xBk Live
Drake, Des Moines
Bar in Des Moines, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
xBk Live is the better pick for a casual Des Moines date when live music is the point, not a long dinner or quiet cocktail conversation. Go for an easy, performance-led night; choose Centro, Akebono 515, or F&O's / Felix and Oscars if the meal needs to carry the evening.
About xBk Live
xBk Live is a Des Moines venue with a casual dress code. Use it as a starting point for a relaxed night out, check current details before relying on specifics about food, seating, service, hours, pricing, or programming.
Go for a casual Des Moines night out
Dress is casual. If you are comparing options in Des Moines, choose xBk Live when a relaxed dress expectation fits the evening, confirm any event, menu, reservation, access, or timing details directly before you go.
If the plan needs a more dining-focused comparison, cross-shop Centro or Akebono 515 instead. For broader planning, use our full Des Moines bars guide; for meal-first planning, start with our full Des Moines restaurants guide.
Better for simple plans than assumption-heavy ones
xBk Live is easiest to plan around when you only need a casual Des Moines option and are willing to check the current details yourself. Do not assume lunch, dinner service, outdoor seating, reservation rules, prices, or a specific format.
For broader Des Moines planning, keep xBk Live on the shortlist when a casual dress code suits the plan; compare it with dining-led options when food, table comfort, or a calmer setting is the priority.
Planning details
- Location
- 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Website
- xbklive.com
- Phone
- +1 515 344 3348
The take
The Take
The Vibe
xBk Live presents a decidedly loud, lively nightlife energy built around performance. The building announces itself on weekend nights; sound carries through the walls and the parking lot fills early. Inside, the room is organized into functional zones — a main stage designed for volume, a visually positioned bar, and an open floor that accommodates a full-capacity crowd. The architecture favors events over intimacy, so the overall vibe reads as event-focused and dynamic rather than quiet or restrained. Expect high-energy sets, a younger-leaning crowd, and a room that operates at nightlife volume.
Best For
This is a venue best for late-night group outings and people who come to see live acts rather than quiet conversation. The layout and programming favor events and capacity over intimacy, so it suits groups, casual hangouts that spill into the parking lot, and private events that need a performance-focused space. Because xBk also keeps a bar that holds its own between shows, it works for nights when the stage is dark as well as for scheduled concerts. It’s less appropriate for low-key date nights or subdued dinners.
Ordering Tips
The bar program is built around live-music realities: crowds move fast and expect quick service, and many guests default to beer and shots. The venue balances that by offering both high-throughput options for speed and a narrower set of genuinely crafted drinks for those who want them. If you’re arriving just before a set, choose something that’s quick to serve; if you have time before the show or between sets, the bar still supports well-made cocktails. Be prepared for a brisk pace at the bar during peak entry and set-change moments.
Venue details
Ambiance
Intimate, energetic atmosphere focused on live performances with diverse lineups ranging from indie bands to poetry and improv
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Lounge
- Late Night
- Closes by Midnight
- Music
- Eclectic Indie, Local Talent, Improv, Poetry, Tribute Bands
- Live Music
- Yes
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- The Cheese Shop, Notable alternative
- Centro, Notable alternative
- Akebono 515, Notable alternative
- Parlor, Notable alternative
- Captain Roy's, Notable alternative
Bar context
How xBk Live compares in Des Moines
xBk Live is the easiest choice here when ambiance means live energy rather than a polished dining room. Compared with Centro and Akebono 515, it is less meal-driven and more occasion-specific: pick it for a show night, not for a food-first date.
The Cheese Shop is the better cross-shop for a quieter two-person plan built around wine and snacks, while Parlor fits a more casual drinks-and-hangout brief. Captain Roy's makes more sense when the group wants an easygoing bar setting instead of a ticketed-feeling music night.
Value depends on the occasion: xBk Live earns its place when the performance is the reason to go. If the booking needs predictable food, softer sound, or easier conversation, Centro or The Cheese Shop are safer choices.
Explore Des Moines
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full xBk Live guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare xBk Live
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| xBk Live | Des Moines | No published awards |
| The Cheese Shop | Des Moines | No published awards |
| Centro | Des Moines | No published awards |
| Akebono 515 | Des Moines | No published awards |
| Parlor | Des Moines | 2025 Canada's 50 Best Bars · #44 |
| Captain Roy's | Des Moines | No published awards |
How xBk Live Des Moines compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the food good at xBk Live?
If food quality is the main reason for the night, compare xBk Live with Centro or Akebono 515 and confirm current details before choosing.
Is xBk Live good for groups?
Do I need a reservation at xBk Live?
Is xBk Live good for a date?
xBk Live may fit a casual Des Moines plan. For a quieter or more food-focused comparison, The Cheese Shop is another option to consider.
Does xBk Live have outdoor seating?
What's the crowd like at xBk Live?
The dress code is casual; for atmosphere, timing, or event-specific expectations, check current venue information.
