Top 9 Gluten-Free Cocktail Bars to Experience in Des Moines

Jacinda Daniel

Everything is gluten free which was amazing, I didn't have to worry about only getting to choose from two items on the menu. The salsa options were a bit odd, there was a cheese/yogurt type dip among the four they give you and it just didn't fit with the Latino flavors well, it was more Mediterranean in taste. Definitely pricier for how much food you get but the chips are a free refill. When I asked about diet pop options I was told they didn't have any but they have what appeared to be a full bar with a fountain pop sprayer (which normally would have at least one diet option). The only thing I could have to drink was water there (I'm a type one diabetic and regular pop is a bad situation).

Stephanie Dowdy

Love this place. Great gluten free options & excellent service!

Jon Burk

Endless food and bottomless mimosas/bloody marys/mixed drinks is a hell of a way to start a weekend. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Food is delicious and there were plenty of options for gluten free eaters.

Mijo Martinez (Mijo Martinez)

My chicken chiabatta sandwich was a bit dry and the food selection was limited, but they did have substantial gluten free options. The setting and staff were very nice, making it an overall excellent experience.

Brooke Weber

I have been here several times recently for brunch. This place knows what they are doing and they are really good at it: the atmosphere, the decor, the food, the service. The lattes here are the best in the area, hands down. Even the cups and saucers are beautiful and add to my enjoyment of the coffee drinks. I want the exact cups for my own home. The seasonal latte flavors are creative and never overly sweet. I do love a pumpkin spice latte, and St. Kilda has the best. I was interested in a seasonal mocha and was hesitant to order it for fear it would be too sweet, but the server told me more about it so I decided to try it. It was the best mocha I’ve ever had with the perfect balance of flavors and just the right amount of sweetness. Everything that’s a part of the Big Aussie Breakfast is prepared to perfection: thick cut bacon, delicious blistered roasted tomatoes, perfectly crispy house-made bread. Even the gluten-free bread is excellent. Last week my boyfriend got a hashbrown on the side and it was the best hashbrown I’ve ever had - a lovely soft texture on the inside and perfectly crispy all the way around on the outside. The last 3 times I’ve eaten there, we’ve had the same server. I love her! Very friendly, relatable, and a bit quirky in the best possible way. After our last visit, I decided St. Kilda in Valley Junction is my favorite place for brunch.

Brian Moe

Delicious food options. Had the gluten free steak and mushroom flatbread. It was hold-your-breath-and-close-your-eyes delicious. Brussel sprouts were on point. Deconstructed nachos were amazing. And service was excellent, especially given the unexpected rush at the end of the night.

Josh Anderson

This place was awesome, staff was friendly and helpful, did not feel rushed. Staff helped us figure out how to make items Gluten-free for my Fiancé. Some shakes are also Gluten-free l. Just like all restaurants there is a chance for cross contamination but let staff know and they can help the best they can.

Jordyn Shipley

I keep wanting the service and food to be better, but time after time I have the same poor experience. In the three times I’ve eaten here, I sit at the bar and yet, it can take up to 10 minutes to even be greeted! Today I chose to build my own burger and a side salad over fries. I asked for my burger without a bun as I am gluten sensitive- it came with a bun. The side salad was a few pieces of cheap iceberg lettuce with a pile of roasted tomatoes thrown on top- that’s all. I chose not to eat it- my burger was undercooked but did have a large handful of pickles to go with it?! So, here was wasted a bun, lettuces, tomatoes, pickles and most of a burger. It’s disappointing. All of that costs $17.00- the server thought that was too expensive- so she took $2.00 off without me mentioning my unhappiness with the meal. That tells me she was probably embarrassed by it too. A woman next to me ordered a glass of wine- which she had to send back twice as both glasses had lipstick remains on it. It just makes me sad. These are easy fixes, and could make one of the only choices in the airport a much more enjoyable experience!

Darci Brubaker

This speakeasy was an unexpected find in Des Moines. The Eclectic decor was elegant, cozy, and a vibe all on itself. Desi was very knowledgeable about Celiac disease and their cocktail menu. She talked me through recommendations based on gluten sensitivity significance as well as the flavor profile I told her I liked. The bar was also told of my allergy and ensured no cross contamination of mixing utensils and shakers. Would highly recommend!