Just a lousy excuse to be the next big hit on the block but what it actually is is a pretentious over priced nightmare. The food is pretentious the drinks are pretentious and the food isn't even worth how much you pay for it it's absolutely horrible Beer was pretty good. read more

Located down the street from ADong's Vietnamese restaurant (very good) is Lua Brewing. The feel is upscale bar with a nice open dining room which also opens up to an outside patio. The menu is limited but has interesting variations. My companion and I both ordered the Lua Smush burger which in reality is in between a burger and a Maid-Rite if you get my meaning. The fries were good but slightly over salted and the burger itself was fine but had too many pickles for my taste. I also ordered a small beer which was enough for the tasting purpose. My companion thought it was good but not overly impressed while I was more enthusiastic. Ordering is interesting as you can order via the app or at the counter. Servers bring it out to you but my question is do you tip? If so, how much? We tipped a 10% which was fair I think. read more

Recently reserved their large 'Harvest Table' for a surprise birthday celebration, Lua was super easy and great to work with the entire time. Whitney and Scott are a great team. They helped me arrange some food to be out for guests when they first arrived and from there ensured that we were well cared for the entire time. The beer and food were both great (and we sampled a lot of food over the course of the evening), everyone in our group enjoyed themselves, and I know we will all be back at some point on our own. The space is also super beautiful. Great place to grab a drink, get some food, and although it is a brewery...the kids in our group also had a great time! So happy with this addition to Des Moines and highly recommend to anyone looking to try it out. Cheers! read more

I was in Des Moines the other day for a work trip and have been following this brewery on Instagram for several months. The first thing you'll notice from the street is the massive patio which was filled with people and dogs, and a really fun band the night we went. The vibe inside was really cool and on trend. Love the barstools and the big mural behind the bar. We really enjoyed a couple IPAs and sours. My girlfriend and I split the Buffalo cauliflower which was fantastic. The other dish we split was the salmon poke-not good. At all. I'm not usually one to complain about bad food and I'll eat almost anything, but this was down right awful. Poke is typically light and refreshing with a soy or sesame sauce, but theirs was covered in a terrible white-ish sauce that tasted nothing like any poke I've had before. If it weren't for that, I would have rated 5 stars. The service was friendly and prompt. Overall, we had a really good experience and I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area. read more

Lua Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Indoor and outdoor area are beautiful. Extremely night and attentive server. And for such a simple menu, they knock it out of the park! The caesar salad and turkey panini were amazing. Plus they welcome pups! read more

The beer here is imaginative and delicious! The chef is outstanding. We had a burger and the fish and chips and they were absolutely delicious. I have heard some people complain about the pricing, but you get what you pay for here, which is spectacular food for a brewery or any restaurant! The service was friendly and fast, with a very urban atmosphere, with wide open spaces. I can't wait to go back! read more

Lua Brewing - Fish & chips!! - Breweries Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Get to Lua ASAP! We stopped in on a recent spring evening, and the place was packed; Iowans love their beer. I tried the three sours that were on the menu: The Honeymoone Suite (a fruited sour made in partnership with Bellhop), the Baby Blue Sedan that's berry-forward, and the Words Make Less Sense, another fruited sour with flavors of pineapple and blood orange. Each was unique, and I'm looking forward to trying their future brews. We also grabbed some food during our visit. We started with the celery root bites. I belive my exact words were, "Oh. My. God." If these are on the menu when you visit, do not miss them. I went with the avocado toast for my main. The combination of avocado, radish, carrots, sprouts, and aioli was a hit, and the dish was surprisingly filling. My husband went with the chicken sandwich and fries. While I skipped trying the sandwich, the fries were well-seasoned. If you're looking for a relaxed neighborhood spot, get to Lua. I'm especially excited to try their patio! read more

We dined here for a work event and it was the perfect location. They have delicious appetizers and good options for those who aren't 21+ yet. There is a beautiful patio as well as plenty of inside seating. read more

