Des Moines consistently receives recognition for the events here in this city. It seems like every year, new highly acclaimed restaurants, bars, and venues open up and add to the vibrant lifestyle of our mid-sized midwestern city! It’s the capital of Iowa, which brings extra excitement (or pain, depending on your relationship with politics lol) and we get the full four seasons— meaning you can find winter activities as well as summer adventures!

As an artistic millennial, I have thoroughly enjoyed the bars in DSM. When friends come visit, it’s always hard to pick where to take them!! However, there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be on this list… because these locations are some of my very favorites. Enjoy! And leave your favorite in the comments— I may be expanding this post this summer when patios begin opening. ;)

Hello Marjorie (below) is one of my very favorites in Des Moines!! The classic neon sign is a hallmark of the metro, and anything that Nick Tillinghast touches is incredible. The downside is only 3 drinks are on the happy hour list, but if you like a classic old fashioned or martini, you’re in luck.

Parking: Street Meters or any of the downtown parking garages (they’re closed on Sunday so you can’t take advantage of the free meter day, so sorry!!)

Juniper Moon (below) has a wide selection of classic cocktails, and happy hour is every day from 4-6pm!!! If I had a bar in Des Moines that is “mine”… it would be this one. Happy hour gets you 1/2 priced manhattans, sangria, beers and moscow mules (try the grapefruit rose— that’s my favorite!!)

Parking: A small lot behind them. Once the bank next door closes, you can use their spaces or find an open spot to the East by Gusto

Revival House (below) is a newer bar, and one of the best hidden gems on the Court Ave area!! I’ve only gone once, but I know it’ll be a spot I frequent again this summer. It’s a tiki bar and just a VIBE.
Bonus: happy hour is 4-6:30 every day!
Parking: Street parking or the downtown parking garage by the Science Center is your best bet— or the 5th St lot that is open after 5 or 5:30pm.

Bartender’s Handshake is one of my favorites, and Apertivo hour is now EVERY day there. From 2-6 p.m. every day score house favorites, or just splurge on whatever you want— their menu is quite extensive!!

Parking: a tiny lot on the west side (shared with other shops) or street parking on Ingersoll or in the neighborhood.

Kava DSM is relatively new to the metro, and is a fun treat! They don’t actually serve alcohol, so they don’t have a happy hour, but the best thing is their mocktails are soooo tasty and better for you than alcohol. ;)

Parking: 2 hour free parking in the lot with validated ticket (do NOT lose it… or you’ll pay $25)

There ya have it!!! Some of my favorite happy hours/bars in the heart of Des Moines. :) What would be your top 5?! Leave a comment below and they may make an appearance on a future post!