The Gas Lamp

Went here for the first time last night, and really enjoyed it. It was a quiet night, but didn't have any problem getting drinks at all. Nice selection of beers, and the decor inside was really cool with a lot of vintage items. My only complaint would be everyone smoking outside stood right in front of the door, but it was cold and I really could have just moved seats and it would have been fine, so not a big deal.

I just stopped out to check out the Gas Lamp for my first time today at Happy Hour.

First impressions? This is a bar, bar (no fancy trends or themes) with a solid stage, great view, and personable people working. It was definitely a cozy place to sit down and have a beer for happy hour.

One of the first things I noticed is that there are no TVs (well, aside from the old school static TVs that they stenciled up as artwork above the bar). But there are no TVs here, which pretty much made everyone talk to each other rather than stare at the wall. It was amazing. I really hope they keep it this way.

Aside from that, the Gas Lamp had a great selection of drinks, neat tables made out of old doors, and some good vintage decor. I can't wait to go back for a show - I hear the sound is great as well.

Finally made it here for the first time last night. We were only planning to stop in for one beer. There was a duet playing with a $5 cover (well worth it). Got a beer at the bar and grabbed a table. There were only about 15 people in the place (it was a Wed night). I found the other comments about the service interesting as our waitress was very attentive and checked on us regularly. Nice vibe to the place. As another reviewer mentioned, I love that the absence of TVs to stare at encourages the lost art of conversation. The band was great. My only regret is that I didn't get the name of the band as the lead singer had a great voice (and was beautiful). I'll definitely be back.

Last Sunday nite we went to The Gas Lamp to see Wayne Hancock who was suppose to be playing at 9 pm. We got there at 8:45 pm, standing room only. This place only has about 15 places to sit in the entire bar, but all taken. It cost us $15.00 a piece needless to say at 11 pm he still had not performed and you could not even stand in there because there was so many people. I would think if an establihment was to have someone as him play they could accommendate the patrons who pay for this. We are deeply disapointed and will never go back to this establishment again.

We went to hear Bob Pace last night and stayed for hours. Packed house - very friendly [and always around] wait staff! We will certainly go back!

I really want this place to succeed because we need more places like this in Des Moines and it seems like they went to a lot of work to clean this place up. However, the one time I went in, unfortunately, like another reviewer said, I was basically ignored at the bar. I waited and waited for one of the bartenders to wait on me. I even moved around to catch their eye. I finally gave up and left. I will try the place again but I hope they work on the service.

This place is a rat hole.. filled with trash.. horrible service. looks nice from the outside, inside was dirty, none of us will return, but if you go make sure to get something with a cap because the mixed drinks were pretty much straight pop, what a rip

Well, it's got that new bar smell.

I'd like to review this place based on the prices and the service, but unfortunately I didn't get the chance to experience either. We walked in on a slow sunday night with very few people at the bar, hoping to get a cocktail before we went home. The bartender didn't acknowledge our existence, we sat there as she talked to her buddies and offered them more drinks as she completely ignored us.

A head nod or an "I'll be right with you" would have been fine, but we got nothing, not even the "what are you doing here" glare you get from some bartenders on the south side. So we sat there, and waited until we realized we weren't welcome. So we left, walked a few blocks and got some service with a smile at Carl's. This place will probably stick around based on it's location and history, but I'm not going to be welcoming them to the neighborhood anytime soon.