THE place for some good beer when you're in Des Moines, hands down. Their selection is unmatched. I…read morewas in mood for a sour, and was blown away how many they had, and loved how they let you sample whatever you want. Sit at the bar, enjoy the friendly service and have a pint. You definitely won't be disappointed.

The Ultimate Stop for Bikes, Beer & Bites…read more After a day of biking, we made it back to El Bait Shop with some friends. This place is a solid choice, whether you're in the mood for the world's biggest selection of tap beers or some fantastic gastropub and comfort food from the lounge next door. We love it here because we can park our bikes in the provided area off the patio and still keep an eye on them. The outdoor service area is semi-shaded and the service is just as good as you'd get inside. As a beer lover, I can tell you the selection is ridiculous and expansive. If you want it, they probably have it, and from four or five different breweries at that! The menu is also loaded, with choices from both El Bait Shop and the High Life Lounge. Today, our food order was as impressive as the beer list. While I can't recall all the beers we had, the food included a Prime Rib Sandwich with tots ($14.99), the Pizza Burger also with tots ($11.99), the Philly Style Pot Roast Sandwich with a side of potato salad, and a massive bowl of Macaroni and Cheese ($11.99). We were starving after our ride, but that didn't change the fact that the food was all delicious, well-prepared, and served by our very attentive waiter, Kyle???, May. No one had any complaints, and the beer was cold and on time! Overall, we love the eclectic vibe of this place. Its downtown location gives you some great views, and more importantly, you're within walking distance of almost everything downtown Des Moines has to offer. This is a go-to spot for me, and I love taking first-time visitors here because it's so unique and the quality of both the service and the food is always on point. Oh, and did I mention the beer selection is completely insane? If you haven't been here yet, you are missing out, and you don't even know it. PRO TIP: Come here, and before you leave, slip over to the High Life Lounge for a throwback moment. Next time, start there and slip over here for a beer!

What an amazing stop for some fantastic Iowa craft beers! The staff was extremely friendly and…read morehelpful with the beer and food selection. They were quick when we wanted to order and the food came out exactly as described. The bar and seating area was open and inviting. It was a little earlier in the midday on a Friday, but it was still pretty open for anyone to enjoy. I'd go back for another couple of different beers!

I stopped by Iowa Taproom recently and had an overall average experience. The food was okay--not…read morebad, but it didn't really stand out or leave much of an impression. The biggest disappointment was the service. After our food was brought out, the staff didn't seem very attentive. That said, Iowa Taproom has a great beer selection, especially if you're a fan of Iowa craft beers. I'd probably come back to try one of their seasonal brews, but I don't see myself returning specifically for the food or service.

This place is starting to become one of the places we pop in to when we are downtown. Atmosphere is…read morefun with an obvious nod to the Chicago Bears but still feels like an old, big city bar rather than a new sports bar you'd see in the suburbs. Their special drink seems to be a "mini beer" which is a shot that looks like a beer. Personally, I am not a fan of the scented candles, but they moved it for me when I politely asked when there wasn't another place I could move to. Definitely a place to check out when you are in the East Village, and a must if you are a Bears fan.

A great location and space for all Bear's fans. And even if you are not a Bear's fan, you will…read moreenjoy hanging out in this cozy sliver of Chicago here in Des Moines. I have never had a bad time in my visits and you can get all the classic Chicago beers and drinks you can think of!

What an unexpected gem. Not a large space and very popular. There is a nice outdoor space and…read moresometimes live music! Cool imported sodas, beer, cider, mead.... Wow. And then there is the food. Solid. Delicious. Fish and chips, Shepard pie, some curry. So much more! The whole place is an homage to all things British. Service was attentive, friendly... all the servers, not just the one serving our table. Makes for great vibes.

The pub was pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm. They have an outdoor seating area. The…read morepub is decorated with British signs and posters. The service was very good for how busy it was inside and out. The food was delicious! We had the cod & chips (added coleslaw) and the German platter (a bratwurst, weisswurst, pork schnitzel, mashed potatoes & gravy, red cabbage and sauerkraut). There were various other items we'd like to try, so we will have to come back! It seemed a little high priced, but it is Ames.

Always loved going here--until last night. Our group of 16…read morewas told we had to pay $20 per person just to enter. I can understand a reasonable cover charge, but $20 each is excessive. To make it worse, people before us and after us walked right in without paying anything. It felt like we were singled out because we were the "older group," which was embarrassing and disappointing. I've never felt shamed like that before, especially at a place I've enjoyed in the past.

