Tonic
| Address » | 5535 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines IA (Map) |
| Phone » | n/a |
| Website » | n/a |
| Downtown » | No |
| Type » | Bar |
| Tags » | Lounge | Sports Bar |
| Avg User Rating » |
  (based on 11 reviews) |
| Details » | Tonic is a West Glen bar near Target and Jordan Creek Town Center off of Mills Civic Parkway.
The owners themselves had trouble describing what the bar would be like, they said there is nothing like it in Des Moines and claimed it would be classy, fun, and relaxing. They also hesitantly described it as an upscale sportsbar - which is probably due to the 10 huge TVs. However there isn't a lot of sports paraphernalia and typical sports bar stuff; instead you'll find leather furniture, dark wood, 2 huge bars (1 on each level), 2 patios, and a mezzanine that overlooks the ground floor. It really is a classy place. Due to its location and style, Tonic is definitely a yuppie bar with a yuppie crowd, drinks aren't cheap, and some of the bartenders don't exactly know what they're doing yet, but all-in-all, it's a nice place. We've only been on a friday night - I'd like to check it out during a football game, or sometime during the week to see how it transforms. |
| User Reviews | |
Sponsored Links
User Reviews (11 reviews)
Apr 15, 2008 
cambohooker
This is a cool place that gets really packed on the weekends. This is more of an upscale bar. They have a good selection of martinis if you're into that. They used to be known for their cigar selection but with the state smoking ban, i'm not sure what's going to happen with that. The drinks can be pricey.
Nov 02, 2007 nevesis
Cool place -- great atmosphere and a classy, upscale crowd. The only caveat is that many of the patrons are part of the over 35 crowd.
Jul 25, 2007 straight money
I love this bar I've gone there every wednesday since I moved back to Des Moines. I live on the other side of town and don't mind driving all the way out there to enjoy a fun environment where I don't have to worry about being surrounded by people who don't know how to just sit down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. I can go here with my friends and really have a good time because you are surrounded by classy people.
Mar 08, 2007 BENCHWARMER
By far the best bar in Des Moines area I did'nt even know it existed until City Views ad came out a week or so ago on best bars in Des Moines. The bartender's & cocktail waitresses were more than helpful it was a Wenesday night & the place was packed-I just can't get over how nice of a place it was- the decor -is out of this world it's like something you would find in Chicago or New York they defenetily went a step or two above.I know this is were I will be hanging out from now on-they even offered to call a cab or give me a ride home ! Thank You Tonic staff
Mar 06, 2007 dsmjay
Talk about missed oppotunities! This should have be a cool place to go, but isn't. Who run this place, Denny Arthur? I've seen a younger crowd at the local nursing home. Maybe its a cigar manufacturer; the little guy behind the bar would'nt stop trying to sell us his overpriced cigars. As for the music, worst selection is DSM. One night they played one reggae CD all night, nothing else. Thank god Cabaret opened next door, so normal people in the neighborhood have a place to drink.
Jun 28, 2006 T
I thought the atmosphere was decent, the beer prices were fair, and the service was great. We sat upstairs (not outside). I thought the top floor atmosphere was a little bland/boring, otherwise it is a place I will go again.
Jun 25, 2006 Roberta
Great location. We sat on the patio and ordered drinks during a weekday Happy Hour. Margaritas were terrible, rather bitter in flavor. Beer was ok and the waitress didn't have change and forgot to bring it back to one patron twice. He had to point it out to her that she failed to return his change!! We did get take away food from Wok Fuzion and ate on the patio-appreciated that courtesy. I doubt we will return but it was mediocre at worst!
Mar 30, 2006 Tom Brazelton
My two star rating is generous only because I think this is an interesting location and I want it to do better.
We went maybe a week after they first opened and things did not go smoothly. Drinks took forever to get to us and when we called for the check, it took even longer. Then the girl couldn't find our receipt to sign off on the credit card. She "thought" we were charged thou...
We were so frustrated we just left.
I've been kind of itching to go back since West Glen started filling in a little more. I think if the owners shelf the sports bar idea and just said "Hey, it's a classy joint." there would probably be less confusion.
Dec 29, 2005 Josh
Just becasue a bar has TVs doesn't make it a sports bar. Just another bar with big flat screens thinking they're a sports bar. Prices are too high for a sports bar and what kind of sports bar doesn't serve pitchers? The only reason I'd go back was if I was on that side of town and wanted to watch a two minute drill. Other than that, it's a lounge at best. Looks like the owners tried to duplicate a Ducktail Lounge for the Jordan Creek area. Overall, prices are too high. $10 for 3 beers and $27 for four shots, ouch!
Dec 16, 2005 Tom
Great bar with a great atmosphere and good happy hour prices. Plus the best looking women I have seen at a bar in Des Moines. I just guess some of us think it is okay to show up and watch a game and leave the jersey at home.
Dec 03, 2005 nathan
So I read the review and this is NOT a sports bar. It is a yuppie crowd and that's what you will find there. Of all the TV's in the place 3 had sports going on and the others had FOX regular programming. The bartenders don't really have their feet set quite yet. And apparently you just walk in because the door guy only checks ID's if you walk up to him. I would call this place a mix of lounge and I don't know what else. It really has no identity as a bar. The only reason it got this good of a rating is because everyone there was good looking and it was clean. I'd like to check it out on a Sunday afternoon and see who shows up in jerseys.