The Cab

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by antbee

Jason was our bartender...he did an AWESOME job!! Friendly nice atmosphere ...friendly locals. Would recommend

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by Johnston Resident

We were just there about three months ago. Bartender was a jerk. My friend is a realtor with Iowa Realty. She was looking for local businesses in Johnston to buy gift certificate for her clients. She's also on the Johnston Chamber. To make a long story short she didn't buy a gift certificate there. Bartender ignored us and then went and sat with his buddies. Anyway, she bought her gift certificates at The Lounge, Starbucks, Roadhouse, Okoboji and Legends. Don't waste your time at "The Cab."

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by Perrymaylisa

- To our most wonderful mermoy capture-rs, Rick and Bernadette! All I can say is Wow! Your photographs are amazing. Makes me well up in tears all over again! (I am reminded after looking over these photos that I am quite an emotional person and don't hide it on my face!) You both captured the essence of our wedding day and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. These images will be treasured forever! We will also never forget your kindness and easygoing-ness that made us feel comfortable in front of your cameras with awesome lenses! WOW!September 14, 2011 3:43 am

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by Tom

If you notice the other reviews they are all old. I've been there twice in the last 6 months. Both times the same bartender was a jerk. Acted like he wasn't happy to be there and that it was a chore to do his job. He seemed to care more about keeping his 2 buddies happy rather than the rest of the customers. I would not recommend this bar.

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by Jill

I like the bar. but something seemed to be wrong with the bartender. we asked for our check several times and each time he just went back to the bar and didnt return we went up to the bar and got his attention he couldnt seem to understand what we wanted. We finally threw a 20 on the table and left. Very strange otherwise a nice bar.

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by Heidi

A wonderful little gem of a bar. Des Moines needs more places like this in the Beaverdale area!

Great decor, clean, and smoke-free! Fabulous selection of martinis and decent beer choices. Didn't get around to trying the food the first time out, but we will be back again and again.

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by dave

Love this place!!


It's near the movies theaters on 86th street north of I-35/80.

Pool table in back room, upscale decor, and great beer and mixed drinks make this one of my top spots.

With a sexy staff and Larry's great bartending, the Cab's HD plasma tv's and Bose system jukebox bring in a diverse mix from sports enthusiasts to single hotties looking for a good time. Friday and Saturday nights can be packed!!



I've always had a good time at the Cab!!

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by Biff

Nice clean place to enjoy your favorite drink. Friendly staff and AMAZING steaks.

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by Jenny

I wish there were more bars in Des Moines like The Cab in Johnston. I used to go out quite a bit, but the smoke in bars was just too much. I hated going home smelling like an ashtray, and then having to wash it out of my hair, clothes, coats, etc...it stinks! And, it makes me ill and I cough the whole next day. I would go out a lot more if other bars went smoke free like the Cab. I don't think they realize that their business would not decline, it would actually probably improve. There are more non-smokers that drink than there are smokers...but they just choose to stay out of the smoky bars. Thank you, Cab. Now, I wish your OTHER location which I'm closer to would go smoke free, too!

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by amanda

i had a great time at this bar! the bartender larry was very nice and kept me company all night long! i hear the food is very ngood but i wouldnt know because they wouldnt serve me any i came too late... the bathrooms are awesome but larry says it cost them lotsw of money...so when u stop in tell them how nice it looks! those black toilets make dropping off the load so much more enjoyable! you also get to use the internet for free so if your a cheap bastard like me come ask larry to use his little lap top so u can check the weather or your bank account or for some of u desperate bar goers there is some matchmakers.com or singles.com whatever it is go get urself some! this bar kicks ass for anyone who would like to come visit make sure u tip the bartenders they appreciate it and deserve it! one last thing the grand zombie is the best drink in the book...try it out!!!

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by Em

Loved it! If you don't enjoy smelling like an ashtray and enjoy great people go there! Drinks are a little pricy, but worth the lack of smell when you leave.

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by DVDA

Great place to have drinks and not feel like an ashtray when you leave...

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by kari

The Cab is one of my favorite bars in the Des Moines area. No smoking, small crowds, amazing blue cheese olives, and a bar staff who remembers your name (and sometimes even your drink)... all combined with good TV and usually good music playing on the juke box... topped off with a good guy named Larry who pays for your bowling games if there are no tables and encourages jager bombs better than any bar tender... Who could ask for anything more?

