Incredible little low-key spot. It's grungy, it's cool, you meet creative and interesting people there. Everyone is very friendly, and it's a great vibe. We just moved back here and my coworker recommended it. We've now been twice and loved it both times. There's absolutely nothing like in Des Moines-- It feels like New York underground, but Des Moines, down to earth, easy parking and SO welcoming. Also, bartenders are super nice. The girl bartender servicing us even said she would make us a custom cocktail, based on what we were in the mood for. My husband told her what he was craving and she made him exactly that. Might I add...with little information on his part. (He's not the biggest talker hehe!). He said it was his favorite drink he's ever had. Tonight was a little more chill, but the first time everyone was dancing and it was just as fun both times. This is our favorite new little spot and we will definitely be back!! read more

Didn't have any food here but did have a few drinks. No complaints. We kind of accidentally went here on our way to Ceviche. I'll definitely be back. Really enjoyed the vibe. read more

Black Sheep DSM - Drink - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The entrance was sketchy. It's located on the side of the building and red color sign. My cousins were hesitant about going in, I told her it's an EDM/techno bar. She thought it would be goth and heavy metal. To our surprise, they did play techno music. Lighting is dim, just the red color rope lights on the ceiling and walls. This is a tequila bar, we just ordered a couple of beers. read more

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Cool place to stop in for a couple of tequila beverages. They have a variety of brands to try. read more

Black Sheep DSM - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Speakeasy with an extensive tequila & mezcal menu, a live vinyl DJ and DVDs on the tv.. my kinda vibe

I think this place is a speakeasy. To be honest this you guys the first three times that I passed this place, I was too scared to go in. The fourth time was the charm and I finally made it down the creepy stairs. I was expecting a run down dirty local bar where just as many brawls had been fought than drinks poured. As always I was pleasantly surprised that its look was deceiving. It was honestly a chill place with a satanistic vibe on the decorations. They had a live DJ who bumps some great Euro edm music. Some people danced, and others chilled and talked. I didn't have a drink so I can't talk about price or selection. Once my buddies had ordered we grabbed a table and sat and throughly enjoyed ourselves. Great local place, don't let the looks scare you. read more

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Bartender was incredibly rude. Snatched away drinks that we weren't finished with. Ambiance and music were cool but we won't be back.

I wasn't sure what to think of this place but ended up here with colleagues after a conference one evening. Decor: This place is legit pretty sinister looking. Everything inside is bathed in a sort of spooky red light--like, everything. From a space perspective, it's a pretty intimate place with space for maybe 20-25 in the downstairs bar. Love the focus on tequila and mezcal. That's my thang! They do have some interesting cocktails as well. Music choice was oddly quite a bit of old school, although we rather liked that. On the whole, this is definitely an interesting bar and it seemed to be the only thing open after 10 PM, so hey--when in Rome aka Des Moines... read more

I liked Black Sheep from the second I stepped through the doorway. Down the stairs toward the red glow of what Ralphie might have also called "electric sex," whoever it is that makes up the "we" in "we are your shepherds" must have forgotten that black sheep resist being in the herd. Maybe that's the point though, in what feels like a much, much less scary walk down into hell (not a regular hell but a cool hell, right Regina?) put extra emphasis on any word in the sign and you're still left with a mischievous message. The average person will not come to this bar, and that's a good thing. The "bar scene" in general is mostly gross and average and can have the bulk of the flock, and flock right off with it. Black Sheep seems to attract a whole lot of "other," and I really dig that. On top of being a really great concept, the execution thereof is impeccable. It makes its point without coming across as inauthentic, contrived or gimmicky. Hard to do when your schtick is so niche and obvious. Applause. Bartenders were very nice. Crowd of people were very nice. I like being able to dance next to people without dancing with them. I did this here and it worked out well. Just some pleasant eye contact, "hey, you're having fun too, we're twins!" nods, brief mimicry of one another's moves, and that's it. That's exactly how it should be sometimes. Music was mostly okay. There were moments where it was sublime, moments where it was just fun to dance to, moments where I zoned out, and moments where I went "What in the actual hell is this guy on and why am I being audibly assaulted with such nonsense?" I kinda like that though. Just because it's not my jam doesn't mean it's not someone else's. There's a sign above the tables that reads "No Requests" which is awesome. Whomever is spinning gets to do their thing and everyone just needs to handle it. Yes. Yes. Yes. I'll be black for sure. I mean back. Back to the black. Back to Black Sheep. Baa. Did she just....? Yeah. Yeah I did. I Haikcoup de grâce'd the fkcu out of that review. read more

Black Sheep DSM - My friend has sultry curves for days, and also here's that sign - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Cool atmosphere, a fun DJ, but high prices and high-end-sounding "cocktails" served over ice in large drinking glasses. Worth a visit, but stick to beer. read more

