While in Des Moines talking with the locals, they suggested Carl's Place. They explained that it…read morewas an absolute dive bar, but a great one to visit and one not to pass up while in Des Moines. So, naturally, my friend and I gravitated to Carl's. The outside of the bar isn't labeled, so if you didn't know where it was, you might miss it. We were there at the height of the early afternoon in July and the sun was out in full force. When you walk into the bar, you wouldn't know what time of day or night it is, there aren't any windows to really shine the light through. You definitely get the "dive bar" experience. The bar itself appears a little older, but the patrons and the bartenders were bar none! It was a great bunch of people just there to hang out and enjoy the day. The bar has a small stage that has live music during the weeks. None while we were there, but heard it's pretty good! They had darts and there three different "sections" within the bar. We only had a few drinks but it was well worth the stop! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Awesome dive bar. Cheap beer, great live band, sketchy bathrooms. What else can you ask for? We…read morealways have a great time here.

Always fun and friendly. I lived down the street in 1993 and we were here a lot. Fast forward to…read more2020 and it's still a great place to hang out. They've painted and updated a bit, but the vibe and the layout remain pretty similar. Good drinks, and a few food options. Plenty of TV's to watch your favorite sports action.

Awesome local dive bar. Just don't eat the hot dogs out of the communal hot dog pot!!!…read more Dark, dirty, cheap beer specials, and always a lively croud. I would score it higher, except the juke box is a little fussy.

The 2 piece drumstick meal with mashed potatoes is amazing! Highly recommended. Please order this…read moremeal! Heather is an interesting but fun bartender. Kelli is a party behind the bar. She is single and looking! If you come here make sure you get a shot with the patrons they are all fun to be around!

Had breakfast this morning and it was delicious. Server was excellent. Just a little pricey for…read moresmall town restaurants.

Always a favorite! Would love it if they would open earlier. They are still in COVID hours. Too…read moremany times we skip them and go somewhere else because we are up early and don't want to wait till 8am.

It is a delightful small town dive bar. The staff are friendly and the patrons and very friendly…read more I felt like I knew everyone and they were old friends within minutes of sitting down. Loved the vibe and it was Uber relaxed and casual. If you are looking for a fun small town bar experience this is for you!'n

We've been to Sunset Lounge a few times now. This place has excellent burgers. They are…read moresmash-style, fully loaded and served on a platter. Delicious! This place is an adults only establishment - meaning no children allowed. Think of it as a bar that serves food, not a restaurant that serves liquor. Leave the kids at home. They have a few televisions and a small patio out front when the weather is nice. You can sit at the bar or one of the high tables. You get table service. All in all, a nice place to grad a bite!

We stopped in on a beautiful Tuesday night. The patio was mostly full but we found one free table…read moreand took a seat. The waitress was there quickly to take our drink orders and gave us menus. We were initially curious how loud the street would be but were pleasantly surprised it wasn't loud. There was music playing at a good volume too. I could not decide what I wanted to order so I asked the waitress to choose for me. She thought that was a fun option and said she'd definitely go with the Sunset Smash and Fries. The only change I made was no pickles. My friend wanted as many pickles as they'd give her so we got mine on the side for her to have. Wow, was that Sunset Smash burger and fries good! The burger was juicy, tender, flavorful, honestly just delicious! The fries were thick with just the right amount of crisp and salt. Our waitress continued to appropriately check in on us as we ate and chatted. The only thing I'd love to be different is for our kids to be able to come. It's minors only and I know we'd all love the food there. Definitely coming back!

Went here with some friends. It was our last stop of the night…read more The bartenders were friendly and attentive. There's a little dance floor and a DJ was playing for a bit. The crowd was fairly friendly. Sounded like food options were frozen pizza and hot dogs so I'd definitely eat first. Will most likely check it out again. Reasonable prices as well.

Fun dive bar deep into Waukee. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, a few TVs to catch a game,…read moredarts, pool and cheap drinks. It gets really busy but the staff does a great job trying to keep the drinks flowing! They do fun events like psychics, bingo and other things every once and awhile as well. Highly recommend.

