Des Moines’ nightlife is in the midst of a renaissance. Over the past year, three distinctive bars have opened, each bringing its own personality and approach to craft drinks. From a sleek cocktail lounge tucked beneath the former Klein Department Store in Highland Park to a sports bar revival downtown, these newcomers are redefining what it means to grab a drink in the metro.
Whether you’re craving a classic martini in a moody hideaway, a local beer while catching the game or inventive cocktails that push boundaries, these spots deliver. Each offers its own vibe — retro elegance, underground chic, modern sports haven, and rebellious artistry — making them destinations for both casual nights out and curated experiences. Here’s your guide to The Fitz, Des Moines Athletic Club and Highland Underground, complete with what to sip, where to find them and why they’re worth the visit.
The Fitz: Vintage glamour meets modern mixology
Opened: Feb. 27
When The Fitz opened in Highland Park, Des Moines got a double dose of Cory Wendel’s creativity with the opening of Lachele’s Fine Foods next to the new bar. The 5,500-square-foot space is split between the two concepts: Lachele’s occupies the north side, while The Fitz — a cocktail lounge Wendel jokingly calls “Lachele’s drunk uncle” — claims the south. The Fitz exudes cozy elegance with rift-cut white oak, hunter green and maroon Naugahyde booths, and a quartz bar wrapping the room. Dark woods, green plaid wallpaper, and exposed brick add warmth, while taxidermy pheasants, a green carousel horse and a chopper bicycle lend quirky charm. A mezzanine with a skylight overlooks the bar, and artwork by Des Moines painter Amy Putney Koenig lines the walls. Vinyl records spin on a turntable, completing the vibe of a stylish, eclectic den.
What to order at The Fitz:
Details: 2724 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, 515-555-0199, thefitzdsm.com
Highland Underground: A speakeasy for the modern era
Opened: Oct. 15
Des Moines’ newest cocktail lounge, Highland Underground, opened beneath the historic Klein’s Department Store building in Highland Park. The 2,000-square-foot basement bar channels 1970s nostalgia with vintage furniture, macramé accents, and playful decor sourced from local shops. A neon sign and mannequin in retro attire greet guests, while a speaker wall and turntable spinning vinyl set the mood.
The menu, styled like a department store catalog, includes fondue, with cheese and chocolate options served in vintage pots alongside sausage, bread, fruit, and sweets.
Owned by Orvis Horatio Group, the lounge aims to create a communal experience with working landline phones connecting booths and a stage for live music.
What to order at the Highland Underground:
Details: 3614 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, highlandunderground.com
Des Moines Athletic Club: A sports bar with style
Opened: Nov. 17
Des Moines Athletic Club is a sports bar reimagined by Nick Tillinghast, the visionary behind Secret Admirer, Hello, Marjorie and Good News, Darling. Located in the historic Equitable Building, the 108-seat space blends diner vibes with art deco touches: an oak bar, mustard booths, brass fixtures and custom wallpaper featuring hand-drawn sketches of nostalgic icons. Art from Beth Bojarski and vintage Oxford pennants add personality, while a photo booth invites guests to make memories. With six TVs, thoughtful seating, and a neighborly vibe, Tillinghast calls it “a timeless place” for fans and friends alike.
The drink menu balances approachable beers — Busch Light to Big Grove Easy Eddy — with inventive cocktails.
What to order at Des Moines Athletic Club:
Details: 604 Locust St., Des Moines, instagram.com/dmathleticclub/
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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: Try these new bars that opened in 2025 in the Des Moines metro
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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