Des Moines · Polk County, IA

Girls night out in Des Moines

Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit girls night.

Places analyzed

110

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Downtown Des Moines

the LiFT

This is a good spot for evening drinks, particularly specialty martinis and craft beer, in a dimly lit setting with local art. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-35 per person.

CocktailsArtsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Sherman Hill

Hoyt Sherman Place

Hoyt Sherman Place is ideal for an evening out to see a performance or visit the art gallery. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$100 per person.

Live musicArtsHistory

$30–$100 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Tipsy Crow Tavern

Tipsy Crow Tavern is a casual bar & grill serving American fare and drinks, often bustling, particularly on its patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for food and drinks, costing around $20-$50 per person.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Cooper's Hawk is ideal for a dinner date or a special occasion, pairing well with a relaxed evening out. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and roughly $35-$75 per person, not including wine tastings.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Westwood

Either/Or

Either/Or is a casual restaurant, suitable for a meal as part of a solo outing or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Cowles Commons

Cowles Commons is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor break, potentially featuring public art. It works as a quick stop to pair with downtown activities, typically lasting an hour with no cost.

OutdoorsArtsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Merle Hay

The Slime Kitchen Des Moines

The Slime Kitchen is a hands-on activity for kids, suitable for a 1-hour visit. It's a low-cost, playful outing, ideal for pairing with a meal or shopping nearby.

ArtsPlayfulRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Hello, Marjorie

Hello, Marjorie is a '70s-themed cocktail bar, ideal for an evening drink after dinner or as a standalone social outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

Bubba

Bubba is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly for southern food and whiskey enthusiasts. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for food and drinks, with potential for patio seating in good weather.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

The Coffeesmith

The Coffeesmith is a good spot for a casual solo or small group visit, ideal for a quick coffee break or light snack. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

East Village

Daisy Chain Coffee

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$10 per person for a drink and a light snack.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$10 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Oak Park

Chicago Speakeasy

This steakhouse and supper club offers a Prohibition-era ambiance with live music, suitable for a 2-hour evening outing. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for food and drinks, making it a good choice for special evenings.

FoodLive musicCocktails

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

801 Chophouse

This fine dining chophouse is ideal for a celebratory dinner or a formal date night, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $100-$250 per person for a full meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$100–$250 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Harbinger

Harbinger is an upscale American restaurant best suited for an evening meal or special occasion. Expect a focused menu, craft cocktails, and a meal lasting about 1.5-2 hours, with a per-person spend of $75-$150.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Beaverdale

Christopher's

Christopher's is a solid dinner spot for Italian and American fare, suitable for a relaxed evening meal with family or friends. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-60 per person for an entree and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Horizon Line Coffee

This is a good spot for a quick coffee break or a quiet solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 on a drink and perhaps a small bite.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a casual British pub, good for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person on pub fare and beverages.

FoodCocktailsSports

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Lachele's Fine Foods

Lachele's is a casual spot for burgers and hot dogs, suitable for a quick meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-25 per person on food and a drink.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

Northern Vessel

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink and a light bite, or a relaxed solo session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Beaverdale

Grounds for Celebration

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a drink and snack, perfect for a solo break or casual meet-up, costing around $5-15 per person for about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

East Village

Scenic Route Bakery

Scenic Route Bakery is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and pastries, or a quick stop to pick up baked goods. Expect to spend an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingViews

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

East Village

The Iowa Taproom

The Iowa Taproom is a good spot for a relaxed evening meal or drinks, offering a wide selection of local beers and New American food in a historic setting. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $20-45 per person for food and a couple of drinks.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Bloomfield/Allen

Ewing Park

Ewing Park is a free destination for a casual family outing or solo walk, offering playgrounds and disc golf. Plan for 1-2 hours of outdoor activity, best paired with good weather.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Buzzard Billy’s

Buzzard Billy's is a casual spot for Louisiana-style food, ideal for a family meal or watching a game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$35 per person for food and a drink.

FoodOutdoorsSports

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking