Gerri's has become a staple for my family and I when we are in the mood for some wings. We stopped here for the first time on a bar crawl and have been back 10 + times since. The wings are the best in town. They are crispy and full of flavor. You can only with the wings baked or with buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce is delicious you don't even need ranch. There's a kick to the sauce but it's not too spicy. A platter and an extra 8 wings with a side of fries serves 4 of us. Most people here are coming for wings, so sometimes it is a little bit of a wait, but it's so worth it. The place is seat yourself with the bartender as the server. It can get busy on weekends, we have always had quick and attentive service. There are a few TVs but not a bunch if you're looking to watch a game. If you're on the hunt for some good wings and cold beer this is the place to be! read more

Gerri's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Dive bar just next to the Iowa State Fair Grounds. Small little parking lot that will be completely full when the fair starts. This place has been know for the awesome wings for a long time. It has been a long time since my last visit. We got a hankering and decided to go out of our way to make a stop. W - We stepped right in and sat at the bar on a Thursday evening, I - I was helped right away by the lovely waitress behind the bar. N - Naked wings or smothered in their sauce they come out hot. G - Getting the platter of wings. It was lots of wings for 2 people. S - Sizzling platter and very tasty. The cost of everything has gone up over the years. Nothing you can do about that if you want a place to survive. We shared the platter. The hubby got 2 on tap beers. The tab was $55. The crispy wings are great. I ate my fill and we still left with some. They came out in good time. Ranch provided in squirt bottles so you can get your fill. I really enjoyed the service, the ambiance and food. Yes it was a little high, and yes it smells like a dive bar but the wings are still good. read more

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Large selection of bar food. Finally decided to try these wings everyone is talking about. We did the special with half buffalo and nake wings. Overall wings are flavorful and crispy. Kids loved the fries and fried cheese. Service is seat yourself and attentive. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Buffalo wings - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I still love stopping here. Can beat this old school tavern. They have some really good beers on tap. Good service and the platter of wings is always my go to. I like the fried crispy skin and the buffalo sauce is perfect. read more

Gerri's Tavern - This pile of wings is legendary. - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

If you want food quickly, I'd advise against it. I was there around noon and a patron who came in after us was quoted an hour for a to-go order of the wings. Speaking of wings...these are indeed in the top two of wings I've had in the Des Moines metro. Crispy without having to ask and the sauce--which uses Frank's Red Hot as a base provides heat, but not in an obnoxious manner. I also had the cauliflower...seemed to be closer to battered versus breaded. On a plus note, you get a bottle of ranch at the table--no tiny cups and upcharges for more. The bartender serving us was very polite but very harried--it seemed with all the kitchen orders, a food runner was needed. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Hot wings - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went into Gerri's over the weekend and it was packed but service was good with only one server. It was my first time going so it was a little dark in there in my opinion but overall great time. Best wings I've ever had and can't believe I've been missing out. read more

Great wings and the service was impeccable! We went with a large group and she was able to keep track of everyone's order.

Gerri's did not disappoint. Amazing wings. They had a nice crispness to it. Just enough sauce. We really did not need the basket of fries we decided to share between the two of us. But they were cooked perfectly. So delicious. Nice dive bar feel. The bartender was very friendly and chatted with us as it was just after the lunch rush when we arrived. read more

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I have been on the hunt for the city's best wings - I was not overly impressed with the wings texture (rubbery) and sauce (soaking wet) and sitting in a pool of extra sauce, but not in a light extra sauce way. They were OK but I wouldn't send people here - also the ranch was thick like mayo, and I just enjoy a good dipping element that cools. I will say the staff were super nice. read more

Sat at the bar, Waited 10 mins and no one acknowledged us or took our order. We left.

Best wings. They are served buffalo style only. There's a variety of sandwiches and appetizers. They seem to have the games on the screen. This is a neighborhood place that draws neighborhood people. read more

Some of the best food and drinks you can get on the Eastside! Service was amazing and they do it with 2-3 girls max. Highly recommend

The wings and bar food is what makes this place an east side staple. The wings are wet, but so good! They should sell the sauce! Atmosphere is an eastside dive bar. Friendly staff and jukebox. read more

Best sausage sandwich I have ever had. It's a bar but very good. Also the wings are incredible too.

Wings were good! Place smells like a dumpster and the tables were sticky. Recommend take out.

