Iowa is Home to One of the Coolest Speakeasies in the Midwest

Have you ever visited Iowa's coolest speakeasy? According to a new list from Midwest Living, it's a place called Good News, Darling in Des Moines!

Good News, Darling is a small, dimly-lit cocktail bar that's tucked behind another popular business in Des Moines. According to the article:

"Hidden behind sister bar Hello, Marjorie, this seating-room only lounge creates some of the coolest cocktails this side of the Mississippi. Inspired by Grant Achatz's famed Chicago bar, The Aviary, Good News, Darling's cocktails have a flair for the dramatic. Think fun vessels, tableside flames, and gastronomic components that make the drinks interactive experiences."

Check out some of the unique creations that the speakeasy has come up with:

Good News, Darling's first opened its doors at 717 Locust Street in April of 2021. The bar's Explore Tock profile describes the space as "a small, experimental and detail-focused cocktail parlor" with "intricate modern and classic cocktails." It's actually located inside what used to be Des Moines Register's building, which is why the walls are decorated with newspapers.

Another cool thing about Good News, Darling is that it transforms into 'Naughty List - A Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up' each holiday season!

Unlike other speakeasies, Good News, Darling does not require you to have a password or follow some secret passageway to gain entry. But, you will need to make a reservation to sit in the lounge. An article from Axios says that the space can only hold 26 guests at a time. Reservations open up on Sundays for the week ahead, with lounge reservations available for parties up to six from Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Each reservation is for around 80 mins. You can make a reservation online HERE. If you'd rather take your chances at a walk-in visit, you can check with the host at Hello, Marjorie, which is directly in front of Good News, Darling.