Three Iowa Bars Make USA Today’s List of America’s Best Dive Bars

Late last year, USA Today put out a list of the best dive bars in America, highlighting 25 "standout dive bars worth the detour – or the pilgrimage." After looking over the list, we're happy to report that not one, not two, but THREE Iowa dive bars made the cut! Let's take a look at those beloved Iowa businesses.

The Foxhead Tavern, Iowa City

The Foxhead Tavern at 402 E Market Street may not be Iowa City's oldest bar, but its pretty darn close! It opened in 1934, just one year after Prohibition ended.

Also known as the "Writers' Workshop Bar," Jessica Rish of the Iowa City Press-Citizen says that the Foxhead Tavern has been a longtime hub for the "creative community of Iowa City." The small, unassuming bar features a pool table, an old-school jukebox, walls lined with framed photos and memorabilia, and yes, an actual taxidermy fox head that hangs right above the bar.

Tip Top Lounge, Ames

Located at 201 E Lincoln Way, USA Today reports that Tip Top Lounge is the second oldest bar in Ames. A post from the Ames History Museum says that it originally opened as a sandwich shop back in 1950, but became known as Tip Top Lounge after being granted a beer permit in 1962.

Today, the "iconic" Tip Top Lounge is a popular hangout for Cyclone fans, especially on game day. Ronna Faaborg of the Ames Tribune writes that "the crowd tends to be loud and enthusiastic." If you decide to stop by, be sure to try the dive bar's famous chili!

Alpine Taproom, Des Moines

Last, but not least, there's the Alpine Taproom at 2720 Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines. Just like the other two bars on the list, the classic dive has been around for a longtime. The Des Moines Register reports that the bar first opened in 1939 as the Alpine Café, and has been going strong ever since!

New owners took over the Alpine Taproom last summer and briefly closed the establishment for renovations. But, the Register says that the new owners made sure to "preserve its soul." The classic wood-paneled walls, vinyl booths, jukebox, pool table, and pinball machine are still staples of the dive bar, and, while there's still no kitchen, patrons are now welcome to bring in food from the neighboring Lachele’s Fine Foods. The restaurant even added the "Alpine Melt" to their menu!

Back in 2024, Carl's Place in Des Moines was recognized as Iowa's best dive bar by a different publication. You can read more about that business HERE.

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READ MORE: All the Delicious Things I’ve Eaten in Eastern Iowa This Winter [GALLERY]