The top 10 patios for drinking outside in Des Moines

Linh's favorite nice-weather Midwest activity: Chilling on patios.

Below are some places I enjoy and why.

• Note: I am very partial to bikable locations and good food.

Bartender's Handshake

This Ingersoll bar became one of my favorites during the pandemic. The food and drinks are fun + creative. There's heaters and you can roast s'mores over a fire.

• Plus: It's a very COVID-conscious space that takes RSVPs.

What I'm eating: Mint-pesto cold noodles (so good.)

Open: 2pm-12am Mon-Fri; 11am-12am Sat-Sun; 3615 Ingersoll Ave.

Captain Roy's

This is as close as you're going to get to a beachside bar in Des Moines. Captain Roy's is a lively stop if you want a beer, some food and a nearby bike trail.

• Plus: Birdland Marina is overhauling into a "resort-like" location, including a new look for Captain Roy's.

What I'm eating: Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers

Open: 11am to 9pm Tues-Thurs; 11am to 10pm Fri-Sat; 10am to 5pm Sun; 1900 Saylor Rd.

Confluence

If you like bikes + beers — this is a must stop. Confluence is a classic Des Moines brewery that most beer fiends have visited, but the patio is also a convenient stop right off Gray's Lake.

What I'm drinking: The Wizard on draft

Open: 4-9pm Mon-Thurs; noon to 9pm Fri-Sat; noon to 6pm Sun; 1235 Thomas Beck Road.

El Guapo's Tequila + Tacos

If you're looking for a fun outdoor hangout and tacos — this is your place.

• There are almost 100 tequila choices to warm you up, but if you're cold, there's also a heated patio.

What I'm drinking: A house margarita

Open: 3-9pm Tues-Thurs; 1-10pm Fri; 11am-10pm Sat; 8950 University Ave. # 105, West Des Moines

Exile

Not only does Exile serve great beer, but the food is bomb as well. I also appreciate its close proximity to downtown.

• Plus, I am obsessed with the truffle fries.

What I'm drinking: A classic Ruthie

Open: 11am-9pm Tues-Thurs; 11am-10pm Fri-Sat; 11am-9pm Sun; 1514 Walnut St.

Lua Brewing

This new-ish brewery opened near the beginning of the pandemic, but it acclimated quickly by installing heat lamps and converting its parking lot into a patio.

• It has good beer + food and it's in walking distance to my favorite last-stop bar — Carl's.

What I'm eating: The fries are a perfect bar snack, especially with Lua sauce

Open: 3-10pm Tues-Thurs; 11am-11pm Fri-Sat; 11am-8pm Sun; 1525 High St.

Triangle Tap

This biker-centric patio is where you'll find me on Wednesdays — aka porkchop night. (It's so much food.)

• Located just off Euclid Avenue and the inter-urban trail — this stop is always a fun time.

What I'm drinking: PBR and jello shots

Open: 9am-2am Mon-Sat; 10am-2am Sun; 2506 Post St.

Uptown Garage

Uptown Garage has a nice selection of Iowa beers from breweries like SingleSpeed, Big Grove and West O Beer. It's also next to other great local businesses in Uptown Ankeny.

• I brought over food from Leaning Tower of Pizza and it was the perfect combo.

What I'm drinking: Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath

Open: 4-9pm Mon-Wed; 3-9pm Thurs; noon to 11pm Fri; 10am-11pm Sat; 10am-8pm Sun; 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny

Other patios I love: Malo for brunch downtown and Brightside Aleworks in Altoona.

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