We had a bad experience today. We're disappointed because things have been great in the past. Food was mediocre, service was inexistent. The bathrooms aren't being checked. I don't feel that we should need to ask for more water, silverware, napkins or wait 30 min for food with no updates. The online ordering and rushed wait service really ruins your opportunity for thoughtful customer service. Lua - you guys can do better. Hope you do. read more

The whole new automated system they're trying to implement is good in theory, but the lack of server/bartender to customer interaction was missing completely. Nobody gave us recommendations on beer or food. Once ordered there was no option for cash and no server to even tell us. No one checked to see if we were enjoying our meal and we had to wave down a server for a missing item. We didn't get a water refill until we were getting up to leave. read more

I gave it to 2 stars for the fries but I'm not a drinker and I could not even get a icetea or lemonade. Yes I know there a brewery food was awful and to loud hear yourself think.I guess I'm getting to old and staff was rude . read more

We've been to Lua numerous times, pre and during COVID. Can't wait to go again in person once things get back to normal. The food is always great, and not something you'd expect from a brewery. Easily the best brewery food in Iowa, and possibly the best I've had in the US. The beers are great and the best in Des Moines. IMO they're in the top 3 of Iowa breweries for their beers. I place them in the top 3 with Big Grove and Pulpit Rock. Service is always stellar, especially with the stress of COVID. Lua would be at home in any major US City, but we're beyond lucky that they chose to open in Des Moines! read more

Visited due to reviews and we love a good brewery with good food. Underwhelmed by both the food and the beer.

I've been around Des Moines and this is now hands down my favorite brewery in Des Moines. Great service and even better beer.

Dude! I have always loved burgers. When I was young my parents would always give my siblings and I a "special" dinner for our birthdays... my 5 siblings always chose pizza... myself, I always wanted my dad to grill burgers. Today my wife and I took the kids to Lua and we shared a smush burger... let me tell you something... best goddamned burger I've ever had. Our server was great, and as always, the beer was on point. We absolutely love Lua. read more

My family and I went to Lua today for lunch. My husband and I shared a Lua smush burger with fries, the little ones shared a kids smush burger and our teenager got smothered fries. When I tell you that is the best burger I have had in my life, it is no exaggeration. The little ones LOVED their smush burger as well and the smothered fries were to die for! Our waitress was great and the beers were tasty as always! Lua is a favorite of ours and a must stop when we come into Des Moines! Keep up the great work! read more

I came from out of state to try the beer because of the reviews of this brewery. I have been going to breweries for many years so I know what I am looking for and what I like. Upon arrival I thought the brewery looked cool. However once we sat down at the bar it was like we were an inconvenience to the bar tender. Not very friendly at all. They don't offer flights. They don't have a lot of beer on tap. I had a pint of the sun for miles. I will say the beer was very good. I rated it a 4.25 out of 5. We ordered food and I had their chicken Cesar wrap with fries. It was alright but nothing to brag about. I thought about getting a burger but when I went to the bathroom the kitchen had no door on it and I saw a rack of burger balls on a rack not in a refrigerator. I thought that was weird but I also didn't know how long they had been there. Their merch section was kinda hidden. When it was all said and done we spent $200. I probably would recommend the beer but not going to the brewery. I think the staff needs an attitude check. read more

The food was pretty good, and I love the THC seltzers but I think I'll just get them at the corner store from now on. First time going to Lua and the service was terrible. I went today (May 23rd) and at first we had a table outside and the girl was extremely rude and honestly just weird. Then we get inside because it started to rain (we had already closed out but decided to stay for another drink) and the next waitress was even worse. Another waitress brought us some ice and was more aloof. Honestly only leaving this review because if I were the owner of this place I would not be hiring these melodramatic alt girls who have terrible attitudes. Every single interaction with these girls felt like we were inconveniencing them. Maybe they were all hungover, I'm a server so been there done that, but I was shocked at the poor quality of service. So, I decided to leave a review because I was really irritated with how they spoke to my parents. We were also charged different prices than what was listed on the menu. Definitely would not go again. read more

