10 Secret Speakeasies and Cool Bars in Downtown Des Moines
We’re going to let you in on a little secret: these Downtown Des Moines (DSM) speakeasies and cool bars are an experience you must see for yourself! Get your special password and secret handshake ready.
Alleged Lee's
501 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Alleged Lee’s is a dimly lit, swanky hang out perfect for happy hour or late-night socializing and networking (or, as we like to call it, schmoozing). Peruse the artwork showcased around the bar that tells the story of the prohibition era in Des Moines.
facebook.com/allegedleesdsm
Black Sheep
223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
Known for tequila and Mezcal, great vinyl music, its red neon aesthetic and hidden location.
facebook.com/blacksheepdsm
Good News, Darling
717 Locust St., Des Moines
This small cocktail parlor has every detail of handcrafted drinks perfected, located behind Hello, Marjorie in Downtown DSM.
instagram.com/goodnewsdarling
Hello, Marjorie
717 Locust St., Des Moines
Tagline: Damn fine times. We couldn’t agree more! Step away from bustling Downtown Des Moines streets into this 1970s-era living room for the best handcrafted cocktails that won’t leave you thirsty.
hellomarjorie.com
In Confidence
1000 Walnut St., Des Moines
Located in the Hotel Fort Des Moines, this speakeasy bar in Downtown Des Moines has a hidden doorknob for entry, cozy and semi-private spaces, Great Gatsby-style drinks … what more could you want?
hotelfortdesmoines.com/dining/in-confidence
Juniper Moon
2005 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Let yourself be whisked away and experience the ambiance (and secrecy!) of a speakeasy during the prohibition. That’s exactly how you’ll feel when you step into Juniper Moon, a dreamy little lounge with an Art Deco vibe.
junipermoondm.com
Ken's – a not so secret speakeasy
215 E. 3rd St. #100, Des Moines
Listen to jazz, swing, blues, ragtime and vintage covers while sipping on Prohibition-era cocktails, drinks, beer, wine and whiskey. Enter through Iowa Taproom in the Historic East Village.
iowataproom.com/kens
Revival House
316 Court Ave., Des Moines
Cheers to tiki bar vibes and handcrafted cocktails under the glow of pink neon. This Downtown Des Moines nightlife venue will transport you to the beach before you’ve even ordered a drink.
revivalhousedsm.com
Secret Admirer
110 S.W 5th St., Des Moines
With a pop-up-bar-style atmosphere, Secret Admirer’s outdoor patio space (shown below at bottom) is the worst kept secret and best view of Downtown Des Moines..
secretadmirerdm.com
Shorty's Somewhat Fancy Bar
208 Court Ave., Des Moines
Somewhat fancy, somewhat divey. Located in the basement of RoCA in the Historic Court District of Downtown Des Moines.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057459340641
The Red Monk
210 4th St., Des Moines
This little hidey-hole in Downtown Des Moines’ Historic Court District boasts 90 Belgian-style beers in addition to an extensive Scotch list available within Royal Mile, located just downstairs.
theredmonk.com
Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation, and find additional restaurants and nightlife options.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research.
The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.