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The Lift

The Lift

Lounge and Wine Bar$$$$
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines
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8.1/10
124
ratings
  • Tips
    Kensie S.
    "Tuesday nights with the jazz quartet, Uplift, are the best."(3 Tips)
    Kelsey
    "Great Martinis, and the bartender looks like Orlando Bloom!!"(17 Tips)
    Juice Magazine
    "On Thursdays, the bar offers $2 pints."(3 Tips)
    Jeff S.
    "The Best Bar in Des Moines!"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon43 Tips and reviews
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  • Juice Magazine
    Juice MagazineJuly 11, 2013
    The Lift represents the lifeblood of Des Moines’ downtown scene, and there’s always a reason to stop by for a drink. On Thursdays, the bar offers $2 pints. Read more
  • Morgan S.heart icon on user image
    Morgan SAugust 12, 2016
    Wednesday 2 for 1's is a great deal! Their Tuesday jazz nights also bring in local musicians for a nice martini atmosphere
  • Robbie H.heart icon on user image
    Robbie HelzerAugust 12, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Wednesday nights with John and two for one martinis are possibly the best bad decision you can make midweek.
  • Nathan W.heart icon on user image
    Nathan WrightSeptember 26, 2015
    Been here 50+ times
    My favorite Des Moines bar! These martinis will kick your ass. Grab one of the couches with a date or group of friends.
  • Esquire
    EsquireFebruary 1, 2011
    Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Order a vodka martini and ask them about the metal dome at the end of the bar. Read more
  • G C.heart icon on user image
    G CocoFebruary 22, 2015
    2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesday's are always a good start while you wait to get into Fong's!
  • Juice Magazine
    Juice MagazineJune 12, 2012
    Wednesday: Two martinis for $8 or $5 a piece ($6 if it’s an all liquor martini) at The Lift, 222 Fourth St. Read more
  • Abbie T.heart icon on user image
    Abbie ToneyAugust 23, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Judy Blume is delicious. But if you like a little bubbly ask for a 2022. Stay years ahead.
  • Tony T.
    Tony TandeskiMay 12, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Best place to hang out and grab a drink with friends. I love the Strawberry Shortcake martini.
  • Norah C.
    Norah CarrollJuly 19, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Looking for a new martini to try? Order the S&M -- it's a refreshing choice in warm weather!
  • Jeff S.heart icon on user image
    Jeff ShepherdFebruary 3, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    The Best Bar in Des Moines!
  • Kelsey
    KelseyFebruary 10, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Great Martinis, and the bartender looks like Orlando Bloom!!
  • Laura H.
    Laura HassebrockSeptember 25, 2012
    $1 off any drinking if you show the check-in screen to the bartender.
  • Ricky S.heart icon on user image
    Ricky SherrillAugust 18, 2015
    The locals favorite nightspot in town.
  • Kyle G.
    Kyle GlavanovitsNovember 30, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Come to Get Lifted Tuesdays! The Uplift quartet plays every Tuesday! Great live jazz from 9:30-11:30pm.
  • Aleigh G.
    Aleigh GlazierSeptember 24, 2014
    The jazz is really great.
  • Paul P.
    Paul PugnierNovember 8, 2012
    $2 Pints Every Thursday, including Guinness! Yaaaay!
  • Steph S.
    Steph SApril 7, 2013
    The cream dream martini is awesome!
  • Erik R.heart icon on user image
    Erik RowleySeptember 3, 2015
    Nicolas Cage secretly owns this bar...
  • Jeromy O.heart icon on user image
    Jeromy OlsonAugust 10, 2016
    Nice low key place
  • Heather K.
    Heather KauffmanDecember 24, 2011
    Kevin is an outstanding bartender!! Stop by to see for yourself!
  • Drew R.
    Drew RiebhoffNovember 17, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    I live for the Southern Cosmo. SoCo, Citron and Cran. #delish
  • Tessa T.
    Tessa TorrezJanuary 11, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    'Something Fruity' is SO GOOD.
  • Jeff G.
    Jeff GarrisonOctober 26, 2012
    Dark. Strong. Good starter location.
  • Kensie S.heart icon on user image
    Kensie SmithMarch 22, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Tuesday nights with the jazz quartet, Uplift, are the best.
  • Christina C.
    Christina CarberryOctober 3, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    The best bar in Des Moines.
  • Otis K.heart icon on user image
    Otis KhounloApril 11, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Isn't it obvious my friends? 2 for 1's on Wednesday nights.
  • Shellie S.
    Shellie SnoddyNovember 26, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    Enjoy the art and try all the martinis
  • Kate T.
    Kate TomkaDecember 2, 2010
    Wednesday night=2 for 1 martini night! Try the pango martini-delish
  • Evan[Bu]
    Evan[Bu]July 22, 2011
    Be like Samantha from "Sex and the City" and drink a martini. Follow that up by sleeping with anybody at this bar!
  • Adam F.
    Adam FisherOctober 2, 2011
    Try a bloody martini. They're bloody good.
  • Zachary B.
    Zachary Bales-HenryFebruary 9, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    This is my home away from home. Wait, did I just call a bar "my home away from home?"
  • Laura S.
    Laura SigalApril 16, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Check out jazz Tuesdays!
  • Brad
    BradJanuary 8, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    I recommend the Southern Cosmo and the 4th Street Mimosa.
  • Laura S.
    Laura SigalJune 15, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    Uplift jazz tuesdays and watermelon martinis. Nothing better
  • Amy
    AmyMay 12, 2011
    Try the S&M or Pineapple Slut
  • Hanna P.
    Hanna PetersonFebruary 20, 2011
    Mango Slut is the best martini.
  • Angela H.
    Angela HoganMarch 15, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    Ask T.J. what's cookin.
  • Mike H.
    Mike HarperApril 3, 2010
    Been here 100+ times
    Tip your bartenders.
  • Bridgette B.
    Bridgette BeeMarch 9, 2010
    Have a Key Lime Martini!
  • Natasha F.
    Natasha FurnishDecember 1, 2012
    Terrible service. It took way to long for us to order our drinks
  • Dan O.
    Dan OlsonFebruary 5, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Thursday is $2 pint night
  • Aaron P.heart icon on user image
    Aaron PriceDecember 26, 2010
    Been here 50+ times
    Don't be a douchebag
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