Hessen Haus
German Restaurant and Bar$$$$
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines
"The Reuben was amazing as well as the Black Forest schnitzel"(3 Tips)
"Must try the Optimator."(3 Tips)
"Their known for clean bathrooms and glass boots"(2 Tips)
"I really enjoyed the authentic German beer and food."(2 Tips)
87 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- German food
- schnitzel
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- optimator
- good for groups
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Not sure what beer you want? just ask a server. They know whats popular & will suggest new flavors to try. I've discovered great tasting beer this way. Now if I can just remember them the next day...
Probably 1 of the best bars in Des Moines. If you're looking to chill this is the place to be. Good people and great people. I would recommend this bar to any1. By the way, make sure you try the boot.
Thomas ZerbariniJune 2, 2015Great bar, great food and I love the Polka on the weekends. I've been here several times. I'd recommend the cheese plate and slow cooked shanks. The beer boot is a blast for new guests too.
- Megan McNeillJune 27, 2016Quite a lively place. I really enjoyed the authentic German beer and food.
Carson StepkaMarch 3, 2019In my ancestors being primarily German, I find this restaurant a great treat to see not only a phenomenal culture represented, but great service and cleanliness. The food is also fantastic!
Matthew MarianiMay 31, 2013Get the Mac and Cheese Bäden Bäden. I promise, it will be the best Mac and cheese you have ever had. And this is coming from a man who knows his way around Mac and cheese.
CVO RiderNovember 28, 2022Try the flight of beer, great way to figure out what you like if you’re not familiar with the selections.
Juice MagazineApril 24, 2012Dark, strong beers like Spaten, Warsteiner and Paulaner fill giant glass boots to be shared among friends around the table. This popular spot was voted #9 in our Top 50 Bars by readers. Read more
This is our spot! If you are here for food, get the Andouille Po'boy, fries and extra honey mustard (for the fries), if you are here to drink, get off your phone! Boot's comin'!
The schnitzel is amazing! Want to try a new beer? Ask your server...they are extremely knowledgeable!
Just feel like having a really good German beer? Try "Einbecker Maibock" from the birthplace of bock beer! (Proof: http://bit.ly/xQwQQ7) The only restaurant where I found this great beer in the U.S.!
Zach HenmanFebruary 19, 2017Great place to grab a lot of beer with friends. Lots of excellent selections on tap.- Kent BachmanOctober 27, 2013Peasant platter is great for soaking up beer also a big fan of the ghoulasch. Great atmosphere anytime.
If you've never been here for Polka music do yourself a favor and get there by 6 to get a table, order a Hunters pizza, a bier and enjoy! Great time.
John HFebruary 10, 2012Drink the Eisbock! Beer is frozen then ice (water) is removed leaving more alcohol than it previously had. At 9.2% you can't get more than a 1/2 L, but this one is for the taste!
Jake SmithDecember 9, 2012The Bismark is a German sandwich revelation. Pair it with a Weihenstephan Hefeweizen for lunch.
Great happy hour! Half price appetizers, I recommend Bavarian Nachos. Great along with Strongbow or a guinness.
Try the Jägerschnitzel - Gravy'ed pork cutlet, Gravy'ed potatoes, Pickled red cabbage
Food is great. Faves are European grinder and German mac and cheese.
AJune 14, 2015Cheddarwurst and fries are delicious. Mashed potatoes are okay. Great service and atmosphere.
TylerOctober 6, 2012Pretty cheap appetizers. Also this is right by a working train station so this place seems quite European indeed. The trains are an added plus, not an annoyance.
Hacker Pschorr Alt is a perfect "dark beer" gateway. It is dark, but tastes really mild for such a dark beer.
Mike HenneberryAugust 25, 2012Everything about this place is great: the food, the boot, and thru atmosphere.
Hessen Haus breakfast 8-11 am! Every Saturday during Farmers Market!
Try the Eisbier - beer is frozen, and then has the ice crystals removed - the result is higher in ABV% (alchohol content) and more flavorful! Also, shots of Apfelkorn (Apple liqueur) for $3 when the
Mac & Cheese Baden-Baden w/ pork will treat you right!
Cierra JonesOctober 11, 2011While chugging beers is possible here savor the flavor it's not as yummy coming back up ;)- I love this bar like I love my family. Its a great place to relax and have a drink.
Always a good time when Barefoot Becky & her boys are in da Haus!
- $3 Jäger shots when the train rumbles by. Free vibrations...ladies.
Brian BanisterNovember 15, 2010they serve Buzzard Billy's favorites here too. but the SchweinsHaxe rocks!!!!!
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Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Tue
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
- Wed–Sat
- 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Sun
- Noon–Midnight
(515) 288-2520
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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