Craving a cold one with a side of pure Iowa quirk? Des Moines is tapping into craft beer culture like never before, mixing creative suds, comfort food, and unforgettable hangout spots in every corner of the city. Whether you’re a hop head, a trivia champ, or you just want a patio to park your four-legged bestie, these breweries serve up so much fun you’ll need a designated driver and a calendar to visit them all—let’s dive in!
Barn Town Brewing | Quirky Family Fun & Wild Brews
Stepping inside feels like a craft beer bar crash-landed at the state fair and left for bidding at an Iowa farm auction. IPAs, stouts, and sours line the menu, but you won’t see a Caramel Apple gluten-free sour or a PB and J ale just anywhere. Those drinks even show up in slushy or ice cream form when daring meets delicious.
The décor doubles down on whimsy. Vintage signs hang from exposed beams and a giant wall constructed of empty beer cans forms the shape of Iowa. It’s a perfect backdrop for a spontaneous photo op.
Hunger strikes fast, so go straight for the Mac n Cheese Waffle Fried Chicken. Sweet, savory, and crunchy collide in one unforgettable dish.
Outside, the patio welcomes full households—kids, dogs, and friends who refuse to leave the fun behind. Yard games and oversized lawn chairs keep the party rolling. Private igloos await if you want a secret spot to plan your next beer conquest. Plan your own sabotage-by-waffle here.
Hessen Haus | Oktoberfest Vibes Year-Round
Tucked inside a historic train station this bier hall feels like boarding a train straight to Bavaria without leaving Des Moines. The venue boasts high ceilings, brick arches and long communal tables that invite strangers to become friends over steins. Wooden benches sit beneath authentic Bavarian décor that seems handpicked from a Munich market.
Rows of taps pour German classics alongside house-brewed variations and every server helps you nail the pronunciation of hefeweizen. The beer list reads like a European tour itinerary with dunkels, pilsners and weiss beers vying for attention. Occasionally you will catch sight of a boot passed around as part of the unofficial initiation rite.
Original schnitzels stay true to tradition and bratwursts sizzle on the smoker behind the bar. The spaetzle arrives buttery soft and makes a perfect bed for rich gravy or melted cheese. Every bite holds as much character as the beer beside it.
When the weather cooperates the massive patio beckons with open air and skyline views. Back inside live polka balanced by an accordion keeps the festive energy flowing. Prost your way through the menu here.
Up-Down DSM | Best Grown-Up Playground
Stepping through the door feels like time-traveling back to your childhood arcade, only now you’ve got a craft beer in hand instead of a juice box. Two floors are stocked with classic arcade cabinets—Pac-Man, pinball, you name it—plus skee-ball lanes begging for a little friendly rivalry.
The beer selection spans solid craft options and a few clever cocktails for when you’ve still got responsibilities tomorrow. And if nostalgia strikes your stomach, the mac and cheese pizza is a carb lover’s dream.
Weekly specials and themed nights keep the atmosphere fresh. The staff are quick with a pour and a punch line, and on busy nights the spacious layout means you’ll never have to elbow another grown-up gamer for a turn. Bring your tokens and aim for that high score. Level up your night here.
Confluence Brewing Company | Beer-Lover’s Playground
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, park your bike just off the Gray’s Lake Trail and prepare to taste your way through more than 35 beers on tap. The sprawling outdoor garden welcomes dogs, while picnic tables under string lights beckon large groups. At this cozy spot you can swap a water bottle for a pint glass and pretend you’re an IPA savant.
Citrusy and dangerously easy to drink, the Des Moines IPA is a crowd pleaser. When you feel adventurous, chase down one of the experimental oddities like blue corn in your lager. Food options constantly rotate with a lineup of food trucks or you can bring your own local takeout if tacos are calling.
Live music nights and spirited trivia rounds keep the energy buzzing as you peek through glass walls into the brewing tanks. Friends challenge each other to board games while fresh releases hit the taps every week. There is always a new brew to fall in love with. scope out their ever-changing lineup here.
The Hall DSM| Community Hangout with a Cause
It’s rare to feel saintly while sipping a pint, but this spot nails it with 54 taps spilling everything from nitro coffee to neighborhood favorites. Housed in a converted railcar building, the space blends industrial charm with polished details and rotating local art on the walls. Overhead string lights and vintage records spinning in the background set a warm stage for every visit.
The kitchen fires up classics like burgers and bratwurst, each order funding job-training programs for people building culinary skills. You’ll taste top-notch ingredients and walk away knowing you’ve made an impact. Pop-up nights even let you watch local chefs demo new recipes or dive into a microbrew crash course.
Long communal tables invite banter with strangers over trivia on Thursdays or high-fives at Monday bingo. A rotating lineup of live music, themed tap takeovers, and seasonal festivals keeps regulars on their toes.
Consider it a social experiment in community building, energized by great food and even better company. See tonight’s excuse for being out past your bedtime.
