While on a business trip to Omaha, I needed a place where I could work for several days outside of…read moremy hotel. I truly couldn't believe my luck when I found The Reading Room. This place is a spectacular little world of wonder and adventure. Over the course of my trip, I got to experience so many different sides of it. I attended an event on a Friday night, enjoyed specialty drinks, and watched a Shakespeare performance. I had so much fun! During the weekdays, I took a few meetings there while enjoying matcha and snacks. On another day, I simply came in to relax and unwind. What I loved most is that The Reading Room somehow manages to be a place for everyone. It's somewhere to meet new friends, get some work done, have a quiet moment alone, or come out and have fun at an event. Kids, adults, cocktail lovers, tea drinkers, readers, remote workers. There's a little something for everyone. And Sam, the owner, is absolutely fantastic. I was spoiled with great conversation, genuine hospitality, and impeccable service throughout my visits. I came to Omaha looking for somewhere to work and left feeling like I had discovered one of the city's hidden gems. I couldn't ask for a better place to spend my time.

I came here for a poetry reading. It is a really great space for that, lots of comfortable seating…read moreoptions. Sound was good. They have a selection of unique cocktails. I chose "Marianna's Marvelous Old Fashioned" which was delicious and also strong. Staff was really nice, and I felt comfortable there. I plan to pay attention to events here and return - or I might even just come here to read sometime and try another delicious cocktail, or maybe a mocktail, next time.

I went on a Friday night to see some singer/songwriters perform. We walked in and everyone working…read morethere was friendly. It's dimly lit, which is fine because the focus is on the stage. I did not have a drink or anything to munch on. I'm not sure if food is available, but I saw plenty of people ordering drinks from the bar. The seating was comfortable and the sound system worked well. We had a good time there!

Walked in here on a Tuesday night and they had phenomenal karaoke going on...I mean, these people…read morewere GOOD. Usually I'll try my hand at a song or two, but I just sat back and listened to the true professionals. It's a bit small in here with a few bar seats, and some bar tops. There is a small room in the back with 1 bullshooter dart board. In the warmer months, there is a back patio with tables and lights. Otherwise, it's just a small corner bar with great karaoke!

A fun place to go when the weather is warm. They open the garage door in the front and you feel…read morelike you're at the beach. The staff were friendly and the happy hour is amazing...1/2 off drink from 3-6 each day. The drinks were made well and consistent. Has a good vibe!

Fun little pop up! We got lucky and snagged a table pretty quickly, but it was full when we got…read morethere around 9 on a Tuesday. They had some very fun themed drinks - my grinch mosa was tasty and I really enjoyed getting a candy cane with it. The decor of course is stellar! Each wall is a little different and it feels like every inch is decorated. Service was a little slower than I expected as it emptied out a bit later in the night but overall a great night out.

Stopped in last night with a large group of friends. Reasonably priced holiday cocktails with a…read morewarm ambience. It wasn't too loud - made it easy to have conversations. The bartender was friendly and quick with the orders. I recommend it!

I love The Bull Moose! I can't believe I haven't reviewed them before. I love to come here in the…read morewarmer months and sit out on the patio and soak in the vibes. I've caught live music there and played giant jenga, and seen lots of pups and people enjoying the place. Inside it's cool and decorated in kind of an older, vintage, leather library vibe that plays into the connection with Roosevelt. Let the gumball machine choose a shot for you, try a seasonal cocktail, or grab a beer. I've always had super friendly, great service here and it's definitely a place that everyone feels welcome.

I love this cozy spot! Bartenders are awesome and work quickly. The pride punch in June hit the…read morespot. Try to attend a community event or karaoke.

I'm not sure how Pageturners has stayed off my radar considering it's certainly my vibe. This…read moreinconspicuous space is a Dundee gem. Comfy lounge chairs, dim lit lighting and patterned walls bring in a bit of a prohibition era aesthetic to this joint. The evening we visited there was no live music but the decent size stage nosy in the corner entices me to return for a show. Special recognition to our bartender Derrick - you're a treasure. Drinks were 10 outta 10 and your personality was a 20. Parking is accessible from the back entrance, then you won't miss the beautiful mural upon entering!

