Ah, sweet summertime—the perfect season to get outside, enjoy the company of the people we love, and indulge in an endless array of fresh, specially-crafted ales. In Iowa, that dream is a reality come summer—when beloved beer gardens and other local haunts bring their A-game with an updated menu chock-full of decadent beers, spirits and more.
If you’re looking for a unique, community-driven space to kick back and down a few pints with friends this summer, you’ll want to check out one of Iowa’s five best beer gardens:
Dixie’s Biergarten
Decorah
Live music, multi-dimensional brews, rotating food trucks and an inimitable atmosphere all come together at Dixie’s Biergarten—a Decorah-based gem made famous for its German flair and upbeat, outdoor environment. For more information, visit dixiesdecorah.business.site.
Hideaway Beer Garden and Pub
Fairfield
If you’re looking for a classic beer garden escape in the heart of Fairfield, look no further than the Hideaway Beer Garden and Pub—an Iowan hotspot that features rows of outdoor seating, gaming activities like a pool table, a wide selection of craft beers and more.
Hessen Haus
Des Moines
German-inspired cuisine and imported German beer on tap seamlessly blend at Des Moines’ super-unique Hessen Haus. The beer garden destination taps into the charm of a German-style “bier hall,” all while celebrating the local flair that makes Iowa such a fun midwestern state. For more information, visit hessenhaus.com.
Anton’s Garden
Waterloo
Settled in the heart of Downtown Waterloo, this spirited, German-infused beer garden boasts a globally-inspired atmosphere made all the more memorable by great beers, local meats, breads (hi, cheese and pretzels), other eccentric cuisine offerings and more. For more information, visit antonsgarden.com.
Armored Gardens
Davenport
Simply put: it doesn’t get cooler (or likely more fun) than a visit to Armored Gardens. The Davenport destination has an outdoor courtyard that boasts everything from a mini golf putting spot, music, endless benches of cafeteria-style seating and an inimitable vibe that’s equal parts vibrant yet chill. For more information, visit armoredgardens.com.