These Downtown Des Moines Sports Bars Are Ready for Some Football

Are you ready for some football?! Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is all set to get you and your crew gametime ready. We’ve rounded up a list of Downtown DSM restaurants and sports bars that are perfect for watching the big game on the big screen. Fill up your pint glass, order a few appetizers and settle in for a fun time cheering for your favorite football team.

Looking for supplies for celebrating the football game at a house-party or tailgate? We’ve got you covered! See below for a list of Downtown DSM food and catering options, to-go desserts and local breweries where you can snag a growler of beer for party time.

Downtown Des Moines Sports Bars

85 Bar

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
This Chicago Bears-themed sports bar serves beer, craft cocktails and a few snacky food items to curb your gametime hunger.
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1908 Draft House

Neighborhood: Historic Court District
With a full menu of bar food including starters, burgers, salads, sandwiches, brunch and even dessert — you can’t go wrong watching the game at this Downtown DSM restaurant!
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Buzzard Billy’s

Neighborhood: Near Iowa Events Center
Watch the game and order from a selection of Cajun and Creole foods or your favorite go-to menu items. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Gator Fingers” appetizer!
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Carl’s Place

Neighborhood: Sherman Hill
This dive bar has cheap drinks and several big screens for watching football, along with pool and arcade games to try during halftime.

The District Bar & Grill

Neighborhood: Historic Court District
Come for the big screens, stay for the fun party atmosphere and outdoor patio during the perfect fall weather!
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El Bait Shop

Neighborhood: Market District
If beer is your thing, this is your place! With 262 beers on tap and many more in bottles, El Bait Shop also has a robust menu (which is shared with High Life Lounge) ranging from greasy spoon favorites to comfort foods like cheese balls, tater tots, hot ham and cheese, patty melt, meatloaf, poutine … the list goes on and on!
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Iowa Taproom

Location: Market District
Again, beer afficionados: this place is for you! The 99 taps are all Iowa brews, plus the food menu features darn good American classics — a perfect pairing for watching some football in Downtown DSM.
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Johnny’s Hall of Fame

Location: Historic Court District
Johnny’s brings traditional sports bar vibes: lots of TVs, no-frills breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and a full bar. Simple, straightforward football watching happens here.
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Lumber Axe

Location: Market District
Boasting the largest selection of whiskey in town, watch the big game and throw some axes while you’re at it!
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Mullet’s

Neighborhood: Market District
Pull up a bar stool or settle into a booth and shout TOUCHDOWN! Mullet’s has awesome food including brunch, pizza, BBQ and lots of fried deliciousness.
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Ricochet

Location: Downtown Core
Downtown DSM’s newest bar for playing games is also great for watching the big game, too! While you’re here to watch football, try your hand at ping pong, foosball, skee-ball, pool and several other options.
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Tipsy Crow Tavern

Location: Historic Court District
Serving American pub food and cocktails, the large patio (including outdoor TVs!) and beautiful city views are a great destination for football action.
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Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern

Location: Market District
The name says it! It’s a Kansas City sports-themed tavern. Fill your tummy with breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as beer or craft cocktails while cheering on your fave team.
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Quinton’s Bar & Deli

Location: Historic East Village
You’ll find a menu full of classic sandwiches, mac-n-cheeses, soups, loaded baked potato variations, burgers, salads and a robust kids menu making this sports spot family friendly.
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Catering for the Football Game

Don’t feel like cooking for the football game? Don’t sweat it! Order up something tasty from one of Downtown DSM’s many catering and food service options. Fourth + Court Hy-Vee and Gateway Market & Café both have a robust selection of menu items to choose from. Additionally, several local restaurants including Bubba, St. Kilda and Smokey D’s BBQ offer tasty catering perfectly suited to your needs. 

To-Go Desserts in Downtown Des Moines

Who cares who’s playing, you’ll be the real MVP showing up with an armful of desserts from a Downtown DSM bakery. Might we suggest Mainstreet Café & Bakery, Thistle’s Summit or Insomnia Cookies? And for additional ideas on where to find treats and sweets in Downtown DSM, check out our goodies guide.  

Growlers of Beer in Downtown Des Moines

Stop into your favorite local brewery and pick up a growler or crowler of local DSM beer! Try Peace Tree, Confluence Brewing Co., Twisted Vine or Big Grove — to name a few.

Plan your visit to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with these tips for parking and navigation and discover additional restaurants and nightlife, too! And follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.