Hessen Haus

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by Deadlock

Having been to bier halls in Munich, I can tell you that the Hessen Haus is a respectable homage to Germany’s venerable drinking establishments. From the decor and furnishings (long wooden tables and benches) to the glassware, to the beer selection... this is a good way to get a German drinking experience without the trip across the Atlantic. The beer on tap has an excellent showing of German brews, with a few notable entries from other countries. The bottled selection fills in the gaps with many rare and delectable European beers, and a few non sequitur options (Corona, Bud Light) clearly there to placate those who aren’t serious about fine beer. The food is second fiddle to the brew but the menu has many choices that range from American bar food with a German twist (Bavarian Nachos) to hardcore German fare (Sauerbraten, Wienerschnitzel). I’ve only sampled from the appetizers, but what I’ve had has been pretty good. (Certainly a big step up from the pathetic, frozen mozzarella sticks and buffalo wings some bars will serve you.)

I’d like to see the Hessen Haus add big baked pretzels to their menu (a staple in German bier halls). That’s about my only complaint (except for all the silly people I see there drinking Bud Light. Shame on you!)

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by Bret

Neat atmosphere but none of us were too impressed w/ our food.

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by tetre

This place has a wonderful selection of exotic foods (exotic to Americans, but not to Europeans). Interesting sausages and meats - beautifully prepared.

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by cambohooker

Great downtown theme bar! They have a ton of German beers on tap. The food is great as well. Try the rueben rolls or the sauerbraten, both are excellent choices. This place gets pretty packed on weekends and on nights the I-cubs are playing.

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by Amy

A great place to get a drink on a Saturday afternoon, with lunch on the side. Their brats were very good and saurkraut is the best in town. A little loud, though, to talk to friends when the polka music's going - FYI.

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by Sparky

If you like to just sit, get drunk, reek like smoke when you leave and have bad service, hit this bar. I have fun when I go, but the service has always been less than stellar....but hey it's a German Bar!

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by Pepe

Truly one of Des Moines best bars! Great food, great music, great crowd, great atmosphere!

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by BGunzy

Have been there a couple of times; once for lunch, the other for dinner. Great selection of beers far and wide - German beer on draft! Food is good, service is good as well. Highly recommend.

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by Jenaside

Where can you listen to old style polka music and not feel strange? The Hessen Haus! Based on bars found in Germany, the decor is fantastic and the German food? To die for. While found in America, I found this bar did remind me of the three weeks I spent in Germany several years back. They have nice big tables to sit and relax, eat your food, or drink your beer at. The layout is simple, the space per person is ample, and the location is very cozy.

The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because I'm more of a night club type person over a bar.

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by SloppyDog

this place is cool. go there and shoot the boot- it's a big ass glass boot that is filled w/ brew. but make sure to put your buddy's credit card down in case you break it. the food is only ok, but there's a ton of beers. a little over priced. a great place to meet your buddies or strangers as there's a ton of cafeteria style seating.

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Tips for Hessen Haus from foursquare users

Josh D.

C'mon. Step it up to a half-liter, sissy.

15 people have done this and 1 other wants to

Neil R.

Eat a Bratwurst

9 people have done this

Zachary B.

I love this bar like I love my family. Its a great place to relax and have a drink.

8 people have done this

Zachary B.

Probably 1 of the best bars in Des Moines. If you're looking to chill this is the place to be. Good people and great people. I would recommend this bar to any1. By the way, make sure you try the boot.

6 people have done this

Otis K.

Das Boot! Requires at least 3 people and a credit card to order.

5 people have done this and 1 other wants to

Trevor D.

Das boot!

5 people have done this

Brian L.

Rob the bartender is a great dude and always has good beer recommendations because he loves good beer.

5 people have done this

Alex B.

Don't be fooled! The nachos here aren't what you'd expect - in a good way!

5 people have done this

Christoph T.

great food and authentic beer.

4 people have done this

Jeremy O.

Pickled eggs. That's all.

4 people have done this

Rosemary R.

The pretzels are delicious ^.^

3 people have done this and 1 other wants to

Joseph R.

Try the Eisbier - beer is frozen, and then has the ice crystals removed - the result is higher in ABV% (alchohol content) and more flavorful! Also, shots of Apfelkorn (Apple liqueur) for $3 when the

3 people have done this and 1 other wants to

Marc H.

Go to trivia night with Bob Nastanovich.

3 people have done this

Scott K.

Hessen Salad is awesome for vegetarians. Definitely big enough as a meal on its own.

2 people have done this and 3 others want to

Ryan C.

This is our spot! If you are here for food, get the Andouille Po'boy, fries and extra honey mustard (for the fries), if you are here to drink, get off your phone! Boot's comin'!

2 people have done this

Angela H.

Haker Pschoor Alt is in season! Come and get it!

2 people have done this

Dan D.

Authentic German Bier Hall.

2 people have done this

Brian B.

they serve Buzzard Billy's favorites here too. but the SchweinsHaxe rocks!!!!!

1 person has done this and 1 other wants to

Sean C.

Make your spaetzle swim in gravy!

1 person has done this and 1 other wants to

Tony H.

Hacker Pschorr Alt is a perfect "dark beer" gateway. It is dark, but tastes really mild for such a dark beer.

1 person has done this

libby

Come here for a birthday boot, good times will be had:)

1 person has done this

Jeff Z.

Try the Golden Pheasant draft bier!

1 person has done this

Hessen Haus is a German beer hall located in downtown Des Moines, which seems a bit out of place but once inside you'll notice a very warm atmospher. Everything is wooden, the bar is 40 feet long, and the tables are huge. You'll probably be sharing one of the large tables with someone you don't know, so don't be surprised if you meet some new people.

Hessen Haus offers a full menu to go along with their huge German beers. So whether you're hungry or just thirsty for beer, be sure to stop in and check this place out. I'd recommend asking your server/bartender for their suggestions. They've always been very helpful.

The most common age group at Hessen Haus are folks in their 20s or 30s. But you'll definitely find some older German beer lovers "in the haus."

Walking up to Hessen Haus Hessen Haus

@HessenHaus on Twitter

4:30 to 5:30 wed 11/4 - Royal Mile $3 Beer Feature – Boddingtons

National Director of Brewmaster Outreach----how do you get that job? find out 11/4 at a pub crawl

4:30 to 5:30 wed 11/4 - Royal Mile $3 Beer Feature – Boddingtons

6:00 to 7:00 wed 11/4- Hessen Haus $3 Beer Feature – Hoegaarden

7:30 to 8:30 wed 11/4 - el Bait Shop $3 Beer Feature – Bud American Ale