Had an opportunity to venture in on a Sunday (No Food Service) to review the minimalist bar food menu should I return since I do not partake in libations. The food choices were very limited $$, but there was an array of beers, wines, cocktails, and an assortment of other mixed libations. The decor is like a bar dive if liquor is your main thing. As a non drinker -- nothing stiffer than a Dr. Pepper-- this would not be my vibe, but may be yours if all you want is a solid selection of creative and mainstay libations from a very friendly bartender whose primary purpose was to please all who entered -- this tipsy topsy environment ( Like TV Cheers) -- then this may be the place for you. read more

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There is nothing worse than sitting at a bar, during happy hour and having the bartender working directly in front of you and not speaking, not making eye contact and completely ignoring you. He was short in his response when I asked about food and basically told me no, and I was angry when another group was served food. The space is cool and has an awesome atmosphere but dang, first impressions matter. There was 3 of us and the one who recommended it said that service can be questionable at times. Tonight was one of those times. Bummer. And it's loud so be ready to shout a bit. read more

Winchester Public House - Old Fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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I have been here a few times for cocktails and the place was packed. We wanted to meet our group there prior to a later dinner reservation. We were able to make a reservation. Our waiter was great. Kept checking on us without being "overbaring" My favorite was the expresso martini. They have a great selection of craft cocktails. Definitely worth the price for these nice cocktails read more

Winchester Public House - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Great. If you told me to picture a hipster bar, this place would come to mind. Casual vibe to the place, woody and coppery. The man-bunned bartender was friendly and good at his job. I had the low hanging fruit, which was this smooth bourbon drink, nice and balanced. I also tried the garden party, which was amazing. read more

Great place to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail Great service and ambiance! Ben the bartender was great! read more

Winchester Public House - Ask Ben about Rum Cocktails! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Love the classic cocktails. The bartenders know their spirits and can give great recommendations. The vibe is upscale and comfortable. Definitely a great place for a cocktail date. read more

Stopped in here for a few drinks and was not disappointed. This bar is more along the lines of a craft cocktail establishment vice a whiskey house, so be advised that their bourbon selection could be better. The bartenders were attentive and engaging, making the experience better. The bar is absolutely beautiful! Copper bar top, huge display behind the bar, and interesting decor. Give it a try! read more

Winchester Public House - Beautiful bar... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Very impressive stop on a night out with friends. Excellent selection of alcohol behind the bar (see picture) and a reasonable tap beer selection. The drinks aren't cheap, but the modern, chic atmosphere is worth the stop to experience. The service was slow, but likely due to how busy they were at the time. Food: n/a Atmosphere: 5 Value: 3 Service: 3 If you found this review helpful, please click to show your support. read more

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Now that they're serving food I'm here to do an update on my review. It remains a solid 4 star, with an upward tendancy. Service was top shelf, and the food is fresh, fun, and creative. We shared the Black Bean and Cauliflower Tostada - what a great blend of fresh flavors! A bit pricey at $13 for 3 pieces, but very tasty. For dinner I got the Pork Torta. Great flavors on a bready bun...i've had this other places on bolilo bread, which may not be easy to find in Des Moines, but like the tostada...and everything else...it was very fresh and flavorful, so a good option if you're OK with a good sized bready bun. Two in our group got the BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread - a wonderful combination of cooked pork and raw veggies with a very tasty flatbread crust. The other diner in our group got the Mushroom and Egg Flatbread. Now, the name is a bit decieving as it also has asparagus, pesto, and cheese. If it was just mushroom and egg it would have been good, but the other additions make it great! A very tasty option. Drinks are expertly crafted, and the beer drinker in our group was given a few samples to help him narrow down his choices. The staff puts creative twists into the drinks and does all they can to customize them to your liking. Cool vibe, great drinks, and fun food options....give them a try! read more

Very good ambience with wide selection of craft spirits and customized drinks. Customized drinks run anywhere from 11.00-19.00. Not the friendliest bartender (had same guy last few times). read more

I can't say anything about the food because we have not tried it yet. The atmosphere, the cocktails and the staff are top notch. Our favorite in Valley Junction read more

I had a perfect spicy margarita! Not too sweet with just enough kick. Our server was amazing, making recommendations on details to enhance the cocktail experience! read more

Nice little pub in the Junction. The night we went was fairly chilly but the atmosphere was welcoming and warm. More than anything, I loved the atmosphere of the place. Whomever stocked their bar wall did an impeccable job as it is a masterpiece to look at. My friends and I each picked a drink from the menu and hung out. My friends and I have some varied tastes in drinks, but luckily the menu was different enough to appease us all. No food, which we knew, so we went across the street to the co-owned Restaurant Cooper's on 5th. read more