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by NicoleK

This is the place to sit down, relax and enjoy not smelling like an ashtray. I love this bar because you can actually have a conversation without yelling, the staff is super friendly and it's a clean environment.

The décor is martini-lounge without the stiffness. The have a wide variety of house martinis and drinks and a good variety of beers. Daily specials help with the wallet and they offer fun seasonal martinis and drinks.

The cAB is cozy, but that also means no place for typical bar entertainment like a pool table, but then again it really isn't that type of place. They do have a electronic juke box, a lot of flat panel TVs and Sliver Strike Bowling if you do get bored. They also have karaoke and live music during the week. Keep an eye out for extras they offer on Holidays and other special occasions.

As for food you can not go wrong with Steak Night on Mondays. It's a no-frills, grilled steak and potato, but it is wonderful. The appetizers are the only thing that needs improvement; they taste like bland typical frozen food. However, in the large scheme of things after a few drinks who cares what you are eating.

By far The cAb is the place to be, it's the perfect size to mingle and meet people. The location is perfect, whether you go before a movie or stop in for an after dinner drink. The service is superior compared to other joints and the drinks are priced right and taste great. It's just a chill place. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

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by injekted

The cAb is a smoke-free lounge, so you don't have to worry about going home smelling bad (unless you got to the cAb already smelling that way). It's more of a classy bar than most. Plus, if you get money from the ATM, you get charged $2, but you will get a $1 off of your drink.

They also have a different special every day, including $7 steak dinner night, which is awesome. I would definitely recommend checking out the cAb any night of the week.

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by mh

Smoke free, on my way home, and good specials. I can't refuse any of the above. The Cab has become my after work bar, and I think others have made the same choice. If you're on your way home or want to go out for a classy late night drink, this is a great destination. The crowd tends toward the suburban set, and the numerous televisions (some HDTV) make the bar great for viewing an occasional sports game. Check out the beer selection in the large cooler -- there are some imports worth checking out.

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by nathan

If there is one place in this town where you can call a bar cozy and not coming out smelling like smoke, this is it. It's a smoke-free bar that can hold about 50 people. Everything is clean and if you've been there more than 3 times, the bartenders know who you are. Not your name but atleast your face. For such a small place they have numerous TVs - big screen, big Panels. There is a wall jukebox that if you are lucky and crappy music is playing, they might give you money to play something that doesn't suck. There is Silver Strike Bowling and darts in the far corner.

Probably the best part from my experience has been Monday $7 Steak. It comes with a salad, potato, bread and decent sized steak. The best part is it's served on paper plates so you don't have to worry about breaking anything.

If you don't like smokey bars, then come visit. If you like to smoke, you should come visit but take your butt outside when you want one.

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Tips for The Cab from foursquare users

Steve H.

Steak nights on Monday. !

2 people have done this

Emily G.

$1 jello shots are awesome!!

1 person has done this

Steve H.

Stop for comedy nights every other Wednesday's starting April 12th 2011

1 person has done this

Steve H.

Very nice neighborhood lounge

1 person has done this

Steve H.

Great pizza

1 person has done this

Steve H.

Great atmosphere

1 person has done this

andrea d.

Get Laura to make you a dirty girl scout shot. And tip her well.

1 person has done this

First of all, this bar is smoke-free. A huge plus for a huge amount of people. How often do you shower, go out, and come home smelling fresh and clean? Rarely - but it can happen when returning from The Cab.

If you're looking for a classy place to chill, check here. Sometimes it can get a little crowded, but usually it's the perfect place to relax and have a drink - especially during the week.

The Cab is also great for catching games on TV. They broadcast to their 7 TVs in HD and are big sports fans.

The drinks at the Cab are never weak and their martini's are bigger than most. If you want the one of the best martinis in town, talk to Larry, the blond guy behind the bar. In fact, any drink he makes will probably be better than most other bars. They've got a great selection of hard alcohol and an even better selection of beer.

There are always good specials, whether it be a steak dinner, appetizers, or their drinks. You'll also find live music on occasion and a pool table in the back.

The cAb - a smoke free lounge Early in the evening during the holidays High Def at the Cab

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