Ultimate guide to top dive bars on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines

Ingersoll Avenue isn’t just a corridor of restaurants and boutiques — it’s home to some of Des Moines’ most beloved dive bars, each with its own personality and loyal following. These spots are where jukeboxes still spin classics, pool tables invite friendly competition and bartenders pour drinks with a heavy hand.

From the polished nostalgia of Alpine Tap to the music-soaked walls of Greenwood Lounge, the punk-rock vibe at GT Lounge, and the dance-party energy of The Yacht Club, this stretch of Ingersoll offers a dive bar experience for every mood.

Whether you’re sipping a watermelon shot, nursing an Old Style or sampling a THC-infused seltzer, the drinks are strong, the prices are fair and the atmosphere is pure Midwest charm.

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Ready to explore? Here’s your guide to the ultimate dive bar crawl along Ingersoll Avenue.

Alpine Tap: A whiskey revival on Ingersoll

The Alpine Taproom has long been a favorite for locals who appreciate a good jukebox, a game of pool and a no-nonsense drink. Nestled on Ingersoll Avenue, this Wisconsin-style dive bar recently got a fresh jolt of energy thanks to Cory Wendel of Lachele’s Fine Foods, who took over the reins in June with partners Walter Lauridsen and Jake Sparks. The trio didn’t mess with the soul of the place — they just gave it a little polish.

Inside, you’ll find wood-paneled walls, original brick and booths that regulars lovingly call “darling.” There’s a “South Park”-themed pinball machine, a jukebox with a surprisingly diverse playlist and a pool table tucked in the back. The vibe is pure Midwest comfort — laid-back, local and welcoming.

Watermelon shots and Old Style beer still flow freely and, for the adventurous, there are THC-infused seltzers like Climbing Kites and Higher Vibes. While there’s no full kitchen, patrons are encouraged to bring in bites from nearby Lachele’s, which now features the Alpine Melt on its menu. Or grab a hot dog and settle in for a night of good drinks and better company.

Details: 2720 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-245-9717, facebook.com/p/The-Alpine-Taproom-DMS-IA-100057500865995

Greenwood Lounge: Where the music never stops

Tucked into Ingersoll Avenue since 1933, Greenwood Lounge is a dive bar with soul — literally. Known for its nightly live music (except Sundays), this cozy spot draws an older crowd and music lovers who appreciate blues, rock and a good guitar solo.

The interior is delightfully quirky, with murals that haven’t changed in more than 50 years and wallpaper featuring card-playing dogs. It’s the kind of place that feels lived-in and loved, with cheap but potent drinks and a secret watermelon shot recipe that’s become local legend.

Whether you’re there for the music, the drinks or just the ambiance, Greenwood Lounge is a dive bar that delivers night after night.

Details: 3707 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-277-1219

GT Lounge: Punk rock Cheers on Ingersoll

GT Lounge is a dive bar with attitude, described as a “punk-rock Cheers,” and that’s pretty spot-on. With more than 90 kinds of beer, a solid whiskey selection and racing-themed décor, GT is a haven for drinkers who like their bars with a little edge.

The ambiance shifts from bright and Cubs-themed during the day to cozy and intimate at night, with dark booths and casual seating. There’s no food menu, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks. Ted’s Coney Island across the street is a popular choice for gyros and fries.

GT’s crowd is diverse, inclusive, and always ready for a good time. Whether you’re there for the beer, the pool table, or just the vibe, GT delivers a dive bar experience that’s both gritty and welcoming.

Details: 3013 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-279-6444

The Yacht Club: Dive bar meets dance party

The Yacht Club on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines marches to the beat of its own drum — often literally. Known for its live music and pop-up events, this quirky spot draws an eclectic crowd and regularly transforms into a dance party with soul, jazz, indie, and rock acts.

The layout is charmingly chaotic, with mismatched seating and graffiti-covered walls. It’s a place where you might find yourself dancing with strangers one minute and chatting with the bartender the next. The vibe is “backwoods dive bar meets urban hangout,” and the crowd is as diverse as the music lineup.

Drinks are strong and affordable, though pricing can vary on busy nights. Bartenders are friendly and talkative, especially during the week. Just don’t park in the gas station lot next door. Stick to street parking or the lot behind the building. It’s all part of the charm.

Details: 2613 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-245-9208, facebook.com/p/Des-Moines-Yacht-Club-100057520814896/

(This article was updated with new information.)

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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.