Really glad to finally have a brewery open near Ingersoll and Sherman Hill! Stopped by on opening night, and again after work a week later. Great experience both times! Lots of space within the taproom- probably around 15 seats at the bar, and quite a few tables for four throughout the room. Has a more upscale vibe than many of the taprooms in DSM- feels more like some of the more established taprooms in larger cities to me. Only 5 beers made by Lua on tap so far, but all of them were great- especially Calm (imperial stout with coconut, cacao, and vanilla beans) and Loud as Hope (Hefeweizen). The Hefe is easily the best I've had in Des Moines, and tastes like what I would expect if I were in Germany or Belgium. Haven't tried the food yet, but if it's as good as the beer, it should be awesome! I'll definitely be a regular here in the future, since it's so conveniently located when you're leaving downtown. read more

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This place is outstanding. Amazing food, drinks and service. Love the local feel and fresh ingredients. This place does not sacrifice quality. Smash burger is a repeat order. read more

By far the best brewery in the Des Moines metro. I drive past other breweries to go here 20 minutes across town. I don't think I have ever had a beer I didn't like. read more

This was our first time at Lua Brewing as we do not live in Des Moines but our son does. We tried many different beers; all were good. Food options varied but were excellent. Service was very good and attentive. read more

I'm in love with Lua! They have two of the best fruity sour beers I've had in a long time: Candy Paint and Baby Blue Sedan. Their hot wings are killer too! The food menu is a little on the expensive side but it adds up to be worth it in my book. I can't wait to bike over and hang out on the patio this summer. read more

Absolutely loved this place and went twice on a recent visit to Des Moines. Great beer - particularly loved their slow pours, and the Sunbather was among the best sours that I've had. We also tried 5 dishes that were all great, with tons of veggie options. I'd recommend the peach and ricotta toast and the tofu bites. read more

Immediately greeted upon walking in. Food came out super fast and coming from a former vegan...that burger is F***Ing amazing. The staff was excellent, the atmosphere is excellent, the food is EXCELLENT. Please take all my money. I will be returning read more

It was ok. They beer was great. The chicken sandwich had an odd taste, though it was cooked perfectly. I'll try it again but I wasn't blown away. read more

This place is totally overrated. You have to order from your phone despite the "order here" sign above the bar. Service sucks even though they aren't actually doing anything. It's in a parking lot, the views aren't that great and it's $5 for a bud light. Food menu is confusing and full of vegan or gluten free crap so I didn't order anything. I chuckled when I read on their menu "oldest brewery in sherman hill" and then "established in 2018" not far below. Crowd of people who go there seem nice but I just don't understand this place. It's weird and scammy. I live a block away but I've only been here once, doubt I'll go back there are better bars and breweries in the area. read more

We went here because of the great reviews, so I feel obligated to leave my own because I disagree completely. Very small selection of food and over priced for what you get. Burger was decent, fries were great. Beer is not good and service was poor. Will not be going back to this disappointment. read more

Great beer, great hall and great food. You'll love this new local pub. A must place to visit.......often.

I am updating my review because I went again and ordered the exact same thing and everything negative about my previous review had been rectified and now everything about this place is delicious. Quickly becoming one of my favorite places read more

Phenomenal place! The beers are creative and very well done - even found a sour I could drink (algorithm ) the space, indoor and outdoor was so lovely and inviting. Lastly the food - not your typical brewpub fare. Highly recommend the Brussels sprouts, the Lua burger and everything lox toast! Thanks for a great road trip lunch - we'll be back! read more

I cannot day enough good things about this place! It has been our parents of 3 escape during the pandemic with a huge patio and all of the best sanitation precautions in place. The wings are SO good and SO different from any other in town. They are also HUGE and an easy item to share for dinner. The beers are so original and never disappoint. On this particular date night I was delighted to try the Bixie Pie Sour and told the owner how good it was. He told us it was named after his black lab puppy and I immediately started crying because tonight was the 1 year anniversary of losing our 13 year old lab. The owner was so kind to my tears and bought another Bixie on the house. Lua will be our go to date night forever! read more

