Great place for a beer and to watch the game. Locals kinda place with a decent beer selection and…read morea comfortable feel to the place.

It's a dive bar, a friendly dive bar. I had heard their specialty was drinks made from fresh…read moresqueezed oranges and grapefruit, which was true. It's sort of an odd location, feels like it's in the parking lot of Fareway. There's a decent sized amount of outdoor seating, but it was too late in the year for that to be open.

Got punched in the face and spat on but the brunette old lady bartender was more determined to make…read moreme leave for asking why the woman wasn't removed. Great karaoke and then all hell broke loose. 50% of staff were wonderful and the other half lost their tempers big time. Pressed charges, so let's see if the regular they were protecting continues to be supported by staff.

Cattoor's is a nice laid back bar. The bartender was working hard behind the bar and still was…read morevery friendly. I went there to meet a friend for meat bingo......yes you read that correctly......they play bingo for raw meat! The drinks were reasonably priced. Happy hour is two for one. The bartender will give you a token for your "two for one" that you can use whenever. For bingo they do only allow you to play one card and they only play five rounds. It was fun.....I mean how do you go wrong with bingo for raw meat

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.

Had an opportunity to venture in on a Sunday (No Food Service) to review the minimalist bar food…read moremenu should I return since I do not partake in libations. The food choices were very limited $$, but there was an array of beers, wines, cocktails, and an assortment of other mixed libations. The decor is like a bar dive if liquor is your main thing. As a non drinker -- nothing stiffer than a Dr. Pepper-- this would not be my vibe, but may be yours if all you want is a solid selection of creative and mainstay libations from a very friendly bartender whose primary purpose was to please all who entered -- this tipsy topsy environment ( Like TV Cheers) -- then this may be the place for you.

There is nothing worse than sitting at a bar, during happy hour and having the bartender working…read moredirectly in front of you and not speaking, not making eye contact and completely ignoring you. He was short in his response when I asked about food and basically told me no, and I was angry when another group was served food. The space is cool and has an awesome atmosphere but dang, first impressions matter. There was 3 of us and the one who recommended it said that service can be questionable at times. Tonight was one of those times. Bummer. And it's loud so be ready to shout a bit.

One of the bartenders Cindy makes that a great experience. Its always about customer service. Tip…read moreher well!

Classic dive bar with the usual line up of regulars you would expect to find on a Friday night in a…read moreplace that feels like it has been here forever. We don't typically come in so I suspect we stood out, but the bartender was friendly and the game was on. We should stop more often.

Stopped in at 1 o'clock on a Tuesday for lunch. The place was very full. It's a bar with lots of…read morehigh top seating and has a great vibe. The waitresses did a great job of taking care of us and quickly brought our drinks. I love having Coke zero from the fountain! Sister had the brisket sandwich and said it was tasty, but that the sauce was a little too sweet. Next time she would order it on the side. I had a ham, turkey and bacon sandwich with the cheese sauce on the side. We both had chips which we hoped were homemade, but they were just a bag. It was more than enough for lunch.

We're from Kansas City and took a spontaneous day trip up to Des Moines on Saturday with zero plans…read moreor expectations--and we're so glad we happened into G Migs. What a fantastic surprise! From the moment we walked in, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Jake behind the bar absolutely stood out--great energy, excellent service, and clearly a bright future ahead of him. The owner, George, was also so much fun and made our group feel right at home. This place is a unique little gem with delicious food, great drinks, and that warm Midwestern atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. We had an amazing time and wish the entire G Migs team nothing but the best. If you're in Des Moines, do yourself a favor and check this place out--you won't be disappointed!

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.

I was finally able to visit University tap with Sherryoke afyer a long time of hearing good things…read more However, the bartender Misha was iincredibly unkind and rude when i unfortunately gor sick ad i was sitting at the bar and instead ot wishing her concern whether I was on or not, she prompted to yell at me and tell.me to leave immediately. I understand the frustration and co cern that takes place when such a rhing happens, but common humac decency should prevail o er freaking out at a new customer . I will n9t return if she is the bartender.

Pizza was burnt, taste terrible, could not eat more than 1 piece, became sick later. Took 90 mins…read moreto get after the order. Would not recommend to anyone.

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!

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.