Bradley Nowell states “Summertime and the Livin’s Easy,” in Sublime’s song “Doin Time.” That’s exactly the feeling we get when the warm season rolls in. Is there a better time of year than summer? The weather is warm, the days are long and it’s the perfect time to kick back and have a nice cool drink. The days of summer are upon us, and there are a wide variety of drinks available to quench your thirst on a hot day. There is nothing like starting the morning off with strong, crisp, Bloody Mary. How about chilling the afternoon heat with an ice-cold beer, a Long Island Ice Tea or a margarita? Once the sun sets and the day turns to night, a cosmopolitan tastes so good.

There are so many drinks out there to cool you off. Several of our staff members bravely ventured into the nightlife trying five drinks that represent summertime. They might not be your favorite, or you might have another opinion on where to find the best ones, but for the random drinker looking for a new drink, this will get you started. Enjoy the Iowa summer while you can, because in a few months the leaves will change, the wind will blow and the snow will fall. Besides, a margarita just doesn’t taste as good when it’s cold outside.

Bloody Mary
Cooney’s Tavern
3708 Beaver Ave., Des Moines

“Well it’s a Bloody Mary Morning,” sings Willie Nelson as he talks about the heartbreak of his lady leaving. The perfect morning drink, the Bloody Mary has become a staple of the bar scene. No matter if you drink one in the morning, afternoon or evening, that refreshing taste will stick with you. The garnishes in the drink have almost become more important than the taste. I’ve seen bartenders shove in pickles, bacon, cheese cubes, shrimp, okra and Slim Jims, among other things, almost overflowing the glass. Plus more garnish in a Bloody Mary, means less booze. But at Cooney’s Tavern, they are mixing up some the best homemade Bloody Marys in town.

“We have always made ours from scratch,” Owner Brian Cooney said. “We make them one at a time, rather than by the bulk. Plus we can customize it, more spicy or mild, to your specific taste.”

For $4.50, customers can enjoy a pint-glass size Bloody Mary with a beer-back ($4 without). I ordered mine extra spicy, and it left my lips tingling with heat as the ice-cold beer-back soothed the fire.

Cooney’s adds all the right ingredients to make a crisp, relaxing drink. Who would of thought that mixing salt, pepper, celery salt, vodka, Worchester sauce, vegetable juice, Frank’s Red Hot sauce and Sacramento Bloody Mary Mix would create such a treat for your taste buds? Cooney garnishes his masterpiece with olives and cherry peppers.

“We always get suggestions, and people like to add their own personal touch,” Cooney said. “But we focus on the basic recipe. People stop in to drink them all times of the day. They’re just not a morning drink.”

As Cooney mixed my drink, customers commented about how “they are the best in town.” They could be right. It had a nice bite and a robust flavor, which left me wanting another. I agree with Willie, every morning should be a “Bloody Mary Morning.” — Jared Curtis

Cosmopolitan
The Lift
222 4th St., Des Moines

Made with citrus vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and Rose’s Lime, the Cosmopolitan is a drink that anyone can kick back and relax with. The “Cosmo” has been around since the 1970s and has become increasingly popular among women due to the many references in the hit TV series “Sex and the City.” This drink is sure to impress anyone who likes his or her alcoholic drink to taste of anything but alcohol. The citrus taste is the most prevalent while the cranberry juice, which gives the drink its vibrant color, is hardly noticed.

At The Lift, Cosmos are concocted by adding all the ingredients into a shaker, shaking them over ice and then straining the contents into a chilled martini glass. From the first sip to the very last drop, the robust citrus flavor was delightful. For someone who doesn’t fully enjoy cranberry juice, it was not overpowering nor could I even recognize that it was cranberry juice. And to top off the excellent first sip, there was absolutely no lingering aftertaste.

The Cosmo is a drink that can be enjoyed year-round, but it fits the summer season perfectly with its simplicity and light, cool taste. Not only is it a pleasing treat, the Cosmo is stunning to the eye as well. Give it a try. It is one of the best tasting and visually appealing summer drinks anyone can enjoy. — Melissa Cocks

Belgian White Ale
Raccoon River Brewing Company
200 10th St., Des Moines

Like bikinis and suntan lotion, this beer screams summer. From its rich, golden color, to its light texture and smooth taste, it is no wonder that Raccoon River Brewing Company’s Belgian White Ale is popular with local beer connoisseurs looking for something fun to tickle their tastebuds during this time of year. But like a summer fling, you better belly up to get some soon before it’s gone for another season.

