“Party” listings
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The Lift
Strawberry shortcake martini, anyone? Or perhaps mint cookie appeals to you? That’s just one of almost three dozen flavors of martinis at this casual bar in downtown’s Court Avenue entertainment district. Catering to an eclectic crowd, it also features daily specials and rotating exhibits of works by local artists. (09/2011)
222 Fourth St
515-288-3777
dmlift.com -
The House of Bricks
This lively East Village bar is downtown’s live music capital, hosting rock, blues and indie music acts and presenting edgy comedy shows, poetry slams and open-mic nights. If you’re hungry, order from a menu filled with bar standards like potato skins, deli sandwiches and burgers. (08/2011)
525 E Grand Ave
515-727-4370
thehouseofbricks.com -
Vaudeville Mews
This eclectic place is one of the city's top venues for touring acts that play everything from rock and blues to hip-hop, folk and funk. Located in the lively Court Avenue entertainment district, this bar has no set hours, but typically opens an hour before shows. This month, see the likes of local blues rockers Rebel Creek (June 10) and Portland, OR-based synth pop band Lovers (June 18). (06/2011)
212 Fourth St
515-243-3270
vaudevillemews.com -
MULLETS
Cross the Des Moines River to the perfect party spot to meet friends before or after catching an I-Cubs baseball game. There’s live music at least fi ve nights a week, and every Thursday is craft brewers night, featuring the drinks of one brewery. (01/2011)
1300 SE First St
515-244-1443
mulletsdm.com -
RACCOON RIVER BREWING COMPANY
Award-winning brews, including Vanilla Cream Ale and the Stonecutter Stout, are house specialties. Pair them with a game of pool at one of five billiards tables for a well-rounded brewery experience. (11/2010)
200 10th St
515-362-5222
raccoonbrew.com -
SIDESHOW LOUNGE
This full-service bar, located at the Des Moines Social Club, is a popular watering hole that features nightly programming— Latin dance, standup comedy, trivia night— and an amazing green-tea martini. The Social Club also includes a theater, art gallery and classroom space, and sits directly across from the outlandish, funky John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. (09/2010)
1408 Locust St
515-288-3672
desmoinesso...show-lounge -
THE ROYAL MILE
With more than 120 bottled beers, 28 ales and lagers on draft and Central Iowa’s only Belgian bar (called the Red Monk) right upstairs, this British pub is a beer-lover’s paradise. (07/2010)
210 Fourth St
515-280-3771
royalmilebar.com -
GRAND PIANO BISTRO
Sing along with master pianists during dueling pianos nights at this bistro in the historic East Village. The open, industrial feel of the space makes it the perfect addition to the recently revitalized district. (05/2010)
500 E Grand Ave
515-243-2380
thegrandpianobistro.com -
HESSEN HAUS
Visit “Central Iowa’s only authentic German bier hall” to listen to polka music, sing the German Drinking Song and taste the multiple platinum World Beer Champion brew, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock. (03/2010)
101 Fourth St
515-288-2520
hessenhaus.com
