Best 9 Breweries in Des Moines IA: A Guide to the Top Local Beer Spots
Des Moines, Iowa is home to a thriving craft beer scene with a wide variety of breweries to choose from. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, exploring the best breweries in Des Moines is a must-do activity. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which breweries to visit. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the best breweries in Des Moines, IA, to help you plan your next brewery tour.
From traditional brewpubs to modern taprooms, Des Moines has something for every beer lover. The city’s breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and everything in between. The breweries also provide a unique atmosphere, with some offering live music, outdoor patios, and food trucks. Whether you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends or a romantic spot for a date night, Des Moines’ breweries have got you covered.
The Brewing Scene in Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa is home to a thriving brewing scene, with over 20 breweries in the area. From small, independent operations to larger, more established breweries, there’s something for everyone in Des Moines.
One of the most popular breweries in the area is Peace Tree Brewing Co. Located 45 minutes southeast of Des Moines, Peace Tree Brewing Co. offers a wide variety of craft beers made in small batches. With 23 beers on tap, including the Peace Tree’s blonde ale and the Blonde Fatale, visitors are sure to find a beer they love.
Another popular brewery in Des Moines is Confluence Brewing Company. Located on Thomas Beck Road, Confluence offers a variety of handcrafted beers, including their flagship Des Moines IPA. Visitors can enjoy a pint in the taproom or take a tour of the brewery.
For those looking for a more unique experience, Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines offers a farm-to-table approach to brewing. Using locally sourced ingredients, Barn Town Brewing offers a variety of beers, including their popular Farmhouse Ale and Cinnamon Roll Stout.
In addition to these popular breweries, there are many other breweries in the Des Moines area worth checking out. From Exile Brewing Company to Flix Brewhouse, there’s no shortage of great beer in Des Moines.
Top Breweries in Des Moines
Des Moines is home to several breweries that offer unique flavors and experiences. Here are some of the top breweries in Des Moines:
Confluence Brewing Co
Confluence Brewing Co is a popular brewery in Des Moines that offers a wide range of beers. The brewery’s taproom is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Confluence Brewing Co also offers brewery tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process.
Website: https://confluencebrewing.com/
Address: 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Exile Brewing Co
Exile Brewing Co is another popular brewery in Des Moines that offers a variety of beers. The brewery’s taproom is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Exile Brewing Co also offers brewery tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process.
Website: https://www.exilebrewing.com/
Address: 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
515 Brewing
515 Brewing is a small brewery in Des Moines that offers a variety of beers. The brewery’s taproom is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. 515 Brewing also offers brewery tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process.
Website: https://515brewing.com/
Address: 7700 University Ave Suite C, Clive, IA 50325, USA
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove Brewery is a popular brewery in Des Moines that offers a variety of beers. The brewery’s taproom is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Big Grove Brewery also offers brewery tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process.
Website: https://biggrove.com/
Address: 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Peace Tree Brewing Co
Peace Tree Brewing Co is a popular brewery in Des Moines that offers a variety of beers. The brewery’s taproom is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Peace Tree Brewing Co also offers brewery tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process.
Overall, Des Moines has several top breweries that offer unique flavors and experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, take brewery tours, and learn more about the brewing process.
Website: https://peacetreebrewing.com/
Address: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Local Breweries in the Surrounding Areas
Des Moines is not the only city in Iowa with great breweries. Here are some local breweries in the surrounding areas that are worth checking out:
Barn Town Brewing
Located in West Des Moines, Barn Town Brewing is a popular brewery that offers a wide variety of beers. They have a taproom that is open seven days a week, and they also have a kitchen that serves delicious food. Some of their most popular beers include the Hefe, the IPA, and the Stout.
Website: https://www.barntownbrewing.com/
Address: 9500 SE University Ave Suite 1110, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
Lua Brewing
Lua Brewing is a brewery located in Ames, Iowa. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is open seven days a week, and they also have a kitchen that serves food. Some of their most popular beers include the West Coast IPA, the Brown Ale, and the Pilsner.
