While in Des Moines talking with the locals, they suggested Carl's Place. They explained that it…read morewas an absolute dive bar, but a great one to visit and one not to pass up while in Des Moines. So, naturally, my friend and I gravitated to Carl's. The outside of the bar isn't labeled, so if you didn't know where it was, you might miss it. We were there at the height of the early afternoon in July and the sun was out in full force. When you walk into the bar, you wouldn't know what time of day or night it is, there aren't any windows to really shine the light through. You definitely get the "dive bar" experience. The bar itself appears a little older, but the patrons and the bartenders were bar none! It was a great bunch of people just there to hang out and enjoy the day. The bar has a small stage that has live music during the weeks. None while we were there, but heard it's pretty good! They had darts and there three different "sections" within the bar. We only had a few drinks but it was well worth the stop! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Awesome dive bar. Cheap beer, great live band, sketchy bathrooms. What else can you ask for? We…read morealways have a great time here.

Full disclosure: unless you are down with dive bars, this review isn't for you…read more As far as dive bars go, this place is a GEM. They have an INSANE beer selection (all bottles FYI), it's dimly lit, AND they have a pool table in the back. What more could a girl ask for?! Taking 1 star off because it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to see the beer selection because of how dark it is. The amazing bartenders have a flashlight behind the bar in case you need the light (like me). Also I don't know if I've ever been able to find a decent pool cue there. It will not be stopping me from returning to play more pool though.

Best bar on Ingersoll!!! Ice cold drinks, lightning fast service. Amazing mood all the time…read more Nice and bright Cubs bar in the daytime. Amazing dark booths at night.

Great little dive bar off the main drag. If you looking for a dark atmosphere in a basement look…read moreno further. My husband, son and I stopped in for a beer and the bartender was very nice and welcoming to out of towners!

I just got home from Shorty's. I've been there a few times and I can't wait to go back. Shorty's is…read morethe closest bar to where I live. A tavern in the tradition of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it opened this year. When I first saw the old-time Shorty's signs hanging above the door in the alley across from my building, I knew for sure I was living in the right neighborhood for me. Shorty's is dark and cozy. It's a nice no-frills establishment with lots of character. There are five TV's on the exposed brick walls of Shorty's, but I wouldn't call it a sports bar. It's in the back of the basement of the classy Des Moines wine bar and wine shop, Sbrocco. But Shorty's serves no wine before it's time or anytime. It doesn't need to. One drinks beer or liquor at Shorty's. Shorty's offers mostly old-school beer and old-school food. The menu includes mini corndogs, sliders, hero sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, chicken sandwiches, roast beef po'boys, and Tombstone pizzas. Food prices range from $3.95 to $7.95. I haven't tried any of the food yet, but I bet it's good. It's made in Sbrocco's kitchen. The bartenders at Shorty's are cool. The bar is owned and operated by the Full Court Press gang. These guys know what they're doing. They have other enjoyably unique bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines, including Sbrocco, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, Hessen Haus, Royal Mile, and Red Monk. Shorty's is open Mondays through Saturdays from 5PM to 2AM and Sundays from 11AM to closing time at the bartender's discretion. It's located at the SW corner of 2nd and Court. Say hey if you happen to see me drinking, eating, or sleeping there.

The vibes/ambiance are totally on point. I was lucky enough to get a parking spot right out front,…read morewhich can definitely be tricky on Ingersoll. Luckily it's right by the closed Office Depot or whatever, so there's that whole lot, too. I had read a lot that they were cash only, but now that it's 2026 I guess they take card, which is nice. The bartender was very chill and friendly. It was a really fun time, and I am excited to go back.

3 stars only cause the bartender was nice & quick, but there was only 1 other patron inside…read more This is definitely your "ol school" dive bar, the minute you walk in there was a smell to the place (wasn't pleasant) more of that old pleather/dirty floor smell. There was a pinball machine, pool table and jukebox inside. This place had that "local" dive bar spot feel to it. Drink was fairly cheap $5, we had the bartender make us her favorite drink which was a watermelon shot and it was tasty. The place has potential, if it didn't have the unpleasant smell to it and it was a little brighter inside.

Classic dive bar with the usual line up of regulars you would expect to find on a Friday night in a…read moreplace that feels like it has been here forever. We don't typically come in so I suspect we stood out, but the bartender was friendly and the game was on. We should stop more often.

Very fun and small environment. Didn't try the food but the drinks and everything were great. Great…read moredive bar

This was a nice little dive bar with a welcoming atmosphere and great service. The staff was…read morefriendly, attentive, and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Since Miller High Life is the bar's signature drink, I decided to give it a try for a bit of nostalgia. Unfortunately, the taste just wasn't for me. In fact, it took four Coors beers afterward to wash the flavor out of my mouth. That said, if Miller High Life is your go-to beer, you'll probably feel right at home here. If you're like me and just trying it for old times' sake, be prepared--it may not hit the same as you remember. Overall, it's a great place to relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the dive bar vibe. My advice: stick with your regular beer unless you're feeling adventurous or chasing a nostalgic memory.

It is one of those Des Moines staples, and i am so glad that we did it, because it is a damn good…read morevisit. Street parking, busy indoor environment, casual attire. A fun stop, full of energy and good food. Our server, Michelle, was outstanding, mixinga fun personality with a terrific energy and awareness. Loved my High Life Burger basket, and our Chicken Pot Pie was incredible. Coke products.

Great place for a beer and to watch the game. Locals kinda place with a decent beer selection and…read morea comfortable feel to the place.

It's a dive bar, a friendly dive bar. I had heard their specialty was drinks made from fresh…read moresqueezed oranges and grapefruit, which was true. It's sort of an odd location, feels like it's in the parking lot of Fareway. There's a decent sized amount of outdoor seating, but it was too late in the year for that to be open.

We came here on Wednesday and shown a table right away…read more Since I like to try local beers when traveling, I ordered a Pseudo Sue Pale Ale. Pale ales are usually not my choice but it was worth a try. I ended up ordering 3 before we left. For food each ordered 2 tacos each a la carte. I ordered one grilled shrimp taco and one blackened chicken taco. My friend ordered one fish taco and shrimp taco. We ordered 1/2 order of the jumbo pretzel appetizer which came with one jumbo pretzel, queso, and nacho chips. The queso had a good amount of heat. The pretzel was soft and not too much salt. Our server was professional and friendly

Breakfast at the Beaver Tap…read more Walked in for a late breakfast on Sunday. Met a girlfriend to enjoy some breakfast. Tables were almost full. Bar was busy too. We snagged a spot near the back. The waiter was quick to take our drink requests. He came back soon and I asked his recommendations. He sold me on a omelet and my girlfriend got french toast My girlfriend sold me on the Taps potatoes. I haven't had potatoes like that. Almost cut like potatoes chip but then fluffy and fried. Not over crunchy and not to heavy. The make to order omelet was good to. For some reason they left the bacon out but I just tossed it on top with the avacado I was craving. The TVs were on but not to loud yet. There was some football playing later in the afternoon but it wasn't game time yet Music played as we sat and chatted. The food was good. My friend really liked her French toast and black tea. I'm glad I made it out for breakfast. The staff was friendly the whole time. Completely affordable breakfast for us two ladies. I think I want to come back and do this again.