Lua is a great spot for a group dinner, drinks with friends, or grabbing some food at the bar. They also have a nice patio and outdoor seating. The staff was super friendly and attentive. It does get busy, though, so it can take some time to be waited on. The vegan mushroom French dip was phenomenal! A friend and I shared the sandwich and fries, along with the vegan miso mac with tofu, and everything was SO good! The bread was soft, the sauce took me back, and the mushrooms were . The sandwich got the right kind of soggy, soaking up all that delicious sauce. And they have THE BEST fries, which are mostly soft shoestring fries. IYKYK. The miso mac is spicy, so you may want to request the chili sauce on the side or ask them not to stir it all in. So grateful they have a vegan menu (don't forget to ask for it ) and that they're continuing to expand their vegan options! read more

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Cool brewery right off the highway on my road trip to towards the east. Maybe 5 min off the highway. Small parking lot and street parking available. Outdoor seating. Allow dogs. Open air indoor seating during nice weather. I got the sausage gnocchi with broccolini. It was delicious. There were only ten pieces of gnocchi - wish there were more! Broccolini was cut into tiny pieces that looked like green onions. Had a nice crunch. Sausage and sauce was good. Smush burger was ok. The Lua sauce lacked some flavor but the burger patties were cooked well. We dipped it in ketchup for more flavor. Fries were small and tasty! Server and service was , could have been better. read more

Just left here. Had high hopes as I had been wanting to try Lua for a while, so I thought, while in Des Moines... It was hot out so we sat inside at the bar. It was a touch past lunchtime but the bar area was still busy, yet had seats open. We sat at the end and after some time was given some a water carafe and 2 small glasses (with no ice). She (never gave us her name) then came back for our drink order. And immediately asked for food, which we were not ready for. We gave her our drink order, after that we never seen her again. Sat there awhile. For so long we started looking at other restaurants around to eat. Then we she finally looked our way my husband made a motion to pay so we could just leave. Name on the receipt said AM B. Needless to say, we won't be back. Nor will we ever recommend it. read more

Loved our experience here! Our food was great, and the drinks were awesome! Great selection for drinks, and dog friendly patio. Our wait staff was also wonderful. Would come back. read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Legendary brewery in Des Moines which was absolutely packed when we went. They had a massive menu and really good food and friendly staff. Their smush burger was fantastic and one that I'd recommend that's very similar to how other restaurants do burgers and the staff had recommendation for what beer paired best with what food menu item. Highly recommend anyone who likes good beer, food and a social ambiance to stop by. read more

Super busy on a Wednesday night, I came in by myself and after a brief wait in line was seated outside. While it was hot, luckily my table was shaded. My server was friendly, though I had to remind her for a glass for the water carafe I was served. I tried the Call it Dreaming beer which was a toasty coconut flavored Hefeweizen, I thought it was very well crafted. I had the chicken Cesar wrap even though I was warned the burgers are the most popular item;however after four days of work travel, I needed something a little different. I thought it was decent though the menu said there were croutons in the wrap and I didn't see any. I ended the night with the slushy of the day and it was refreshing, tasted good and was visually appealing. read more

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Chose Lua Brewing for Dinner because it was close to Hoyt. We had a little bit of a wait. I started with a Climbing Kites Mixed Berry which tasted fine. The Smush Burger with American Cheese, fried onions, pickles, and Lua Sauce. I wasn't expecting it to be so incredibly delicious. I got the Lua Sauce on the side because I wanted to taste just the burger. This has to be one of the best burgers. How does this place not get recognized or have I just been sleeping because the burger is phenomenal. Juicy, great flavor, and the Lua Sauce is excellent as well. The fires were very good too. The Service was good. A minor annoyance is the 3% fee for CC. Paid cash and still got the 3% fee. Just figure it into the price of business if you're going to get charged for it either way. Just an annoyance. Will definitely return for the burger. Sorry haters I felt it was better than Lachelle's, better flavor. Just my opinion. read more

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While in town, I was on the hunt for the best brewpub for beer and food. After several recommendations, I found myself at Lua. It did not disappoint! First of all, it has free parking! This is clutch since Des Moines has paid parking everywhere. The servers were all friendly and welcoming. The space is open, has lots of room, and clean. It also has a beautiful patio with a great view of downtown . A great vibe! To drink, I tried the Sun for Miles IPA and Call It Dreaming coconut Hefeweizen. While I liked both, I got the full pour of the Call it Dreaming because it was delectable. Yum! Lua has a fabulous lunch deal! I was able to get an entree with two sides for $15. What a steal!!! If I lived in town I would come all the time! I got the open-face burger with fries and a salad as my two sides. Everything was delicious, flavorful, and filling...triple threat. I walked away full and happy...and without a hole in my pocket book. I look forward to returning to Lua when I am next in town to try more great beer and food! read more

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We loved Lua brewing! The beer is some of the best we've had in the area and they have a large outdoor area.

