This establishment would not let us get our girlfriends out of the District after 0130, as they are spending over $200 on drinks, they completely disregarded the one thing we wanted. I would like some clarity on this, just trying to get them home safely. I do not plan to spend any more money here. ?
Alok Kumar
The Court Avenue District in Des Moines is a dynamic and lively area, brimming with energy and a diverse array of activities. This historic district is the heart of the city's nightlife and dining scene, offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes that cater to all tastes and occasions. From fine dining to casual eateries, the culinary options are both plentiful and delicious.Apart from the food scene, the district is also known for its vibrant nightlife. With an array of bars and clubs, it's a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy an evening out. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends, with live music and entertainment adding to the lively vibe.Court Avenue District is also home to cultural attractions, including theaters and galleries, making it a hub for arts and entertainment. The architecture in the area is a blend of historic charm and modern development, reflecting the district's evolution over time.During the day, the district transforms into a bustling marketplace, especially during the Des Moines Farmers' Market, which is a local favorite for fresh produce and artisan products.Overall, the Court Avenue District in Des Moines is a vibrant and essential part of the city's identity, offering a rich experience whether you're there for dining, entertainment, shopping, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere
Great food, gluten-free buns, friendly & fast serviceDietary restrictions: Gluten-free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Burger
Jordy Lopez-Mayorga
I used to always enjoy coming to this bar for years. But recently I got assaulted by the acting security guard as he just puts wristbands on guests but that night he decided to assault me after he poured a drink on me. Very unprofessional, the rest of the staff are decent. I hope in the future for the sake of the establishment the guy putting wristbands doesn’t assault trans women and gay men.Disgusting behavior.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Cadyn H.
Had a blast playing Beer Pong! Great service and super fun environment. I would definitely recommend. Stay thirsty my friends!
Tamme Klutman
Atmosphere was cool with all the different activites one could partake in from pool, live dj music, to trash can beer pong. Only reason not 5 stars, is they didn't have a couple of beers we were requesting. We got substitutes and enjoyed our time otherwise!
Clint F
Cover charge to enter a bar? LOL. No thanks.
Tracy Gasper
Looked like a really fun place and club. They dont open until 7pm and didnt serve food so it is not kid friendly. The bar staff were so friendly and helpful. And excellent tap selections.
Atmosphere: 5
Hannah Kilby
Fun atmosphere. Great music. Great service. Very clean.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arianne Smith
Pretty shady. I'm a vet I usually dint get charged a cover. I saw someone not able to walk, stand let alone stay awake, I told 2 different staff because that is a huge violation of over serving patrons like that. Staff kept him in the bar. Also a so called fight broke out and instead of pushing ppl involved outside they pepper sprayed immediately. That was uncalled for. This place is definitely due for fines.
It is illegal to force someone to leave due to a service dog. It’s a private establishment and you can ask anyone to leave for any reason, but not things which are protected by law. You also can’t pepper spray somebody who is standing on the sidewalk, which is owned by the city. By far the most aggressive, escalating staff I have ever seen. Also, security drinks on the job. My attorney, Kevin will be handling this case.
Dylan V.
Brought my service dog in with me to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. The owner came up to me asking if I had paperwork for my service dog after I was there for about 30-45 mins. I showed him, and was told a group of people were complaining about my dog. My dog Athena wasn't disruptive and completely under my control. I confronted the group of people and was told by 2 security guards they want to beat my a*** It's the security guards duty to ensure that doesn't happen. I have every right to enjoy the bar like anyone else. After I said that to the both of them they got more aggressive with me and insisted I leave because a group of people didn't like my dog in the bar. After I stood my ground and insisted I have just as much right to be there and enjoy myself as anyone else one of the security guards felt it was appropriate to mace me, while I was on the sidewalk not even inside the bar at that point. Such an unfortunate turn of events for security and the owner.
Emily Junker
Decent if you can fit the dress code. We did, but considering the bar has the same amenities as others in the area, I don't think a dress code= higher quality goods and services. So if that's a defining factor for you, you won't miss anything specail. I don't know how much they enforce it, just something to be aware of. Earlier in the night it was quiet. We had plenty of space to play giant beer pong. Once the night started picking up, the dj came on. Music choice was 80s-early 2000s pop. Fun for a small group while watching an obscure movie on the TVs. Not sure if that's a thing, but watching "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" was a big mood. Outdoor patio is nice, facilities are mostly clean and stocked. The bartenders kept the bar stocked/clean and had lots of garnishes that looked so tasty! Bartenders were great. Close to other venues so if bar hopping, a solid mid point. We ended up staying much longer than we anticipated, and the bar got busier through the night and the giant pong can get a bit crowded.
Taylor Conley
This place is absolutely ridiculous. As a 21 year old woman, I was shocked to see that these creeps would let 16-20 year old girls in, but threw out a 40 year old woman because her ID wasn’t valid. I took my wristband off & got my money back so fast. I will never support this business again in my life.
