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.

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.

A massive selection of beer, ciders and seltzers with great service. The atmosphere is laid back…read more We got the fried pickles and the ranch was killer. A guy next to us ordered the biggest burrito I've ever seen. Gotta check this place out

Food, service, ambiance all great. Great kids options! I had the fish tacos, they were phenomenal…read more Great beer list too if you're into that.

This hole-in-the-wall bar is a great spot for a few drinks with a date or small group. I've been…read morecoming here for Wednesday night martini specials for years. Martinis don't disappoint in my opinion. Not all are equal, but they do have some good tasting ones. I personally like the dirty and gimlet martinis the most. But their more fruity ones are good as well. Atmosphere is great. Walls are decked with local art, which I believe is also for sale. Good music plays throughout and not too loud where you can't have a conversation. Service is always friendly and helpful. Overall, it's one of my favorite spots downtown. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed the vibe here and the cocktails are good and reasonably priced. I had a Manhattan,…read more$10. The dimly lit room, local art and music are fun. Of course, the actual "lift" is the centerpiece. Definitely a great spot in a great city.

Didn't have any food here but did have a few drinks. No complaints…read more We kind of accidentally went here on our way to Ceviche. I'll definitely be back. Really enjoyed the vibe.

Incredible little low-key spot. It's grungy, it's cool, you meet creative and interesting people…read morethere. Everyone is very friendly, and it's a great vibe. We just moved back here and my coworker recommended it. We've now been twice and loved it both times. There's absolutely nothing like in Des Moines-- It feels like New York underground, but Des Moines, down to earth, easy parking and SO welcoming. Also, bartenders are super nice. The girl bartender servicing us even said she would make us a custom cocktail, based on what we were in the mood for. My husband told her what he was craving and she made him exactly that. Might I add...with little information on his part. (He's not the biggest talker hehe!). He said it was his favorite drink he's ever had. Tonight was a little more chill, but the first time everyone was dancing and it was just as fun both times. This is our favorite new little spot and we will definitely be back!!

Literally 30 minutes till close. All I wanted was my phone and ID (which was left with someone at…read morethe bar while I used the restroom). Wouldn't let me back in but let in 3 other people that walked up to the door. Rude as hell, sat and waited for 15 minutes for my friends to exit the bar with my items. Watch me never recommend this bar ever because of rude ass security. Totally get big city. But I waited 10+ minutes just to get my ID and purse..... like who tf my 130lb ass gonna steal from at 1:40am...

The food is great here! If you like crunchy crust on pizza, then you will love their pizza. Great…read moreservice and fun games are in the back of the restaurant!

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!

Had a great time. Great food, great music!! Met a lot of new friends. Will definitely be back for…read moremore.

I love me a good dive bar! And this spot is legit! I came on a Tuesday night for a rock n roll…read moreshow! They had 2 for 1 domestics on Tuesday, so that makes for a cheap night out! The bar is divey, but not gross, the bar tender was very nice, and the bathrooms were darn clean for a dive bar! The room with the music is separated from the bar room so if you want to talk or play pool while the rock show is going you can just stay in that bar! The bar tender was playing good music when I got there, old Flaming Lips, and Velvet Underground stuff! All in all I can't believe it took me this long to find this quaint, dive bar dream!