I've been to Sam's on a couple of occasions. I find the service to be typical for a place like…read morethis. I'm not a regular but they treat you like you might be. I find that quaint and inviting. The food selection is typical for a small bar with the exception that it seems to be all handmade and fresh. I've had the patty melt and the Reuben and both were very delicious and the corned beef was authentic and savory. The drinks are metered so if you want extra alcohol you'll pay for it, the beer selection is good and they have a full selection of top shelf liquor as well. They have a little corner for live music performance but sadly no dance floor. I'll definitely go back as I want to try the beer battered fish and eventually the wings.

I badly wanted this review to be higher. The bartender greeted me within 10 seconds of walking in…read moreand I had a beer within two minutes. As I was one of the first people in the restaurant at noon, he offered to put on whatever game I wanted. The cook also came out and made conversation with the clientele. The food was generally good and service was on the spot. On the downside--this place advertises having the Sunday ticket--but only has three TVs that can support it. The other TVs were on whatever other sporting events were on ESPN, FS1, etc. Additionally, they had a Yelp check-in offer that was not honored due to them no longer having the product.

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!!

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.

Allows any and all food to be brought in... sea food boil bring it in, sauerkraut and cabbage is…read morewelcome! Drinks and cheap and cold. Local favorite watering hole.

The owner was rude and said to my husband, I've told you three times however he has a hearing aid…read morewhich was rude of him and I made a comment about. Maybe he's not very social and he snapped at me and said I'm very social completely turned off our bill and walked out with wondering and I will never go back

Everyone needs a bar within walking distance of their home to finish off the night and just let…read moreloose -- this is that bar. Beer is cold and cheap - just the way I like it!! Great pool players here who are very serious about the game if that's your thing, also they have a collection of board games for some Sunday Funday shenanigans. Also free popcorn, as any good dive bar should offer!

LADIES BEWARE! The last thing I remember at this bar is the male bartender and 2 guys pushing shots…read moreof Crown Royal on me. I was tipsy when I walked in. I only remember 3 or 4 shots. I'm a pretty heavy drinker. A few shots in a row wouldn't put me in the state I was in by the time I left. I was falling in and out of consciousness, vomiting, barely breathing, couldn't even sit up and according to witnesses there were three men trying to get me to go home with them. I don't want to accuse the bartender or either of the men of drugging me, but witnesses say that's looked like what happened. No bartender I've ever met would push drinks on a patron like that, nonetheless a female while 3 men were all over her. It's clear he gave no shit about what happened to me, and I'm pretty sure he was helping those patrons try to date rape me. Where I'm from, bartenders will take your keys if you get that drunk and wouldn't let some drunk girl leave with 3 men she didn't know. He let me leave and get in my car. I could have killed someone. Another man joined in somewhere after I blacked out and lost most of my memory. He tried to put me in his car and drive away. Him and another man went to jail that night for fighting with emergency personnel trying to take me. A guardian angel was with me that night and a bystander stepped in and wouldn't let any of those men near me. This happened Friday night around 11pm. The bartender had longer hair and a beard, I think. I hope the owner checks the cameras. I'd really like to know what happened and what that bartender was thinking. If I don't hear back, I'll be sharing my thoughts with the liquor control commission.

I went in one time and the bartender remembered my name. Kevin's always quick to greet you with a…read moresmile. The female bartender who comes in after him (don't remember her name, unfortunately) is also great and makes sure you're taken care of. The place looks like it would only have Budweiser and Busch Light on tap, but they have all kinds of craft options for very reasonable prices. This month, they have a very tasty beer from Boulevard called Easy Orange for only $4/pint. You're probably looking at $2-$3 more/pint at other places around Ankeny. I'd get there by 4PM, otherwise, you're going to be sitting at a table, not the bartop.

I am pleased that this bar is here. It is a local stop and…read moreeveryone who goes here loves it. I am not a regular but we were stopping in to try something different. Small parking lot around what appears to be a house, but it's so much more. It's a dive bar. Multiple TVs had a golf tournament on but that didn't keep the conversations from being lively. Even we were greeted with smiles from the bartender. We bellied right up and made friends. She was so fun to talk to even while being worked hard with the busy crowd. We did discover that the name was changed to Careny Tap about 5 years ago, but there are still hits of the old name, and Google also had an old name on the map. We started a tab and they took a card or cash. We had a couple drinks and I loved watching the bartender work. My husband was very pleased with the beer options available. They had some beers that not a lot of places carry and I think he was so excited to find some unique ones she had to offer. We did not eat anything, but really like this place and its been here forever. I recommend.

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.

Man do I feel like my hometown bar when I stepped in here. Signage on the front door was missing…read morejust the way I like it. There was room at the bar for us to sit and get a nice cold draw from the tap. I noticed by reading other reviews that the tenderloin and sausage sandwiches were top favorites here. Once I had a couple of drinks and heard/ seen about 15 tenderloins and sausage sandwiches be ordered and served I knew what I wanted. It didn't disappoint as I split my meal with my guest. Everything that I want and nothing I didn't need is here. I am excited as I found my new regular stop that makes me feel like the small town I'm from.

Went here with Cook for a customer lunch one day. Food was alright, then I decided to look over…read moretowards the bar and saw our waitress at the time using her bare hand to itch her foot while wearing her Uggs. Then proceeded to bring us the bill with the same hand she itched her foot with. The only bright side to that lunch was seeing a helicopter flying so low it was like it was filming an episode of dirty dining or something. Idk, but wont be back.

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!

me and the wife were staying at the Econo Lodge this evening and walked over and ordered a…read morepretzel. Oh my God was that thing huge and delicious. Also, the bartender behind the counter was very friendly and very helpful with getting our order to go even gave us the pretzel in a pizza box with napkins and some paper and a fork to cut size of a pizza and is awesome. Highly recommend stopping in it. Thanks for the great experience.

If you like having a beer while at the fair but hate paying fair prices, this dive bar is located…read moreacross the street from the main entrance on grand. They have lots of cold beer and full bar. Pool table is also available. Whenever we have been there its not been busy but parking is at a minimum.