Top Bars and Restaurants with Patios in Des Moines

Updated: July 2024.

With a team full of self-proclaimed foodies, beer snobs, and wine aficionados, Two Rivers has a deep appreciation for patio season. What’s better than gathering outside with some friends, good drinks, great food, and, if you’re lucky, a few pups? Nothing, that’s what.

To honor our shared love for patio season, our associates went to the polls and cast their votes. We present to you, dear reader, our top 15 bars and restaurants with patios in the Des Moines metro.

1. Eatery A

Source: Eatery A

Does this surprise anyone? Because it shouldn’t. There’s plenty of seating, great service, and some of the best food in town. If you have yet to check out Eatery A, it’s conveniently located off Ingersoll with a parking lot behind the building. We recommend going during happy hour for half off beer, wine, and pizza (get the #12) or for brunch (try the savory croque madame bread pudding)!

2. The Republic on Grand

Source: Republic on Grand

If you love the city vibe, The Republic on Grand is the place for you. Situated on the top floor of the AC Hotel, it has a great view of downtown and can be used during the summer and winter months (enclosed, of course). In addition to their bourbons and brews, they also have tasty food offerings.

3. El Bait Shop

Source: El Bait Shop

El Bait Shop is a staple in Des Moines and a spot we patronize after our annual Iowa Cubs outing. It boasts having the largest selection of American craft beers in town with more than 200 on tap! It’s often a pitstop for the many bikers who are enjoying the nearby trails, but it’s also a great spot to stop for a beer and food for those of us who are less athletically inclined.

4. Confluence Brewing Company

Source: Confluence Brewery

A dog-friendly patio with board games?! Sign us up! Confluence is a beloved brewery just south of downtown that exemplifies the realized dream of a man from small-town Iowa. It’s conveniently located just off the Gray’s Lake bike trail and features a spacious beer garden. They also host a variety of food trucks and events like trivia and bingo competitions.

5. Malo

Source: Malo

Malo is a great destination for Latin food and delicious cocktails. It’s also a great place to sit and watch the bustle of downtown. In addition to boasting tasty tacos, Malo serves up a good margarita that can be enjoyed outdoors when you can snag a seat on their street-level patio.

6. 300 Craft and Rooftop

Source: 300 Craft and Rooftop

As you may have guessed from its name, this bar has a rooftop patio with a great view of downtown. It’s the perfect spot for those summer nights when you’re looking to enjoy a drink outside with friends. Aside from the great outdoor space, 300 Craft and Rooftop has a variety of drinks to keep everyone in your group happy. Once you’re done enjoying the rooftop patio, you can head downstairs and grab some food at the numerous eateries in the building.

7. Lua Brewing

Source: Lua Brewing

Even if you don’t secure a spot on the coveted patio, this brewery’s large garage-style doors make it feel like you’re outside. The first brewery to open in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood, Lua has earned a spot as one of the top 50 breweries in the world. We promise you’ll want to try a pushpop smoothie sour.

8. Big Grove Brewery

Source: Big Grove DSM

Another dog-friendly brewery? Yes please! Big Grove, located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, is a true taste of Iowa Nice with great service, fantastic food, and even better craft beer. Some associates say it's the best in the Midwest! Not a beer fan? Not to worry; they also make their own seltzer and offer a variety of cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and ciders from Jefferson County Ciderworks. Big Grove is also one of Iowa's three Platinum-Certified Green Breweries.

9. Exile

Source: Exile

Another top-notch local brewery, Exile has a charming patio on the southwest side of downtown. Grab a seat to take in the downtown bustle — and snap a selfie with their Instagram-famous “Cheers from Des Moines” mural on the west side of their building while you’re there. They also serve up great burgers and other delicious bites, making it a great stop after work.

10. Bartender’s Handshake

Source: Bartender's Handshake

Ingersoll’s best-kept secret! Seriously, if you haven’t made your way to Bartender's Handshake, you need to. Serving craft cocktails and mocktails, unique wines, and beer of all flavors, this little garden oasis provides plenty of shade for patio-goers.

11. Coa Cantina

Source: Coa Cantina

Coa Cantina calls itself Des Moines' finest tequila bar. And they just might be right! Located in the heart of the East Village, they offer popular margaritas and good food. They have won back-to-back awards for Best East Village Bar and took home the 2024 award for Des Moines’ Best Margarita, so you know it’s worth a stop.

12. Rita's Cantina

Source: Rita's Cantina

Margarita flights and queso flights? Say less. Thanks to the abundance of tacos and tequila, Rita’s Cantina at the south end of the East Village has become a lunch hot spot and happy hour favorite for our associates.

13. Secret Admirer

Source: Secret Admirer

A cozy spot in a quaint brick building, Secret Admirer has an urban garden-inspired patio with a killer view of the downtown skyline, and it looks especially great at night. Their cocktail menu changes seasonally, so be sure to stop by this summer to taste a Paloma Party, Daydream, or alcohol-free Watermelon Fresca.

14. Ernie's Boondock

Source: Cityview

This dive bar-style concept has a relaxed indoor bar and a sizable patio filled with picnic tables for lounging with friends in the East Village. Ernie’s Boondock aims for the small town bar vibe, serving up old-school beers like Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, and Old Style, and often has a food truck to satisfy your burger and fries craving.

15. Mullets Restaurant

Source: Mullets

Business in the front. Party in the back. The two-level patio at Mullets provides amazing views of downtown. Located across the river from Principal Park, it’s the perfect pitstop on the way to an Iowa Cubs game or during a long bike ride on the nearby trails. Make sure you stop in for brunch!

And there you have it. Straight from our associates to your screen, these are the top 15 bars and restaurants with patios in and around Des Moines. For more recommendations and local insights, check out our Everything Iowa blog.