Iowa has a pretty buzzy bar scene. With local eateries, hole-in-the-wall taverns and modern restaurants galore, there’s certainly no shortage of cocktails and light bite specials to enjoy all across the state. Here’s where to go to enjoy some of the best happy hours in Des Moines.
Django
Django is a local, brasserie-style restaurant that specializes in serving up French cuisine in a remarkably casual atmosphere. The Des Moines hotspot hosts a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.—plus an all-night happy hour every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to close—which features $5 draft beers, cocktails and select appetizers including duck frites, oysters and onion rings. For more information, visit www.djangodesmoines.com.
Motley School Tavern
Motley School Tavern is arguably one of the most effortlessly cool places in all of Iowa. The sleek, dark-hued ambience of the space is elevated by decadent food offerings. And visitors to Motley School Tavern can indulge in half off draft beer and wine, plus BOGO appetizers, every day, from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.mstdsm.com.
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio’s “ginger power” happy hour—including $8 appetizers and a buck off of all beer, wine, wells and mules–is offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. And keep an eye on the restaurant’s Web site as most nights host a dining special, like Sunday Pizza Night and Wednesday Fried Chicken Night. For more information, visit www.gilroyskitchen.com.
The Stuffed Olive
The Stuffed Olive is a quintessential martini bar that boasts chef-driven small plates and over 100 different martinis for visitors to choose from. Each day, the Des Moines bar offers one-of-a-kind happy hour specials that are arguably some of the best in the city. On Mondays, visitors can indulge in a buy one martini and get one free deal from 4 p.m. to close. Tuesdays feature a buy one and get one free deal on beers from 4 p.m. to close. And on Wednesdays, guests can treat themselves to a buy one and get one free wine special from 4 p.m. to close. For more information, visit www.paramountbarco.com.