As soon as the temperature gets above 70 degrees I suddenly want to forgo all responsibilities and take up permanent residence on a patio. And there are plenty of great patios in Des Moines.
Here are our top recommendations for great drinks, good vibes, and perfect patios in Des Moines.
// RECOMMENDED READ 12 Patios for Al Fresco Dining //
Best Patios in Des Moines
Big Grove Brewery
555 17th St, Des Moines
Head to Big Grove to watch the big game, enjoy a craft beer (we recommend the Easy Eddy), or sit at a firepit on the patio. Check the website for fun events like Sundae Sundays, Yoga on the Patio, and more.
SingleSpeed Brewing
303 Scott Ave, Des Moines
Family (& dog) friendly, SingleSpeed has something for everyone. BYOBG (bring your own board game), deck of cards, or just kick back and enjoy the company. SingleSpeed has a front and back patio and is located off the John Pat Dorrian Trail. With a full food menu and brunch on the weekends, spend some time relaxing, dining, and enjoying the view of both downtown and the river.
Lua Brewing
1525 High St, Des Moines
Fun drinks, great staff, and conveniently located. Their food is also incredible. Catching a show at Hoyt Sherman, this is the perfect dinner and drink spot to get your night started. Happy hour more your thing? Check out their patio for some appetizers and drinks and then make your way down to the Sculpture Park to finish out your afternoon/evening.
Exile Brewing
1514 Walnut St, Des Moines
A great place to watch the game, grab a beer, and enjoy downtown Des Moines. Treat yourself to an appetizer and dinner while you’re there and then head over to Noce for great live music.
Secret Admirer
110 SW 5th St, Des Moines
This quaint little space has photo opp written all over it. Their fun drink menu and decor make for the perfect happy hour spot. Their bartenders are super friendly and will ensure your time spent there is great. Make sure you eat beforehand or start here and then venture over to Hessen Haus to pass the boot and enjoy their sauerkraut balls (trust me on this!)
The Cork 50131
6205 Merle Hay Rd, Suite 130, Johnston, IA
Plan a date night to this upscale wine lounge and enjoy drinks and appetizers on the patio. And in the summer there are free concerts on the weekend!
Smash Park
6625 Coachlight Dr., West Des Moines
This is another family-friendly spot that’s fun for everyone. Challenge your group to a game of pickleball, bags, or ping pong. Great food, wonderful drinks, and a prime location make Smash Park a no-brainer. The wide variety of activities really helps break up any awkwardness so try this out for a group date night, happy hour with your co-workers, or with your extended family that is in town visiting.
Confluence
1235 Thomas Beck Rd., Des Moines
Conveniently located off the Great Western Bike Trail right off Gray’s Lake this is a frequent stop amongst the Des Moines cyclist community. Or if you happen to be out for a run around the lake feel free to veer off the path and treat yourself to a refreshment (after all, you’ve earned it!) Check their website beforehand if you’re hoping for food to see if they will have a food truck during your visit.
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Pkwy., Des Moines
I highly recommend heading to Jasper Winery on a Thursday night during the summer months for their Summer Concert Series. A free, family-friendly event, make sure to pack a picnic (there is some food available for purchase if you’d rather), bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy live music while sipping on some chilled wine or sangria.
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines
Boasting 262 beers on draft (the largest craft beer selection west of the Mississippi) you have plenty of options at El Bait Shop. Their drink menu is impressive, and their food menu is just as amazing. Their outside seating is more limited than the others I mentioned, but definitely worth the stop!
Mullets
3 locations: Des Moines, Ankeny, Norwalk
You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning, right? Mullets is a riverside bar and grill right off the bike trail. It has great views of downtown and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Start your day with their incredible breakfast options and make a day of it. Or stop by before (or after) an Iowa Cubs game.
Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun in the sun or find some shade under an umbrella. Whether you’re team sun worshipper or the queen of SPF – you could use some fresh air, a cold drink, and an afternoon of relaxation on one of several incredible patios the metro has to offer.
Either/Or
6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Either/Or sits on a spacious 1.5 acres on Grand Avenue just down the street from Val Air Ballroom and historic Valley Junction. Their massive outdoor space includes a covered patio for dining, five fire pits, a children’s playscape, and an acre of grass and green space overlooking Aliber soccer fields and the bike path.
Captain Roys
Cheers!