Winchester Public House - two people sitting at a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Interesting cocktails and beers. The cocktails range around $13-16, and beers are $7. The bar is a bit louder than most cocktail bars. Great for small groups, but I probably would not recommend for bigger groups. I had the Garden party cocktail which was refreshing, and my friend had the low hanging fruit which was smoky and smooth. Will be coming back! read more

I have not had a bad cocktail here (and I've tried several) but hands down this is the home of the best Old Fashion in the Des Moines area. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and accommodating and the overall vibe of this place is very cool. My only complaint is people are learning about this hidden gem and barstools are getting harder to come by on weekends. read more

In town visiting family and had been to Winchester in the past. This time I was not pleased. We came as a group of 5 and sat at the bar. Two of the 3 bartenders, the short ones, were extremely rude. They acted like they were too important to serve us. We each ordered a drink and I asked for waters since it was 95* earlier in the day and we had been outside. The bartender acted like I asked him to paint me a replica of the Mona Lisa. Then brought water about 15 minutes later with no ice. Also didn't pour the waters in front of us so, based on his attitude, I was concerned he did something untoward. I think we ordered a total of 12 drinks so shouldn't have been a situation where they were concerned we weren't spending money. The 3rd bartender, taller, started helping and was very nice and accommodating. It's a shame his coworkers were such d*&#s. They should realize there are a lot of place to go for drinks and while Winchesters is a good spot, there is no excuse for their terrible attitudes when serving customers. My guess is ownership would be extremely displeased with their employees if they had seen how they treated us. Will be trying out a different spot next time I'm in town. read more

We ALWAYS stop in when we're visiting Des Moines. Really Nice atmosphere and service is always friendly & attentive. The Best Old Fashions in DSM! read more

Great service and cocktails! Fair warning the pub mix is the size of a dinner plate! Absolutely massive. Best cocktail is the S.O.S. delicious and refreshing. read more

Winchester Public House - Pub Mix & S.O.S. Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Amazing service and drinks! Best old fashions in the metro...and it's a rye old fashion which I usually don't like as much! These guy knocked it out of the park. Only issue is finding space at the bar bc it's so popular! read more

Winchester Public House - Bar area and old fashion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

I recently stopped in for the first time and have gone back a second time since writing this review! The atmosphere is relaxed and the bottle collection display behind their bar is very satisfying to look at. Service was good and prices we're fairly reasonable depending on what you're in the mood for. I've been very impressed with every cocktail I've tried, and was genuinely surprised with the large selection of craft beer as well! read more

Winchester Public House - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Tucked in Valley Junction you will find Winchester Public House. This spot is perfect for your next night out for some well-crafted cocktails. If you love bourbon, the old fashioned will not disappoint. If you're more of a vodka mixed drink person, there is an entire section dedicated to specialty Moscow Mules. If you want to keep it simple, there is a large list of draft beers, wine, and liquors you can choose from! The environment is cozy, warm, and welcoming here - check it out! read more

Winchester Public House - Old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Went for drinks after a wedding. Sat at the bar and didn't have to wait long to be served. Drinks were delicious! Love the feel for the environment as well. read more

Visiting from out of town. Found this place on Yelp. They have variety of drinks and they are delicious.

I came to this establishment I had one cocktail they would not serve me anymore because I was loud....I drove home and will not come back!! Sad!!!!! Thought I had too much to drink!!! I never drink.. but one drink ... pathetic read more

Beautiful building and future location of Cooper's menu for food. Right now it's just drinks but man it's beautiful in here! Think fancy pants cocktail bar with almost saloon type feel! Perfect for a date with roses on the table! They have a great selection of cocktails, wines, and yes local and regional beer! The layout is fantastic, the bar is beautiful, and the service was right on. Not to busy on a Sunday either! Get here and check it out for a drink, and soon enough there will be food too! read more

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Was looking forward to visiting the newest addition to Valley Junction and the only craft cocktail bar in West Des Moines. The space is great with a combination of modern feel with exposed brick, wood, and even a token Winchester rifle on display. The 4-star rating has potential for 5-stars for a few reasons: 1) squeaky chairs - the barstools are very comfortable, howver, EVERY time someone pushes them out (to use the restroom, leave, etc) it makes an awful sound that can be heard by the entire bar. Perhaps some felt on the bottom of the feet? 2) world's smallest cocktail - my wife ordered a drink that read like a dream, but when it arrived it was so SMALL and served in a goblet style shot glass. Looking forward to seeing how The Winchester settled into the VJ lineup... we will be back! read more

Winchester Public House - World's smallest $9 cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Love the variety of cocktails and the bar with the high ceilings is eye candy from the front door! Can wait to go back!

