Speakeasies in Des Moines, Iowa

13 hidden bars found

Des Moines has quietly cultivated a sophisticated cocktail culture that thrives behind unmarked doors and concealed entrances throughout the city. These 13 carefully curated speakeasies and hidden bars offer expertly crafted drinks in intimate settings, from password-protected lounges to establishments tucked away in unexpected corners of the metro. Each venue brings its own distinct character to Iowa's capital, proving that exceptional cocktail experiences can be found in the most discreet locations.

Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega

222 1/2 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

5.0 (18)

Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega operates as a speakeasy-style establishment in Des Moines, Iowa, drawing its name from the Prohibition-era term for illegal drinking establishments. This hidden bar has earned exceptional praise from patrons, maintaining a perfect 5.0-star rating across 18 reviews. The venue combines the clandestine atmosphere of a traditional speakeasy with modern cocktail culture.

The Cave DSM

1437 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.9 (74)

The Cave DSM is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa, earning an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars from 74 reviews. This speakeasy-style establishment has garnered exceptional praise from patrons for its atmosphere and offerings. The venue's strong reputation suggests a quality drinking experience in Iowa's capital city.

Good News, Darling

717 Locust St UNIT 103, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.9 (70)

Good News, Darling is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa, earning an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars from 70 reviews. This speakeasy has clearly made a strong impression on visitors, though details about its specific concept and offerings remain part of its mysterious appeal.

Tina's Rabbit Hole

2102 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315

4.9 (12)

Tina's Rabbit Hole is a hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa that has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating from visitors. With its Alice in Wonderland-inspired name, this intimate speakeasy offers guests a unique drinking experience in Iowa's capital city. The consistently high ratings from patrons suggest a quality establishment worth seeking out for those exploring Des Moines' cocktail scene.

Secret Admirer

110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.8 (158)

Secret Admirer is a highly-rated hidden bar in Des Moines, Iowa that has earned an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 158 reviews. This speakeasy-style establishment offers guests an intimate drinking experience in Iowa's capital city. With its mysterious name and excellent reputation among patrons, Secret Admirer appears to be a standout destination in Des Moines' cocktail scene.

quaint airy urban garden inspired skyline views +1 more
Highland Underground

3614 6th Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50313

4.8 (78)

Highland Underground is a highly-regarded hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa, earning an impressive 4.8-star rating from guests. This speakeasy-style establishment has garnered strong praise from visitors, with 78 reviews reflecting its quality experience. The venue offers an intimate, underground atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a distinctive drinking experience in Iowa's capital city.

basement entrance
1970s retro groovy basement speakeasy casual +1 more
craft
Revival House

316 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.7 (175)

Revival House operates as a hidden bar in Des Moines, Iowa, earning strong approval from patrons with its 4.7-star rating across 175 reviews. This speakeasy-style establishment has cultivated a loyal following in Iowa's capital city. The venue's name suggests a focus on reviving classic cocktail culture in an intimate, concealed setting.

funky weird neon-lit rebellious +1 more
exotic with rebellious twist
The Haunt

500 Locust St Basement, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.7 (29)

The Haunt is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa, earning an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 30 reviews. This speakeasy-style establishment has garnered a strong local following, though details about its specific offerings remain part of its mysterious appeal.

Ken's - a not so secret speakeasy

215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.6 (32)

Ken's - a not so secret speakeasy brings classic cocktail culture to Des Moines with a welcoming atmosphere that lives up to its playfully honest name. This popular establishment has earned strong praise from patrons, maintaining an impressive 4.6-star rating. The bar offers a speakeasy experience without the pretense, making it an accessible destination for those seeking quality drinks in Iowa's capital city.

Dugan's Hideaway

3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

4.6 (14)

Dugan's Hideaway operates as a speakeasy-style establishment in Des Moines, Iowa. With a stellar 4.6/5 rating from 14 reviews, this intimate bar has earned strong approval from patrons. The venue offers a hidden bar experience in Iowa's capital city.

Chicago Speakeasy

1520 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

4.5 (2484)

Chicago Speakeasy is a highly-rated hidden bar in Des Moines, Iowa that has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,500 reviews. This popular establishment brings speakeasy-style atmosphere to Iowa's capital city. The strong customer feedback suggests it delivers an authentic experience that keeps patrons returning.

cozy casual family-friendly locally-owned +1 more
Alleged Lee's

510 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.5 (46)

Alleged Lee's is a highly-rated hidden bar located in Des Moines, Iowa, earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars from patrons. With 46 reviews praising the establishment, this speakeasy has clearly made its mark on the local cocktail scene. The bar's intriguing name hints at the secretive, Prohibition-era atmosphere that draws visitors to this Des Moines gem.

In Confidence

1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

4.0 (66)

In Confidence is a hidden speakeasy in Des Moines that invites guests to "Follow the White Rabbit" through its discreet entrance into an intimate, dimly-lit hideaway. This vintage-inspired cocktail lounge serves classic Prohibition-era and craft cocktails in a Gatsby-esque atmosphere, complete with jazz entertainment perfect for date nights. With its authentic speakeasy ambiance and carefully crafted drinks, it has earned a solid 4.0/5 rating from guests seeking a sophisticated escape.

Hidden speakeasy entrance (referenced as "discreet hideaway" with "Follow the White Rabbit" theming)
vintage intimate dimly-lit date-night +1 more
$$ classic prohibition, Gatsby-esque, craft cocktails Reservations required