Ky F
I like going here but the dress code is ridiculous. This isn't a high class establishment and when the clientele is made up of younger people you should get djs that are younger than 65 lol
This establishment would not let us get our girlfriends out of the District after 0130, as they are spending over $200 on drinks, they completely disregarded the one thing we wanted. I would like some clarity on this, just trying to get them home safely. I do not plan to spend any more money here. ?
The Court Avenue District in Des Moines is a dynamic and lively area, brimming with energy and a diverse array of activities. This historic district is the heart of the city's nightlife and dining scene, offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes that cater to all tastes and occasions. From fine dining to casual eateries, the culinary options are both plentiful and delicious.Apart from the food scene, the district is also known for its vibrant nightlife. With an array of bars and clubs, it's a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy an evening out. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends, with live music and entertainment adding to the lively vibe.Court Avenue District is also home to cultural attractions, including theaters and galleries, making it a hub for arts and entertainment. The architecture in the area is a blend of historic charm and modern development, reflecting the district's evolution over time.During the day, the district transforms into a bustling marketplace, especially during the Des Moines Farmers' Market, which is a local favorite for fresh produce and artisan products.Overall, the Court Avenue District in Des Moines is a vibrant and essential part of the city's identity, offering a rich experience whether you're there for dining, entertainment, shopping, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken Wings, Cheese Burger, Fries
Great food, gluten-free buns, friendly & fast serviceDietary restrictions: Gluten-free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Burger
I used to always enjoy coming to this bar for years. But recently I got assaulted by the acting security guard as he just puts wristbands on guests but that night he decided to assault me after he poured a drink on me. Very unprofessional, the rest of the staff are decent. I hope in the future for the sake of the establishment the guy putting wristbands doesn’t assault trans women and gay men.Disgusting behavior.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Had a blast playing Beer Pong! Great service and super fun environment. I would definitely recommend. Stay thirsty my friends!
Atmosphere was cool with all the different activites one could partake in from pool, live dj music, to trash can beer pong. Only reason not 5 stars, is they didn't have a couple of beers we were requesting. We got substitutes and enjoyed our time otherwise!
Cover charge to enter a bar? LOL. No thanks.
Looked like a really fun place and club. They dont open until 7pm and didnt serve food so it is not kid friendly. The bar staff were so friendly and helpful. And excellent tap selections.
Atmosphere: 5
Fun atmosphere. Great music. Great service. Very clean.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pretty shady. I'm a vet I usually dint get charged a cover. I saw someone not able to walk, stand let alone stay awake, I told 2 different staff because that is a huge violation of over serving patrons like that. Staff kept him in the bar. Also a so called fight broke out and instead of pushing ppl involved outside they pepper sprayed immediately. That was uncalled for. This place is definitely due for fines.
Restaurantji Recommends
It is illegal to force someone to leave due to a service dog. It’s a private establishment and you can ask anyone to leave for any reason, but not things which are protected by law. You also can’t pepper spray somebody who is standing on the sidewalk, which is owned by the city. By far the most aggressive, escalating staff I have ever seen. Also, security drinks on the job. My attorney, Kevin will be handling this case.
Brought my service dog in with me to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. The owner came up to me asking if I had paperwork for my service dog after I was there for about 30-45 mins. I showed him, and was told a group of people were complaining about my dog. My dog Athena wasn't disruptive and completely under my control. I confronted the group of people and was told by 2 security guards they want to beat my a*** It's the security guards duty to ensure that doesn't happen. I have every right to enjoy the bar like anyone else. After I said that to the both of them they got more aggressive with me and insisted I leave because a group of people didn't like my dog in the bar. After I stood my ground and insisted I have just as much right to be there and enjoy myself as anyone else one of the security guards felt it was appropriate to mace me, while I was on the sidewalk not even inside the bar at that point. Such an unfortunate turn of events for security and the owner.
Decent if you can fit the dress code. We did, but considering the bar has the same amenities as others in the area, I don't think a dress code= higher quality goods and services. So if that's a defining factor for you, you won't miss anything specail. I don't know how much they enforce it, just something to be aware of. Earlier in the night it was quiet. We had plenty of space to play giant beer pong. Once the night started picking up, the dj came on. Music choice was 80s-early 2000s pop. Fun for a small group while watching an obscure movie on the TVs. Not sure if that's a thing, but watching "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" was a big mood. Outdoor patio is nice, facilities are mostly clean and stocked. The bartenders kept the bar stocked/clean and had lots of garnishes that looked so tasty! Bartenders were great. Close to other venues so if bar hopping, a solid mid point. We ended up staying much longer than we anticipated, and the bar got busier through the night and the giant pong can get a bit crowded.
This place is absolutely ridiculous. As a 21 year old woman, I was shocked to see that these creeps would let 16-20 year old girls in, but threw out a 40 year old woman because her ID wasn’t valid. I took my wristband off & got my money back so fast. I will never support this business again in my life.
I like going here but the dress code is ridiculous. This isn't a high class establishment and when the clientele is made up of younger people you should get djs that are younger than 65 lol