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The Lift

Lounge and Wine Bar$$$$

Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines

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The Lift

7.6^/10

128

ratings

"Tuesday nights with the jazz quartet, Uplift, are the best."(3 Tips)
"Great Martinis, and the bartender looks like Orlando Bloom!!"(17 Tips)
"On Thursdays, the bar offers $2 pints."(3 Tips)
"The Best Bar in Des Moines!"(2 Tips)

43 Tips and reviews

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jazz music
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great value
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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 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
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.
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.
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 CocoFebruary 22, 2015
2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesday's are always a good start while you wait to get into Fong's!
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.
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.
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
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.
KelseyFebruary 10, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Great Martinis, and the bartender looks like Orlando Bloom!!
Jeff ShepherdFebruary 3, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The Best Bar in Des Moines!
Ricky SherrillAugust 18, 2015
The locals favorite nightspot in town.
Heather KauffmanDecember 24, 2011
Kevin is an outstanding bartender!! Stop by to see for yourself!
Steph SApril 7, 2013
The cream dream martini is awesome!
Erik RowleySeptember 3, 2015
Nicolas Cage secretly owns this bar...
Drew RiebhoffNovember 17, 2011
Been here 10+ times
I live for the Southern Cosmo. SoCo, Citron and Cran. #delish
Kensie SmithMarch 22, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Tuesday nights with the jazz quartet, Uplift, are the best.
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!
Paul PugnierNovember 8, 2012
$2 Pints Every Thursday, including Guinness! Yaaaay!
Aleigh GlazierSeptember 24, 2014
The jazz is really great.
Laura HassebrockSeptember 25, 2012
$1 off any drinking if you show the check-in screen to the bartender.
Jeromy OlsonAugust 10, 2016
Nice low key place
Tessa TorrezJanuary 11, 2013
Been here 10+ times
'Something Fruity' is SO GOOD.
Jeff GarrisonOctober 26, 2012
Dark. Strong. Good starter location.
Christina CarberryOctober 3, 2012
Been here 25+ times
The best bar in Des Moines.
Kate TomkaDecember 2, 2010
Wednesday night=2 for 1 martini night! Try the pango martini-delish
Otis KhounloApril 11, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Isn't it obvious my friends? 2 for 1's on Wednesday nights.
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!
Laura SigalJune 15, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Uplift jazz tuesdays and watermelon martinis. Nothing better
Adam FisherOctober 2, 2011
Try a bloody martini. They're bloody good.
Shellie SnoddyNovember 26, 2011
Been here 50+ times
Enjoy the art and try all the martinis
BradJanuary 8, 2010
Been here 10+ times
I recommend the Southern Cosmo and the 4th Street Mimosa.
Laura SigalApril 16, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Check out jazz Tuesdays!
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?"
AmyMay 12, 2011
Try the S&M or Pineapple Slut
Hanna PetersonFebruary 20, 2011
Mango Slut is the best martini.
Natasha FurnishDecember 1, 2012
Terrible service. It took way to long for us to order our drinks
Angela HoganMarch 15, 2011
Been here 50+ times
Ask T.J. what's cookin.
Dan OlsonFebruary 5, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Thursday is $2 pint night
Bridgette BeeMarch 9, 2010
Have a Key Lime Martini!
Mike HarperApril 3, 2010
Been here 100+ times
Tip your bartenders.
Aaron PriceDecember 26, 2010
Been here 50+ times
Don't be a douchebag

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The Lift

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