The best bars & nightlife in Urbandale

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

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Nightlife · 11 places · showing the latest additions first

Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar is your twofer this week, with a cocktail bar and a full-on restaurant plus indoor golf simulators on-site.…

11865 Hickman Rd

“Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar is your twofer this week, with a cocktail bar and a full-on restaurant plus indoor golf simulators on-site. Round up a few friends, reserve a spot, and turn dinner into friendly competition with zero weather drama.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Whether you crave a proper martini or a well-made old fashioned, The Ducktail Lounge nails the classics in a comfy, no-pretense setting.…

1809 86th St (Clive)

“Whether you crave a proper martini or a well-made old fashioned, The Ducktail Lounge nails the classics in a comfy, no-pretense setting. Bonus for patio people, you can enjoy a cigar outside year-round, and their events calendar keeps things lively with live music, tastings, and themed nights.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 28, 2026

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Whether it’s a Counter Culture espresso and fresh-baked pastry to kick off the day or breakfast, lunch, or dinner with cocktails, beer, and…

333 5th St (West Des Moines)

“Whether it’s a Counter Culture espresso and fresh-baked pastry to kick off the day or breakfast, lunch, or dinner with cocktails, beer, and organic and natural wine, St. Kilda Collective nails the vibe. They also cater and have a private event space when your crew needs room to celebrate.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Colorful eatery offering American diner classics & some Italian options, plus all-day breakfast.

8385 Birchwood Ct (Johnston)

“Colorful eatery offering American diner classics & some Italian options, plus all-day breakfast.”

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Craving a no-fuss night where the playlist jumps from classic country to party anthems, you snag bar snacks between songs, and someone…

Area, 8834 Swanson Boulevard West Des Moines, 8818 Swanson Blvd (Clive)

“Craving a no-fuss night where the playlist jumps from classic country to party anthems, you snag bar snacks between songs, and someone inevitably volunteers for the shot chair? Miss Kitty’s Country Bar Dance Nightclub keeps it lively with line dancing lessons and live performances that turn nights into stories.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Stormy’s Dixieland Tavern is the kind of laid-back Urbandale hangout where the beer’s cold, cocktails are easy, and bingo keeps the tables…

6923 Douglas Ave

“Stormy’s Dixieland Tavern is the kind of laid-back Urbandale hangout where the beer’s cold, cocktails are easy, and bingo keeps the tables lively. Grab some solid bar food, hit the pool table or dart board, and enjoy the pleasantly drama-free vibes.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 12, 2026

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The Flying Moose keeps ten rotating taps pouring and the sports energy high, making it a solid call when you want to try something new with…

8980 Hickman Rd #101 (Clive)

“The Flying Moose keeps ten rotating taps pouring and the sports energy high, making it a solid call when you want to try something new with friends. Grab a pizza, catch the game, and enjoy a low-key local hang that feels like your regular even on your first visit.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Roots95

Nightlife

Roots95 keeps it relaxed but polished, led by Chef Arturo Mora, winner of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2025 American Dream Award.…

8705 Chambery Blvd #700 (Johnston)

“Roots95 keeps it relaxed but polished, led by Chef Arturo Mora, winner of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2025 American Dream Award. Expect steaks and burgers done right, crisp salads, craft cocktails and brews, plus online ordering, catering, and private-party options when you don’t feel like cooking for a crowd.”

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Located in Historic Valley Junction, Winchester Public House nails that cozy, prohibition style vibe with signature cocktails, riffs on the…

224 5th St (West Des Moines)

“Located in Historic Valley Junction, Winchester Public House nails that cozy, prohibition style vibe with signature cocktails, riffs on the classics, and a legit craft beer lineup. The shareable pub plates make it easy to linger, and they’re dialed for private parties when your group chat needs a real venue.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, August 31, 2026

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On the Clive Greenbelt Trail, 515 Brewing Company is known for handcrafting some of Iowa’s best, brewing on a seven-barrel system with…

7700 University Ave Ste C (Clive)

“On the Clive Greenbelt Trail, 515 Brewing Company is known for handcrafting some of Iowa’s best, brewing on a seven-barrel system with 150-plus recipes spanning purists, light-beer loyalists, and the adventurous.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Just up the road, The Cork 50131 keeps things easygoing with a thoughtful wine list that spans the globe, rotating beers, and even vodka…

6205 Merle Hay Rd Ste 130 (Johnston)

“Just up the road, The Cork 50131 keeps things easygoing with a thoughtful wine list that spans the globe, rotating beers, and even vodka mojitos from Pulpit Rock Brewing. Slide in with friends this week, sample something new, or line up your next get-together and make it feel special.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 28, 2026

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