Craft beer fever has definitely gripped the nation, as well as the whole world it seems. If you’re not from the midwest you may not know that there are awesome craft beers to be found in Iowa!
Here are some of my favorite places to drink craft beer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Confluence is my favorite Des Moines craft brewery. The huge open warehouse space is located next to a pretty lake. Take a stroll around Gray’s Lake before or after enjoying a few beers with your buddies. Just look at this gorgeous place!
Confluence offers tours of their facilities and regularly hosts fun special events in their taproom, and they often have a food truck parked outside for tasty eats. On sunny days take a seat outside on their large terrace. Since Confluence is located on the bike path, many beer lovers ride up on their bikes and hang out in the sunny beer garden.
Confluence Brewing
1235 Thomas Beck Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
If you’d like to enjoy great beers and hearty food head to Exile in downtown Des Moines. The spacious restaurant serves appetizers, lunch, dinner, brunch. You name it, they have it. They also have terrific beer, we’ve enjoyed many a brew here. Try their Beatnik Sour or the G.G. The IPA is also super easy drinking.
Exile Brewing
1514 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
The main brewery is in Knoxville, Iowa but Peace Tree recently opened a branch (lol punny) in Des Moines. Thank goodness! Their beers are tasty and full of flavor, try the “Kiss from a Gose” if you like sour beers. They have seasonal and special beers which are fun to try. We loved the grapefruit IPA on a hot summer day.
The taproom is spacious and located close to Confluence and Exile, perfect for a little brewery bike tour.
Peace Tree Brewing
317 E. Court Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
This awesome taproom is located along the cycle path in Clive and boasts their own tasty beers brewed in-house as well as libations from other local and regional breweries. Grab a comfy seat on the sofas or enjoy your drinks outside on their small terrace. 515 also hosts taco trucks Thursdays and Saturdays and many fun events. Check their website for more info.
515 Brewery
7700 University Ave
Clive IA
This bar and restaurant is located in a historic building in the charming East Village area of downtown Des Moines. The interior is fitted out with reclaimed materials, giving a warm and charming feel. Iowa Taproom serves craft beer from all over the state, as well as tasty food.
Iowa Taproom
215 East 3rd Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
A typical taphouse, this West Des Moines spot has 50 rotating taps and plenty of TVs. A great place to drop by with your buddies for a few brews after work or on a weekend afternoon. Their selection is good, always with a few local beers on tap as well as craft beer from around the world. They also have a larger selection in bottle. Global Brew currently does not serve food, but they allow you to bring your own.
Global Brew Tap House
9500 University Ave #1118
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Tucked into a cute strip mall, The Cheese Shop has – you guessed it – a great selection of cheeses. But they also have a small bar where you can enjoy their cheeses and charcuterie with wine or craft beer. We love this charming spot. Perfect for date or to catch up with your friends over a nice drink.
The Cheese Shop
833 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
El Bait Shop is a Des Moines classic. They say they have more beers on tap than any other bar in the world. Don’t believe it? You’ll have to visit and take a look for yourself. This funky bar has 222 beers on tap and more in bottles. They serve food as well.
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Des Moines is a super bike friendly place with miles and miles of dedicated cycle paths. Hop on your bicycle and go on a beer tour!
If you happen to be in Iowa this March head to Des Moines on Tap, a festival featuring brews from all across the country!
Making your way around Iowa? Check out The Culture Trip’s guide to the best craft breweries around the state of Iowa.
Be sure to check out our other tips for Iowa!
Visiting Des Moines? Stop in to a few of our favorites including the Living History Farms and the Des Moines Art Center. And if you’re in Iowa be sure to also check out the famous Bridges of Madison County.
Are you a fan of living frugally so that you can retire early? Is Mr Money Mustache friend of yours? You might like this website that finds affordable places to live within your budget, around the globe!
The Earth Awaits gives Des Moines high scores when it comes to living good life on a budget. Something to think about if you are considering a move to Iowa! It may not be the most walkable city but it has miles and miles of cycling paths.
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