Raccoon River’s head brewer David Coy is known for having created the full menu of beers the downtown brewery offers year-round, but his seasonal concoctions — those magical, short-lived mixtures of malted barley, hops, yeast, flavorings and water — are also catching on with beer drinkers. And during the summer months, there is none more popular than the Belgian White Ale. Originally introduced at the 2003 Des Moines Arts Festival, the Belgian-style ale is brewed (but not completely filtered) with a carefully selected yeast strain that gives the beer an acidic, but palatable tartness. Weight-wise, it tastes slightly heavier than a pilsner, but lighter than a lager, leaving little to no aftertaste. To top it off, it is served “dry-spiced,” with dried coriander and orange peel.

Last summer, Raccoon River ran out of Belgian White Ale during the Des Moines Arts Festival. Employees tell us Coy has made enough — hopefully — to last through July — but no guarantees. So why take a chance? Savor one today before the summer sun sets on this golden beauty. — Michael Swanger

Long Island Iced Tea
Café Beaudelaire
2504 Lincoln Way, Ames

One of the most enjoyable pastimes of summer is going to your favorite bar after a long, hot Iowa afternoon and unwinding with a cool, thirst-quenching drink with friends. A great drink that does just that is the classic Long Island Iced Tea.

The Long Island, for short, is a strong yet refreshing drink. It is made with five different alcohols; white rum, vodka, gin, triple sec, silver tequila, sour mix and a splash of cola to sweeten the drink. For as much alcohol that is in the drink, it is masked well by the flavors of the triple sec, sour mix and cola. Jay Dodson, bartender at Café Beaudelaire, says the keys to making a great Long Island are, “all clear colored alcohols, equal portions of the alcohol, except less tequila so it doesn’t overpower the rest and a good quality sour mix.”

Since it was created in the 1930s, the Long Island Iced Tea’s sweet citrus flavor has been a summer favorite, cooling off the generations. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, try one of the Long Island Iced Tea variations that include the Long Beach Iced Tea (replacing the cola with cranberry juice) or the Alaskan Iced Tea (replacing the triple sec with Blue Curacao and the cola with lemon lime soda). Whether you are just starting your night, or just wrapping it up, the Long Island Iced Tea or any of its many variations are sure to help you kick back, relax and forget all your day’s troubles.
Nick Jensen

Don Felipe Margarita
Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge
316 Court Ave., Des Moines

What is the main ingredient in one of America’s favorite summertime drinks? If you guessed tequila, you’re correct, and Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge has plenty of it. The bar, which features more than 200 (100 percent Blue Agave) tequilas, is a connoisseur’s paradise. If you’re looking for a world-class tequila taste, but a drink that goes easy on your wallet, look no further than the Don Felipe Margarita. The 18-month-aged tequila offers drinkers a classic, refined taste with the goodness of El Tesoro Anejo, Grand Marnier and Dos Rios’ Homemade Sour.

“It’s a full-flavored margarita that you won’t experience at a lot of chain restaurants,” said John Gochnear, bartender at Dos Rios. “That’s how we separate ourselves from the rest of the competition.”

Adding to the atmosphere of a full-flavored margarita is Dos Rios’ regional tastes of Mexico and the smooth vibrations heard from the latest Latin Jazz, salsa and guitar.

“The tequila here is one-of-a-kind, but we also have the whole atmosphere that makes your visit enjoyable,” said Gochnear. “We have it all, food, drinks and music.”

So if you want to start summer off on the right foot, enjoy their Don Felipe Margarita.

“When people think about summertime drinks, they think about margaritas,” said Gochnear. “People love drinking the Don Felipe because it’s a drink you can’t go wrong with when you’re out having a good time with your friends.” — Matt Miller

Des Moines Area Bars

Neighborhood bars

101 Lounge
101 Third St.
Des Moines
283-1014

14th St. Tavern
3418 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
266-3446

