Royal Mile

Address » 210 4th St, Des Moines IA     (Map)
Phone » (515) 280-3771
Website » n/a
Downtown » Yes
Type »Bar | Restaurant
Tags »Lounge
Avg User Rating » 4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating  (based on 9 reviews)
Details »The Royal Mile is a true english pub with lots of warmth and plenty of character. It's decorated in dark wood, lots of European wall hangings, and even has a fire place.

They offer an extensive selection of imported beers, both on tap and in bottles (including Boddington's and Strongbow Cider on tap). They also have a ton of jagermeister and over 30 single-malt scotches.

Though the average age at the Royal Mile seems to be mid 30s, the crowd seriously ranges from all ages - you'll find grandpas, kids in their 20s, and everything in between.

We haven't tried the food yet, but apparently the fish and chips, and pork loin medallions are great.

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User Reviews (9 reviews)

Apr 15, 2008 4.5-star rating4.5-star rating4.5-star rating4.5-star rating4.5-star rating FattyHungry

In addition to the unparalleled (largely English) beer selection, the British Pub fare is jolly good too, Ol' Chap. Undeniably the best Fish and Chips in town, the Gubbins Chicken sandwich and Turkey Reuben are also excellent. For the quintessential hangover food, try a Scotch Egg: boiled egg encased in sausage, breaded/battered and deep fried, served with great spicy mustard. On a recent visit my companion & I attempted to count all the scotches 'The Mile' offers: 76, and that is just the bottles we could see. Likely a few more hidden in the rail we couldn't see. Over time I'm attempting to sample all the beers on the menu, although a visit is never complete without at least one 'Old Peculier' Yorkshire ale- one of my favorites. Thankfully the beer list is substantial enough I'll have to make many more trips to this great British Pub. Cheers!

Sep 06, 2007 4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating Heidi

M and I are frequent patrons of the Royal Mile, especially during the patio months. The food is good: we love the fish and chips, rueben egg rolls, and the Scotch egg.

The draft beer selection is great. M goes for Fuller's London Pride, while I tend towards Bottingtons.

Negatives: it can get pretty smokey, and patio service has been slow the past few times we've visited. S

Sep 06, 2007 0.5-star rating0.5-star rating0.5-star rating0.5-star rating0.5-star rating drinksy

um... not a true english pub. not owned or run by a true englishman. no H.B. sauce anywhere. good try tho. but not, and I mean not, real.

Feb 16, 2006 4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating Tony

At first the menu seems a bit sparse, but when you're food comes, you won't be disappointed. Everything on the menu seems to be done well. Probably better Scottish food than you'll get in Scotland. One warning though, this is a bar (a great one) with a sit down area upstairs. May want to keep this is mind when considering what time to eat out. Overall, something different that won't disappoint.

Oct 06, 2005 4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating4-star rating NOG's Wife

I'll echo what others have said...authentic feel, authentic food and a great beer selection. There's a great vibe in this place. I'd give it five stars, but they have seriously got to get some better smokeaters. Even as a casual smoker, I get smoked out of this bar on busy nights. It can get unbearable. Bring your Visine! :)

Aug 22, 2005 5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating capitalcityguy

Great place! Fish and chips rock as does the Guiness Pie. Awesome atmosphere! Makes you feel like you're back in jolly ole' England.

Aug 17, 2005 5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating Matt

My favorite place in Des Moines. Great fish and chips (with malt vinegar). Steak pie is pretty sweet too. For an appetizer try the Scotch Eggs.

I go there for the draft beer - Beamish, Harp, Guinness, Bass, Newcastle, Badger Paw, Boddingtons, Strongbow (cider), ESB, London Pride, Fullers Porter, McEwans, John Courage, Tenants, Youngs Double Chocolate just to name a few! Loads of interesting bottled beer as well.

Nice mix of people at the Mile.

May 05, 2005 5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating Adam Clarke

First off, these guys have done their homework. Named after the road that leads to Edinburgh, Scotland, this Pub is the closest thing to a true british pub that I have seen in the states. They do have a mean fish and chips as well as curry chicken egg rolls. Great selection including Woodpecker Cider on tap. Cheers.

May 02, 2005 5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating5-star rating andie

I love this place. They have tons of beer options from all over the world, they have a patio and the food is good to boot. I would suggest the fish and chips they are delicious. Service could use a pick me up, but I think that is because everytime I have been there it has been busy.

There is an alternative group of youngsters that hang on the patio in the summer time, great people watching. It's just fun!!