Visited this tavern on a few occasions when I've been in the Des Moines area. Ice cold pitchers of beer, and platters of Buffalo Wings, both are fantastic, as are the Fried Mushrooms. read more

Grabbed wing platter to go. While waiting enjoyed a cold beer. The bartender was friendly and efficient. After drive home the wings were still piping hot. Upon trying them the wings were fantastic. Sauce was not too hot but had just enough heat. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Only half the order - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The service was great the bartender and kitchen staff were super friendly! The onion rings and wings were good. I like the kinda wet spicy sauce. It is a dive bar so not going for the ambience. read more

Giving this place a 5-star rating for one reason: THE WINGS!!!! If you're looking for wings in Des Moines, this is the place. They only serve them one way: bone in, buffalo sauce, and on a tray of 30. If you're ready for your fill of wings, make no mistake. This place is for you. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Double order of wings - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Wing, wings, wings! If you are a wing fan well this is the place. The wings are not dance just hot wings served on a platter. But the are large, juice, flavorful with a crunchy exterior with out a breading! I really can't say enough about the food as it is so delicious. I am actually eating the leftovers tonight for dinner! We have also had the cheese sticks and they are fire too!!! If you want a super chill unpretentious bar atmosphere this is your place! read more

Gerri's Wings Best in Des Moines What more do you need to know Granted there are other places that have decent wings or have given them their own touch to make then uniquely there'sbut when it comes to traditional, as close to original without having to go the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, Gerri's is it in Des Moines, unless you want to make your own. Traditional sauce is simply Frank's hot sauce (it has to be Frank's) and real butter. That's it. Buy the bottled crap all day long but it just doesn't compare. Gerri's sauce is not exact but it's damn close and I'm told that it's made daily in house. I have never had any issues with service at Gerri's and I am far from a regular. Maybe it's because we always sit at the bar which is always where all the cool kids sit. You want fluff, go somewhere else. You want great wings, cold beer and very good Bloody Mary's, go to Gerri's. BTW. Nova ordered the cheeseburger. What the hell is wrong with her. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Wings. Best in Des Moines - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went midday Saturday and was not too busy. Had the platter of wings to share and they were pretty good. Service was nice and place itself was chill and laidback. read more

Horrible service, server was not friendly, and forgot toppings on burger meal. First time eating T this restaurant will not be back

I've been stopping by here for wings & lomg islands for nearly 10 years! Well as long as I've been in the area they've always had the best wings. I was here recently during fair time. Great wings. Great service. Great price! Friendly staff. You can play music if you want. Bar is usually busier nights & weekends. The wings really are the best. Not too hot. Not mild. Just right! Love em :) would recommend if you've never been. If you're out of town visiting you definitely want to stop by. Even if you just visit during the state fair, stop by! They're great. Wings awesome. Drinks good too. Nice local place. read more

Okay I'm going to write a review about a HIGHLY debatable topic in the Des Moines area -- the best wings in Des Moines!! Trust me I have studied this extensively -- and Gerri's is the model I hold all other wings to. First of all -- the crunchiness of the wings. They have perfected frying these babies to just the perfect temperature. No one likes a soggy wing, or a wing that is over done. These wings are perfect. Next article in the argument -- the sauce! Just the right amount of kick, and there's no way to describe this sauce other than perfect. Not too spicy, but not dull. Just perfect. The traditional sides are there -- celery, ranch, or blue cheese is you dare. The perfect companion to these wings is a cold beer!! Which Gerri's will serve you the coldest beer you can get in Des Moines. Much love and respect to Gerri's for providing the Des Moines area with the most perfect wings and delicious beer. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

There is nothing more to say but WINGS! That is all we get here to go. The wings are crispy, spicy, sweet and amazing. I think the sauce has Dorothy Lynch dressing since I see that in the kitchen. Service is always slow because they have so many people ordering wings but it is worth the wait. read more

Yummy wings good service super busy!!! Free pizza on Fridays!!! Everything was really delicious! Ordered my wings double fried trust they did not need them should have realized these guys know their wings. Update went last weekend it's like the sauce on the wings are different and it was not good maybe there is a difference in day shift and night shift idk‍ read more

