What's happening in Des Moines this weekend?

Will be up this weekend helping to move SIL. So I will be trying to cut out as often as possible. Anything happening? She is moving to the Ankeny area, so I will be near there. We were going to hit the casino for a little bit, but a good Brewery or Brew-Pub is always on my list of places to see. Thinking Racoon Brewing or Court Ave? Any votes or ideas?

There's no truly amazing brew pubs in Des Moines. Raccoon River and Court Avenue Brewing are both alright. Court Avenue is the better of the two in my opinion but Raccoon River does a lot of bourbon barrel stuff, if you're into that (food is definitely better at Court Avenue). Other than that there is Rock Bottom and another corporate one in west des moines that I can't remember the name of. For my money head down to the Court Avenue area and hit up the Royal Mile (british pub), the Red Monk (belgian bar), Hessen Haus (german bar), el Bait Shop (microbrew bar) and High Life Lounge (70s bar). Also, Exile Brewing Company is new and downtown(and I believe it's open now) but I haven't been there yet. And Number 7 Brewing is also new and I believe open, in Ankeny. I haven't been there either. If you need a decent sixer or some brewing supplies while in town check out Beer Crazy.

I'd second that Court Ave. Brewing is alright. I'd add that Raccoon is below average. El Bait shop has one of the largest selections of Microbrews available and great beers on tap (i.e. Founder's breakfast stout, Boulevard Imperial Pils, approximately 100 other beers). EL Bait Shop also has a homebrewer's happy hour on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 PM.

I'm not a fan of Exile Brewing as of yet. They only have a hefeweizen and a blonde ale. Not bad beers. Their food has gotten horrendous review, however.

I'd recommend stopping at Jasper Winery near downtown Des Moines. They taste all of the Madhouse beers, serve cheese and meet trays, and it's just a chill place with lots of seating inside and out.

If you're downtown, I'd second the Royal Mile and Red Monk recommendations. And again, El Bait is a must see for anyone who loves beer.

Herky21 said:

I'd second that Court Ave. Brewing is alright. I'd add that Raccoon is below average. El Bait shop has one of the largest selections of Microbrews available and great beers on tap (i.e. Founder's breakfast stout, Boulevard Imperial Pils, approximately 100 other beers). EL Bait Shop also has a homebrewer's happy hour on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 PM.

I'm not a fan of Exile Brewing as of yet. They only have a hefeweizen and a blonde ale. Not bad beers. Their food has gotten horrendous review, however.

I'd recommend stopping at Jasper Winery near downtown Des Moines. They taste all of the Madhouse beers, serve cheese and meet trays, and it's just a chill place with lots of seating inside and out.

If you're downtown, I'd second the Royal Mile and Red Monk recommendations. And again, El Bait is a must see for anyone who loves beer.

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I checked out Exile a couple of weeks ago and I was not impressed to say the least. The beers were both lacking in my opinion and the food was expensive for the portion size and cold. It tasted alright (I had the pork belly gyro and it was a pretty bland but not bad) but I won't be back for awhile. That's not even mentioning the horrendous service. I'll have to check out Jasper, there wine isn't too bad for Iowa wine either.

Nothing. Nothing ever happens in Des Moines. Get out of it while you still can.

Lol, we went to a brewpub while up there. Rock Bottom brewery. I though the 3 I had were pretty good. Service was a little slow, but beer was good. Thanks everyone for the ideas, and yeah, I stay out of Des Moines.