El Bait Shop | The Undisputed Beer Nirvana
If you’ve ever wanted to navigate an endless river of craft beer, this spot answers the call with more than 260 taps ready to pour. The staff know their stuff—whether you’re torn between a local Toppling Goliath brew or a tricky-to-pronounce Belgian import, they’ll steer you toward something unforgettable.
Walls lined with sports memorabilia and the hum of game-day excitement give the place a vintage baseball-pregame energy. Yet it’s also family- and dog-friendly, so your golden retriever and your kid can share the patio joy (and bacon-wrapped tater tots).
Grab a flight and settle in for live music. You’ll quickly learn that conquering the tap list in one lifetime is a challenge best enjoyed over repeat visits. Try your luck with the beer bible and see what’s pouring now.
Lua Brewing | Hazy Hops, Skyline Sips
Tucked into Sherman Hill this brewpub rewrites everything you thought you knew about classic taprooms. A dog-friendly patio overlooks actual city streets instead of parking lots and dog bowls stand ready for eager pups. Inside, industrial-chic murals are bathed in soft light from ornate chandeliers. Menus celebrate vegans and gluten-free guests so nobody feels like an afterthought.
Peers sip the “Far” imperial stout loaded with macadamia nuts and coconut and whisper about its decadence. Next up, a hazy IPA lands in your glass with a playful cloud of hops and fruit. Seasonal barrel-aged batches appear in winter while Climbing Kites THC-infused seltzer surprises anyone expecting only beer. Each offering proves this brewpub is not messing around.
In the kitchen a Michelin-stamped chef transforms the humble Smushburger into something unforgettable with house-made sauces and brioche buns. Sides feel equally considered and every bite pairs perfectly with the next IPA or stout. QR code ordering keeps lines moving so you can dive back into board games or trivia night fast. Between the adventurous pour list, stylish vibe and canine-friendly courtyard this spot checks every box. Find a reason to visit and see what the hype’s about.
The Royal Mile | Brit Pub Escape (No Passport Needed)
Slip inside and you’ll swear you’ve landed in a snug Edinburgh haunt rather than downtown Des Moines. Dark wood surrounds you, a crackling fireplace sets the mood, and the ever-rotating 28 taps pour everything from London Pride to a rich Double Chocolate Stout. Shelves stocked with over a hundred bottled beers add to the treasure hunt.
The scotch list reads like a novel, and cozy corners invite you to sip slowly. Classics like fish and chips hit the spot, while Scotch eggs and weekend English breakfasts give you more reasons to return.
Head up to The Red Monk for an expanded Belgian lineup or soak up sunshine on the patio with some people-watching. Trivia night on Thursdays adds a dash of competition. Kids even get their own menu, so this pub really does feel like home for everyone. See what’s on tap and start planning your transatlantic escape.
The Iowa Taproom | The Ultimate Iowa Beer Playground
If you want to skip the logistical nightmare of brewery hopping across towns this spot has your back with 99 taps pouring exclusively Iowa-made beers. Each pour carries the character of a local brewery so hop heads and malt devotees can chase subtle flavors and bold aromas side by side. Build your own flight and brace yourself for serious decision fatigue at the halfway point.
An authentic 1880s bar top anchors the room while reclaimed barn wood and metal accents line the walls. The menu reads like a love letter to the heartland featuring pork tenderloins, ham balls and other Midwest classics. It is the sort of comforting lineup that pairs perfectly with whichever pint you crave.
A sprawling beer hall invites families, indecisive friends and trivia teams to claim a seat at communal tables. Live music amps up the energy while bare-bulb lighting and barn wood accents complete the authentic vibe. Upstairs a hidden speakeasy awaits those seeking a private gathering and the outdoor patio offers a peaceful spot with a dash of downtown buzz. See what’s pouring over at The Iowa Taproom and try not to play favorites.
G Mig’s 5th Street Pub | Chef-Driven Pub Grub
Tucked into Historic Valley Junction, this local gem isn’t your run-of-the-mill neighborhood bar. Chef-driven pub fare takes center stage here, with daily specials that range from juicy steak plates to street-taco feasts. Gluten-free options keep every friend group happy, and rumor has it their State Fair wraps are award-worthy.
Fifteen TVs broadcast everything from last night’s big game to the latest reruns, so food and football fans unite in one cozy space. Eight taps of rotating beer pair nicely with a lineup of craft cocktails—Moscow Mule enthusiasts, you’re in luck.
When the weather warms up, the patio fills with a friendly, sport-loving crowd. Keep an eye out for live music or community events that pop up regularly. It’s small-town charm with a city beat, and you’ll want to come back just to see what’s on special next. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Exile Brewing Company | Trendy Hangout With Iconic Brews
A once-century-old soap factory now hums with craft beer on a dog-friendly patio where every chilled glass earns forgiveness for turning suds into suds. Warm amber lighting, live bands, and a peek at a vintage steam-powered brewing system lend this spot equal parts buzzy energy and cozy charm. A giant wall mural practically begs for a selfie whether you admit it or not. Grab a seat under string lights or stake out a spot near that mural for first-rate people-watching.
