I really don't want to review this place because, if people realize how cool it is, it will be…read moreimpossible to get a table. Awesome, small speakeasy with a macabre vibe. This is where Edgar Allen Poe would hung out. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, they have some great options and offer an authentic absinthe fountain. If you're a mocktail drinker, they have a variety of NA options to make drinks with that aren't just overly sweet, fruity drinks. Old horror movies on the projector with popcorn adds to the vibe, if you're looking for something off the beaten path. Great addition to the DSM speakeasy scene!

From the owner: Amidst the strains of haunting melodies and the whisper of hidden corridors, The Haunt offers a…read morerefined sanctuary for those who seek to commune with the enigmatic, where every sip is an invocation of the sublime and the supernatural.

I was sleeping on this place and finally went with a friend. I wanted to try it all, but alas we'll…read morehave to go back. Ambiance was amazing. Service was good. Food was a flavor-bomb. I'll be back and highly recommend this place!

4.2* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 4* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $38 10/11/2025 My wife found this place when it was her turn to pick a restaurant for dinner after Mass. We parked in the back and the first impression was great - the smell of actively smoking meat on the way in is always a positive for me! Inside, we found the decor to be clean and modern as was the storefront when I stepped out to take a picture for this review. As is almost always the case when we are out for dinner, we started with drinks - my wife opting for the Coconut Mojito (see picture) while I ordered the Caribbean Sea Margarita (see picture). Both were very good and are highly recommended, although they were a bit pricy...especially for their size (although that seems to becoming the norm everywhere). The menu was a bit limited, but did have some very unique dishes (see picture) - one of the main reasons that we love restaurants like this! For dinner, my wife ordered the Suya Pepper Shrimp (see picture) and I went for the Jerk Chicken with Coconut Candied Yams and Jollof Rice (see picture). The chicken was extremely tender and delicious...just be aware that it was served in what is likely a very traditional African / Caribbean style - chopped into small pieces with numerous bone fragments. We both thought the flavors of both dishes were wonderful - so would recommend them and would definitely order again. If you are looking for a unique African / Caribbean food and drink experience in downtown Des Moines...you will definitely enjoy a stop here! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

Full disclosure: unless you are down with dive bars, this review isn't for you…read more As far as dive bars go, this place is a GEM. They have an INSANE beer selection (all bottles FYI), it's dimly lit, AND they have a pool table in the back. What more could a girl ask for?! Taking 1 star off because it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to see the beer selection because of how dark it is. The amazing bartenders have a flashlight behind the bar in case you need the light (like me). Also I don't know if I've ever been able to find a decent pool cue there. It will not be stopping me from returning to play more pool though.

Best bar on Ingersoll!!! Ice cold drinks, lightning fast service. Amazing mood all the time…read more Nice and bright Cubs bar in the daytime. Amazing dark booths at night.

Traveling from Phoenix, AZ to Madison, Wi and wanted to stop at a sports bar for lunch to watch the…read moreWI Men's BB team in Big 10 Tournament. Friendly place with great service. We both had their famous 1/3 pound burger and sweet potato fries. Excellent choice. Came to the table perfect. Place was packed with Badger fans so we felt at home. Both of us graduated from the clean plate club as the Badgers lost to Michigan by 2. Highly recommend without any reservations. Plenty of TVs and sports memorabilia.

I got the cheese curds and wings with a fries basket, very delicious. The wings were tender, fry…read moreseasoning was good, they also have great ranch. I got the honey garlic wings but I definitely want to try one of their dry rubs next time. The cheese curds appetizer comes with sauce options, went with garlic aioli and chipotle ranch, both were great choices. Came in to watch the NCAA, they have a ton of tvs here. Definitely a great spot with no issues for viewing any sports game.

The vibes/ambiance are totally on point. I was lucky enough to get a parking spot right out front,…read morewhich can definitely be tricky on Ingersoll. Luckily it's right by the closed Office Depot or whatever, so there's that whole lot, too. I had read a lot that they were cash only, but now that it's 2026 I guess they take card, which is nice. The bartender was very chill and friendly. It was a really fun time, and I am excited to go back.

3 stars only cause the bartender was nice & quick, but there was only 1 other patron inside…read more This is definitely your "ol school" dive bar, the minute you walk in there was a smell to the place (wasn't pleasant) more of that old pleather/dirty floor smell. There was a pinball machine, pool table and jukebox inside. This place had that "local" dive bar spot feel to it. Drink was fairly cheap $5, we had the bartender make us her favorite drink which was a watermelon shot and it was tasty. The place has potential, if it didn't have the unpleasant smell to it and it was a little brighter inside.

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!

This place has been a staple for the past three years I've been in law school @ Drake. The student…read moreburger deal is a godsend, happy hour is perfect, and the servers are always great. I've take family who've visited DSM for the first time and they love it. I've had rough days where the chicken bacon ranch flatbread is all I want and it satisfies every time. I've done schoolwork here (including group flash card study sessions) while sipping on a cute cocktail. I've shared so many drinks and laughs with my classmates here, I hope they stay open forever. HIGHLY recommended!!

I've been here a handful of times. Never a complaint…read more Food is is always tasty and delivered in a reasonable time. And I've never sent anything back, it's always been good. Waitresses are always attentive and friendly. They know the menu & drinks as well and are doing a fantastic job. Decent prices. Close and also private parking. Decent restrooms.

Now it's always nice to have a bar or two with in walking distance of your home! This place is…read moreperfect for a night cap, a date night, or just going out! This hip new spot on Ingersoll will soon be a destination for anyone wanting cool cocktails, craft brews, small bites, all under low lights! Sleek mid century modern design. Killer music playlist, I had to ask the server is this your mix, he smiled and said yes.. I told him I was impressed! (Emitt Rhodes, Pavement, The Sonics,) did he steal my Ipod.. oh and there was some other stuff I didn't know but was rad too.. So well done there! This place is rad and stoked to have it so close to where I live.. Might be my new regular spot!

I've always had a great experience at Bartenders Handshake! Both the indoor seating and outdoor…read morepatio have a nice, homey feel. The music is wonderful and the staff has always been kind. Their food and drinks have been consistently great for both in-person and carry-out orders. Their menu is meat-free and they compost all the food scraps. They have signature spirit-free drinks as well, so it's a comfortable space to hang out with friends even if they don't drink. Be sure to try their rotating Community Cocktail; all the proceeds are donated to a local organization, which is rad. Highly recommended!

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.