Gay Des Moines
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Gay Des Moines

the center of the Heartland Iowa's capital city is right in the center of the state, and thanks to a historic state Supreme Court ruling, a Midwest haven of marriage equality. The many colleges here lend a progressive vibe. Des Moines doesn't usually overflow with visitors, but local gay activists are now bracing for and embracing a number of out-of-staters arriving to get hitched. OneIowa.org is building a resource page for queer nuptials. The gay scene is relatively small with only a few gay bars and clubs, most in the pedestrian-friendly East Village east of downtown.
Bars & Clubs
Photo of Blazing Saddle

Blazing Saddle

 (57 Ratings)

Gay “Cheers” since 1983

While officially considered a levis/leather bar, all are welcome. This is the place for drink specials, visiting porn...

East Village · 416 E 5th St, Des Moines


Photo of The Garden

The Garden

 (54 Ratings)

Popular mixed-crowd spot

This casual video bar has a big dance floor with house and dance tunes, and regular drag shows.

East Village · 112 SE 4th St, Des Moines


Photo of Buddy's Corral

Buddy's Corral

 (34 Ratings)

Mixed gay-lesbian-straight

Next door to uber-gay Blazing Saddle, this cash-only bar hosts a diverse range of ages and genders.

East Village · 418 E 5th St, Des Moines


Restaurants
Photo of Ritual Cafe

Ritual Cafe

 (14 Ratings)

Fondly referred to as the "Girls' Coffee House."

Locally roasted coffee; food, specialty beers and wine. Singer/songwriters entertain 2-3 nights/week. Just behind the...

1301 Locust St., Ste. D, Des Moines


Photo of Drake Diner

Drake Diner

 (12 Ratings)

Classic diner

Milkshakes, hash browns and everything in between. This is a place to indulge your food nostalgia.

1111 25th St, Des Moines


Hotels
Photo of Renaissance Savery Hotel

Renaissance Savery Hotel

 No ratings yet

Historic 12 story downtown hotel located next to Civic Center

401 Locust St, Des Moines


Photo of Embassy Suites On The River

Embassy Suites On The River

 (1 Rating)

Friendly place near East Village

Capital City Pride's Ed Fouts calls this all-suite riverfront venue "a friendly place to stay" near both the gay East...

East Village · 101 E. Locust Street, Des Moines


Shops
Photo of Shag

Shag

 (12 Ratings)

Everything with a rainbow and some without

Tshirts, incense, body jewelry, that kind of thing.

East Village · 333 E Grand Ave #105, Des Moines


Map of Des Moines

Gay Des Moines
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Hotels
Shops