Was sitting at the bar and the bartender with glasses and a long beard come up grabbed our drinks and discarded them while we were still sitting there . When we acknowledged him about it , he told us that it our fault we should've said something. Then he acted like he was going to replace and drink even asked us what one it was only to reiterate how it's our fault bc we didn't say anything. Even though my partner and I were sitting there talking enjoying our drinks as people do in a bar establishment. He never apologized and was super rude about the whole situation. I've been here before numerous times , it usually one of my favorite bars to go to in east village . I was super disappointed in the lack of accountability. I understand we all make mistake's. Instead of fixing the situation he chose to gaslight me as a customer about why it's my fault he discarded my drinks read more

Black Sheep encompasses some fun necessary evils: hellish decor/theme and a whole lotta tequila. Enter the door that says "Verboten" ("forbidden" in German) with red double crosses, and then head straight downstairs. The dark windowless space glows a soft red and is adorned with paintings of hell, melted candles, crying angels, animal skulls, and other nice things that I was pretty giddy about. The space is overall narrow and small, but it wasn't overcrowded thankfully, especially on a Friday night. Drinks = tequila, mezcal, and select (mostly Mexican) beers. They're a little pricey and not much to write home about... But I loved the space, service, the DJ, and all the darkness! read more

This is the perfect little hideaway place for a nightcap on date night. There's not a ton of seating, but the vibe is so good.

Bah Bah Black Sheep have you any COOL, yes sir yes sir pull up a stool! If you can find Black Sheep you are in the know.. And you also probably know its a really small bar, with a dj booth and fancy folks in black t-shirts or short skirts who probably know the best song on Disintegration by the CURE personally I would say "LOVE SONG", but then again it took me a while to get to this bar so I might not be in the know! Drinks were a bit more, then I'm used to spending, but I can honestly say there is no other place quite like this in Des Moines, so worth the extra buck or two for a new experience. Some say it's a vampire bar, all I know is it didn't suck! read more

An ominous and edgy bar with close quarter and under ground vibes. They had a live DJ and a couple people were dancing so that was a fun bit. Not my style of hang out but it was still a very interesting venue to chill at for a bit. read more

Black Sheep DSM - The Boys - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Black Sheep is the place to be in Des Moines! Part dance club, part tequila sanctuary. One of the coolest things about this moody hideout is the DJs and their curated sets. Everything from vinyl, punk, disco, surf rock and psychedelic pop. read more

Black Sheep DSM - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was just here for the first time last weekend. I must say of all the bars I've been in Des Moines - this bar had a vibe and environment I liked the most. The crowd was good, the bartenders were friendly. The doorman was also friendly. Going to be a regular at this place from now on. read more

Black Sheep DSM - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The atmosphere was super alluring and sexy. The red dungeon ambiance definitely hits home.

I really enjoy going to this bar, the interesting goth themed creepy dungeon makes it feel like you're in some exclusive kinky S&M place. Don't fear though, it's pretty chill... Located behind Ceviche, and even sharing the same restrooms, is a bar that's not handicap friendly. You'll have to use stairs to get down there. The door has a red double crosses neon light, it's not noticeable so I can see people walking by it and not realizing it's an actual bar. Once going down the stairs, you'll be introduced to red lights and interesting art on the wall. Don't be intimidated because the bartenders are actually nice and has daily specials. The music can some time be a little loud but just take it in and enjoy the night. I really like the place and would take my out of town friends here. read more

There's definitely something sinister about Black Sheep. If the red neon double cross is on, there's some fun to be had at this small and intimate basement bar located underneath Ceviche. Go here for a drink before/after dinner, a night cap or when you just need to disconnect from your normal routine. Right away, the scent of nag champa hits you as you descend down the stairs. You're met by a dimly lit bar, comfortable seating for maybe 20-25. And a DJ pumping songs at a level that allows for conversation with the person next to you but not much else. I suppose that's all part of the experience/ambience. The drink menu focuses on tequila, mezcal and Mexican beers. The cocktails are somewhere in the $10-$13 price range and are way more inventive than just margaritas, etc. The best: Great company and music, decent drinks and a killer devilish vibe. Could use a little work: Maybe find a spot where the incense smoke won't waft directly onto customers at the end of the bar. My clothes were reeking of nag the next morning. Would opt for sipping on a fine mezcal/tequila over one of the house cocktails. Still I had a helluva good time. read more

The coolest joint in town. Like escaping reality for a dark sinister retreat. With the friendliest bartender, and great selection of tequila. read more

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This place is super unique. I think it is one of those places you'll either hate or love. I enjoyed the atmosphere for the most part. Loved the smell of the place which is insense - took me back to my college days. The stuff they show on the TV is a little weird. They have plenty of options of beer and tequila. I had a cherry bomb which was good, but pricey. The bartender didn't really have that much of a personality. Would try again. read more

