Iowa
Food|Bars & Nightlife

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Luxury Hotel In Iowa Is Perfect For A Date Night

Published Mar 29, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Nightlife is just about everywhere these days, so it's hard to believe that a hundred years ago, a drink on a night out could get you tossed in the ol' hoosegow. We're all glad that Prohibition is a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean it didn't leave some very interesting marks on our culture. We're still fascinated by the history of the era, especially those famous speakeasies where the booze kept flowing away from the eyes of the law. Those speakeasies aren't needed anymore, with most people drinking in large pubs and cocktail lounges these days. Still, there's something charming about hidden havens for fine drinks - and one hotel speakeasy in Iowa is bringing back the tradition. In Confidence, a secretive bar in the Hotel Fort Des Moines, is serving up craft cocktails with a roaring twenties theme, and we're ready to take you inside the coolest new bar in Des Moines.

Hotel Fort Des Moines casts an impressive shadow over the heart of Des Moines.

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Hotels.Com

Inside, this massive hotel - part of the Curio Collection by Hilton - is a stately modern getaway with top lodging and dining options.

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Hotels.com

But many people don't know about its hidden speakeasy - In Confidence, located behind a hidden doorknob.

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Melinda Bianchi/Google Local

This unique, 1920s-inspired speakeasy has a Great Gatsby theme and a fantastic array of spirits available.

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Melinda Bianchi/Google Local

When you enter, you'll be given a list of the craft cocktails on offer, including a few non-alcoholic options.

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Melinda Bianchi/Google Local

A night of tasting the unique cocktails here makes an amazing night out for a couple that loves fine spirits,

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Hotel Fort Des Moines/Facebook

The vintage decor gives this bar, which is rarely full due to its obscured location, a great flair that makes it feel a mile away from the modern world.

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Hotel Fort Des Moines/Facebook

Have you visited In Confidence at Hotel Fort Des Moines? Let us know about your visit to this hotel speakeasy bar in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more on the Hotel Fort Des Moines website or the Hotel Fort Des Moines Facebook page. You can also book your stay directly! This popular hotel is only feet away from Bubba, one of our favorite spots for southern food in all of Iowa.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/southern-food-in-iowa-ia/

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Food|Bars & Nightlife

This Amazing Iowa Pool Features A Swim-Up Bar With Craft Cocktails

Published Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Ah, summer. We all love those long, sunny days - except when the temperature seems to keep shooting up with no end in sight. Then it's time to head to the pool, and there's no more epic pool than the one at Adventureland Bay. Part of the Adventureland Resort complex in Altoona, Iowa's premiere theme park is also home to its largest and best waterpark. This massive destination for slides and wave pools is perfect when you really need to cool down, but did you know it's also home to the best pool bar in Iowa? That's right, the Sandbar is the perfect destination for grownups who want a frosty drink with their summer splashing. And the best part? You don't even need to leave the pool to indulge!

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Adventureland Bay is a massive waterpark complex filled with Iowa's most thrilling rides and waterslides.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

It's also home to the biggest wave pool in the state, giving guests an adrenaline-pumping taste of the tropics.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

But on the hottest days, our favorite spot here is the more laid-back Pirate's Port. It's one of the most relaxing spots in the park...

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

And it's also home to the Sandbar, the best pool bar in Iowa. You can get a drink on land...

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Adventureland

Or simply swim up to the bar and place your order for a beer, cocktail, or snack.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

There are always new concoctions on offer here, including delicious frozen drinks perfect for 90-degree days.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

It might be tempting to spend all day lounging here - but there are slides to tackle!

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Adventureland

Don't worry, the bar will be waiting right here when you get back down to the water.

Have you enjoyed a drink at the Sandbar at Adventure Bay before? Let us know if you think it's the best pool bar in Iowa in the comments section! You can see more about this unique destination on the Adventureland website, and make sure to follow the Adventureland Facebook page for more details on this summer's events! There's more good news across the resort - the famous roller coaster The Underground is open and renovated for 2024! If you feel like you'll need more than one day to fully experience this resort - and we don't blame you! - you don't even need to leave the grounds. You can book a room at the family-friendly Adventureland Inn and keep the good times rolling.

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Food|Bars & Nightlife

A Historic Department Store Is Now Iowa’s Best New Steakhouse And Speakeasy

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Historic buildings are a big part of what makes cities unique, and I always love to see that old-time charm even as the purpose of the building changes. That's exactly what's happened to one building in the charming Mississippi River city of Davenport, and the result is the best new speakeasy in Iowa. The Garrison, which opened in late 2023, is located in the historic Redstone Building, which used to house an iconic department store. That business is long gone, but management has preserved the famous exterior even as it now plays host to some of the best food, drinks, and music in Davenport. The Garrison is still building buzz as a new restaurant, but it seems clear that this is now one of the gems of the Davenport dining scene.

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The façade of the Redstone Building is still deeply impressive today - as is the restaurant inside it.

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Google Street View

Welcome to The Garrison, an elite restaurant and speakeasy with a Roaring Twenties theme.

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Michelle Kelley/Google Local

It's a speakeasy, but it's also a modern Davenport dining destination.

There are tables available, but a place at the old-fashioned bar is the best way to enjoy The Garrison.

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The Garrison/Google Local

The menu trends old-fashioned, with classy twists on standards like deviled eggs.

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Grace Restauro/Google Local

This is a steakhouse at heart, and you can trust that whatever you order will be cooked to perfection.

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Lisa Armstrong/Google Local

The sides are delicious too, and if you're not in the mood for meat, the dinner menu also offers some amazing seafood. Even the sauces are made in-house!

A lot of effort goes into the plated desserts - like this flavorful red velvet cannoli.

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The Garrison/Facebook

Of course, for many, the star attraction will be the wide selection of high-end spirits on offer - perfect for completely legal tippling in this modern speakeasy!

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The Garrison/Google Local

Have you dined at The Garrison in Davenport? What did you think of this new speakeasy in Iowa with a Prohibition theme? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu on the website of The Garrison, and visit the Facebook page of this Iowa speakeasy for the latest updates. If you're interested in more of Davenport's history, check out the city's historic German village. And if you need a place to spend the night here, we give high marks to The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection, which offers stunning waterfront views.

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