Des Moines · Polk County, IA

Nightlife in Des Moines

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

Places analyzed

110

Matches

Typical spend

$50

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown Des Moines

8 matching spots

East Village

1 matching spots

Union Park

1 matching spots

Beaverdale

1 matching spots

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

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

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

Hessen Haus

Hessen Haus is a lively German beer hall offering a vast selection of beers and comfort food, ideal for a social evening out. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for drinks and food over a couple of hours.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

The Stuffed Olive Des Moines

This is a great spot for an upscale evening out focused on cocktails and small plates, or a full dinner. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs around $30-75 per person depending on drinks and food choices.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

300 Craft & Rooftop

This rooftop bar is suitable for an evening drink, offering a relaxed setting with city views. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-30 per person on drinks.

CocktailsOutdoorsViews

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

East Village

The Garden Nightclub

This is a good spot for an evening of dancing and entertainment, especially on weekends for drag shows. Expect to spend 2-4 hours and purchase several drinks, with a potential cover charge for events.

CocktailsLive musicOutdoors

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Union Park

Captain Roy's

Captain Roy's is a casual bar with live music and outdoor space, suitable for a relaxed outing, especially on weekends. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $15-35 per person for drinks and food.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Des Moines

Noce

Noce is a chic bar for an evening of specialty cocktails and jazz cabaret, suitable for a special occasion or date night. Plan for 2-3 hours and a spend of $30-80 per person.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$30–$80 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Des Moines

Ricochet

Ricochet is a great spot for a casual evening out, perfect for grabbing drinks and playing some games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $15-40 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.

CocktailsSportsFood

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Wellman's Pub & Rooftop

Wellman's is a good stop for casual American fare and drinks, especially in good weather for the rooftop. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking