Best Des Moines Sports Bars to Watch the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, running from June 11 through July 19. Forty-eight teams are vying for the trophy, but for many Iowa fans, all eyes will be on the United States. The US Men's National Team opens Group D play against Paraguay on June 12. While Spain, France, and 2022 champs Argentina draw the oddsmakers' attention, there is nothing like cheering on the home country with your local community.
Des Moines is loaded with sports bars and restaurants built for this exact moment. These are the local small businesses with massive screens, strong pours, and the kind of all-day energy that makes game day memorable. Whether you are a diehard soccer fan or just want to enjoy the international competition, these metro spots deliver the goods.
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
This neighborhood bar brings a scratch kitchen that punches above its weight. Warm wood paneling and industrial modern lighting wrap around quirky decor. The house-favorite AG burger is stacked just right, while the wings rank among the best on the south side. Try the thin-cut, lightly breaded fried pickles served with ranch. It is a cozy, unfussy spot with a small patio overlooking downtown Des Moines.
El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop is big, loud, and proudly unpretentious. Retro-Americana decor gives your eyes plenty to look at during commercial breaks, from beer signs to bicycles hanging from the ceiling. The wings are the anchor, available in enough sauces to match any of the 250-plus beers on tap. Loaded tots arrive in a glorious heap, and the Mexican-leaning plates like fish tacos are built for long nights with friends. Head out to the patio, which has its own bar when the crowds swell.
Bix & Co.
Bix & Co. brings a modern, slightly upscale feel to West Des Moines without losing its sense of fun. The menu leans into shareable plates, including crispy wings, loaded fries, and elevated takes on classics like tavern pizzas and breaded pork tenderloins. This lively Valley Junction spot works equally well for a casual dinner or a night out. Grab a seat on the patio that anchors the entrance to Valley Junction.
The Chicken Coop
With three metro locations, The Chicken Coop is a sports-bar staple built for big appetites and big screens. Open since 2012, it offers a classic Midwest casual vibe. Families mix with game-day crowds over comfort food that includes wings, steaks, burgers, and heavily loaded pizzas. Try the core menu wings in multiple sauces, the Irish nachos that swap chips for waffle fries, or the Big B chopped cheese burger. The Urbandale location is the busiest.
Hessen Haus
If schnitzel, currywurst, and giant pretzels paired with German beers sound like the perfect match, Hessen Haus delivers. The restaurant channels a German bier hall with communal tables and vaulted ceilings. Try the Schweinhaxe, a roasted pork shank with a caramelized crust, or the pretzel-crusted sauerkraut balls. Pair them with one of the 175 German and European beers behind the bar. The party often spills out onto the patio.
Des Moines Athletic Club
This downtown favorite offers a bar-first identity with strong cocktails and a lively weekend crowd. It feels like a timeless sports bar with oak and brass touches, mustard seating, and classic mirrors behind the bar. With TVs everywhere and loud energy, it leans more nightlife than restaurant. Try the Starter Jacket with amaretto, lemon, Campari, and a pistachio milk wash, or the 40 Love with mezcal and blackberry.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile brings British pub charm to downtown Des Moines, complete with dark wood, cozy corners, and a fireplace. A British telephone box and a beefeater greet customers, while soccer scarves hang overhead. The British fare is on point, including fish and chips and Guinness stew. The Scotch eggs are a must-order for anyone who loves a classic pub snack. British beers and scotch are specialties here. A small, alley-like patio sits to the side.
The Station on Ingersoll
The Station is a neighborhood bar that overdelivers with a wood-forward, retro-industrial interior built for wings and game-day energy. The wings arrive with a perfect crunch, the tenderloin is a full-on Iowa classic, and the burger is far better than a casual sports bar setting would suggest. Portions are generous, and the kitchen is fast. Sit on the shaded patio or slip back into Dugan's Hideaway, the speakeasy behind the restaurant.
Tito's Lounge
Tito's Lounge in Urbandale is a Mediterranean-leaning sports bar with a warm, modern interior. The menu blends Balkan specialties with American bar favorites. The space feels like a contemporary neighborhood lounge, polished but relaxed. Try the Greek gyro, the cevapi made with beef and veal sausage, or Tito's signature flatbread. Sit on the front patio when the weather is nice.
Support Local Business This World Cup
Watching the World Cup is about more than just soccer. It is a great chance to support local Iowa businesses and the hardworking entrepreneurs who keep our economy moving. Gather with your neighbors, grab some great food, and cheer on Team USA as they take on the world.