Caucus 2020 Part II: New Bars + Breweries in DSM
In the second post for our Caucus 2020 series, we’re highlighting a few bars and breweries new to Greater Des Moines (DSM). We’ve already featured new restaurants and dining options since the 2016 Iowa Caucuses. Now, find out where you can find cocktails, spirits and brews in DSM.
322 East Court Avenue, Des Moines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1717-Brewing-Co-238961553323004/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1717brewingco/?hl=en; Twitter: https://twitter.com/1717BrewingCo
Winter Hours: Sunday Noon – 9 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 4-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Are you fan of hoppy? Malty? Dark or Light? Whatever you’re after, you’ll find it at one of DSM’s newest local brewing companies. Try out the Irish Red or the Coffee Stout. Listen to the 1717 Brewcast, with Matt, Phil, Jerry, Ty and Alex ahead of your visit.
440 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellhoptiki/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellhoptiki/?hl=en
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. – Midnight; Tuesday – Thursday 4 p.m. – Midnight; Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Bellhop is a tiki bar with all the trimmings. Located in the Historic East Village, The Bellhop offers Enjoy Bellhop Wednesday with $7 select drinks: Piña Coladas, Pain Killers, Rum Old Fashioneds and Mai Tais.
717 Locust Street, Des Moines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellomarjoriedm; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HELLOMARJORIEDM/
Hours: Monday 4-10 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday 4 p.m. – Midnight; Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Enjoy a sophisticated experience in Downtown DSM! This classic throwback bar offers plenty of cocktails, including the Byline, featuring strawberry infused gin, Rum Haven coconut water rum, lime, black pepper and Yellow Chartreuse rinse, as well as the Editor’s Note, featuring High West bourbon and Rothman & Winter apricot liqueur, smoked apple bitters and fresh apple. Hello, Marjorie is a not-to-miss destination in the heart of the city.
2510 SW White Birch Drive, Suite 8, Ankeny
Facebook: https://foursquare.com/v/the-whiskey-house/58264eb2434f98127dcb6577; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyhouseia/; Twitter: https://twitter.com/whiskeyhouseia
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 3 p.m. – Midnight; Thursday 11 a.m. – Midnight; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Whiskey fan? Grab an uber and make your way to Ankeny’s Prairie Trail District for some of the best whiskey and live music. Try contemporary whiskey cocktails like the Bourbon Maple Toddy or Somewhat New Fashioned or classics like the Manhattan or Whiskey Sour. Local draft beer and mules are also available, as well as a limited food menu.
Honorable Mention: Up-Down: updownarcadebar.com/des-moines
500 East Locust Street, Des Moines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/updowndsm; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/updowndsm/; Twitter: https://twitter.com/updowndsm
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Monday – Friday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Newly remodeled, Up-Down has expanded its retro arcades and added 10 additional taps since 2016, almost doubling in size.
Learn more about other DSM nightlife options.
Watch for our next Caucus-inspired blog post, Caucus 2020 Part III: Top Coffee Spots in DSM.
As first in the nation, the Iowa Caucuses welcome national media and politicians every four years. Find out about the 2020 Iowa Caucuses, as well as the Iowa Caucus Consortium, an initiative of Catch Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.