A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717

A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227

A.K. O’ Connor’s
216 Court Ave., first floor
Des Moines
422-5128

All In The Family
4413 Fleur Dr.
Des Moines
285-7173

Alpine Tap Room
2720 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9717

Anthony’s Lounge
805 17th Ave. S.W.
Altoona
967-9513

Bali Satay House
2424 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-7719

Big Al’s Roadhouse
302 Highway 6
Waukee
978-5751

Bogie’s Pub
8980 Hickman Road
Clive
727-5900

Bradley’s Pub
1300 50th Suite 203
West Des Moines
222-9592

Brewer’s
2704 Stange Road
Ames
(515) 292-0033

The Cab
8460 Birchwood Ct # 900
Johnston
(515) 276-5930

Cabaret Lounge
8450 Hickman Road, Suite C
Des Moines
276-9927

Cabaret at West Glen
560 S. Prairie View Drive
West Des Moines
225-1105

Carl’s Place
1620 Woodland Ave.
Des Moines
243-9727

Cattoors on Grand
(formerly Maddy’s Place)
1306 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8973

Charlie’s Filling Station
305 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
274-9041

CJ’s II
316 E. 390th St.
Des Moines
263-9990

Cooney’s Tavern
3708 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
274-9877

Cottontail Lounge
3700 Dennis Drive
Urbandale
276-0111

Corner Pocket
125 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-1528

Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Co.
309 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2739

Cumming Tap
117 N. 44th St.
Cumming
981-5149

Deano’s
119 Main St.
Ames
(515) 233-3910

The Den
4369 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
334-0030

DG’s Taphouse
125 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-1528

Donna’s Lounge
4424 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
285-9314

Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman Road
Des Moines
278-6718

El Bait Shop
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
284-1970

Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge
2120 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
243-3333

Fox 1 Lounge
111 S. Fifth St.
Ames
(515) 232-2199

Francie’s
2100 Wakonda View Drive
Des Moines
285-5207

Front Row
6555 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
255-6912

The Garage
8517 Hickman Road
Urbandale
278-5778

Gene’s Place
2117 E. University Ave.
Des Moines
266-9423

Giff’s Fifth Street Pub
128 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
255-4550

Gino’s Restaurant & Lounge
2809 Sixth Ave.
Des Moines
282-4029

Greenwood Lounge
3707 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
255-9925

Gronau’s
1871 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
334-7350

Groucho’s Lounge
2761 86th St.
Urbandale
331-2967

GT Lounge
3013 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
279-6444

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520

Hickman Pub
2335 Hickman Road
Des Moines
274-0965

The High Life Lounge
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
280-1965

Hugh’s Jungle Room
5715 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
254-3080

Hull Avenue Tavern
834 Hull Ave.
Des Moines
266-9338

Irishman Pub
100 N. Howard St.
Indianola
961-9740

Jeannie’s Bottle
3839 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
278-9797

Just T’s
2400 Dean Ave.
Des Moines
266-9114

Kathy’s on Hickman
6705 Hickman Road
Des Moines
270-9921

Kelley’s
3606 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
277-3272

Kenny D’s
3925 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
263-9900

Kenny’s Pub
605 Ashworth Road
Waukee
(515) 987-0161

Keysters
3280 100th St.
Urbandale
252-1403

Ladder 13
1316 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-4873

LC’s Corner Bar
344 E. Jackson Ave.
Des Moines
245-9050

The Lift
222 4th St.
Des Moines
288-3777

Limey’s Pub
1970 Grand Ave., Suite 29
West Des Moines
222-0476

Locust Tap
434 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
243-9399

London Underground
212 Main St.
Ames
(515) 233-8500

Longest Yard
122 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-1710

Main Gate Bar and Grill
2956 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
266-2716

Manning’s Bar
2102 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
288-0030

Maxie’s West Lounge
1311 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-1463

Meeting House
823 Wheeler St.
Ames
(515) 663-9571

Mickey’s Irish Pub
109 Welch Ave.
Ames
988-6425

Mickey’s Irish Pub
1800 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
252-0248

Mickey’s Irish Pub
50 Laurel St.
Waukee
988-6425

Olde Main Brewing Co.
316 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-7687

Paddy’s Irish Pub
8675 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
331-3334

Paddy’s Irish Pub
126 Welch Ave.
Ames
(515) 331-3334

Park Ave. Pub
1101 Park Ave.
Des Moines
243-8328

PD’s Pub
3803 S.W. Ninth St.
Des Moines
243-9327

Plaza Pub
6202 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
334-0871

Rehab
2060 N.W. 94th St.
Clive
270-5899

Red Monk
210 4th St.
Des Moines
280-3771

Royal Mile
210 4th St.
Des Moines
280-3771

Scooter and Bab’s Sports Bar and Grille
918 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
266-1491