Black Sheep DSM - Cherry Bomb - Lounges Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Mezcal, Tequila speakeasy. We were wandering in the East Village side of Des Moines, some call it a up and coming neighborhood, so it was kinda neat to see Black Sheep. We didn't see the sign, but with a certain phrase, you put two and two together and lo and behold a interesting lounge. Fun vibe, nice bartenders, we ordered drinks off their menu. Not a big list, but it's nice to see a place like this in the middle of the country. read more

Gun place to visit, but the drink prices are the most expensive in Des Moines. At $11 for a mixed drink that double what every other place charges. read more

What a cool place! One of the most unique and interesting hangouts I've been to in Des Moines. Not your typical bar, MUCH more interesting! They specialize in tequila. Not my thing personally, but they did have a selection of beers to choose from. The beer isn't so typical as well...no domestics like Bud/Bud Light, Coors, etc...but they did have some other fairly common popular choices to pick from. And of course you can go the mixed drink route. Great atmosphere and awesome music! Fun place to hang out and have drinks with friends! read more

Liked the ambiance wasn't really able to build a relationship or connection with bar tenders. Will come again though!

Unexpected surprise to find a tequila focused bar in Des Moines. The drink menu could use some more choices but the ambience and decor were great. This is definitely a perfect stop for a night out! read more

This was our first time here and we were also intimidated by the weird door and stairs down to the basement. We'd nicknamed it the "vampire bar" for some reason. Not sure if that's what we heard from others or made up ourselves. Previous yelp reviews gave us the courage to try it and we are glad they did. Great selection of cocktails and tequila. Friendly bartenders. Also several Mexican beer options. It is pricey for the tequila and cocktails but worth the experience. read more

Thank you Black Sheep. Was visiting from Los Angeles on Saturday found myself here. Very good selection of Mezcal..A shout out to the super friendly people as well (its Des Moines so not surprising)..overall super chill place and look forward to returning. read more

I have done a shit ton of traveling and I have to say, this is easily one of the best bar/club/venue/wtfever's I have come across. The music was fresh, which was relieving. I am sick of listening to the same Beach House/LCD Sound System/Growlers playlist from like, 5 years ago. (Not to knock those bands, I like them but come the fuck on...). The bartender is massively built but also massively delightful. There is a drink that is served with burning sage. WTF else do you need? I love you, Des Moines. read more

Interesting and not a bad place. Just make sure you and who you are with likes tequila. Only speakeasy I've ever been to that is a tequila speakeasy. Again, not a bad thing, just be prepared. The drinks were great. read more

From the outside, it looks pretty shady. There's a door with a cross and the whole outline of the door looks like a coffin. But......... what an interesting place. You go down to this dungeon looking place and the interior looks pretty spooky. There's this heavy incense smell that I didn't enjoy but the music was legit. The drinks were kinda pricey, but the bartenders were nice and seem to know how to make real drinks. They specialize in tequila. I mainly like this place because the dj that night was spinning some old school rap, so it was up in my alley. Hard to hear friends, but I didn't mind because the music was on point. read more

This was one of the first place I ate at when we first moved in the area. The first time there was excellent and so was it the second time. This is a great gem of a place to enjoy a couple of small group dinner with high quality food. We will be back read more

I really dig this place. Love the red vibe. Super good Tequila, good specials on Tecate. They had some great DJ's spinning vinyl when I went. I think it's really hip that there's a Cuban restaurant upstairs. Gives it a "bigger than Des Moines" feel. It's cozy, but granted it was very busy. Not a place to read a book, unless you're a vampire, which would be pretty cool. Two thumbs up! read more

Were you a goth kid in high school? If so, this place is perfect for you! Were you not goth in high school? This place is still perfect because it is such an interesting bar! There is no sign above the door just a basement entrance with red crosses above it. Definitely a spooky place. Inside could possibly be a real vampire layer, the bar might just be a front. Either way, its a must see! The themed drinks are unique and delicious but expect to pay downtown cocktail prices. read more

Amazing atmosphere and bar. Black Sheep has a wide variety of tequila, but if tequila isn't your bag they have plenty of brews to choose from. read more

My friends called this the "vampire bar". Loud music but fun atmosphere. Would go again!

The atmosphere reminded me of the eerie dance club in From Dusk Till Dawn. It has a very macabre, moody vibe. This is the Tequila Capital of the Midwest. read more

Such a cool environment, bartenders were so helpful for my newbie friend and I trying to decide what to drink and where to go after!

Great service. Reasonable prices. I might be too ugly to be in this bar. Many a good tequila. Again, for a place that is usually very full the service is quick. A very different vibe than other bars in Des Moines. read more