My second time in Lua while visiting friends in Des Moines. Service.was prompt and friendly seating our party of 5. The Call It Dreaming coconut Hefeweizen is probably one of my all time favorite beers. They offer a spectacular lunch special of any sandwich with 2 sides for $15. I got the grilled veggie sandwich, which was absolutely delectable with a side of fries and house salad. The salad was much bigger than expected with fresh veggies and dressing. The fries were crisped to perfection. This is a spot I will go to every time I'm in town! read more

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Given all the local and national press/awards, I expected a lot. Service was fine but the dining room was almost too loud to have a conversation. The burger was tasty but nothing special. Fries were mostly salt. The buffalo cauliflower was the only standout. Probably won't return. read more

The patio was a lovely spot for dinner and drinks. The coconut beer was light and refreshing. I also really liked the chorizo dip as an appetizer. The BLT was good and the portion of fries was enough to share. The salads were fresh! Our server was efficient despite a very full section. read more

Great outdoor - indoor space - their sours were so so juicy! Food was great too! They were extremely accommodating when we came 5 mins before kitchen closing! Their carrot ginger soup was delish read more

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I came here after running the Des Moines half marathon before heading to the airport. The smash burger is legit! So good! And I'm pretty picky, coming from Chicago. If you like a good smash burger, you would be disappointed. I got 3 samplers for the beer and all were good. No complaints there either. Huge outdoor painful and lots of seating inside also. I sat at the bar because I was solo but it was pretty busy when I arrived around 1pm on a Sunday. I would definitely come back again! read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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We are visiting from CT and went for lunch and football watching at Lua Brewing. My husband is a beer connoisseur and he really enjoyed his beer tasting here. He says, if he could transport Lua brewery back to CT, he would love to do that. He had "gill's pils" and "call it" dreaming Bavarian hefeweizen. They have sour beer too. As a foodie, I thought "tofu bites" were a wonderful chef's creation- beautifully fried tofu, tangy sauce, shiitake mushrooms, scallions. It could be a meal by itself. We want to come back for this and to try roasted asparagus. Thank you, Lua Brewing, for giving us this unique experience. read more

I absolutely loved the beer selection here. I had some of the best beers I've ever had. I definitely recommend doing tasters of each beer so you can try as many as possible. The fried chicken sandwich with fries was also really solid. This was the perfect spot to get dinner and drinks before a show at Hoyt Sherman. read more

Great Beer! Great Service from Adrienne (spell check)!!! Thank you for all the recs! #OmahaGirls read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Don't know how I've not left a review for this place. Honestly this is the highlight of any visit to Des Moines. Dope beers that are constantly rotating, and ridiculously good food, especially for a brewery. Nice festive atmosphere anytime I've been through, with one seating options inside and out. Love the wrap around bar where I'm posted up at most of the time. Friendly bartenders and TVs to catch a game when on as well. Love the 5oz pour options so I can maximize the beers I get to try. Food wise I've not had anything bad here; from the tofu bites to the Buffalo cauliflower, to the ol standby smush burger, you'll like something they have. If you don't, maybe Applebees is more your sp read more

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Easily one of my favorite breweries in Iowa and worth the drive if you are an enthusiast for sour beers. This was my second visit to this brewery but unlike last time when it was very late, this time we came in the early evening and were able to enjoy sitting outside before it got dark. They have a lot of seating inside but the patio is huge and has many more seats for dry and warm days. We didn't try their food but what we saw come by looked phenomenal. The only downside was that the flavor of their THC beverages was subpar. But the beers we sampled through their flight were delicious as always. read more

In Des Moines for one evening and this was the perfect place to come. Great environment, super cool place! The staff were SO FRIENDLY! Food was exceptional. We had the smash burger, Mac and cheese, and started with the chips and salsa and all of them were amazing. Drinks were great too. read more

Was there with a group of 6, sat outside and had a great time. They were busy, you could tell short staffed as not all tables could be sat without a wait but they were doing their best. App of buffalo cauliflower is a must have. Pork tenderloin was a little over and needed seasoning in the breading but the sauce saved it. Everyone who had a burger at the table loved them. Will definitely go back! read more

