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

Great food and good drinks. Staff was good, drinks came quick. We sat outside on the patio and food…read morewas really good.

Sat out on the patio on a Saturday night. The waitress quickly brought us drinks and was attentive…read more We all had a variety of the Smashburger. Hubby had the fries with his. It was a dollar up charge for a side of ranch, which she didn't tell us about. I had a side salad and it was good. It is a dollar up charge from the other sides. Friend had the pasta salad and said it was good. Her hubby had the coleslaw and it was OK. It probably bothers me more than my husband, but she comes and picks up our dishes and even had the bill ready while my husband was still eating. You might have a chance to sell another drink if you took your time. The place was not overly busy. All in all, it was a nice place to go on the smash burgers were terrific!

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.

Kenny's is KOOL! Think of it as your neighbors garage you…read morewant to drink in or see a band play in! Cool little stage, squared bar filled with regulars, sports on the tubes! Prices are cheap and great! The bartender was cool and super nice, and I don't know if I was getting happy hour prices but it was cheap! Cool little dive way out west...

The bartender was friendly efficient and the music was wonderful and it was a great place to relax…read moreand enjoy music and dance a bit plan on going again

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

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.

Definitely a hole in the wall place. The decor and overall vibe is super nostalgic. Our drinks were…read morecold, and our food came out within 10 minutes of ordering. Grilled cheese was great, as was the hot beef.

Only non Italian meal we had... maybe 3.5 but hey let's round up…read more Visited the science center and saw a sign advertising a cheeseburger basket for $6.99 all day every day... Flight delayed decides to have lunch before heading to airport and remember this place. It was busy at 12 noon. Just about everybody was ordering the cheeseburger plate. Serves with onions and pickles w/ crinkle cut fries. No seasoning but a solid burger. Not huge not tiny. Pour on the ketchup and starring munching! Service was quick and friendly. Definitely has a locals, bowling league kind of vibe. Christmas lights strung from the ceiling. Tons of photos on the walls and a Photo Booth in the corner. Several TVs and dim lighting rounds out the atmosphere. Cool lil hole on the wall to grab a drink. No frills kinda spot. 2 cheeseburger baskets + 2 kids meals = $30. Fine by me!

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