Speakeasies and Cool Bars to Try in DSM

The secret’s out! These 10 Greater Des Moines (DSM) speakeasies and cool bars offer a memorable experience with classic décor, handcrafted cocktails and signature menu items. Some even bring the Prohibition-era to the modern day! You might not always need to find a hidden entrance, but you’ll feel like you’re a part of something special when you visit these both new and established public houses and neighborhood hangouts.

Great White Buffalo Public House

1815 Main St., Adel
Make your way to a new pub house in Adel, where you’ll find timeless cocktails like The Manhattan as well as the new concoctions like the White Buffalo Espresso. Try a Signature Spaetzle or something from The Handheld Collection, including a variety of Buffalo Burger options.
greatwhitebuffaloiowa.com

Iowa Distilling Co.

4349 Cumming Ave., Cumming
Award-winning handcrafted cocktails made locally have positioned Iowa Distilling Company as a leading distillery. Find nine spirits at this 2025 “Best Local Distillery,” as voted on by CITYVIEW readers, including Prairie Fire, Iowa StateTM 1858 Vodka, Zone Vodka, Straight Bourbon, Steel Drum Rum, Saints N Sinners – Apple Pie, Rocket Fuel, Swell Vodka and Country Gal Moonshine.
iowadistilling.com

The Periodic Table at Hotel Grinnell

1809 86th St., Grinnell
You can’t help but support local Iowa breweries when you stop for a drink at Hotel Grinnell’s Periodic Table. Find brews from Peacetree, Exile and Toppling Goliath here as well as cocktails with names like Lunch Lady and Lab Partner, which tie in well with this former school building turned delightful public lounge.
hotelgrinnell.com

Merll’s Pub & Patio

788 Hickman Road, Waukee
There’s no cooler way to carry on a legacy than Merll’s! A tribute to Merll Tovrea, this Waukee pub is run by Merll’s grandson, Travis, and it’s got a drink menu that changes with the seasons. After opening in June of 2024, Merll’s has become a popular neighborhood hangout spot, especially when the weather calls for a drink on the patio!
merlls.com

One Eleven Public House

111 E. Main St., Knoxville
Knoxville’s neighborhood public house specializes in craft cocktails and supports Iowa breweries, including Gezellig Brewing Co. in Newton and Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines.
oneelevenpublichouse.com

The Ducktail Lounge

1809 86th St., Clive
A classic cocktail awaits at this local DSM establishment, where you can enjoy a cigar on the patio all year long. Stop in for Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. and all day Sunday and Monday, or enjoy Karaoke Night with friends every Thursday from 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturday from 8 p.m. – Midnight. Live music events take place on Fridays from 7 – 10 p.m., too!
theducktailloungedsm.com

The Speakeasy

110 W. Court Ave., Winterset
Located off the historic Winterset Square, you’ll find a speakeasy bar with a historical feel. The building used to house the original Madisonian newspaper, and you’ll find the décor reflects its past. The Speakeasy is open to the public every Friday from 6 – 11 p.m.
thespeakeasywinterset.com

The Winchester Public House

Historic Valley Junction, 224 5th St., West Des Moines
This prohibition-style pub offers a modern twist on classic cocktails. Get cozy with a French Martini, a New York Sour or the Dude Abides signature cocktail.
winchester.pub

The Zoo

102 W. Ashland Ave., Indianola
Located in Warren County, The Zoo is a cozy bar that has held a Speakeasy Night in the past featuring live music and fun entertainment. Try out 15 beers on tap as well as mixed drinks, pizza and more.
bar-zoo.com

Trailside Tap

Uptown Ankeny, 710 SW 3rd St., Ankeny
A cool bar on the bike trail with 25% off all beer, wine, house cocktails and starters during Happy Hour from 2 – 5 p.m. Sip on a cocktail — we suggest the Trailside 75! — on the patio after a bike ride on the Trestle!
trailsidetap.com

Find more speakeasies and cool bars in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

When dining out in Greater Des Moines (DSM), local restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.