Where to Find Beer in Downtown Des Moines: A Brewery Guide

It’s not hard to find beer in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and it’s certainly not hard to find a local craft brewery or microbrewery here, too. Whether you roll in by car, by bus or by bike, it doesn’t matter how you get here just come thirsty! Here’s a look at several breweries near Downtown Des Moines:

Breweries in Downtown Des Moines

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Neighborhood: Sherman Hill
Known and well-loved for its Eastern Iowa locations, this new-to-Des Moines brewery is a must-visit for beer lovers. The taproom located on 17th Street, not far from Ingersoll Avenue, includes an expansive outdoor patio (and yes, dogs are welcome!). The “Citrus Surfer” American pale wheat beer is a crowd pleaser with its light, smooth and refreshing taste bursting with real citrus. A quick browse of their yummy food menu, and you’ll be making plans to stay for lunch or dinner, too! The “Citrus Surfer” pairs well with the Korean Fire Chicken Bao Buns.
order.toasttab.com/online/big-grove-dsm

 

Confluence Brewing Company

Neighborhood: Near Gray’s Lake Area
This local brewery on Thomas Beck Road (the namesake for one of its seasonal IPAs!) sits just south of Downtown Des Moines and is right off the trail system, making it a destination for bicyclists and other trail users. It sits adjacent to the Meredith Trail and the nearby the Krudenier Trail around Gray’s Lake, as well as the Bill Riley Trail running through Water Works Park. If you’re planning a bike trail beer and brewery crawl near Downtown Des Moines, Confluence had better be on your list!
confluencebrewing.com

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.

Neighborhood: Historic Court District
This staple brewpub has served Downtown Des Moines since 1996, making it Des Moines’ oldest brewery! Lovingly known by locals as CABCO, see the sights of the Downtown Farmers’ Market taking place on Saturday mornings, May through October, while you grab a bite to eat on the restaurant’s patio overlooking Court Avenue. Pro tip: Mug Club membership is a must-do for craft beer aficionados and a great year-round social activity!
courtavebrew.com

 

Exile Brewing Co.

Neighborhood: Near Western Gateway
If you haven’t heard of Exile’s fan favorite “Ruthie” golden lager, you are sorely missing out! It is even now available in a non-alcoholic version. Craft brew lovers and budding beer drinkers alike will love a stop at Exile’s brewpub year-round, with a seasonal patio perfectly paired with spring, summer and fall beers (and bike trail access, too)! Schedule a brewery tour, check out the Now Pouring menu and don’t miss the full list of fun events happening at Exile. Order your Exile “Ruthie” with the buffalo chicken bites appetizer, made with homemade buffalo sauce and a side of house ranch, and you won’t be disappointed!
exilebrewing.com

 

Lua Brewing

Neighborhood: Sherman Hill
Among the newer breweries in Downtown Des Moines, this microbrewery and restaurant is a fun vibe with its Hawaiian theme and large outdoor patio space. Ask your server for a beer and food pairing, like the “Call It Dreaming” Bavarian hefeweizen made with coconut is a great matchup with the Coconut Milk Panna Cotta for dessert. (Pro Tip: With any dietary restrictions, Lua Brewing is a great spot offering gluten free, dairy free and vegan menus!)
luabeer.com

 

Peace Tree Brewing Co. - Des Moines Branch

Neighborhood: Historic East Village
This local brewery and taproom in Downtown Des Moines is always bustlin’! You’ll find outdoor patio views with ample bike parking, tons of board games to choose from for year-round entertainment, food trucks, special events like craft and maker fairs, seasonal food trucks, trivia nights and much more! Try the “Blonde Fatale,” a Belgian-style blonde ale that is a favorite of locals — but be advised, the beer is 8.5% alcohol, so it is best enjoyed with slow and savored sips!
peacetreebrewing.com/des-moines-taproom/

SingleSpeed Brewing Co. - DSM

Neighborhood: Market District
The newest brewery in Downtown Des Moines is SingleSpeed, known for its additional locations in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Its location off of Scott Avenue, right off the bike trail and nearby Principal Park, makes this a fun stop on your biking adventure or before/after an Iowa Cubs baseball game. The robust food menu includes shared plates, tacos, burgers, soup, salad and sandwiches — and a kid’s menu with faves for littles, too! For something dessert-y, try “Tip the Cow,” a cocoa espresso milk stout that is extremely satisfying to the taste buds!
singlespeedbrewing.com/taprooms/des-moines/

Twisted Vine Brewery

Neighborhood: Market District
The intrigue: Crafting “uniquely twisted” beers is the tagline of this local Downtown Des Moines brewery. Try the “De Vine IPA,” with fruity hints of mango, pear and pineapple and a dry, crisp finish. Cheers!
twistedvinebrewery.com

More Places for Beer in Downtown Des Moines

And there are several Downtown Des Moines bars and restaurants that feature beers from local breweries around Downtown and Greater Des Moines (DSM), too! Pop on by to Iowa Taproom, Mullets and El Bait Shop for a robust line-up suited for a beer-lovers dream. BONUS: Each of these are located with easy access to the trails system, offer ample bicycle parking and also have sweet patios (win/win/win!).

Read More: 5 Essential Beers to Try This Summer in Downtown Des Moines

You can also try a stop at 300 Craft & Rooftop, Hessen Haus and Johnny’s Hall of Fame if you’re looking for a cold pint of beer in Downtown Des Moines. Or visit this list of Downtown Des Moines sports bars for more suggestions.

Looking for even more Downtown DSM adventures? Each week we publish a list of five events you just can’t miss coming soon to Downtown. Explore the recent stories posted on our blog to learn more. Plan your visit to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with these tips for parking and navigation and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.