Where to find some of the best dive bars in the Des Moines metro

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Des Moines offers a diverse and colorful dive bar scene, with each establishment having its own unique character and history.

Patrons can find a range of experiences, from live music and game-show mornings to strong, affordable drinks and late-night tacos.

If you’re looking for a place where the drinks are strong, the vibes are nostalgic, and the décor includes everything from graffiti to prosthetic limbs, Des Moines has a dive bar for you. These neighborhood haunts are more than watering holes — they’re community institutions, each with its own quirks, characters, and cocktails. Often dimly lit with inexpensive drinks, a local clientele, and a lived in feel, these bars often offer a sense of nostalgia. From murals that haven’t changed in half a century to game-show