Sgt. Pepper’s
116 Welch Ave.
Ames
(515) 292-9024

Shorty’s
208 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-3663

Skip’s
4000 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-1820

Some Place Else
1833 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-6394

Stan’s Place
4275 N.W. Second St.
Des Moines
243-9991

Stix Pool Hall
7211 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
274-0129

Stormy’s
6923 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
270-9818

Stranded by the Tracks
1922 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
265-9752

Suds on 2nd
2801 Second Ave.
Des Moines
243-9033

Sully’s Irish Pub
110 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
255-9970

Sunrise Tap
4155 Easton Blvd.
Des Moines
266-9368

The Twisted Parrot Lounge
6500 Hickman Road
Windsor Heights
309-0580

Thumbs
2816 West St.
Ames
(515) 268-1556

Tim’s Time Out
201 S. Main St.
Grimes
986-3961

Toad’s Tavern
3002 State Ave.
Des Moines
264-8623

Triangle Tap
515 E. 6th St.
Des Moines
265-7265

University Library Café
3506 University Ave.
Des Moines
255-0433

Valley West Pub
1551 Valley West Drive, #253
West Des Moines
224-4104

Vic and Andy’s Pub
5114 S.W. Ninth St.
Des Moines
285-9326

Welch Avenue Station
207 Welch Ave.
Ames
(515) 292-2334

Wellman’s Pub
2920 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9737

West End Lounge
2309 Forest Ave.
Des Moines
255-9760

Westport Lounge
800 First St. #C
West Des Moines
277-1991

West Towne Pub
4518 Mortensen Road
Ames
(515) 292-4555

Whiskey River
132 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-2858

Yacht Club
2617 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
245-9208

Zimm’s Food & Spirits
3124 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
277-9929

EATERIES

25th Street Cafè
1229 25th St.
Des Moines
255-0535

801 Grand Steak
& Chop House
801 Grand Ave., #200
Des Moines
288-6000

Azalea
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines
288-9606

A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717

A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227

A.K. O’Connor’s
216 Court Ave., first floor
Des Moines
422-5128

Appare Japanese Steakhouse
3769 86th St.
Urbandale
252-6358

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
3900 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
251-8646

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
11410 Forest Road
Clive
633-8646

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
6301 SE 14th St.
Des Moines
974-8646

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
6190 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-8646

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
3741 Eighth St. S.W.
Altoona
967-8646

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
105 Chestnut
Ames
(515) 233-6452

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
1001 E. 1st St.
Ankeny
965-3444

B&B
2712 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
255-8521

Baratta’s
2320 S. Union St.
Des Moines
243-4516

Baratta’s
State Historical Museum
600 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
281-3294

Baratta’s
Harmony Building
5445 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
333-5105

Benchwarmers
705 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
964-8033

Bennigan’s
4800 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
276-7777

Bennigan’s
1810 Army Post Road
Des Moines
309-3111

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
5990 University Ave.
West Des Moines
221-9900

Billy Joe’s Lounge
1701 25th St.
West Des Moines
223-9944

Bistro Montage
2724 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
557-1924

Bonefish Grill
650 S. Prairie View Drive, Ste. 100
West Des Moines
267-0064

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
500 Army Post Road
Des Moines
285-5733

Bravo Cucina Italiana
120 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-0660

Brewer’s
2704 Stange Road
Ames
(515) 292-0033

Cafè Beaudelaire
2504 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-7429

Cafè di Scala
644 18th St.
Des Moines
244-1353

Cafè Lovish Coco Bar
2512 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-9900

Cafè Shi
823 Wheeler St.
Ames
(515) 292-2066

Cafè Su
225 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-5102

Carlos O’Kelly’s
631 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 232-1500

Carlos O’Kelly’s
4371 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
334-3331

Carlos O’Kelly’s
6250 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
953-0554

Carlos O’Kelly’s
4055 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-4321

Centro
1011 Locust St.
Des Moines
248-1780

Champions Restaurant
1 Prairie Meadow Drive
Altoona
967-1000

Champps Restaurant & Bar
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
440-6565

The Cheesecake Factory
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-9888

Chef’s Kitchen
1903 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
(515) 255-4411

Chicago Speakeasy
1520 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
243-3141

Chicken Coop Sports Bar & Grill
1960 Grand Ave. Suite 23
West Des Moines
418-2716

