The Des Moines metro has two new bars that opened since last July that might just entice you to try something new. One offers a trip back in time to the glory of the 1970s while a second brings a seriously sexy vibe to the East Village.
The Regal Beagle
Come and knock on my door. Those who remember “Three’s Company” recall that Jack, Chrissy, and Janet often frequented this bar in Santa Monica. While the bar is fictional, The Regal Beagle in West Des Moines is the real deal. Cari Lavallee opened the neighborhood bar back in July with a very ’70s theme.
Some of the cocktails come with a “Three’s Company” spin to them — the Mr. Roper with vodka, peach schnapps, blue Curacao, orange juice; the Jack Tripper with Jack Daniel’s, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemonade; and the Mrs. Roper shot with vodka, watermelon Pucker and passionfruit puree, for example.
The bar hosts karaoke nights, bingo, live music and more, and features a pool table in the back along with games. Last summer, The Regal Beagle held a Mrs. Roper Romp, where many dressed in her iconic muumuu and red curly hair. Each night features a different special, such as $1 off on whiskey on Mondays or $1 off tequila on Thursdays.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Regal Beagle also offers pizza and pretzels, and can accommodate gluten-free diets. Just ask.
More:Where to find the essential bars that offer elevated cocktails in the Des Moines metro
Where to find The Regal Beagle
Location: 9500 University Ave., Suite 1101, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-710-5036 or regalbeaglewdm.com
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
The Contrary
Hip hop artist B Wells opened his bar in the East Village in November in the former 503 Cocktail Lab & Tasting Room space across from Wooly’s. The snug bar features velvet couches and dim lighting for a sexy vibe, along with a conversation pit where a deejay spins hip hop, jazz, funk, and R&B music. Three archways behind the bar house the liquor, with low lights hanging over the bar.
Look for elevated cocktails and a small menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and small plates.
Where to find The Contrary
Location: 503 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Contact:instagram.com/thecontrarydsm
Hours: Open from 5 p.m. to late Thursday through Sunday.
More:What to know about Bar Martinez, the cocktail lounge opening in Highland Park this spring
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