Service is slow and bartender is not very friendly. Doesn't talk much/doesn't communicate with patrons about their orders or drinks. Went for the wings. Used to have a platter (5lbs) of wings with a pitcher for $30. Now it's advertised as a platter with a pitcher of pop, but we didn't get the pop due to the bartender claiming a "rise in chicken wings prices". Pointed out their advertisement on all of their tables and still didn't get it. Not very pleased with the service. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Won't get the pop. - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I had high hopes for the wings. They were good, but nothing to the degree of the posts I've read about. My daughter absolutely loves wings and orders them any time they are on the menu and she said they were OK but not the greatest she's ever had. I thought they were above average for sure but maybe I had built up the place in my head and expected something more. They were crispy on the outside, but a little dry on the inside. The sauce was tasty and had a nice kick. I liked the level of heat but my daughter wished they were spicier. They only have one sauce, Buffalo which was what we were looking for. The place smells like grease from the parking lot and you'll smell the same for a bit after you leave.The atmosphere is very much like a dive bar. They have a full bar and wings and beer are the special most of the week. If you're thirsty, they have you covered with their pitchers as glasses for pop, beer and water, or you can have a can if you want a Pepsi product. The only downfall was the rather rude server. She was not friendly at all, no smiles until it was time for me to sign the receipt and leave a tip and even then it looked like it hurt her face when it appeared. Haven't decided if I'll be back or recommend it. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Ordered a lemonade, got a pitcher of it! - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

No frills here. If you are looking for gourmet cuisine, quiet romantic atmosphere, intimate setting, go elsewhere. If you want to go to a bar, eat wings, have bar food then this is as good as anyplace. As far as bars go I like it. Fairly clean, simple not too gaudy. The food is, well, bar food. The hot wings I really enjoyed. Fried nice and crispy and tossed in red devil buffalo sauce but not swimming in sauce. Nice heat but not burn your lips off. They also have as part of a Sunday special a hot sausage sub which is large and tasty. Big piece of Italian sausage between a large French loaf with a provolone cheese and a marinara sauce. The disappointment was the fries which were cold and rather unremarkable. The breaded mushrooms were good but really a small portion than what you would think for a bar. Overall it is a nice small place with adequate food. Some of the reviews here I feel are unnecessarily harsh and rather unwarranted. The staff was polite and kept my coke full. The kitchen staff was hygienic and took the proper steps for food handlers. The building was clean, did not smell of raw sewage. The menu is I feel right for a bar. Other bars menus I have seen are 2 or 3 pages, while this menu for a bar is very concise and to the point. Ultimately I would have no problem coming back here again. The food was good, the staff polite, and the building clean. Everything I come to expect in a bar. If I want fine dining I will go elsewhere. read more

Gerri's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We heard "best wings in town". Get here 1.5 hours before closing-- "Sorry, the kitchen is closing so we can only make you drinks. While we debate a drink, we watch the cook throw wings into the frier. Cool. Guess we don't want that drink either. Thanks. Update your web info so you don't ruin any more hungry folks night. read more

First time and had the wings which lived up to the hype. They were amazing and the service was efficient and friendly. She seemed to know the menu well and how to get around a bar even better. We will return. read more

This place was packed on a Sunday at noon. Still able to grab a spot at the bar. Wings, other food items, and service are top notch. Lots of fun for a first timer. Will definitely be back! read more

I got take out tonight for my hubby and myself because we live close. Yum!!! The chicken wings were freaking awesome. I'm doing low carb and you have no idea what a life saver this place will be for me. My husband liked his chicken fingers and fries. Definitely coming back!!! read more

Horrible service! I waited at the bar for 15m to get a beer. Maybe I'm invisible. 6'-1", 245lb? Go fig? I ended up walking out! The bar counter didn't seem that busy... the 2 bar maids seemed preoccupied bitching at each other about running out of glasses. Whatever? I'd recommend NOT to go visit unless you enjoy watching how an establishment has a pure lack of service! read more

Horrible service! Blonde bartender was a complete wreck and couldn't even figure out how to do her job. Sad that after many times coming here to be treated like this! read more

Okay, the hype is true - these are the most amazing wings I've ever had. We got a pick up order to go and they were still crunchy and delicious when we got them home. I'm really debating whether we should go for lunch tomorrow or dinner. read more

Decided last minute to stop by & grab wings with family. They were super accommodating finding us a table while they were really busy. Food took some time, like I said they were busy. Food was delightful. Wings were just what we wanted: fried with a slight crisp outside, tender inside & buffalo sauce. Grinder skins were good- even better when dipped in buffalo sauce! Curly (spelled curley on their menu) fries had one of my kids asking for more. Fried mushrooms & cheese balls were what you'd expect. We were pleased with making a meal of all the appetizers. Service was good. read more

They are known for the best wings in town. I'm vegetarian so I will just tell you my wife agrees. Lots of bar food options. Sandwiches, fries, appetizers. Anything fried! Dive east side bar with friendly people.!located across from the fairgrounds so great pre or post party for fair events. read more

Super friendly service and a great relaxed "divey" atmosphere plus the best wings I've ever had. I wish this place was closer to my home, because I'd be there all the time! Get the wings and see what the hype is about, you will not be disappointed. Just try to be patient when waiting for your wings and understand that they take a little bit of time to make. read more