Iowa Brewpub Named Best in the Country by USA Today

A Des Moines brewery was just recognized as the best brewpub in America by USA Today... for the second year in a row! Congratulations to Lua Brewing!

About Lua Brewing

According to the official website, Lua Brewing was founded by Scott and Whitney Selix, who actually met while working together at a craft beer bar. After recruiting brewer Zack Dunbar and Chef James Arbaugh, they opened Lua in November of 2019 at 1525 High Street in Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood.

In addition to their award-winning craft beer, Lua Brewing is also known for its delicious food. The menu consists of their "Smush Burgers," buffalo cauliflower, chicken sandwiches, avocado toast, caviar, and more. And, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., they have a special brunch menu! Options include huevos rancheros, biscuits & gravy, chilaquiles, tres leches waffles, breakfast burritos, and a bottomless bloody mary/mimosa bar. It's no wonder the brewpub has a 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews!

The Award

Lua Brewing has, once again, been named number one on USA Today's 10Best Brewpub list! Here's what the article has to say about the Des Moines' business:

"This microbrewery and restaurant is known for its innovative craft beers and a diverse menu, from smashburgers and fried pickles to house-harvested caviar and tofu bites. Guests can chill out at the taproom or on the dog-friendly patio."

After winning the award in 2025, Lua Brewing decided to create their own traveling trophy, with the intention of passing it on to the 2026 winner. Thankfully, they don't have to travel very far!

But, Best Brewpub is not the ONLY award that Lua Brewing received from USA Today this year...

The OTHER Award

Another one of the beer-related awards from USA Today in 2026 is 'Best Beer Label.' The article says that all ten of this year's winners "have mastered the art of grabbing attention, then delivering a delicious brew." Number one on that list is ALSO Lua Brewing!

The label that won Lua Brewing the award is for Scars Are Beautiful, which is described on their website as a "West Coast IPA with Citra & Mosaic." The campaign was spearheaded by Jess Klembara, a cancer survivor and brewer with a powerful message to share. A 2023 Instagram post from Lua Brewing reads:

"Scars Are Beautiful is a nationwide campaign that aims to shed light on the aftermath of a mastectomy. This beer and campaign was created by our friend [Jess] to encourage individuals to embrace themselves after major surgery and bearing significant scars."

Jess' social media said that the artwork was inspired by Kyle from Lua Brewing, and it was taken to "another level" by artist Bree Glenn from the graphic design company 818.

You can read more about all of Lua Brewing's craft beers on their website HERE.

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