano Sausage Empanadas served with homemade marinara sauce. We got it to have at one of the tables close by since there was no crowd. They came out piping hot and really good. We both had 2 and it was the perfect amount. I love that they continue to keep their promise and update their menu on a regular basis. I posted the picture of the night that I was here, but it is sure to change a little. I appears the build your own burger is a staple as its been here since I first got to try it in 2019. I'd say "dont go" JUST so it can be a secret and not busy, but really, this is the place to hit inside Wells. Shhhhh.

The bartender was a rock star. Great place hidden from the rest of the concessions. Seek them out…read moreand you will not be disappointed.

Great atmosphere, drinks, and service. We will be back next Junior Olympics and will bring the…read moreentire coaching staff.

The restaurant was not busy when we arrived and we were greeted as soon as we walked in being told…read morewelcome in and pic a seat that works for us. We found our seat and were immediately greeted by a new server Rylie she was super sweet and gave us time to go over the menu. She did let us know she was new which was good because if we had questions that she didn't know she was willing to find out. Our drinks came quickly and were cold. Our food was good and fresh. The waitress came back multiple times to check on us. I have read some rather mean reviews on this restaurant and I do have to say people should understand how long these servers and cooks have to work. Some of them are pulling 12 hour shifts. Be patient, it seems they are trying to fix some of the previous issues. Again I will reiterate our service was great. The ambiance was like a pub with clean tables and the restrooms were clean as well. We will be back.

My coworker and I just happened across this bar in the middle of town while on a job. It was the…read morebest stop of our trip! Wade and his staff are incredibly friendly, accommodating, and the patrons are a hoot to get to know. Thanks, Wade and crew, as well as your fantastic patrons; we will DEFINITELY be back to see you when we are in the area, no matter what brings us there. Slightly longer review: You're doing yourself a huge favor when you decide to stop in here... there's a great selection of craft brews, offering (at the time we stopped in) a well balanced variety of craft stouts, porters, lagers and ales as well as the well known National brands. There was a really good selection of liquors on display, and a fair stock of trimmings for mixed drinks, which the the friendly 'tenders aren't afraid to mix something inventive up - if you've a mind to it. The decor is museum-worthy and the patrons offer up great conversation. This bar is, without a doubt, in my top 3.

Awesome--I can't believe this cool of a bar is right here in Osky. Some rando neighbor even bought…read moreme and my wife a "mini beer" that tasted straight like ice cream! Cool place. Will be back with friends. If you're passing through and want to a see a unique spot stop here.

Went here Friday night to play their hosted trivia. Great emcee that was really funny…read more Drinks were cheap, and tap beer was fresh tasting Didn't win the trivia event, but a fun time Bring your friends and load up on 80's and 90's music and movie trivia, it will make or break ya!

Yep, the other reviews hit this one right on the head. First…read moreoff, the men's bathroom has no sink to wash your hands, and it smells like it has not been cleaned in while! I saw the bartender go somewhere and come back and put vodka on his hands and wipe his hands and arms with vodka? Is this his form of sanitation? After using the bathroom. WOW that's scary.. Now the good thing about this bar is that the drinks are cheap, and they have fun events like a rock paper scissors tournament every week, with beer deals too! They have nice pool tables, beer pong room, darts, and music videos on a screen. But that's not enough to make me want to come back. The bar tender was not the most personable and that bathroom situation is just bad! If you want go to an actual "DIVE" bar without the charm this might be your spot!

Great vibe. Perfect place to get drinks with friends or for a date night. Huge cocktail menu and…read moreall great drinks ranging from your classics to super unique flavor combos.

Stopped in on a hot Sunday for a frozen drink. I saw they have a patio online; however, with the…read moreheat of the day, I ended up taking a seat inside. The server was efficient and quickly served me a mug of water. I started with the flamingo, which is a frozen daiquiri. I loved the glass straw and my drink stayed frozen to the last sip. Then I switched it up and got a mocktail. The Karate kid was carrot forward with a hint of ginger and spice. It was all around refreshing. I couldn't leave without taking a picture of the art above the table where I sat. I especially liked, "Be a Good Loser."

We wandered in on a week night and had so much fun! I imagine given the gorgeous space, incredible…read moredrinks, attentive serve, and delicious bites, this place is packed on the weekends. Oh and BTW... The Contrary in Des Moines has also been recognized as a national semifinalist for Best New Bar ( 2026 ). The Food is elevated Bar Bites The Drinks are contemporary craft ( both cocktails and mocktails ) and the Vibe is New York Chic with Iowa Elbow Room.

I've been here a few times this is a beautiful, Chill, Great Vibe's bar that speaks to you like a…read morespeakeasy with the crafted cocktails it has it all, but prior to visiting before I wasn't a fan of the cocktails. I'm not sure what change but the menu got an upgrade and the cocktails were fantastic and the small bits were sickening. That Date dessert needs to be studied because it was too damn good. I'll be back!