Bar
Unclaimed profile85 Bar
Des Moines, IA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
85 Bar is a Chicago-style sports bar that pairs cold domestic pours with a surprisingly ambitious cocktail list. Seasonal offerings like the Key Lime Martini and Aperol Margarita show range, while the $5 Mini Beer—a Licor 43 shooter topped with cream—is the signature novelty. Malört shots anchor the spirits side, and the beer list spans local Iowa and Chicago-area brews.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Mini Beer, a $5 shooter of Licor 43 topped with heavy cream—a novelty that defines the house. For something more composed, the Peach Smash Mule mixes Makers Mark with peach puree, lime, and ginger beer. Aperol Margarita offers a brighter, agave-forward option.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Sports fans who want more than standard pours will appreciate the mix of cold domestic beer and creative seasonal cocktails. The Mini Beer and Malört shots add a playful, social element that suits groups. The range of local and Chicago-area brews also appeals to craft-minded drinkers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Happy hour brings classic cocktails to $6, seasonal cocktails to $7, and domestic beer to $4. Mini Beer runs $5. Malört shots are also $5. Non-alcoholic options like ginger beer are around $3.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar brands itself the 'Home of the Mini Beer,' a $5 shooter of Licor 43 and cream that is a signature novelty. Beyond that, the cocktail menu includes seasonal creations like the Rosé Sangria with Tito's and natural Italian rosé. The beer list reaches beyond standard taps to include Iowa and Chicago-area brews like Zombie Dust.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Classic and seasonal cocktails are listed, including Key Lime Martini, Peach Smash Mule, Rosé Sangria, and Aperol Margarita. Descriptions show fresh citrus, cream, and agave components. Happy hour pricing is set at $6 for classics and $7 for seasonal.
Menu strengths
- — Seasonal cocktail menu with creative offerings.; Four named cocktails with distinct ingredient profiles, from cream-based to agave-forward.
Standout selections
- — Key Lime Martini: Vanilla Stoli, Malibu, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, cream.
- — Peach Smash Mule: Makers Mark, peach puree, fresh lime juice, ginger beer.
- — Aperol Margarita: Aperol, Espolòn Blanco, fresh lime juice, agave.
Pricing: Classic cocktails $6, seasonal $7 during happy hour.
Beer
The beer list spans domestic, craft, local Iowa, and Chicago-area brews, including Miller Lite, Blue Moon, and Zombie Dust. The bar is known for cold beer and its signature Mini Beer, a $5 shooter of Licor 43 topped with cream.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive beer list including local and Chicago-area brews.
- — Emphasis on cold beer, fitting a Chicago-style sports bar.
- — Signature Mini Beer adds a distinctive novelty element.
Standout selections
- — Mini Beer: shooter of Licor 43 topped with heavy cream, $5.
Pricing: Domestic beer $4 during happy hour; Mini Beer $5.
Nonalcoholic
The West Waukee online ordering menu lists a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, juices, and non-alcoholic beers. Ginger Beer and MUG Rootbeer are available at $3.00 each.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic beverages including sodas, juices, and non-alcoholic beers.
Standout selections
- — Ginger Beer — $3.00 — Non-alcoholic ginger beer.
Pricing: Ginger Beer and MUG Rootbeer $3.00 each.
Spirits
The spirits program is anchored by $5 shots of Malört, an unusual botanical spirit. A bartender has introduced new Malört varieties. The Iron Mike Manhattan, made with Makers Mark, sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherry, shows a classic cocktail approach.
Menu strengths
- — Known for $5 Malört shots, a distinctive offering.
- — New Malört varieties introduced by a bartender.; Iron Mike Manhattan provides a composed whiskey cocktail.
Standout selections
- — Malört: unusual botanical shot, $5.; Iron Mike Manhattan: Makers Mark, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry.
Pricing: Malört shots $5.
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