The Trap Room is my go-to spot before any show at The Slowdown--convenient, chill, and consistently…read moresolid. The drinks are great and reasonably priced, with an awesome happy hour that makes it easy to start the night right. I'm obsessed with their hibiscus margarita (on tap!) and the French 75. Perfect little gem near downtown.

Trap Room is a total vibe. Walking in feels like stepping into your great aunt's swanky vintage…read morebasement -- complete with seasonal kitschy holiday decor, velvet paintings, and perfectly moody lighting that sets the tone just right. It's got charm, character, and zero pretension. The service is always friendly, but never fake -- no forced small talk or over-the-top energy, just genuinely cool people who seem to enjoy what they do. It makes the whole experience feel laid-back and easy, like you're part of the regular crowd even if it's your first time. The rotating cocktail menu always has something fun to try, but the real star of the show is their Bloody Mary -- absolutely legendary. Bold, flavorful, and consistently on point. They've also got a patio, which is a great spot to hang when the weather's decent. The location is super convenient, especially if you're heading to or from a show at the Slowdown. Whether you're just stopping in for a drink or planning to linger, Trap Room nails that cozy, quirky neighborhood bar energy.

What a very cool place!…read more Thoughtfully curated cocktails with a flair, make sure you know where you're trying to go when you come into the liquor store. Awesome vibes, very chill lounge. Service was super attentive and thoughtful, feel free to ask for a reading light if you can't quite see all of the menu details.

Love the drinks here and the service is great! Super fun vibes and super friendly staff!read more

I went on a Friday night to see some singer/songwriters perform. We walked in and everyone working…read morethere was friendly. It's dimly lit, which is fine because the focus is on the stage. I did not have a drink or anything to munch on. I'm not sure if food is available, but I saw plenty of people ordering drinks from the bar. The seating was comfortable and the sound system worked well. We had a good time there!

Walked in here on a Tuesday night and they had phenomenal karaoke going on...I mean, these people…read morewere GOOD. Usually I'll try my hand at a song or two, but I just sat back and listened to the true professionals. It's a bit small in here with a few bar seats, and some bar tops. There is a small room in the back with 1 bullshooter dart board. In the warmer months, there is a back patio with tables and lights. Otherwise, it's just a small corner bar with great karaoke!

SUCH a fun bar!! Love the vibes and drinks. Who doesn't love bar popcorn too! Service is always…read moregreat. I love that there are card games to play too.

Another fabulous time here. Came in while bar hopping and it was packed! I love to see this place…read moregetting the love it deserves. We got some drinks, two classic espressos for two classy ladies. It was super fun to head to the back and enjoy live music. The vibes in the blackstone are much happier now with no constructions. Excited to come back for more.

Revival House was one of the most unique cocktail bars I visited in Des Moines! Hidden in downtown,…read morethis tiki-themed bar feels like you've stepped into a tropical oasis with bamboo accents, colorful lighting, and fun vintage-inspired décor. The cocktail menu is full of creative tropical drinks, and the atmosphere is what really makes this place stand out! It's cozy, immersive, and the perfect spot for a date night, catching up with friends, or starting an evening downtown. We went on a mini road trip to Des Moines from Kansas City and this was the first spot we visited! Every corner has its own personality, making it just as fun to look around as it is to sip your drink. If you're looking for a cocktail bar that's a little different from the norm, Revival House is definitely worth adding to your Des Moines itinerary.

Such a cute tiki themed bar. There is a nice little patio you can sit at. All that is missing is…read morethe beach. Came here for happy hour and was not disappointed. The cocktails were delicious and not too sweet. The bartender definitely knows what he is doing. He even made a surprise off menu concoction which was really good. We came on a Thursday and I was surprised how empty it was. There was only one other party. Bartender said that on the weekends the line goes around the block. Drinks are reasonably priced compared to other places in the area. There is no food available but you can bring food in. Can't wait to come back!

My boyfriend and I stopped by Catalyst after dinner nearby since it's one of the spots on our…read moremartini passport! I had been before, but it was his first time, so I was excited for him to try it. You walk in through the hotel's main entrance and the bar is tucked away in the back, which makes it feel cozy and a little private. It wasn't very busy when we went. I think this spot would be great for a date night! The bartenders were amazing. They were incredibly friendly, explained the drinks, and checked in on us throughout the night. You can tell they really care about the experience of patrons. Our espresso martinis were great and we really enjoyed them! Every time I've visited, their cocktails have been consistently good, and I love that they offer a seasonal menu to switch things up. They also have a patio that looked like it would be so nice in the summer, but it was too cold for us to sit outside this time. We both loved the decor and overall aesthetic. It feels upscale without being too intimidating, Overall, such a great experience and definitely a place we'll keep coming back to!

A very chic bar with high end cocktails. The bartender curates amazing cocktails that all taste…read moreamazing and he really knows what he's doing

Inkwell is my favorite small, moody cocktail bar in Omaha. My friend and I discovered it because…read moreit's halfway between our houses, and it quickly became our go-to spot. The Old Fashioneds are some of the best I've had anywhere, and Aaron is one of the most talented mixologists in the city. In fact, Aaron is a big reason many people keep coming back. He's exceptional at what he does, and every drink reflects that level of skill. The espresso martinis are fantastic, but the "Not Espresso Martini" was an unexpected favorite that kept us coming back. One of the things I love most is that the menu changes seasonally, giving us a reason to come back and work our way through the new cocktails to find our latest favorite. The bartenders are knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about their craft. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and full of character. There are actual typewriters throughout the space, which perfectly fits the literary theme and adds to the experience. As a fun touch, my friend always receives a book with her receipt and reads a random paragraph before we leave. It's those little details that make Inkwell feel like a hidden gem rather than just another bar. If you're looking for creative cocktails, talented bartenders, and a unique atmosphere, Inkwell is absolutely worth a visit. Such a vibe.

I've been to Inkwell Bar many times and it's been a reliable go-to for a while now. It's a small,…read moreintimate space--maybe seats around 30, with room for more if people are standing--so don't come expecting a big, loud bar. That's actually part of the appeal. Drinks are solid and consistently well made. Nothing gimmicky, just good cocktails done right. The ambiance is fair but comfortable, and the size makes it ideal if you're looking to have a real conversation with someone without yelling over music or crowds. Location is another plus. It's very convenient if you want a drink before or after a Westside game, or just need a low-key stop nearby. If you're after a cozy, intimate spot with good drinks and a relaxed vibe, Inkwell Bar delivers.