Website: https://luabeer.com/
Address: 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Singlespeed Brewing
Singlespeed Brewing is a brewery located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is open seven days a week, and they also have a kitchen that serves food. Some of their most popular beers include the Tricycle Cream Ale, the Citra SMASH IPA, and the Victory Dance.
Website: http://www.singlespeedbrewing.com/taprooms/waterloo/
Address: 325 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Brightside Aleworks
Brightside Aleworks is a brewery located in Altoona, Iowa. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is open seven days a week, and they also have a kitchen that serves food. Some of their most popular beers include the Hazy IPA, the Coffee Stout, and the Blonde Ale.
Website: http://brightsidealeworks.com/
Address: 480 Center Pl, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
These breweries are just a few examples of the many great breweries located in the surrounding areas of Des Moines. Each of them offers a unique selection of beers and a great atmosphere to enjoy them in.
Brewery Taprooms and Menus
Des Moines is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, and the city is home to several popular taprooms that offer a wide range of craft beers. These taprooms are perfect for those looking to try out new beers or enjoy a pint with friends. Most of the breweries in Des Moines also offer food menus, making them a great place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying a cold beer.
One of the top-rated taprooms in Des Moines is Exile Brewing Company. Their taproom offers a variety of craft beers on tap, including their popular Ruthie Gold Lager and Gigi’s Farmhouse Ale. They also have an extensive food menu that includes appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. Some of their most popular dishes include the Exile Burger, the Cuban sandwich, and the smoked brisket.
Another popular taproom in Des Moines is Big Grove Brewery. Their taproom features a cozy atmosphere and a rotating selection of craft beers. They also offer an extensive food menu that includes appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees. Some of their most popular dishes include the bacon-wrapped dates, the Big Grove Burger, and the smoked brisket sandwich.
For those looking for a list of the best breweries in Des Moines, Bison Brew has compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in the city. The list includes popular breweries like Confluence Brewing Company, Backpocket Brewing, and Peace Tree Brewing Company. Each brewery offers a unique selection of craft beers and food menus that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Unique Brews and Awards
Des Moines has a thriving craft beer scene, and many of its breweries have won awards for their unique brews. For example, Toppling Goliath has won several gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival for its IPAs, while Confluence Brewing Company has won awards for its English Dark Mild and Farmer John’s Multi-Grain Ale.
Other breweries in Des Moines have also gained recognition for their unique brews. For instance, Exile Brewing Company’s Milk Man Stout is a popular choice among locals, while Fox Brewing’s Foxy Blonde Belgian Wheat is a refreshing option for those who prefer lighter beers.
In addition to beer, some breweries in Des Moines also offer cider, wine, and soda. For example, 515 Brewing Company offers a variety of ciders, including a tea-infused cider, while Peace Tree Brewing Company has a selection of wines available.
Brewery Locations and Accessibility
Des Moines, IA is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries located throughout the city and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding a great brewery.
Many of the breweries in Des Moines are located in popular neighborhoods and commercial areas, making them easily accessible to visitors. For example, several breweries can be found along University Ave, including Kinship Brewing Company and West Hill Brewing Co. Other breweries, such as Confluence Brewing Company, can be found on Thomas Beck Rd.
In addition to these popular areas, there are also breweries located throughout other parts of the city, including West Des Moines, Clive, Ankeny, Altoona, Polk City, and Bondurant. Some of these breweries, such as Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines, are located in more suburban areas, while others, such as Brightside Aleworks in Altoona, are located in more commercial areas.
When it comes to accessibility, many of the breweries in Des Moines are located near major roads and highways, making them easy to reach by car. For those who prefer to use public transportation, several breweries are located near bus stops or other public transportation options.
Conclusion
Des Moines, Iowa is home to a vibrant and growing craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s no shortage of great options to choose from.
From the long-established Exile Brewing Company to the newer Toppling Goliath and SingleSpeed taprooms, there’s something for everyone. Confluence Brewing, with its spacious outdoor patio and rotating selection of beers, is a must-visit for any beer lover.
Many of the breweries in Des Moines offer food options as well, making them a great destination for a night out with friends or a casual lunch. Exile Brewing Company and Big Grove Brewery both offer delicious pub-style fare, while Peace Tree Brewing Company has a full-service restaurant with an extensive menu.