The East Village in Des Moines’ dive bars are more than places to grab a drink — they’re living, breathing pieces of local history. These neighborhood staples offer strong pours, quirky décor and a sense of community that’s hard to find anywhere else. Step inside and you’ll discover walls covered in graffiti, vintage band posters and even the occasional oddity. The vibe is unapologetically casual, the drinks are affordable and the regulars are as colorful as the décor.
Whether you’re craving a classic cocktail, a heavy-handed whiskey or a $6 margarita, these bars deliver with personality to spare. From East Village institutions with decades of stories to hidden basement gems spinning vinyl late into the night, the neighborhood’s dive bar scene is gritty, nostalgic, and endlessly inviting. Ready to explore? Here are some of the East Village’s most iconic spots.
Beechwood Lounge
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.
The Black Sheep
Set inside a hidden basement in Des Moines’ storied East Village, Black Sheep delivers a dramatic, speakeasy-style vibe. Think gothic décor, sexy red lighting, and a “vampire bar” ambiance that fuses underground cinema with Tarantino flair. Vinyl DJs spin house and EDM nightly, creating a gritty yet cozy soundtrack. Locals and visitors — professionals on dates, tequila lovers, even adventurous first-timers — come for the unique energy, friendly staff, and relaxed “vinyl cave” identity.
Details: 223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, facebook.com/blacksheepdsm.
The Lamp
The Lamp is a cozy, nostalgic dive bar housed in the former Buddy’s Corral that channels the spirit of the original Gas Lamp venue with vintage flyers, band photos, a small stage, and live local DJs. Inside, it’s casual and organized with warm lighting, back-patio seating, and a friendly bar staff praised for quick, personal service. Patrons range from longtime East Village locals and social friend groups to those drawn by the music-driven vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Popular orders include classic cocktails, craft beer, hard liquor and expertly mixed drinks. The Lamp maintains a lively yet unpretentious feel, making it ideal for both casual evenings and live-music nights.
Details: 418 E. Fifth St., Des Moines, 515-244-7140, facebook.com/gaslampdm.
Locust Tap
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 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.
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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: How to do a dive bar crawl in the East Village of Des Moines
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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