This place hasn't changed. Great "dive" bar. The drinks are reasonably priced. They beers were…read morecold. They have live music. The great part was we were here on a Friday and the music started at 5. The music wasn't too loud. We could still talk. They also had a TV with football on. We enjoyed a few hours here before our movie

The great atmosphere and top-notch bands make this a stellar dive bar! The very reasonable drink…read moreprices make up for the mostly surly bartenders. You just have to learn to ignore their attitudes and enjoy the music and the vibes! Ha ha!

Great little dive bar off the main drag. If you looking for a dark atmosphere in a basement look…read moreno further. My husband, son and I stopped in for a beer and the bartender was very nice and welcoming to out of towners!

I just got home from Shorty's. I've been there a few times and I can't wait to go back. Shorty's is…read morethe closest bar to where I live. A tavern in the tradition of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it opened this year. When I first saw the old-time Shorty's signs hanging above the door in the alley across from my building, I knew for sure I was living in the right neighborhood for me. Shorty's is dark and cozy. It's a nice no-frills establishment with lots of character. There are five TV's on the exposed brick walls of Shorty's, but I wouldn't call it a sports bar. It's in the back of the basement of the classy Des Moines wine bar and wine shop, Sbrocco. But Shorty's serves no wine before it's time or anytime. It doesn't need to. One drinks beer or liquor at Shorty's. Shorty's offers mostly old-school beer and old-school food. The menu includes mini corndogs, sliders, hero sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, chicken sandwiches, roast beef po'boys, and Tombstone pizzas. Food prices range from $3.95 to $7.95. I haven't tried any of the food yet, but I bet it's good. It's made in Sbrocco's kitchen. The bartenders at Shorty's are cool. The bar is owned and operated by the Full Court Press gang. These guys know what they're doing. They have other enjoyably unique bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines, including Sbrocco, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, Hessen Haus, Royal Mile, and Red Monk. Shorty's is open Mondays through Saturdays from 5PM to 2AM and Sundays from 11AM to closing time at the bartender's discretion. It's located at the SW corner of 2nd and Court. Say hey if you happen to see me drinking, eating, or sleeping there.

It is one of those Des Moines staples, and i am so glad that we did it, because it is a damn good…read morevisit. Street parking, busy indoor environment, casual attire. A fun stop, full of energy and good food. Our server, Michelle, was outstanding, mixinga fun personality with a terrific energy and awareness. Loved my High Life Burger basket, and our Chicken Pot Pie was incredible. Coke products.

Take a walk back in time in this laid back spot. Tucked away on a quiet side street across from a…read moreparking garage, is this endearing gem. The vintage decor is everywhere. The huge bar, tables and booths with retro signs and chachkies everywhere really create the perfect vibe. The ladies serving fit right in. Our server felt like sweet Aunt who wants you to eat all of your food or no dessert. So cute and adorable. Our food was very tasty. My pot pie looked unique but tasted soo good. My friend loved her turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Comfort food all around. We really loved our experience and will definitely return!

Stopped in for a music event on a Sunday afternoon. Wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and charcuterie…read moreare all available. Nicely remodeled space and great service. Prices are very reasonable and there is a small retail space with wine and food items. Seating inside and outside. Very cool old school building and would definitely go back to enjoy a drink.

Met some friends for coffee. Wow! I wish I knew of this place sooner. SUPER CUTE BUILDING…read more The staff is beyond friendly. I got treated upon entering. I let the gentleman know I was waiting for some friends. I was wandering around (maybe 5 min) checking out the place, and the gentleman came out from behind the bar. He came up and offered me water while I waited. Once my friends arrived we ordered coffees. He told us to have seats and he would bring them out to us. The coffee was delicious. I had a latte. My friends both ordered americanos and raved about them. The gentleman continued to check on us the entire time we were there. Amazing service, great atmosphere and great coffee. I can't wait to come back and try the cocktails