Wow, found a rare 5 star establishment. Gorgeous bar and open patio. Staff super friendly. My gripe with most small breweries is that they try to make too many foofoo beers; mega hopped banana infused triple bock with a hint of asparagus. How about making a good drinkable beer for summertime? Well Lua has 4-5 fantastic summer beers. I highly recommend their Palaces. Ordered the Lua burger. Delicious. This place will be a new summertime hang out. Get some friends and go to Lua. read more

There were 7 of us, and at least 3 found the food way too salty--ruined their hamburger and fries (and was a $15 hamburger.). Nice outdoor patio, but limited parking. Music too loud making conversation difficult. Have to order on phone which I don't like, especially if 2 of you are on the same order-- have to pass the phone back and forth and have to do a lot of scrolling. I really don't want to tip 20% when I have to do all the work ordering on a phone, and putting in credit card information. Not my idea of service. Wait help was pleasant. read more

Wow! Greeted by Emily and the adventure began. A true asset to this pub! Help us without hesitation. Ready with her favorites to give us a heads up. The food! Yowzer! A smash burger even your momma would love! Amazing! Crispy fries and Buffalo cauliflower! I cannot say enough good things about this spot! First time there but going to be our burger spot!! Emily is truly an asset to your Operation! I would definitely make sure she had a strong hand in service management! I would steal her for my joint if I could...beware Lua! Lolol read more

Great edition to the Sherman hill area. Love the design of the space and the vibe that comes with it on a busy night. We had a a lager from Big Grove and a Sour. Great recommendations made by Pete! Also tried the Lua burger and the Korean Chicken. The burger was perfectly cooked. I didn't personally love the sweet pickle combo, but the rest of the presentation was delicious. The seasoned fries were so good too (although my parents would disagree). Definitely will be back with friends soon! read more

Had a birthday party at this brewery, was amazing! The food is out of this world and the beers flavors are very clever. The staff is friendly and the bathrooms are beautiful. read more

Best brewery in Des Moines hands down. Frequently rotating taps, they have multiple different styles which are all excellent. Have yet to have a beer here that hasn't impressed me and I frequent their social media pages to try every beer they release. Head brewer was a brewer at Big Grove in Iowa city before opening this one, it seems there was a large draw of inspiration from Big grove. I love all styles (mainly except sours) and Lua beer has converted me to a sour lover. Their push-pop series is fantastic and is a kind of beer I've never had before, they truly do taste like push pops and are very crushable. I've had the food a few times and everything I've tried has exceeded my expectations especially for a brewery. Also has a nice outdoor patio area. Food and beer are pricey but worth it, evidenced by how hard it can be to get seating on the weekends because it's usually so busy! read more

Went for the first time on FridayJanuary 31st for lunch and a couple of Beers. The Beers were both IPA's. I would give both of them 5 stars. One was called Tunes(something) don't remember the name of the other. And they don't post the name of their beers on their web site? They say they do on their FB and their Twitter- but it's just kinda random. Shouldn't be that difficult? But again - 2 awesome beers! For grub I ordered the burger (they have only one). It comes with fries and they were Awesome! But the burger was awful. The best way I can explain it - it tasted like they boiled it in water to cook it. Maybe microwaved it? The meat was just really mushy and saying maybe they boiled it is my best analogy. Yes- I know they didn't boil it. And the meat itself had no flavor. The bun is ciabatta which I like but it was so dry it was falling apart all over the counter. It comes on a wooden plate - don't like that for germ purposes and it's too small for the food they bring. I will Definitely go back for the beers and maybe I can just get a side of their awesome fries! Maybe I'll try their chicken wings next time. read more

Pretty great food, the Loud as Hope beer is favorite! Cant wait for this place to be open in the summer with the unique design. Thet are always adding new items to the menu as well which is very cool. I'll definitely be back! read more