Went there (10/2/25 4PM) to have a drink with my boyfriend and was greeted with ABSOLUTELY NO…read moreservice. Sat outside and never saw anyone. We were the only ones there (I can tell why now). Finally someone emerged from the back and clearly saw us but still never said hello or asked what we wanted to drink. I decided to leave due to lack of no menu and very appalling staff service. As my boyfriend and I were walking out the woman staff member yelled back us to...and I very surprisingly quote...."grow up and that it will be alright." Mind you I was having a totally unrelated discussion with my boyfriend. Very sad to see that type of behavior from a grown woman. It was disgusting how she thought she could talk to me like that. I hope she finds help and has a blessed day.

After dinner drink here to get the Pella vibe! Such a totally cool place. Service was excellent. We…read moresat out back after getting our drinks. It was picturesque and relaxing. They are known for their Mules and Bloody Mary's. My Bloody Mary (Original Classic) was another meal! And it was excellent. Definitely will return next time in Pella, IA!

Great bar spot in Pella! Let me tell you, they have an ABUNDANCE of peanuts here! It's great. They…read morehave a bunch of tvs with different sports games on. They also had board games and 2 arcade style game machines in the back! Their draft beer options are super expansive! I was here on a Tuesday and it was packed!! Only issue was because of this being a popular spot, the service was very slow so keep that in mind if you are in a rush to be somewhere after. Otherwise, I loved the vibe in here and there were a ton of 4 person high top tables you could seat yourself at that offered great views of the tvs. There were also a few larger tables for big groups, as well as ample bar seating.

Cool place. Obviously British themed. Very chill when we went. Really neat bar - very historic…read morelooking. Mix of young and mature. Good specials and friendly bartenders. Good Mules and Pimm's Cup specials.

My wife and I came here on a pubpass and we parked in back. When we first arrived at this hidden…read moregem, I thought "am I at the right place?" Then I noticed the big flag and I decided that we were There was cool music playing at a reasonable volume, The bartender was very welcoming. They have a cute menu with a descent happy hour menu (pic attached) they had Paulener Hefeweizen on tap so I was happy. My wife ordered Slingshot from local Backpocket. Then she ordered a cucumber mint mule that was delicious. If you're looking for a nice,chill, dimly lit atmosphere, then London Underground is a great choice. I will definitely be back here again!

Chose Lua Brewing for Dinner because it was close to Hoyt…read more We had a little bit of a wait. I started with a Climbing Kites Mixed Berry which tasted fine. The Smush Burger with American Cheese, fried onions, pickles, and Lua Sauce. I wasn't expecting it to be so incredibly delicious. I got the Lua Sauce on the side because I wanted to taste just the burger. This has to be one of the best burgers. How does this place not get recognized or have I just been sleeping because the burger is phenomenal. Juicy, great flavor, and the Lua Sauce is excellent as well. The fires were very good too. The Service was good. A minor annoyance is the 3% fee for CC. Paid cash and still got the 3% fee. Just figure it into the price of business if you're going to get charged for it either way. Just an annoyance. Will definitely return for the burger. Sorry haters I felt it was better than Lachelle's, better flavor. Just my opinion.

Just left here. Had high hopes as I had been wanting to try Lua for a while, so I thought, while…read morein Des Moines... It was hot out so we sat inside at the bar. It was a touch past lunchtime but the bar area was still busy, yet had seats open. We sat at the end and after some time was given some a water carafe and 2 small glasses (with no ice). She (never gave us her name) then came back for our drink order. And immediately asked for food, which we were not ready for. We gave her our drink order, after that we never seen her again. Sat there awhile. For so long we started looking at other restaurants around to eat. Then we she finally looked our way my husband made a motion to pay so we could just leave. Name on the receipt said AM B. Needless to say, we won't be back. Nor will we ever recommend it.

Brunch and Beer! I would recommend this place if you are looking for a different brunch experience…read more Great options and the food is solid. Service is quick and everyone was friendly. I ranked one down from a 5 due to the Ambiance. It was very loud and the flies around the table were a bit much. Maybe look into blowers at the doors or something.

The "hottest" burger wasn't spicy at all. Like most breweries, this place drowns its food in salt…read more Am not a fan. On the upside, service was quick and friendly, and the sweet potato steak fries were excellent.

We've came here many times for a drink, to participate in puzzle league, or play bingo. They have…read morelots of large tables, some outdoor seating, and bar seating available. I usually drink a cider or the root beer on tap. I've enjoyed all the ciders I've had. Some days the staff come to your table and take your order/wait on you, other times you're in a line ordering from the bar. Overall, we enjoy some of the activities they offer and food trucks that come in for food options.

Top 3 Saturday evening spot in town. Grab a cold brew and a bite off the food truck. Kick back…read morerelax and enjoy the band. Life is good at Uptown Garage.