If you’re looking for a place where the drinks are strong, the vibes are nostalgic, and the décor includes everything from graffiti to prosthetic limbs, Des Moines has a dive bar for you. These neighborhood haunts are more than watering holes — they’re community institutions, each with its own quirks, characters, and cocktails. Often dimly lit with inexpensive drinks, a local clientele, and a lived in feel, these bars often offer a sense of nostalgia. From murals that haven’t changed in half a century to game-show mornings and impromptu dance parties, Des Moines’ dive bar scene is as colorful as it is welcoming.
Let’s take a tour.
Alpine Tap: A whiskey revival on Ingersoll
The Alpine Taproom has long been a favorite for locals who appreciate a good jukebox, a game of pool and a no-nonsense drink. Nestled on Ingersoll Avenue, this Wisconsin-style dive bar recently got a fresh jolt of energy thanks to Cory Wendel of Lachele’s Fine Foods, who took over the reins in June with partners Walter Lauridsen and Jake Sparks. The trio didn’t mess with the soul of the place — they just gave it a little polish.
Inside, you’ll find wood-paneled walls, original brick and booths that regulars lovingly call “darling.” There’s a “South Park”-themed pinball machine, a jukebox with a surprisingly diverse playlist and a pool table tucked in the back. The vibe is pure Midwest comfort — laid-back, local and welcoming.
Watermelon shots and Old Style beer still flow freely and, for the adventurous, there are THC-infused seltzers like Climbing Kites and Higher Vibes. While there’s no full kitchen, patrons are encouraged to bring in bites from nearby Lachele’s, which now features the Alpine Melt on its menu. Or grab a hot dog and settle in for a night of good drinks and better company.
Details: 2720 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-245-9717, https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Alpine-Taproom-DMS-IA-100057500865995
Beechwood Lounge: From bank vaults to bar stools
Legend has it that Beechwood Lounge was once a bank — and maybe even a federal prison. Today, it’s a welcoming dive bar in the East Village in Des Moines, where the beer flows and the stories get better with every round.
Named after Budweiser’s beechwood aging process, Beechwood offers a large selection of beers on tap and a cozy, no-frills atmosphere. The graffiti-covered walls and laid-back crowd make it a favorite for locals looking for a casual night out.
Details: 416 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, 515-288-2337, facebook.com/beech.wood.31/
Carl’s Place: Sherman Hill’s signature dive
Over in Sherman Hill, Carl’s Place is the kind of bar where the walls have stories, and signatures, to prove it. This cozy dive is a magnet for musicians, after-work regulars and anyone who appreciates a strong pour and a little grit.
The ambiance is classic dive: graffiti-covered walls, dart boards, a pool table and a small stage that hosts live music and open mic nights. The crowd is eclectic, the vibe is unpretentious and the bartenders know how to keep things interesting.
Carl’s Place doesn’t mess around with fancy cocktails — it’s all about strong drinks at wallet-friendly prices.
Details: 1620 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, 515-243-9727
Cumming Tap: A trailside treasure
Just south of Des Moines in the tiny town of Cumming, Iowa, the Cumming Tap is a true dive bar gem. This cash-only spot sits right along the 19-mile Great Western Trail that connects Des Moines and Martensdale, making it a perfect pit stop for cyclists and road trippers alike.
The vibe is pure Iowa — laid-back, friendly and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a cold beer, swap stories with locals and maybe even leave with a souvenir featuring the bar’s logo. Cumming Tap is a small-town bar with big personality.
Details: 117 N. 44th St., Cumming, 515-981-5149, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057191089372#
Greenwood Lounge: Where the music never stops
Tucked into Ingersoll Avenue since 1933, Greenwood Lounge is a dive bar with soul — literally. Known for its nightly live music (except Sundays), this cozy spot draws an older crowd and music lovers who appreciate blues, rock and a good guitar solo.
The interior is delightfully quirky, with murals that haven’t changed in more than 50 years and wallpaper featuring card-playing dogs. It’s the kind of place that feels lived-in and loved, with cheap but potent drinks and a secret watermelon shot recipe that’s become local legend.
Whether you’re there for the music, the drinks or just the ambiance, Greenwood Lounge is a dive bar that delivers night after night.
Details: 3707 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-277-1219
GT Lounge: punk rock cheers on Ingersoll
GT Lounge is a dive bar with attitude, described as a “punk-rock Cheers,” and that’s pretty spot-on. With more than 90 kinds of beer, a solid whiskey selection and racing-themed décor, GT is a haven for drinkers who like their bars with a little edge.
The ambiance shifts from bright and Cubs-themed during the day to cozy and intimate at night, with dark booths and casual seating. There’s no food menu, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks. Ted’s Coney Island across the street is a popular choice for gyros and fries.