Chili’s Grill & Bar
11411 Forest Ave.
Clive
226-1744

Chili’s Grill & Bar
2601 S.E. Delaware
Ankeny
963-8400

Chips Rotisserie Bakery & Bar
2502 S.E. Tones Drive
Ankeny
964-2112

Clay’s Restaurant
4830 Maple Drive
Pleasant Hill
262-7520

Club 2000
422 Indianola Road
Des Moines
245-9769

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge
13435 University Ave. #200
Clive
226-1729

The Continental
428 E. Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
244-5845

Cosi Cucina Italian Grill
1975 N.W. 86th St.
Des Moines
278-8148

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
309 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2739

Courtside Sports Bar and Grill
1014 E. 14th St.
Des Moines

Crave Grill
5513 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-9991

Croz Nest
2139 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
963-8338

Django
210 10th St.
Des Moines
288-0268

Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge
316 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2995

Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman Road
Des Moines
278-6718

el Bait Shop
200 S.W. Second St.
Des Moines
284-1970

El Rodeo
1310 N.W. 118th St.
Clive
440-2210

El Rodeo
1234 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
265-0551

El Rodeo
7420 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
251-7647

Felix & Oscar’s Restaurant & Pub
4050 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
278-8887

Felix & Oscar’s Restaurant & Pub
4801 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-1000

Fire Creek Grill
800 S. 50th St.,110
West Des Moines
224-0500

Fireside Grille
523 Eighth St. S.E.
Altoona
967-8122

Flanagan’s Restaurant & Lounge
2120 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
243-3333

Flarah’s
1903 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
277-1935

Fleming’s Steakhouse
150 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-2916

Francie’s
2100 Wakonda View Drive
Des Moines
285-5207

The Funny Bone Comedy Club
560 S Prairie View Drive, Ste. 100
West Des Moines
270-2100

Gateway Market Café
2002 Woodland Ave.
243-1754
Des Moines

Gerri’s Tavern
232 E. 30th St.
Des Moines
265-8383

Granite City Food and Brewery
12801 University Ave.
Clive
224-1300

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520

Hooters of Des Moines
1480 22nd St.
West Des Moines
224-9464

Huhot Mongolian Grill
4100 University Ave.
Des Moines
457-9090

Jesse’s Embers
3301 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
225-6011

Jimmy’s American Cafè
1238 Eighth St.
West Des Moines
224-1212

Johnny’s Hall of Fame
302 Court Ave.
Des Moines
280-6679

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
6800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-0848

Johnny Mac’s Bar and Grill
2279 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
263-1186

Joseph’s Steakhouse
4001 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
327-9000

Kelly’s Little Nipper
1701 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
265-2031

Kenny D’s
3925 E. 14th St.
Des Moines
263-9900

Kung Fu Tap and Taco
210 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
285-8226

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
6350 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
278-5279

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
111 Army Post Road
Des Moines
256-8901

La Pizza House
1013 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
288-2211

Lefty’s
509 E. 25th St.
Des Moines
266-9205

Legacy Sports Bar and Grill
87 N.E. Carefree Lane
Waukee
987-6444

Legends American Grill
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
243-0700

Legends American Grill
5906 Ashworth Road
West Des Moines
267-8150

Legends American Grill
640 S. 50th St. #2110
West Des Moines
267-6474

Legends American Grill
8460 Birchwood Court
Johnston
270-6300

Legends Bar and Grill
1280 Copper Creek Drive
Pleasant Hill
564-1100

Legends American Grill
119 Stanton Ave., #117
Ames
(515) 598-9300

Limey’s Pub
1970 Grand Ave. #29
West Des Moines
222-0476

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
1801 22nd St.
West Des Moines
233-9606

Longest Yard
122 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
274-1710

Lucca
420 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
243-1115

Main Gate Bar and Grill
2956 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
266-2716

Mama Lacona’s
2743 86th St.
Urbandale
771-3600

Mary Go Round Lounge
6584 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
289-2096

Maxie’s West Lounge
1311 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-1463

Mezzodi’s
4519 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-3333

Michael’s Restaurant & Lounge
4041 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
255-9894

Mickey’s Irish Pub
1800 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
252-0248

Mickey’s Irish Pub
50 E. Laurel St.
Waukee
987-9604

Mosaix Restaurant & Wine Bar
5014 EP True Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-3450

