Whether you want to pregame before catching a Des Moines team in person or just watch the big game among the company of like-minded fanatics, we’ve rounded up all the places that will have you saying “Let’s go!”
WHERE TO WATCH
The Station on Ingersoll — Iowa State Cyclones
While Des Moines may not technically be the heart of Cyclone country, given our proximity to Iowa State University in Ames, we’re one of the main arteries. With Iowa State alumni ownership, The Station on Ingersoll is a Cyclone-friendly bar (Hawk fans are welcome too) where heart, passion, and “Hilton Magic” emanate through one of the many big screen TVs on game days. With a 4,800-square-foot-space that seats up to 120 cardinal and gold clad fanatics, along with some of the best bar food around (crab rangoon nachos, anyone?), good times never felt so good.
The Front Row — Iowa Hawkeyes
College sports are a cultural currency here in Iowa, so it’s easy to find a place with the game on. But if you truly want to immerse yourself in college-town vibes, The Front Row in Clive is heaven for University of Iowa Hawkeye fans. For 30 years and countless baskets of free popcorn, it’s been central Iowa’s top Hawkeye bar and the closest you can get to Kinnick Stadium or Carver-Hawkeye Arena without heading to Iowa City. The life-size Herky statue, memorabilia hanging from gold accent walls, and Iowa fight song blaring through the speakers will have you reaching for a red Solo cup as you fight, fight, fight for Iowa.
The Royal Mile — English Premier League
Des Moines has low-key cultivated a reputation for being a passionate soccer town. Don’t believe me? Head downtown to the Royal Mile on a Saturday or Sunday morning, and you’ll find raucous watch parties for Premier League stalwarts like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham. You’ll also find a killer English Breakfast, corned beef hash, Bloody Marys, and pints of London Pride. Make it your goal to experience the camaraderie of watching the beautiful game in a pub full of scarf-wearing super fans. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to studying abroad.
Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern — Kansas City Chiefs and Royals
Since Iowa doesn’t have pro teams, we’re like a version of “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” with all Midwest suitors vying for our affection. Maybe it’s the irresistible smell of barbecue wafting north up Interstate 35 or maybe it’s the Swiftie effect, but Kansas City has won the hearts of many Des Moines faithful. And there’s no better place to profess your love with a bunch of like-minded fans than at Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern in the Historic East Village. With wall-to-wall wood paneling — even the TVs are behind wooden frames — lined with Royals and Chiefs memorabilia, it delivers more of a cozy basement feel than a typical sports bar. Fan-favorite pizzas like The Mahomes and The French Dip (with a side of au jus) are love at first bite.
WHERE TO PREGAME
El Bait Shop — Iowa Cubs
Few places can match the charm and history of Wrigleyville in Chicago. That said, few places can match the 262 beers on tap at El Bait Shop, located just a few blocks north of Principal Park, home to the AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The interior, adorned with metal beer signs, framed pro wrestling photos, and animated murals, has character (and characters) for days, while the patio is the perfect pregame spot to bask in a sea of blue and red with a cold beverage in hand. Beer and baseball go hand in hand, but have you tried adding bacon-wrapped tater tots to the mix?
Buzzard Billy’s — Iowa Wild
Catfish. Cold beer. Hockey. Now that’s what we call a hat trick. That’s also what you’ll find at Buzzard Billy’s across from Casey's Center, home to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. As an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild come from good pedigree — and nothing says wild like trying fried alligator for the first time. Game day specials abound, and the location across the street from the arena assures that even when there’s ice on the ground, it’s a cinch to skate right over to the game.
Peggy’s Tavern — Drake Relays
One of Des Moines’ enduring traditions is pregaming (and post-gaming) at Peggy’s Tavern before the Drake Relays. The enduring dive bar near Drake University has been around since 1935, almost as long as the relays themselves. While you might be thinking “everything old eventually makes a comeback,” Peggy’s has never gone out of style. Saddle up to the wood-paneled bar to make new friends at the Des Moines version of “Cheers” or take your coveted Peggy’s cup out back to the tented area to make memories. Feel free to linger, because unlike what’s going on down the street on the Blue Oval, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
OVERTIME
Consider this list of all-star spots when cheering on your other faves.
The Ridgemont — Des Moines Buccaneers
Big Grove Brewery — Des Moines Menace
Lucky Horse — Drake University
Singlespeed Brewing — University of Northern Iowa
Jethro's BBQ All Stars — Iowa Wolves and Iowa Barnstormers
Sports Page Grill — Simpson College
Johnny's Hall of Fame — Grand View University
’85 Bar — Chicago Bears
Looking for even more options when it comes to Sports Bars in Greater Des Moines? Check out our Des Best Sports Bars blog (as voted by locals) HERE.