Went away for a week and decided to try this Iowa brewery. Would rate more of 3.5. Beer on draft was okay. I would not say the BEST, but pretty good. Prices were reasonable and the staff friendly. Menu offered some good choices. We got burgers, which were pretty really good. Ambiance was a bit noisy, but we arrived later in the day. All in all a nice place. No complaints! read more

Extremely rude and condescending staff. Literally just stopped in to grab some Climbing Kites and I stood there for 2 mins and then interrupted the 3 people talking and asked for 2 variety packs. They use to have to make them but apparently now they are prepackaged, I didn't know, but she rudely said "okay they are I've there" I said "oh, sorry I didn't know they were prepackaged" then she gave me my totally, and wanted me to hold my own card on the register. Asked if I wanted a bag I said yes, only handed me one when I needed 2, but before I could asked for a second bag she left and didn't thank me or say have a nice day. She literally said here, handed me the bag and my card and walked away. So I interrupted another conversation and said can I please have another bag. He got rude and mad and rolled his eyes and said "yeah here". Like the service had been going down hill for a while but today was bad. People literally stood there looking at me, I smiled trying to get their attention I needed help and they looked away and proceeded to with their convos. I'm 99% sure the guy that rolled his eyes at me was the manager. Soooo no help there read more

Only stopped in for a beer or two. Decided to try the zucchini sticks was hoping for a similar heaping pile like the cauliflower bites I seen but still good. Hope to stop in again if in the area. Good selection of beverages. Staff easily to talk to. Lots of folks on hand but limited service. Nice layout inviting from the time you walk in to the ideal setting of your choice. I would say nice but not over the top. read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Great experience at Lua. 1. Smash burger was really, really good. A bit heavy, but I don't normally eat smash burgers. 2. INCREDIBLE FRIES. I'm a FRY SNOB and these were the perfect mix of crunch and soft and salty. 3. THC+CBD drinks. I don't drink alcohol so I was SO pleasantly surprised to see an alternative! 4. Great atmospheres the space itself is super cute and I bet even more fun in the summer with the outdoor area. Definitely recommend! Great prices as well. read more

Lua Brewing - Smash burger - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I went to Lua Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa with my husband while visiting his brother. I loved the setup and layout of the brewery and how it was so open with both really neat indoor and outdoor patio seating. We were greeted by many nice and friendly staff. We ended up sitting at a table inside and ordering from both their incredible craft beer menu and amazing artisan food menu. I ended up ordering their Pork Belly Bahn Mi Sandwich and side salad with house dressing, along with trying their craft beer also. Everything was absolutely delicious! What a really Cool spot! Can't wait to return!! Definitely recommend!! read more

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Good presentation with the big ice cube, orange peel and cherries. More bourbon forward which is not a bad thing. Just wished to taste the bitters a bit more. read more

Lua Brewing - Old fashioned - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Really great food for a brewery. Who would think to find a burrata, and peach salad here? It was really delicious too, good quality cheese. Their beers are excellent. I had one of their Hefeweizens with my meal, and it went down sooooo well on this 104F day. Also had their buffalo cauliflower, and that was just ok. Service was really good, very attentive to us, and friendly. If it weren't so hot outside, we would have sat on the patio as it was really nice. Would come here again if I were in the area for sure. read more

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My brother-in-law has been raving about this place for the past few years. He said it's one of his favorite places for food and beer. It's been on my list to try but I've been reluctant to try it because nothing on their menu sounded very appealing to me. My husband and I finally decided to try it out over the weekend for dinner and were kind of disappointed. They said it was going to be a thirty minute wait for a table. We didn't mind waiting so we went to the bar so my husband could order a drink. He got the Dan's Dunkel which he really liked. It was $6 but when he got the receipt from the bartender he saw there was a 3% service charge. My husband paid in cash so we couldn't figure out what the charge was for. The fee was $.19 so we let it go. We only had to wait fifteen minutes for our table so we were happy about that. When our waitress took our orders we asked her about the service charge and she said that was for payments made with a card. She said we shouldn't have been charged the fee and went back and got us our $.19 back even though we didn't ask her to. She was very friendly and gracious about it and we really appreciated it. We ordered our food and waited for about 40 minutes for it. No big deal. They were busy and we didn't mind the wait too much. The thing that made me upset, though, was that a couple and a family of four that was seated well after we ordered our food got their food before we got ours. Then to add insult to injury, the food was disappointing. We both ordered Italiano Cubano sandwiches with fries. The bread was as stiff as a wooden board. It was so hard and dry that it was hard to enjoy the sandwich. It didn't have much flavor, either. The fries were thin and wimpy like fast food fries. They also used plastic glasses for our water. I guess I was expecting more from a nice place like that. The place is cool-looking and has a fun atmosphere but the food didn't wow us. The rest of the menu seemed kind of boring so there isn't anything that would tempt us to come back again. There are much better places to get a great sandwich for less money. The only good thing I found was that you do get a lot of food for what you pay for. I still wouldn't come back again though. read more