Beer options range from crushable lagers and tropical wheats to imperial stouts so smooth they rewrite your flavor expectations. The tap list even includes canned cocktails for friends who insist hops are not their thing. Behind the bar, relentlessly welcoming staff guide each pour with genuine enthusiasm.
This brewery takes eco-friendly practices seriously, recycling spent grains and reducing water use as part of every batch. Vegan and gluten-free plates deliver full flavor without compromise. Weekly quiz nights challenge brainy types more than any pop quiz, so gather your crew and see who survives trivia crown. See what’s on tap or get lost in the suds yourself.
TrailSide Tap | For Craft Beer Patios & Post-Ride Bites
Your Saturday afternoon dreams include a frosty pint, a breeze on a sunny patio, and the hum of cyclists comparing gear ratios. Tucked at the High Trestle Trailhead in Ankeny just north of Des Moines, this brewery champions a laid-back meets-cool scene with 16 taps dedicated to Iowa’s top small-batch creations. Every sip feels like a celebration of local craftsmanship. Inside, reclaimed wood accents and string lights foster an inviting escape any day of the week.
Chef-driven bites stand out here. Brussels sprouts arrive crisp enough to sway even the staunchest leafy-green doubters. Cheese curds show up so fresh and golden they deserve their own hashtag.
Weekend brunch steals the show thanks to Monster Cookie Pancakes, a sugar-packed marvel that could power a long ride. Meanwhile, shuffleboard courts tempt you into some friendly competition.
A rotating menu keeps regulars on their toes and happy hour specials deliver wallet-friendly pours. Plenty of picnic tables and lawn games create a community atmosphere. Kids, dogs, and that one cousin with a green food aversion all share this backyard playground with ease. Plot your next stop at TrailSide Tap here.
Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers | Best Spot for Beer Nerds & Burger Lovers
This vintage-saloon–meets–modern hangout delivers two dozen rotating taps that satisfy hop heads and curious sippers alike. Not drinking alcohol? A solid roster of non-alcoholic brews means you won’t feel left out.
The wood-bar vibe feels steeped in history, as if it’s heard your best stories and your wildest secrets. The menu covers all bases: killer burgers, inventive flatbreads, and even vegan options that keep everyone happy.
A spacious patio invites you to pretend you enjoy “fresh air,” while weekday happy hour deals make elbowing your coworker for that seat totally worth it. Don’t sleep on the frozen Old Fashioned—one sip and you’ll understand why people linger well past closing time. pay them a visit and see what’s pouring today.
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery | Comfort Food, Quirky Vibes
Perched in downtown Des Moines this pub elevates bar food to a whole new level. The poutine piled high with tender brisket is a conversation starter no plate of fries can compete with. Regulars passionately defend both the AG Burger and the Graziano meatloaf as ultimate comfort dishes and the portions live up to the hype. For a quick snack order the Sriracha Goldfish crackers and suddenly childhood snacks feel downright pedestrian.
The interior feels like modern pub meets reclaimed wood chic with vintage accents on the walls. Staff learn your usual order fast and greet families during kid friendly hours as readily as they tolerate the chaos of Whiskey Wednesday. Between friendly banter and an ever rotating chalkboard of features you will always discover something new.
A cozy patio peeks out over the downtown skyline and still retains a sense of laid back privacy. On weekend mornings you can slide into a booth for brunch and spend hours sampling local craft beers alongside cinnamon rolls drowned in sweet icing. The unexpectedly perfect chili and cinnamon roll mash up is a small-town Iowa moment you never knew you needed. When you finally call it a day you will be planning your next visit. Take a gander at the comfort food that’s quietly winning the south side.
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom | Big Groups, Bigger Beers
Former auto showroom turned beer haven feels massive at first glance. This Sherman Hill landmark used to sell Chevrolets, and now it holds Iowa’s biggest restaurant under one roof. You can spread out, pick your own corner, and pretend you have an entourage.
Beer geeks rejoice over a tap lineup that swings from the requisite Easy Eddy Hazy IPA to barrel-aged imperial stouts so silky they’ll challenge every rating in your history. If someone in your group insists they don’t do beer, canned cocktails await.
Outside, a sprawling patio doubles as a backyard playground complete with lawn games, sun-drenched tables, and plenty of room for well-behaved pups. It’s perfect for groups that range from fantasy football squads to full-blown family reunions.
The kitchen goes way beyond standard pub fare. Expect Asian-inspired bao buns, fragrant green curry, fresh poke bowls, and a pretzel so oversized it demands an Instagram post.
Sustainability efforts show up in eco-friendly packaging and composting programs. Frequent live music nights and a wall of TVs keep both music lovers and sports fans well entertained. Check out the menu and plan your next group takeover here.
