A hidden speakeasy tucked away inside Cyclone Liquors. The cocktails are strong and there are multiple Alluvial beers on tap. Enter through the beer cooler door near the back of the liquor store.
Alluvial is hands-down the best brewery in Ames and one of the best in the state of Iowa. Craft beer lovers are sure to find something they love on the rotating taps. Great beer, dog and kid friendly.
Bring your brass knuckles - you'll need them to fight through the crowd in front of Van Gogh's Starry Night. (Or come during off hours.)
My favorite Des Moines bar! These martinis will kick your ass. Grab one of the couches with a date or group of friends.
If you spend enough evenings here, you're guaranteed to have a celebrity sighting. On crowded nights it's approximately 30 degrees warmer near the bar and you will sweat profusely.
Ask the employees here for the best roads and views into Area 51. They know more than the tourist maps.
A historic gem! The architecture is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Marilyn Monroe frequented the Catalina Pool. Also, the Tequila Sunrise cocktail was supposedly invented here.
My go-to choice at Zombie Burger is the #5 "They're Coming to Get You, Barbara." The buns are GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES, folks.
