The 10 Best Bars in Iowa — 2026

We compared all 948 bars in Iowa on the data that matters: services offered, posted hours, and how easy each one is to reach. No pay-to-play — this ranking comes straight from the listings data, updated October 2026.

#1 · Big Red BarnCedar Rapids Karaoke

Mon 10am-11pm, Fri 10am-12am, Sat 9am-12am, Sun 10am-10pm

(319) 363-2000 Website View listing

#2 · London UndergroundAmes Dive bar

Mon-Thu 3pm-2am, Fri-Sun 2pm-2am

(515) 233-8500 Website View listing

#3 · Stormy'sUrbandale Dive bar

Mon-Sun 7am-2am

(515) 270-9818 Website View listing

#4 · The Butterfly LoungeDavenport Lounge

Mon-Thu 3pm-12am, Fri 3am-1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-12am

(309) 400-1119 Website View listing

#5 · Vinnie's LongbranchFort Madison Dive barKaraokeLive music

Mon-Sun 10am-2am

(319) 372-7987 Website View listing

#6 · Night CapBurlington LoungeLive music

Thu 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-12am

(319) 237-1099 Website View listing

#7 · Cypress LoungeCedar Falls Lounge

(319) 266-0000 Website View listing

#8 · The ZooIndianola

(515) 961-8731 Website View listing

#9 · Bradley's IncWest Des Moines

(515) 222-9592 Website View listing

#10 · Cottontail LoungeUrbandale Lounge

(515) 276-0111 Website View listing

Run one of these businesses? You earned this spot — email [email protected] for your free “Top Bars in Iowa” badge to put on your site, and we’ll make sure your listing stays accurate.
How we rank: every listing earns points for listed services (saloon, dive bar, bar & grill, lounge, lgbtq+, tavern, karaoke, hookah, arcade, happy hour, live music, dog-friendly, beach, biker, country), posted hours, and working contact details. The ranking is recalculated with every data update.