My boyfriend and I stopped by Catalyst after dinner nearby since it's one of the spots on our…read moremartini passport! I had been before, but it was his first time, so I was excited for him to try it. You walk in through the hotel's main entrance and the bar is tucked away in the back, which makes it feel cozy and a little private. It wasn't very busy when we went. I think this spot would be great for a date night! The bartenders were amazing. They were incredibly friendly, explained the drinks, and checked in on us throughout the night. You can tell they really care about the experience of patrons. Our espresso martinis were great and we really enjoyed them! Every time I've visited, their cocktails have been consistently good, and I love that they offer a seasonal menu to switch things up. They also have a patio that looked like it would be so nice in the summer, but it was too cold for us to sit outside this time. We both loved the decor and overall aesthetic. It feels upscale without being too intimidating, Overall, such a great experience and definitely a place we'll keep coming back to!

A very chic bar with high end cocktails. The bartender curates amazing cocktails that all taste…read moreamazing and he really knows what he's doing

I've heard so much about this place and I was excited to have an excuse to visit. The ambiance had…read moreme in awe and I'm still thinking about it! The hanging lights with the shelves around the back wall were stunning. I highly recommend you grab a snack prior to visiting since their menu has no munchies and the drinks come quite strong.

We went on a Sunday afternoon and had a great time. I was in love with their decor. The jewel tones…read morewere beautiful. I had a pomegranate drink and a pineapple zero proof spritzer that was divine! We were celebrating a bday so we had cake and the bartender was so nice and accommodating us with plates and a knife. It's another place I'll definitely come back to for a nice drink with my girls!

Went here for a watch party for a show my wife and I watch. There were two other places that showed…read moreit but this place offered it first and had drinks made for the show so we tried it. They did a great job offering multiple kinds of seating for everyone. The Hurricane Huda was my favorite. Sound and connection couldn't been better but prices for their drinks were very good! Bartenders were great and they have an incredible space. For sure want to come back again.

Bartenders are "mother and daughter" and cannot math. First time I've been to a bar in four years,…read moreand I can say this bar was a quick reminder why bars are trash.

The Trap Room is my go-to spot before any show at The Slowdown--convenient, chill, and consistently…read moresolid. The drinks are great and reasonably priced, with an awesome happy hour that makes it easy to start the night right. I'm obsessed with their hibiscus margarita (on tap!) and the French 75. Perfect little gem near downtown.

Trap Room is a total vibe. Walking in feels like stepping into your great aunt's swanky vintage…read morebasement -- complete with seasonal kitschy holiday decor, velvet paintings, and perfectly moody lighting that sets the tone just right. It's got charm, character, and zero pretension. The service is always friendly, but never fake -- no forced small talk or over-the-top energy, just genuinely cool people who seem to enjoy what they do. It makes the whole experience feel laid-back and easy, like you're part of the regular crowd even if it's your first time. The rotating cocktail menu always has something fun to try, but the real star of the show is their Bloody Mary -- absolutely legendary. Bold, flavorful, and consistently on point. They've also got a patio, which is a great spot to hang when the weather's decent. The location is super convenient, especially if you're heading to or from a show at the Slowdown. Whether you're just stopping in for a drink or planning to linger, Trap Room nails that cozy, quirky neighborhood bar energy.

Wanna go out with your girls? Revival House should be your first stop of the night. Interior - a…read morevibe! The bartenders - the friendliest! Good spot for a few laughs and drinks! Drink recommendation - green tea cocktail & mai tai!

Revival House was one of the most unique cocktail bars I visited in Des Moines! Hidden in downtown,…read morethis tiki-themed bar feels like you've stepped into a tropical oasis with bamboo accents, colorful lighting, and fun vintage-inspired décor. The cocktail menu is full of creative tropical drinks, and the atmosphere is what really makes this place stand out! It's cozy, immersive, and the perfect spot for a date night, catching up with friends, or starting an evening downtown. We went on a mini road trip to Des Moines from Kansas City and this was the first spot we visited! Every corner has its own personality, making it just as fun to look around as it is to sip your drink. If you're looking for a cocktail bar that's a little different from the norm, Revival House is definitely worth adding to your Des Moines itinerary.