Tucked into Ingersoll Avenue’s vibrant heart, Alpine Taproom joins an elite group after being named to USA TODAY’s Best Dive Bars in America list for 2025. Highlighted among 25 standout spots — from speakeasies to beachfront dives — this low-key Des Moines favorite earned national kudos.
The bar that opened in 1939 — originally Alpine Café — was recently purchased by Cory Wendel (of Lachele’s Fine Foods nearby) along with Walter Lauridsen and Jake Sparks. The renovations cleverly preserve its soul: exposed brick, wood-panels and worn-in booths remain. A coat of fresh paint (to cover smoke stains), window upgrades, a drink rail by the pool table, and even a refurbished jukebox nod to the modern era.
Why Alpine Taproom landed on USA TODAY’s list
USA TODAY praised bars that combine character and charm, places rooted in their cities’ stories. Alpine’s feature highlights its authentic atmosphere, longevity, and tight-knit local following — hallmarks of what defines a great dive.
Neighborhood vibes, elevated by local flair
Wendel describes Alpine as having a “Wisconsin dive-bar feel” — authentic, unpretentious, with bartenders and regulars rooted in the community. It’s still a whiskey bar at its core, now with credit-card capability, pinball, pool, and a jukebox playlist curated from its past.
Pulling from nearby Lachele’s, the Alpine Taproom debuted the Alpine Melt — a hearty sandwich of beefsteak patty, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, horseradish mayo, barbecue sauce and Swiss-American cheese on Texas toast. Patrons are also encouraged to bring takeout from local favorites, reflecting Wendel’s commitment to community synergy.
Details: 2720 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-245-9717, facebook.com/p/The-Alpine-Taproom-DMS-IA-100057500865995
(This article was updated to add a video.)
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: This Des Moines bar made USA TODAY’s list of best dive bars in America
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