Lua Brewing - Italiano Cubano - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The Lua Smush Burger and the Rarebit Burger were both very good! Service was attentive and friendly. We were able to watch the last half of our NFL game on one of the TV's. They had a bunch of stockings decorating the restaurant for Christmas. We bought our son and daughter-in-law a gift card due to the vegan menu they have. read more

Really standout! Menu on the smaller side but they seem to rotate through a fair amount of seasonal items which keeps it fun. I had the sauerbraten as part of their Octoberfest menu and it was very good! The gingersnap crazy on the short rib gave a unique flavor that was really good! Spatzle and potatoes were also super nice and savory with it and the red cabbage complimented it well. We also got the zucchini appetizer which was great and I'd recommend! Great flavor with the Chili's which went well with the ricotta! Burger was pretty solid and Octoberfest beer was very smooth! Ambiance was really fun! Open area with a garage door that opened up the restaurant to their patio which makes this place a great choice if the weather is nice! The staff was all welcoming and helpful. read more

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Such horrible service. I showed up and waited 20 minutes for someone to give me a menu and they were all so rude. I feel like they are coasting on their reputation and not caring anymore. The food I ordered was just average, Panera or some other chain restaurant would be much better or at least equal to this and at least I don't get the indifference and judgmental stares. The food runners from the kitchen were the nicest people there, the host and the waitresses were the opposite of antidepressants. Only visit if you want to be ignored multiple times as they walk by you. If that gives you Joy, this is right up your alley. . read more

What a great find in Des Moines. Staying downtown for business, I decided to walk over to tip back a few pints. A great space with an open concept with a great patio in warmer weather. On this particular night, there was a band on the patio that added to the atmosphere. Beer wise, Lua hits it out of the park. I was particular fond of the kolsch as well as the hefeweizen. For food, I recommend the fried chicken sandwich. The highlight is the chipotle pimento spread. Perfectly fried nestled on a freshly baked bun, it was a great pairing with the beer. It was slammed the night I was there but the bartenders were hustling and great with recommendations. Definitely a great stop if you are in the area. read more

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I was in Des Moines for work and wanted local food and beer. Lia Brewing delivered both and they were tasty! I had a pork belly Banh mi and a delicious IPA served by a personable bartender. There was a beautiful mural on the wall, and it seemed like a local hangout. It didn't hurt that I could walk to another local brewery since I was only in town for a few days! read more

Lua Brewing - Core ipa - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Pete made our experience here unforgettable, my boyfriend & I were visiting from out of town first time in Iowa & he was such a great host to us for our time here! Beers were delicious. Shout out to Pete!!! Give that guy a raise read more

This place is great! It's indoor/outdoor seating. Delicious food and beer! Although they were very busy on Friday evening, we were seated quickly, had beers quickly, and perfect timing on food. Casual atmosphere is great for pre-concert gathering. read more

Lua Brewing - Pork Belly Bohn Mi, chicken quesadilla, fries, and jalapeño poppers - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I am still dreaming of my meal from Lua Brewing. My burger (on gluten free bun) was incredible!!!! And the cheese smothered on top with the fries... YUM. I can't wait to come back!!! read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Beer selection was great. The tofu was ok. Very salty. Seeing was friendly and the space is great. Love the fact there's plenty of parking and indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Lua Brewing - Flight of beer. - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I really like the variety of beers available plus a nice menu to pair with it. The seating was open air with the large doors opened to the patio. The night I was there they had live music, which was really nice and volume level was perfect. We paid our waitstaff so she could get the tip, but in our rush forgot to ask for a box for my food. Bummer since I only had eaten half of it and was pumped for leftovers. read more

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Fun outdoor seating, good food, fun decor. Definitely would go again. Waitress was kind & helpful.