I don’t know about you, but the second the temperature gets above 70 degrees I suddenly want to forgo all responsibilities and take up permanent residence on a patio. Lucky for me, there are plenty of great patios in Des Moines.
Perhaps it was the uncharacteristically long winter, but making it through the cold weather feels like something to celebrate.
For me, that celebration will be taking place exclusively outdoors. Here are my top recommendations for great drinks, good vibes, and perfect patios.
// RECOMMENDED READ 12 Patios for Al Fresco Dining //
12 Patios in Des Moines
SingleSpeed Brewing
303 Scott Avenue, 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 Street, 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 Street, 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 Tee Hees Comedy Club or Noce for a night of laughter or great music.
Secret Admirer
110 SW 5th Street, 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 Hall
111 S 11th Street, West Des Moines
This is a great place to gather with a small or large group. Bring a game to play and enjoy one of SEVERAL beverages on tap. There is no shortage of options at The Hall. They serve excellent pub food if you’re in the mood for food. Be sure to check their website for their current happenings including live music, trivia nights, and bingo. When you’ve made your way through the menu, head over to Historic Valley Junction for some shopping. Bozz Prints, The Knotty Nail, and Hinge on 5th are a few favorites.
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 Street, 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
1300 SE 1st Street, Des Moines
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. Plus, their upscale American fare offers tasty treats from Mexican Cheese Curds to Caviar Service
Captain Roys
Cheers!
