Bars in Des Moines

Akebono 515 is a downtown Des Moines bar with a Japanese-inflected identity and a cocktail program that sets it apart from the Court Avenue crowd. Booking is easy and walk-ins are realistic most nights. If you've been once and haven't properly worked through the drinks list, that's the reason to go back.

Captain Roy's is a low-friction, walk-in-friendly bar on Des Moines' north side — easy to get into, with no reservation headaches. It suits a casual night in the neighborhood more than a destination cocktail outing. If a serious drinks program is the priority, Akebono 515 or Clyde's Fine Diner are stronger calls downtown.

Centro is a practical downtown Des Moines pick when the night needs an easy sit-down dinner rather than a hard-to-book occasion meal. Choose it for convenience, first-date flexibility, and group-friendly planning; cross-shop Fong's Pizza, Akebono 515, or Captain Roy's if the priority is a more casual, bar-led, or hangout-driven night.

F&O's / Felix and Oscars is a casual neighborhood bar on Des Moines' northwest side, best suited for low-key group nights and walk-in drinks rather than a serious food destination. No reservation needed. If food quality is your priority, other Des Moines options will serve you better — but for an easy, no-fuss local bar on Merle Hay Rd, it fits the brief.

Fong's Pizza makes the case for bar food worth taking seriously in Des Moines. The Chinese-American pizza concept at 317 E Court Ave is the draw, not just the drinks. Walk-in friendly and well-suited to casual dates or small celebrations, it punches above the typical bar-kitchen standard for the East Village neighbourhood.

Jasper Winery is Des Moines' most accessible local winery, located at 2400 George Flagg Pkwy. Best for a relaxed afternoon tasting of Iowa-grown wine rather than a night out. Booking is easy with no significant lead time required. Value is strongest if you're specifically there for the local wine experience — compare seasonal releases rather than defaulting to the standard pour.

Parlor is a low-friction Des Moines pick when you want an easy casual hangout rather than a destination meal. Book it for flexible group plans or a relaxed repeat visit; cross-shop Centro for a clearer dining choice and F&O's / Felix and Oscars for a more defined bar night.

The Cheese Shop is an easy Des Moines pick for an early, conversation-friendly date or small celebration built around cheese and wine-adjacent browsing rather than a full restaurant meal. Go before dinner or on a weekend afternoon; choose Centro instead if the plan needs a broader sit-down menu or later-night energy.