Murphy’s Bar and Grill
2675 100th St.
Urbandale
334-0633

Noah’s Ark
2400 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
288-2246

Nick’s Bar and Grill
9769 University Ave.
Clive
221-1338

Ohana Steakhouse
2900 University Ave.
West Des Moines
225-3325

Okoboji Bar and Grill
1223 Copper Creek Drive
Pleasant Hill
265-8055

Okoboji Grill — Ankeny
2010 S.E. Delaware Ave.
Ankeny
964-9443

Okoboji Grill — Johnston
8481 Birchwood Court
Johnston
276-5255

Okoboji Grill South
6050 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
287-1979

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
3800 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
727-1300

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
1610 S. Kellogg Ave.
Ames
(515) 232-6900

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
2732 S.E. Delaware Ave., Suite 101
Ankeny
963-8686

Olde Main Brewing Co.
316 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-7687

Orlondo’s Bar and Grill
4337 Park Ave.
Des Moines
244-3637

Outback Steakhouse
10901 University Ave.
Clive
221-3309

Outback Steakhouse
2410 S.E. Tones Drive
Ankeny
963-1243

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
110 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-7772

Park Ave. Pub
1101 Park Ave.
Des Moines
243-8328

Pasticceria
215 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-3151

Raccoon River Brewing Co.
200 10th St.
Des Moines
362-5222

Ranallo’s on Third
417 S.W. Third St.
Ankeny
964-9510

Red Baron Sports Bar and Grill
5220 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
265-5611

Rock Bottom Restaurant
and Brewery
4508 University Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8900

Romano’s Macaroni Grill
4502 University Ave.
West Des Moines
267-8400

Royal Mile
210 4th St.
Des Moines
280-3771

Sam & Gabe’s Italian Bistro
8631 Hickman Road
Urbandale
271-9200

Skip’s
4000 Fleur Drive
Des Moines
287-1820

Spaghetti Works Restaurant
310 Court Ave.
Des Moines
243-2195

Splash Seafood Grille
303 Locust St.
Des Moines
244-5686

Taki Japanese Steakhouse
2677 86th St.
Urbandale
331-3030

Tandoor
1221 8th St.
West Des Moines
440-2911

Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill
205 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
255-9827

Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill
1755 50th St.
West Des Moines
223-6700

TGI Friday’s
3340 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
223-8443

Tommy Farrell’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge
1300 S.E. 1st St.
Des Moines
282-5550

Trostel’s Dish
12851 University Ave.
Clive
221-DISH

Trostel’s Greenbriar
5810 Merle Hay Road
Johnston
253-1024

Tumea & Sons
1501 S.E. First St.
Des Moines
282-7964

Tursi’s Latin King
2200 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-4466

University Library Cafè
3506 University Ave.
Des Moines
255-0433

The Urban Grill
3651 86th St.
Urbandale, 278-1016

Valley West Pub and Grill
1551 Valley West Drive
West Des Moines
224-4104

Waterfront Seafood Market
2900 University Ave.
West Des Moines
223-5106

Waveland Café
4704 University Ave.
Des Moines
279-4341

Wine Experience (Jordan Creek Mall)
101 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-8577

Winston’s Pub & Grille
601 Locust St.
Des Moines
245-5454

Zen
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines
288-9606

Zimm’s Food and Spirits
3124 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
277-9929

Adult Clubs/Bikini Bars

Beach Girls
6220 Raccoon River Drive #20
West Des Moines
226-8587

Big Earl’s Goldmine
4745 N.W. Second St.
Des Moines
237-9902

Dangerous Curves
111 5th St.
Ames
(515) 233-5445

Dangerous Curves Campustown
122 Welch Ave.
Ames
(515) 292-9210

The Lumberyard
1504 N.E. 54th Ave.
Des Moines
265-1019

Minx Show Palace
1510 N.E. Broadway Ave.
Des Moines
226-2744

Outer Limits
6560 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
289-1745

Sports bars

Bear’s Restaurant and Lounge
302 S.W. Maple St.
Ankeny
964-5084

Benchwarmers
705 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
964-8033

Champps Restaurant & Bar
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
440-6565

Charlie’s Filling Station
305 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
274-9041