GT’s crowd is diverse, inclusive, and always ready for a good time. Whether you’re there for the beer, the pool table, or just the vibe, GT delivers a dive bar experience that’s both gritty and welcoming.
Details: 3013 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-279-6444
Kung Fu Tap & Taco: Des Moines’ dive bar with a kick
Suppose you’re cruising down Indianola Road and spot a crowd of bikers, hippies and service industry pros mingling on a cozy patio. In that case, you’ve probably found yourself at Kung Fu Tap & Taco, a beloved dive bar that’s been serving tacos and good vibes since 2005.
This spot is anything but ordinary. With a name that sounds like a martial arts movie and a vibe that’s pure laid-back Des Moines, Kung Fu Tap & Taco is a favorite among locals who want strong drinks, friendly bartenders and a place where everyone feels like a regular. The bartenders are known for remembering your name and your drink order.
The tacos are the star of the show, served late into the night and described by regulars as “just like mom used to make.”
Inside, you’ll find pinball machines, pool tables and a crowd that’s always up for conversation. An old motorcycle behind the bar features a tap flowing out of what used to be the oil tank. Old tree stumps make up the barstools, and the bar top and tabletops are made from the remnants of wood from the Grand Lanes bowling alley
It’s a dive bar with heart, tacos with soul and a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
Details: 210 Indianola Road, Des Moines, 515-285-8226, facebook.com/kungfutapandtaco
Locust Tap: East Village’s gritty gem
If you like your dive bars with a side of history and a dash of weird, Locust Tap is your spot. This East Village institution has been serving up cheap drinks and gritty charm since 1933, making it one of Des Moines’ oldest bars.
The décor is unapologetically divey. Graffiti climbs the walls, a prosthetic leg hangs above the door, and there’s a payphone near the entrance that hasn’t worked in years. The pool table is famously uneven, the radiator heating is old-school and the tin-style ceiling tiles add a vintage touch.
Locust Tap is known for its strong drinks and massive liquor selection, all at prices that make your wallet smile. The crowd is loyal, the vibe is casual and the drinks are poured with a heavy hand. It’s the kind of place where you come for one and stay for five.
Details: 434 E. Locust St., Des Moines, 515-689-9654, facebook.com/p/The-Locust-Tap-100057679358704/
Stormy’s Dixieland Tavern: Southern hospitality meets strong drinks
Stormy’s Dixieland Tavern in Urbandale has been pouring drinks and serving good times since 1938. This long-standing neighborhood bar is often hailed as “the best dive bar in the metro,” and it’s easy to see why. With Southern charm and a community-first attitude, Stormy’s is the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular.
The vibe is lively and nostalgic, with events like Bar Bingo, informal pool tournaments, and “Price is Right” game mornings with free drinks while you play along with Drew Carey, keeping the crowd entertained. The crowd is a mix of longtime locals, newcomers and sports enthusiasts who know a good deal when they see one.
Details: 6923 Douglas Ave., Urbandale, stormysdixielandtavern.com/
Waveland Tap: Bloody Marys and big screens
Out on University Avenue, Waveland Tap is the kind of dive bar that feels like home, if your home had five TVs, graffiti-covered walls and a reputation for legendary Bloody Marys. This cozy spot is a favorite for Cubs and Hawkeyes fans, who gather to watch games and sip strong drinks.
The ambiance is classic and community-oriented, with friendly bartenders and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Sports are always on, whether it’s golf, baseball, football or basketball, and the vibe is welcoming without being over-the-top.
Waveland Tap’s Bloody Marys are handmade and have earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Des Moines. With 14 beers on tap and prices that hover between $10 and $20, it’s a great spot for a casual night out. There’s no full kitchen, but the bar snacks and laid-back atmosphere more than make up for it.
Details: Located at 4704 University Ave., Des Moines, wavelandtap.com
The Yacht Club: Dive bar meets dance party
The Yacht Club on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines marches to the beat of its own drum — often literally. Known for its live music and pop-up events, this quirky spot draws an eclectic crowd and regularly transforms into a dance party with soul, jazz, indie, and rock acts.
The layout is charmingly chaotic, with mismatched seating and graffiti-covered walls. It’s a place where you might find yourself dancing with strangers one minute and chatting with the bartender the next. The vibe is “backwoods dive bar meets urban hangout,” and the crowd is as diverse as the music lineup.
Drinks are strong and affordable, though pricing can vary on busy nights. Bartenders are friendly and talkative, especially during the week. Just don’t park in the gas station lot next door. Stick to street parking or the lot behind the building. It’s all part of the charm.
Details: 2613 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-245-9208, facebook.com/p/Des-Moines-Yacht-Club-100057520814896/
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Best dive bars in Des Moines? 11 spots loved by locals for stiff drinks and good times
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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