Iowa is Home to One of the Best Whiskey Bars in the U.S.

If you're on the hunt for Iowa's best whiskey bar, look no further! Whisky Advocate has recognized only ONE bar in the state on their list of the best whiskey bars across the U.S. The Des Moines Register reports that Alleged Lee's is Iowa's top spot!

Located at 510 E. Grand Ave, Whisky Advocate describes Alleged Lee's as an "offbeat Iowa spot in the East Village [that] has bimonthly drag bingo, seasonal cocktails, and the city’s best whiskey selection." The venue also hosts live music, DJs, bar crawls, and more!

Alleged Lee’s is a speakeasy in Des Moines' East Village that gives off serious Prohibition era vibes. In fact, the Register says that the walls of the bar are even decorated with old photos of Des Moines from that time! Other features include exposed brick walls, a grand chandelier, taxidermy animal heads, a pool table, and dart boards, as well an incredibly unique bar that dates all the way back to 1890! A recent post from Alleged Lee’s on social media reads:

"Our antique Brunswick Triple Arch bar, built in 1890, is one of the few remaining in the U.S.—a true collector’s gem. With many lost to Prohibition and time, these bars are now incredibly rare. Many estimate there are less than 20 left in the U.S."

According to the article from the Des Moines Register, "Dan Van Gorp at Alleged Lee's said the bar currently offers more than 200 bourbons, ryes, and scotches." If whiskey isn't your thing, you can choose from plenty of other craft cocktails and local beers.

Out of the 125 bars that were recognized by Whisky Advocate, Alleged Lee's is the ONLY one from Iowa! Here are some of the other picks in surrounding Midwest states:

• Single Barrel - Lincoln, Nebraska
• Cask & Ale - Madison, Wisconsin
• The Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey - Cottleville, Missouri
• Gori Gori Peku - Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Volstead House - St. Paul, Minnesota
• MatchStick Restaurant and Spirits - Stillwater, Minnesota
• Big Star - Chicago, Illinois
• Delilah’s - Chicago, Illinois
• Longman & Eagle - Chicago, Illinois
• Mordecai - Chicago, Illinois
• The Office - Chicago, Illinois
• Untitled Supper Club - Chicago, Illinois