Chaser’s
2401 Chamberlain St.
Ames
(515) 292-2003

Chicken Coop Sports Bar & Grill
1960 Grand Ave.
West Des Moines
223-0088

Coach’s Corner
1261 Eighth St.
West Des Moines
223-8808

Corner Pocket
125 Main St.
Ames
(515) 232-1528

Courtside Sports Bar and Grill
1014 E. 14th St.
Des Moines

Daytona’s All Sports Cafè
4875 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
331-0996

Dickie Doogan’s Roadhouse Grill
1201 E. Army Post Road
Des Moines
256-3261

Down Under Bar & Grill
8350 Hickman Road
Des Moines
278-6718

Eddy’s Sports Bar
1360 N.E. 54th Ave.
Des Moines
266-9097

Fat Boys
200 Gateway Drive
Grimes
986-0355

Front Row
6555 University Ave.
Windsor Heights
255-6912

The Garage
8517 Hickman Road
Urbandale
278-5778

Gene’s Place
2117 University Ave.
Des Moines
266-8900

Hooters of Des Moines
1480 22nd St.
West Des Moines
224-9464

Joeseppe’s Sports Bar
1930 S.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
282-2615

Johnny’s Hall of Fame
302 Court Ave.
Des Moines
280-6679

Johnny Mac’s Bar and Grill
2279 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
263-1186

Kathy’s on Hickman
6705 Hickman Road
Des Moines
270-9921

Krieger’s Restaurant
7450 Bridgewood Blvd.
West Des Moines
440-0337

Legacy Sports Bar and Grill
87 N.E. Carefree Lane
Waukee
987-6444

Legends American Grill
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
243-0700

Legends American Grill
5906 Ashworth Road
West Des Moines
267-8150

Legends American Grill
640 S. 50th St. #2110
West Des Moines
267-6474

Legends American Grill
8460 Birchwood Ct.
Johnston
270-6300

Legends American Grill
1280 Copper Creek Drive
Pleasant Hill
564-1100

Legends American Grill
119 Stanton Ave., #117
Ames
(515) 598-9300

Mickey Finn’s
7020 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
270-8738

Mug’s Pub & Grub
165 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy., Suite 120
West Des Moines
440-0337

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
3800 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
727-1300

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
2732 S.E. Delaware Ave., Suite 101
Ankeny
963-8686

Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
1610 S. Kellogg Ave.
Ames
(515) 232-6900

Pal Joey’s
6224 Grand Ave.
Des Moines
274-9028

Red Baron Sports Bar and Grill
5220 N.E. 14th St.
Des Moines
265-5611

Ron’s Dawg House
2301 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines
266-3668

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
2180 NW 156th St.
Clive
987-0093

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
6151 Thornton Ave.
Des Moines
282-8045

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
1810 S.W. White Birch Circle, Suite 115
Ankeny
964-8707

Scooter & Bab’s Sports Bar & Grille
918 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines
266-1491

Shooter’s Hideaway
6336 Hickman Road
Windsor Heights
270-3887

South Port Sports Bar
1101 Army Post Road, Suite E
Des Moines
953-0473

Sportsman’s Lounge
123 Main St.
Ames
233-6320

The Stadium at inPlay
615 Third St.
Des Moines
333-5050

Sticks
1555 S.E. Delaware Ave.
Ankeny
963-3353

Sudsuckers
1511 E. Army Post Road
Des Moines
256-9715

Suzy Q’s
6810 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
251-8578

T.R.’s Sports Bar
7500 University Ave. #1
Clive
255-9985

Tailgators Sports Bar & Nightclub
3828 100th St.
Urbandale

Tanner’s Pub
9956 Swanson Blvd.
Clive
270-0070

The Derry’s Lounge
4845 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines
278-2810

The Game
3719 86th St.
Urbandale
278-1686

The Stadium Grill
1907 E.P. True Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-4059

The Warehouse
8230 100th St.
Urbandale
252-1403

Third Base Sports Bar
1720 25th St.
West Des Moines
221-0150

Tim’s Time Out
201 S. Main St.
Grimes
986-3691

Trophy’s Sports Bar & Grill
2701 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines
255-1111

Victor’s Sports Bar
7500 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale
278-9575

Upscale/Dance/Urban

Aura
2700 University Ave.
West Des Moines
418-7520

Bella Noche
4808 S.W. 9th St.
Des Moines
208-2295

Boom Boom Room
(after-hours club)
3320 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
500 Army Post Road
Des Moines
285-5733

