If you’re searching for the perfect place to sip cocktails on a patio, debate whether pizza pairs better with wine or beer, or unwind after a long day of “closing the loop,” don’t worry, Greater Des Moines has your happy hour plans covered.  

EATERY A

Every day | 3 – 6 p.m. | Half-price wine, draft beer and pizza

Half-off wine, draft beer AND pizza?! It's no surprise that Eatery A usually tops locals' list when it comes to asking around town for the best happy hour in Des Moines. This place is a known go-to for pizza; whether it's Pizza #2 (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic/red sauce) or Pizza #14 (chorizo, pineapple, jalapeno jam/red sauce), you're sure to find a slice your kids or coworkers can agree on. Drink options include locally sourced spirits like the White Sangria as well as wine or craft beer options from all over the world. 

DJANGO

Monday Friday | 4 – 6 p.m. | $5 wine, beer, martini's and select appetizers
Tuesday | 4
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"All French. No Attitude." Relax at Django with a glass of rosé sangria while biting into a classic French dish like Filet Rossini or a hearty grilled cheese stuffed with gruyère and Swiss cheeses, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and truffle oil. This downtown favorite is also sure to wow cheeseboard lovers with a $12 cheese and charcuterie happy hour deal. 

FONG'S Pizza

Monday – Friday | 3 – 6 p.m. | FREE slice of pizza (with every drink purchase), $2 off tiki drinks, $1 off domestics, drafts and wells

Whether you check out the Drake neighborhood, Ankeny, or downtown location, Fong's Pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings while making you feel like you're in a tropical hot spot. You can't go wrong with the Crab Rangoon pizza or the honey and garlic pizza. Pair your FREE slice with one of the varieties of tiki drinks, wine or beer. 

MOTLEY SCHOOL TAVERN

Every day | 2 – 5 p.m. | Half off draft beer and wine, BOGO appetizers 

A newcomer to the Des Moines happy hour scene, Motley School Tavern serves up just the right amount of nostalgia with appetizers known as "after school snacks." Slink into a sleek leather booth and enjoy pimento cheese & saltines, an ooey-gooey easy mac dish, or soft pretzels with a side of hot cheese fondue. 

BELLHOP TIKI

Tuesday – Friday | 4 – 6 p.m. | $6 margaritas, daiquiris, Palomas and mojitos, $5 beer on tap
Saturday – Sunday | 2 – 5 p.m

Arguably one of the most Instagrammable happy hour spots in town, Bellhop's tropical decor is stylish and bold. From the handcrafted bar resembling a tiki hut to the colorful umbrellas dotting every cocktail, each detail gives you a taste of the island life. You can savor the homemade syrups and juices in every sip, whether it's a house daiquiri made with Blanco rum, caster sugar, and lime or a Paloma with exotic Blanco tequila and fresh grapefruit juice. 

THE REPUBLIC ON GRAND

Sunday – Thursday | 3 – 6 p.m. | $4 draft beer, $6 house wine, $8 featured craft cocktail

With scenic views of downtown Des Moines and a chic interior, the Republic on Grand is the place to go to impress. Enjoy classic cocktails aptly named after Des Moines staples like South of Grand or Locust. You can't go wrong with a glass of wine or a draft beer, either. Whether you're chatting with coworkers at the bar or lounging on the patio with friends, this is THE place to go for happy hour with a view.

EXILE BREWERY

Tuesday – Friday | 3 – 6 p.m. | $3 pints, $7 select appetizers
All day Sunday

Famous for the Ruthie, Exile Brewery will not disappoint beer lovers. Each brew is made right here in Des Moines, and with names like Sir Moch-a-Lot or Beatnik Sour, you can't go wrong. Plus, with appetizer options like white cheddar cheese curds or house-made dill pickles, you'll be watching the office clock just counting down until happy hour can start. 

GILROY'S

Monday – Friday | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $1 off beer, mules, wine and well drinks, $5 off pitchers, half-price appetizers 

Grab an ice-cold Moscow mule accented with a slice of lime and head out to Gilroy's expansive patio for a relaxing way to end the day. Nothing beats the laid-back atmosphere or mouth-watering appetizers. Unwind with crowd favorites like the chicken nachos smothered with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream or fried cauliflower served with fresh garlic aioli and queso. 

Smash Park

Monday – Friday | 4 – 7 p.m. | $2 wells, $3 domestic drafts, $4 Capri Sun cocktails, $5 mules, 1/2 off 16 & 46oz SociaBowls, 1/2 off happy hour food menu, $1 shuffleboard & bocce ball court rentals

This one-of-a-kind social entertainment venue features Iowa’s largest patio and is equipped with six pickleball courts, a full arcade, cornhole and more! Smash Park has many outdoor areas where you can spread out, play games, socialize, and enjoy great food and drinks. 

CRÉME CUPCAKE

Tuesday – Saturday | 4 – 7 p.m. | $5 cocktails, $5 Cupcake Vineyard wines, $2.50 Exile beer

For a twist on the traditional happy hour, head out to Créme Cupcake, Des Moines's local dessert lounge, to satisfy your sweet tooth. Indulge in a rich peanut butter lava cake or try out a homemade vegan raspberry ice cream sandwich. If you'd rather drink your dessert, choose a birthday cake martini or a sparkling champagne cocktail. 

Blog contributed by Emily Steele, Owner of Love Local

Love local creates and grows irresistible local brands and experiences in Des Moines and beyond. By offering innovative solutions like the dsm hummingbirds, drinks in Des Moines, online courses, and digital workshops, love local was created to meet the needs of everyday business owners by offering them community-centric marketing services + tools. Learn more at www.love-local.co.