The best bars & nightlife in Dubuque

10 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Barrel House

Nightlife

Barrel House keeps weeknights easy with stacked burgers, loaded tacos, and crispy pizzas, plus plenty of beers on tap to back it up. When…

299 Main St

Barrel House keeps weeknights easy with stacked burgers, loaded tacos, and crispy pizzas, plus plenty of beers on tap to back it up. When you want a low-fuss spot to meet up or grab comfort food that just hits, put Barrel House on your list this week.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Wicked Dame

Nightlife

Whether you’re in a wine mood or craving something shaken just right, Wicked Dame keeps it easy to settle in with fine wines, specialty…

214 W 1st St

Whether you’re in a wine mood or craving something shaken just right, Wicked Dame keeps it easy to settle in with fine wines, specialty handcrafted cocktails, and premium beers. When the weather cooperates, that patio is the move, and the vibe stays welcoming without trying too hard.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 7, 2026

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First Reserve

Nightlife

If your week needs a little sparkle, First Reserve mixes craft cocktails that lean fun and polished, with live music and theme nights to…

210 W 1st St

If your week needs a little sparkle, First Reserve mixes craft cocktails that lean fun and polished, with live music and theme nights to match. Try their Martini Shake-off winners like the Dirty Kangaroo or the Anti Depresso Martini, then settle in and let the vibe do the heavy lifting.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Dimensional Brewing Company keeps the taps interesting with constant new releases across hazies, sours, stouts, and stone cold classics,…

67 Main St

Dimensional Brewing Company keeps the taps interesting with constant new releases across hazies, sours, stouts, and stone cold classics, all in a laid back taproom with board games and tunes. If beer's not your thing, they pour wine and hard cider too, and host tours and unique events, so grab a friend this week.

From the Dubuque newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Stone Cliff Winery pours Dubuque-made wines and the resurrected Dubuque Star Beer inside the historic Dubuque Star Brewery, with river…

600 Star Brewery Drive #200

Stone Cliff Winery pours Dubuque-made wines and the resurrected Dubuque Star Beer inside the historic Dubuque Star Brewery, with river views and a laid-back tasting room. Swing by for a casual lunch, live music on the calendar, and a reminder that hometown flavor really does taste better.

From the Dubuque newsletter, August 29, 2026

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EJ's Wine Shop & Tasting Room pours small-production bottles you won’t find at the big-box, plus imported craft beers and seasonal…

955 Washington St

EJ's Wine Shop & Tasting Room pours small-production bottles you won’t find at the big-box, plus imported craft beers and seasonal cocktails in a cozy exposed-brick hangout. Pop in for Friday flights, club picks, or an easy pairing rec for dinner this week, then linger with the neighborhood.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Backpocket Dubuque is your easy win this week with craft beer, arcade games, and duckpin bowling in one playful taproom. Bring a couple…

333 E 10th St

Backpocket Dubuque is your easy win this week with craft beer, arcade games, and duckpin bowling in one playful taproom. Bring a couple friends, grab a flight and some shareable bites, then let the friendly competition settle what to watch on Netflix later.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Barrel Head Winery is pouring internationally recognized wines from estate-grown grapes, celebrated for Bordeaux-style dry reds and fun new…

9995 Laudeville Rd

Barrel Head Winery is pouring internationally recognized wines from estate-grown grapes, celebrated for Bordeaux-style dry reds and fun new drops like Marionberry and French Apple. Settle in for a tasting, snag Wisconsin creamery cheese, maybe some live music, and call it a very good Dubuque afternoon.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Jubeck New World Brewing has been brewing beer and community since 2014, pouring modern craft beer made with pure, simple ingredients and,…

115 W 11th St

Jubeck New World Brewing has been brewing beer and community since 2014, pouring modern craft beer made with pure, simple ingredients and, whenever possible, locally sourced and organic. Settle into the taproom’s friendly vibe, linger over a pint, snag a pizza or pretzel, and probably run into someone you know.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 6, 2026

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The Goose

Nightlife

Part Hifi Lounge, part nightclub, part bar & grill, The Goose is the kind of music-forward hangout where you can grab legit bites, check…

920 Main St

Part Hifi Lounge, part nightclub, part bar & grill, The Goose is the kind of music-forward hangout where you can grab legit bites, check the events calendar, then let the volume climb as the night goes on. Solid pick for a quick meet-up or a late one.

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 1, 2026

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