Cabaret at West Glen
560 S Prairie View Drive
West Des Moines
225-1105

Capone’s
2518 Lincoln Way
Ames
N/A

Club A.M.
(after-hours club)
217 E. Second St.
Des Moines
280-3331

Club Element
2401 Chamberlain St.
Ames
N/A

Club Statik
217 E. Second St.
Des Moines
280-3331

The Continental
428 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
244-5845

Cosmopolitan Lounge
800 Locust St.
Des Moines
288-5800

Christopher’s
2816 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
274-3694

Crush
2249 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
707-8117

Dos Rios Cantina & Tequila Lounge
316 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-2995

Drink
8410 Hickman Road
Clives
270-6274

Ducktail Lounge
1809 N.W. 86th St.
Des Moines
727-5670

The Garden
112 S.E. Fourth St.
Des Moines
243-3965

Gronau’s
1871 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
334-7350

Halo
2060 N.W. 94th St.
Clive
270-5899

Impulse
508 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
284-1074

The Lagniappe
112 Fifth St.
West Des Moines
277-0047

Liars Club
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
745-8105

rhe Loft
801 73rd St.
Windsor Heights
244-1411

Lucca
420 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
243-1115

Miss Kitty’s
8800 Swanson Blvd.
Clive
327-1303

Monihan’s Speakeasy Lounge
401 Locust St.
Des Moines
244-2151

Mosaix Restaurant & Wine Bar
5014 EP True Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-3450

Party Cove
208 Third St.
Des Moines
284-0901

Sbrocco Wine Bar and Shop
208 Court Ave.
Des Moines
282-3663

Sips
126 Welch Ave.
Ames
(515) 292-6887

Star Bar
2811 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines
288-1405

Surf Shack
319 Court Ave.
Des Moines
244-5840

Tailgators Sports Bar
& Nightclub
3828 100th St.
Urbandale
N/A

Taki Japanese Steakhouse
2677 86th St.
Urbandale
331-3030

Taft & Company
216 Court Ave.
Des Moines
255-5216

The Warehouse
8230 100th St.
Urbandale
252-1403

Tonic
5535 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines
225-6755

Tonic Bar
2785 N. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny
965-5423

Vieux Carre
1720 25th St.
West Des Moines
221-2317

Wine Experience
(Jordan Creek Mall)
101 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy.
West Des Moines
457-8577

WineStyles of West Glen
5515 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite 120
West Des Moines
224-9463

Gay & lesbian

The Blazing Saddle
416 E. Fifth St.
Des Moines
246-1299

The Garden
112 S.E. Fourth St.
Des Moines
243-3965

Impulse
508 Indianola Ave.
Des Moines
284-1074

Rio
1500 S.E. First St.
Des Moines
288-0382
Music bars

A.K. O’Connor’s
3530 Westown Pkwy.
West Des Moines
226-1717

A.K. O’Connor’s
4050 Urbandale Ave.
Des Moines
277-2227

B&B
2712 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines
255-8521

Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
Des Moines
244-3092

The Continental
428 E. Locust St.
Des Moines
244-5845

Finish Line Show Lounge
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Altoona
967-1000

Grand Piano Bistro
506 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
243-2380

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
Des Moines
288-2520

House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines
727-4370

Hull Avenue Tavern
834 Hull Ave.
Des Moines
266-9338

Java Joe’s Coffeehouse
214 4th St.
Des Moines
288-JAVA

Jimmy’s American Cafè
1238 Eighth St.
West Des Moines
224-1212

Maintenance Shop
Iowa State Memorial Union
Ames
(515) 294-2969

Mars Cafè
2318 University Ave.
Des Moines
369-6277

Mickey’s Irish Pub
1800 N.W. 86th St.
Clive
252-0248

Mickey’s Irish Pub
50 Laurel St.
Waukee
988-6425

Miss Kitty’s
8800 Swanson Drive
Clive
327-1303

Papa’s Corner
2430 Lincoln Way
Ames
(515) 292-2100

Raccoon River Brewing Co.
200 10th St.
Des Moines
243-1161

Ritual Cafè
1301 Locust St. #D
Des Moines
288-4872

Smokey’s BBQ
2301 S.W. Ninth St.
Des Moines
288-8228

Summerset Winery & Inn
15101 Fairfax
Indianola
961-3545

Vaudeville Mews
212 4th St.
Des Moines
243-3270

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