Des Moines might surprise you. It’s not Las Vegas or New York, but when the sun sets, the city’s pulse doesn’t slow — it changes tempo. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh night-out route or a visitor wanting to see what the city does after dark, this guide helps you navigate bars, music rooms, cocktail lounges, and hidden gems.
Below are five standout highlights you can stitch into one long, lively night (or spread across several evenings). For each, you’ll find review language, real visitor quotes with clickable sources, and a Google Maps embed to help you map your crawl.
Bar-Arcade + Live Music in the East Village — Up-Down + Wooly’s
Why go: This pair is basically nightlife in one block: Up-Down, a retro bar with arcade games, and Wooly’s for live music just a few steps away. It’s a “double feature” night that attracts casual and serious night owls alike.
What people say:
“The addiction is real! … Everyone there was so nice and respectful. The bartender who’s been there for 8 years had the best customer service.” — Tripadvisor: Up-Down
“A great retro arcade bar… feeling pin-ball, skee-ball, or 80’s and 90’s arcade games.” — Yelp: Up-Down
“Really legit concerts… from big names to the names you should and do wanna know.” — Yelp: Wooly’s
Local coverage underscores Wooly’s central role in the neighborhood’s music culture (Axios report, Axios newsletter).
How to do it: Kick off your night at Up-Down (tokens, drafts, friendly competition), then walk to Wooly’s for a show. If the music ends early, linger in the East Village for dessert or a nightcap.
Tips & tricks: Bring small bills for tokens; arrive early on busy nights; always check the show calendar.
Jazz, Velvet, and Cocktails — Noce
Why go: If you want your night to feel classic, moody, and music-centered, Noce is your choice. It’s tailored for jazz lovers, cocktail sippers, and anyone who wants a grown-up evening with style.
What people say:
Noce calls itself “Des Moines’ premier home for jazz, chic events & classic cocktails,” with doors opening before showtime. — Noce (site/FAQ)
Guests praise its polished yet comfortable atmosphere at 1326 Walnut St. — Tripadvisor: Noce
Evening hours and cocktails set the tone for a refined night out. — Yelp: Noce
How to do it: Book a show in advance, dress smart-casual, and arrive at doors to order drinks before the first downbeat.
Tips & tricks: Seating varies by show; arrive early for a table. All-ages policies can shift by event—check the listing.
Tap Room Powerhouse — El Bait Shop
Why go: If beer is your compass, El Bait Shop is a must. It has one of the deepest tap lists in the region, plus a lively crowd and character-packed decor.
What people say:
“Over 150 beers on tap… large venue, noisy, but that was part of the fun.” — Tripadvisor: El Bait Shop (Attraction)
“Dive-like decor… with old wood floors, stickers plastered everywhere… awesome beer selection.” — Tripadvisor: El Bait Shop (Restaurant)
Attentive bartenders help you navigate the tap wall and styles. — BeerAdvocate
How to do it: Order a flight, pair with pub staples, and time your visit around live-music nights if possible.
Tips & tricks: Weekends can be crowded; a bar seat is easier to snag than a table. Call ahead if you’re chasing a seasonal or limited release.
Sleek Cocktails & Mid-Century Vibes — Hello, Marjorie
Why go: For something more lounge-y, design-conscious, and conversation-friendly, Hello, Marjorie is perfect. It’s quiet enough to talk, stylish enough to linger.
What people say:
“A hip bar in downtown Des Moines… great place to meet up with old friends or to make new ones.” — Tripadvisor
“Nice, chill retro bar… attentive service… large assortment of craft cocktails (old fashioned, penicillin, etc.).” — Yelp
“A must-stop… cocktails are consistently delicious and unique; atmosphere perfect for nights with friends.” — Wanderlog
Local news also notes the bar group’s growth and influence on the downtown scene (Axios).
How to do it: Ask for a house recommendation (spirit-forward vs citrus-forward). Use it as a chill midpoint or a wind-down move.
Tips & tricks: Weekend nights can be busy; midweek offers a calmer room for conversation.
5) Nightclub Energy & Late Dance — The Garden Nightclub (Bonus)
Why go: When you want to move your feet or find a DJ set, The Garden Nightclub in East Village is one of your best bets in Des Moines to catch that energy.
What people say:
“Standing room only… food decently priced… drinks not outrageously priced… staff friendly. Upstairs patio bar was great.” — Tripadvisor
It also shows up in lists of the city’s dance-forward venues (Yelp dance-club results).
How to do it: Check the calendar for DJ nights or concert events; arrive early for popular shows and bring cash for cover if needed.
Tips & tricks: Dress for the floor (comfortable shoes). If you only want part of the show, catch the headliner and step out before the late rush.
Bonus Late-Night Eats & Chill Moves
- Tarboosh Lebanese Kitchen (late-night food): A weekend food trailer near Court Avenue that stays open late with shawarma, falafel, and more — great post-bar option. (Axios)
- Rook Room (board-game lounge): Downtown café & lounge with 700+ board games, open late on weekends — a mellow wind-down alternative. (Axios)
Sample Night-Out Itineraries
Route A: Full-spectrum night
- Start at Up-Down for games and beer.
- Catch a set at Wooly’s.
- Slide to Hello, Marjorie for late cocktails.
- Hit The Garden for dancing if the energy’s high.
- Cap it with Lebanese street food at Tarboosh.
Route B: Relaxed, elegant evening
- Dinner downtown.
- Jazz and cocktails at Noce.
- Beer flight at El Bait Shop.
- Nightcap at Hello, Marjorie.
Things Locals & First-Timers Should Know
- Neighborhood clusters: Downtown and East Village are walkable for easy hopping.
- Booking ahead: Popular nights at Noce, Wooly’s, or The Garden can sell out — check calendars.
- Dress & covers: Casual to smart-casual is standard; some dance nights have cover charges.
- Safety & transit: Downtown is walkable; rideshare is reliable late at night.
- Dive-bar love: “I love Maggie’s… super chill crowd… perfectly fine greasy food,” says one local. (Reddit)
- Bar aesthetics: “Black Sheep is chill but edgy… The Lift is cozy… Secret Admirer, Hello Marjorie, and Bellhop also great,” notes another local. (Reddit)
- Cocktail cred: Bartender’s Handshake earned national praise in 2025 for elevated drinks and a midcentury-modern vibe. (Des Moines Register)
- Nightlife trends: Spending after 7 pm hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the core scene is lively. (Axios)