15 bars open in Des Moines on Thanksgiving

Matthew Leimkuehler, mleimkuehler@dmreg.com Published 11:17 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2015 | Updated 11:42 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2015

Friends + Thanksgiving = Friendsgiving. Makes total sense, right?

Thanksgiving is that one holiday of the season where it's somewhat OK to sneak out from the family activities — after grandpa's fallen asleep on the couch — and meet up with old high school or college friends who are only around for the holiday.

Where's the best place to host an unforgettable Friendsgiving meet-up and humblebrag about how amazing your life is? While Des Moines isn't a booming metropolitan full of limitless entertainment and nightlife options on an otherwise national holiday, there are bars strewn throughout the city ready and willing to host your much-needed get-together.

Here's a quick wrap-up of 15 bars open in Des Moines on Thanksgiving, er, Friendsgiving, to consider when planning this year's friendly reunion.

Carl's Place

The Sherman Hill staple dive isn't only open on Thanksgiving, it's also bringing in food from Hy-Vee catering for patrons to feast on.

Find it: 1620 Woodland Ave.

More info: 515-243-9727

Joe's Pub

The Johnston pub is set to open at 6 p.m. on the holiday. Show up early, the bar will be dishing out $3 Fireball shots and $2 domestic bottles until 7 p.m.

Find it: 5500 Merle Hay Road # G, Johnston

More info: 515-727-0524

Sully's Irish Pub

West Des Moines' nightlife option on Thanksgiving includes Sully's, an Irish Pub on 63rd and Grand. The bar will open at 6 p.m. and feature buy one, get one free domestic bottles, draws and well drinks ... so, when buying a drink for that old buddy you haven't seen in years, it can be "on you" without being "on you," ya know?

Find it: 110 Grand Ave., West Des Moines

More info: 515-255-9970 or sullysdesmoines.com.

The Keg Stand

Another option nestled in West Des Moines is The Keg Stand — and with an entire wall of beer on tap, from Iowa-brewed product to domestic favorites — it's the go-to open bar for the craft beer connoisseur.

Find it: 3530 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines

More info: 515-327-7429

Saints Pub & Patio in Beaverdale

The Beaverdale Saints will be open, offering both food and drinks through this year's holiday — the sleek sports bar is worth considering for both an evening out with friends and an afternoon watching Thanksgiving football games.

Find it: 4041 Urbandale Ave.

More info: 515-270-6175

Coda

Located in the downtown Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Coda offers a classy option for those wanting to escape the family after a filling Thanksgiving dinner.

Find it: 401 Locust St.

More info: 515-244-2151

Waveland Tap

This traditional Des Moines watering hole is open 365 days a year. Yes, that means Thanksgiving, too. Head there for a warm, welcoming dive bar experience.

Find it: 4704 University Ave.

More info: 515-255-5171 or wavelandtap.com.

Down Under Bar & Grill

The Clive sports bar with a name nodding to Australian culture opens at 3 p.m. and will be serving drinks until bar close at 2 a.m.

Find it: 8350 Hickman Road, Clive

More info: 515-278-6718 or greatestbar.com.

AJ's on East Court

Karaoke, anyone? AJ's on East Court is slated to open at 7 p.m. with the karaoke machine primed and ready to propel patrons into a brief moment of super stardom. Not into singing? Stay for the drinks. $3 wells and $4 premium vodka drinks will be on special.

Find it: 419 E. Court Ave.

More info: 515-282-1888

Sunrise Tap

With hours from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunrise Tap is the east side bar that almost never stops serving. If you're starting off your day at the pub or grabbing a nightcap, Sunrise is a go-to East side spot for all of Thanksgiving.

Find it: 4155 Easton Blvd.

More info: 515-262-0713

Alpine Tap Room

One of the trusted dive bars tucked away on Ingersoll Ave., Alpine Tap Room opens at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Find it: 2720 Ingersoll Ave.

More info: 515-245-9717

Wellman's Pub

A welcoming, homey pub on Ingersoll, Wellman's will be opening around 5 or 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and serving up a holiday-related special that's to be determined.

Find it: 2920 Ingersoll Ave.

More info: 515-245-9737

The Blazing Saddle

This East Village establishment, located on East 5th, offers drinks and entertainment — even on Thanksgiving.

Find it: 416 E. 5th St.

More info: 515-246-1299 or theblazingsaddle.com.

Beechwood Lounge

A comfortable East Village option, Beechwood Lounge plans to open about 5 or 6 p.m. with $7 domestic pitchers and $2 wells.

Find it: 416 E. Walnut St

More info: 515-288-2337

Tonic Bar on Court Ave.

Dives, sports bars and casual establishment have all been covered above — which leaves the need for a solid cocktail bar. Enter: Tonic Bar on Court Avenue. Enjoy half-price wine and a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. with $3 Fireball shots and $2.50 domestics.

Find it: 210 Court Ave.

More info: 515-777-1182

Know of another bar open on Thanksgiving? Tweet @dmjuice and let us know!

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