Are you ready for some sports action? Football season is in full swing in Iowa, with college teams from Iowa State, the University of Iowa, UNI, Drake, and more, as well as NFL teams, battling it out on the field. Whether you're cheering for your favorite football team or following your favorite volleyball squad, why not enjoy some delicious food while you watch the game? Des Moines is home to a variety of sports bars that not only offer great food but also have plenty of screens for you to catch all the football action. Here's a look at six sports bars in the Des Moines metro area that are worth a visit.
Bix & Co.
The Southsider pizza at Bix & Co. comes with pepperoni, Graziano
If you're looking for comfort dishes and menu items that celebrate Des Moines' favorite restaurants, Bix & Co. in Valley Junction is the place to be. With around 30 big-screen TVs, you're never far away from catching all the game-day action. Chef Joe Formaro serves up delicious appetizers like fried green pepper rings, beer-battered Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds, and Italian nachos with Graziano's sausage and peppers. Their menu also includes a crispy tavern-crust pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and a smoked Gouda grilled cheese with a caramelized onion and mushroom hash. If you're watching an early morning game on the weekend, don't miss out on their new brunch menu.
Location: 111 Fifth St., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-661-1595 or bixandco-wdm.com
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The Chicken Coop
Consider The Chicken Coop your candy shop of sports bars with its three locations across the metro. This place has a little bit of everything when it comes to food. They serve up wings with a variety of sauces, including garlic jalapeno and Jamaican jerk, as well as deep-fried popper bites and Irish nachos with taco meat and queso topping seasoned waffle fries. You can even indulge in tasty golden fried gizzards. And if you're in the mood for pizza, their off-the-menu Porky Pie pizza with pulled pork or the Drunk Italian pizza with Italian sausage, onion, mushrooms, and red peppers marinated in Red Ale beer are must-tries. With loads of TVs and draft beers on tap, The Chicken Coop is the perfect place to root for your favorite team.
Locations:
- 1325 S.W. Oralabor Road, Suite 212, Ankeny; 515-289-1578 or ankeny.chickencoopurbandale.com
- 12725 Meredith Drive, Urbandale; 515-334-2667 or urbandale.chickencoopurbandale.com
- 5906 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines; 515-362-8168 or westdesmoines.chickencoopurbandale.com
Hours: Hours vary by location.
G. Mig’s 5th Street Pub
G Mig
G. Mig's 5th Street Pub, located in Valley Junction, has become a destination for those who love novelty foods and sports. Chef George Migliero, formerly of the Wakonda Club, has revamped the menu to reflect his more upscale cooking style. The Pride of Iowa wrap, which won awards at the Iowa State Fair, features hickory smoked bacon and pork carnitas in a jalapeño cheddar tortilla. Another favorite is their walking taco wrap, which combines ground beef taco meat and a queso drizzle. For burger lovers, the George's prime rib burger with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and Monterey jack cheese is a must-try. And don't miss out on their unique baked potato pizza or the Buffalo chicken dip. G. Mig's also offers a delicious breakfast menu on the weekends.
Location: 128 Fifth St., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-255-4550 or gmigs.com
Hours: Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Breakfast is available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday.
The Iowa Taproom
The breaded pork tenderloin at Iowa Taproom is one of the best in central Iowa.
Located in a historic building in the East Village, The Iowa Taproom is a beer lover's paradise. With dozens of Iowa brews on tap, you can enjoy a great selection while watching the game. Their menu features pub-grub favorites like the breaded pork tenderloin, which is hailed as one of the best in central Iowa. If you're in the mood for appetizers, try the ham balls or cheesesteak egg rolls. The taproom also frequently updates its beer selection, so you can always discover something new and exciting.
Location: 215 E. Third St., No. 100, Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-0827 or iowataproom.com
Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.
Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern
A former pizza at Truman
If you're a fan of the Hawkeyes, Cyclones, or the Kansas City Chiefs, Truman's KC Pizza Tavern is the perfect spot for you. Start your meal with delicious funnel cake fries served with strawberry sauce and sea salt caramel dip. The French dip pizza features a base of homemade Alfredo and au jus sauce, topped with beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella. For something unique, try the Penny pizza with Alabama white barbecue sauce, burnt ends, pulled pork, and pineapple chunks. Truman's also offers a variety of other menu items, including grinders with Graziano's sausage and a chicken corn bowl with mashed potatoes and sweet corn topped with chicken gravy and boneless chicken wings. Don't forget to check out their breakfast menu, available on weekdays and weekends.
Location: 400 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-214-2759 or trumanstavern.com
Hours: Open Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
The brisket sandwich from The Angry Goldfish in Des Moines
Located on the south side of Des Moines, The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery offers a unique dining experience. Start your meal with their signature Angry Goldfish, Sriracha-seasoned Goldfish crackers, or indulge in some poutine or fried pickles. The real star of the show, however, is their burger selection. During brunch, try the hangover burger with hash browns, bacon, an over-easy egg, and cheddar cheese. Other options include the Boursin burger with sautéed onions, the Asian PB and J burger with Thai peanut sauce and spicy strawberry bacon jam, or the AG burger with double patties and cheese. They also offer gluten-free bun options for an additional charge. The Angry Goldfish also serves delicious pot roast and Graziano's meatloaf for a satisfying comfort meal.
Location: 2301 SW Ninth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-288-2358 or angrygoldfishdsm.com
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
These six sports bars in the Des Moines metro area offer not only a great atmosphere to watch the game but also delicious food that will satisfy any craving. So gather your friends, put on your team colors, and head to one of these sports bars for an unforgettable game-day experience. Enjoy the food, cheer for your team, and make lasting memories.
