Coffee and tea
A Ritual Cafe
A locally owned coffee shop that serves fair trade organic coffee and espresso as well as the only all-vegetarian menu in town and live music on weekends. The coffee is hot and the food is fresh.
Friedrichs Coffee
If you're looking for a down-to-earth but nice atmosphere place where you can get a great cup of java or a nifty shot of espresso, pull up a chair. One of the owners' great-grandfather owned a coffee shop across from a castle in Charlottenburg, Germany and spirit has passed to the next generation. The owners, a husband and wife team, opened their first coffee shop only a few months after returning from Costa Rica.
Gong Fu Tea
Lots of tea pots and bulk tea available as well. Very clean establishment.
Java Joe's Coffehouse
Known for their beans as much as their entertainment, drawing from all ages but particularly from the teenage through 30-somethings crowd. Open-mic poetry readings, rap contests, and a stage where local acts come to show their song-writing capabilities. If the act isn't good, you can get your coffee to go--popular for the nearby bar crowd needing a quick shot of espresso before their next stop. Offers Wi-Fi for paying customers, plenty of space to sit. Also serve alcoholic drinks, sandwiches and homemade soups.
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
Features local art displayed around the coffee house. Great spot to sit and drink a cup or talk, study. Sit at the coffee bar or a table. Serves great breakfast. Sells their amazing beans as well so you can enjoy their coffee at home. Very friendly to all walks of life. Also provides catering services and can be reserved for private parties and meetings. You can also order their beans online or over the phone to be shipped.
Theme bars
Hessen Haus
If you order a pint, the whole place will look at you and ask, "What's wrong?" so it's best to get a half-liter. Although they do serve the mass-produced American standbys the reason it's popular is for the 15+ German beers they offer. Serve wine and a full array of cocktails and traditional German food, too.
el Bait Shop/High Life Lounge
List of 105 beers via tap or bottle from a lot of west coast brewers not so popular in Iowa. Mexican and BBQ fare available, as well as a working shower. Rent fishing supplies, as well.
The Royal Mile Bar and The Red Monk
This is the place to go on Court Avenue if you want a good urban setting and a multitude of imported draft and bottled beers to from which to choose--nearly 30 on tap and over 100 bottled brews. More than 85 varieties of Scotch whisky as well. On top is the Belgian themed Red Monk.
Dance and live music
Drink
Liars Club
Vaudeville Mews
Live touring musical acts, but also an eclectic mix of indie everything not just music. Lots of release parties.
Club Crush
Beats, sometimes made by live DJs. Dress code.
Easy going
Raccoon River Brewing Co
If you're wanting a place with a classy atmosphere, handcrafted brews and incredible food, look no further than this spot. A variety of home brews. Local ingredients used in some entrees. Live music during the week. Outdoor patio and billiards available.
The Underground Lounge
Great new lounge and is actually located underground. Get a drink and relax with friends in one of the booths. Bar has Wi-Fi, and offers live music on weekends. Check out the shot closet and kung fu movies playing in the game room.
Cabaret Lounge
Outdoor patio available. Karaoke various nights. Big screen TVs and jukebox. Drink specials every night and also serve up some decent food. Same owners as "The Cab" and "Cabaret at West Glen".
Chicago Speakeasy
A Des Moines classic. Live music, excellent prime rib and a number of fish offerings.
Travelers would likely find the Court District (http://www.downtowndesmoi...) district downtown enjoyable. There, one can find a variety of bars, breweries, dance clubs, live music hot spots and restaurants. It also draws a larger crowd when events downtown take place, such as games for the Iowa Cubs and Barnstormers. East Village (http://eastvillagedesmoin...) rests near the capitol and has several restaurants featuring wine and mixed drinks which can be classified as upscale, but also has bars and live music venues. From the Western Gateway on westwards, bump elbows at any number of sipping places along Ingersoll Avenue. On the west side, in Clive on NW 86th Street, rests a bevy of bars, dance and comedy clubs, which tend to be particularly busy on Fridays for the "Clive after Five" (http://www.cliveafterfive.com/) event, where live music and vendors gather to enjoy the end of the work week.
Alcohol sales cease at 2AM for all locations selling alcohol stores included in accordance with state law.