I found this placed based off of a local's recommendation and let me tell you I am truly grateful. When you walk in it has a Speak Easy vibe to it, and everyone is mingling and very friendly. Even though it was incredibly busy, the bartenders and staff were highly attentive and acknowledged you being there. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and true artisans. If you're unsure as to which cocktail to try out, ask one of the bartenders there and I promise you won't be disappointed in what they recommend. I'm a stout drinker myself and I had the creamiest, flavor packed, dense, stout I've ever come across in my life. I hate I am horrible with names, but I'd like to thank the bartender who recommended I try the HUMBLE FORAGER FISHING WITH HORUS!! read more

I love this place for drinks and service! Nice people. Gorgeous place! Will be back a lot! read more

Winchester Public House - Bar. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Amazing cocktails! Love the Bees Knees and the Butterfly Effect! Also if you have the right server, get the Muffin Man!

YAY! So happy to have this addition to Valley Junction. I was in need of a night cap (and some baseball on TV, because: September baseball) so off we went. They have a decent selection of local beers on tap. Love that! I went local and got a Wilson's peach fizz hard cider. It was a smooth, relatively dry cider--I'd totally order this again. The cocktails looked great, so I'm certainly keeping this place in mind next time I need a trendy beverage. Ambience appeared to be pretty fancy with the chandeliers, but its totally casual. It was a great mix of a crowd, definitely over 30's. It was a little loud, but we could still easily carry a conversation. I'll definitely be back! read more

Walked in to live music and a warm atmosphere with similar lighting. You can hear the music wherever you are, but it's not too loud to not have a conversation. Tried a Jameson cocktail and a glass of red wine, and enjoyed both immensely. We were served quickly and our server was very friendly. We will definitely be back! read more

Winchester Public House - Jamecino and menu. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Must check this place out! Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, great atmosphere, and delicious drink menu. If you like spice, try the mango en fuego or jalapeño margarita! Can't wait to come back and try a few more! read more

Winchester Public House - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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This is a very cool place to hang out and grab a drink. Exposed brick, cool carved wooden bar, hardwood floors and love the chandeliers too! But not only is this bar a pleasure to enjoy a drink, the drinks are realllllly good as well! I had a cream soda mule and it was delicious. Then I decided to have a Grainbelt Nordeast, which I had never tried before and found it quite enjoyable. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and creative. Bottom line: A fancy and sweet addition to VJ! Highly recommend this place! read more

I really love this place & was hoping for a better experience, given the fact that COVID is making so many places shut down. Unfortunately, the manager was completely rude and his behavior was uncalled for. We were not only told to "tone it down" after only 1.5 drinks (all of us sober) but then were refused service. I will say, we knocked over a glass of water, and I understand that can be frustrating. It has nothing to do with the amount of alcohol we had consumed. It was merely a mistake. We are all moms of toddlers and I can tell you, this manager better never step foot in a chik fil a if he's going to banish us from a bar for spilled water. Our waiter, Noah, was the only redeeming quality of our experience and should be given a 5 star review. If your bar cannot accommodate 8 women on a Wednesday night, it might be time to rethink your priorities. Would not recommend going here due to the terrible treatment from the manager. Never have we felt more judged. We then took our service to another bar in Valley junction and were treated with way more respect, had a great time, and were serviced right away without question. read more

This place is awesome. Went for drinks around 6PM on Fridays. I tried the Winchester Old Fashioned ($11) It was delicious. They have an incredible selection. I look forward to coming back & trying more drinks! read more

Nice bar, terrible service would not recommend at this time!! hope they make needed changes!!!

The food and service was absolutely amazing!!!! Fresh, healthy and a complete surprise!!! Served by the owner and he made it a delightful meal! Highly recommend!!! read more

This place will make your date feel sexy! Best drinks in 50265. You need it in your meowth read more

Winchester Public House - This place will make your date feel sexy, best drinks in 50265. You need this in your life and in your meowth!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Neat bar but the tender was a bit of a jerk. He was too busy cleaning glasses in a not very busy place to answer my questions. I tried to make light conversation about a Whiskey he recommended and his answer was " I don't have time to read the bottles". I was with a small group of friends and we all had 3 drinks. I wish I had a price list to go along with the menu. We had sticker shock when the bill came over! I had no idea that they were going to charge me $2 for every large square ice cube and I still got charged when I asked to use the same ice. I had a hand cut cube in Vegas that they didn't charge me for. I'm not cheap but I also don't want to overpay just because they can read more