Must-see nightlife in Iowa

  • Iowa Taproom

    Iowa

    The best beers from over 30 Iowa breweries feature at this fiercely local pub in East Village. It's got the expected industrial vibe (the building was a…

  • Horizon Line Coffee

    Iowa

    Serious coffee lovers crack a big smile at this coffee shop that is passionate about all things related to the bean. Seasonal specials include a range of…

  • Black Sheep

    Iowa

    Tequila and vampires: those are two of the main themes at East Village's edgiest bar. Let the red neon glow lure you down to this small basement space…

  • Café Beaudelaire

    Iowa

    Never mind that the name doesn't quite sync up with the immortal Parisian poet (who also had no known connection to Brazil), this college bar is a cut…

  • Mullets

    Iowa

    Right at the confluence of the Racoon and Des Moine Rivers, Mullets draws crowds before and after Cubs games (Principal Park is just over the bridge). The…

  • Welch Ave Station

    Iowa

    The dean of the Campustown (as the Welch Ave strip is known) bars, this boozer has been the scene of many a student's first drink. Dart boards, pool…

  • Hessen Haus

    Iowa

    Among the many large themed bars in the Court St nightlife district downtown, this German-accented beer hall scores with its large steins of excellent…

  • Exile Brewing Co

    Iowa

    In post-industrial Western Gateway Park, this brewery offers a range of convivial spaces to enjoy their excellent brews. Anytime it's warm, head out to…

  • 7 Hills Brewing Company

    Iowa

    A Millwork District brewery with a range of beers served in industrial-chic surrounds. There's also a long menu of comfort food that runs from pizza to…

  • Dave's Fox Head Tavern

    Iowa

    Popular with the Writers' Workshop crowd, who debate gerunds while slouched in booths in this tiny boozer. Is that novelist TC Boyle by the door?

  • El Bait Shop

    Iowa

    With well over 200 flowing taps, this sprawling indoor-outdoor complex downtown claims to offer the world's largest selection of American craft beers…