the LiFT

Wonderfully laid-back and mellow atmosphere, with great drinks and intriguing conversation. Everyone in there seemed to be a professional, or at least a maturity level above twelfth grade!I’d strongly recommend if you’re looking for a well-made cocktail and engaging conversation with your group- or open to making friends!

Love the martinis here! Great specials throughout the week! Staff is pretty nice. Seat yourself. Nice, intimate place to meet a friend or two.

Lift has been around for a while and they managed to maintain their relaxed and down to earth atmosphere. It’s a must stop for me every time I visit Des Moines. Last time I was here was 15 years ago and not much has changed, that is what I love about it. I am watching the bartender (Eva) manage the entire bar by herself and maintain a great positive attitude. Great little cozy, down to earth bar. BTW, the drinks are amazing too. 😉

Well What can I say If I can give them a ZERO start I wouldve I have never been to a recist bar before being a Latino guy and a Korean girl, Last night me and my Korean Friend decided to go to LIFT and the white Girl with short hair white lady decided to ignore us when she made the last call 🤔 sorry she never gave us her name but she had a flower jacket on 4/13/24 so after she finished taking care of her non Latinos or Korean people (white onlys) she told us the bar was closed we told her we been here and you have ignore us so she decided to sell us the last beer and she only gave us 5 minutes to finish the last beer she sold us Of course (Expensive beer ) . She says it is 2 oclock and I have to take your glasses mind you her (WHITE) Customers still had their drinks and she didnt tell them NADA, BUT SHE KICK US OUT saying that the bar was closed and took our glasses with half beer out. I didnt want trouble but that made me feel like a manorrist in this country saying the bar is close and kicking us out of the bar after we pay Her and TIP HER REALLY GOOD but there WERE still people drinking and she didnt kick them out please if you go and spend your money at this bar dont tip them we tip them and they still kick us out. And there ( white Friends still were able to finish their beer and whatever they were drinking) I give this place a racist star ⭐ if you are not white please go somewhere else, that lady even called me drunk when I was not even drunk I just wanted to have a beer and had a good time I was really mad because I didnt get her name, short hair WHITE girl

This place was awesome. The night we went there were some movies playing, the bartender was very pleasant and he made some really tasty drinks. The bar itself was pretty spacious and comfortable and overall we had a great time.

Amazing service and amazing drinks. The key lime martini is to die for and all the others are just as good

After frequenting The Lift for several years, I got out of the habit and Im not sure why! After visiting the other night, Im kicking myself for not going back more often. Their S & M martini used to be my go to, so I was happy to see it still on the menu. There were also a lot of new ones Id like to go back and try. The bartender was so friendly and personable, it was easy to stay for more than one, even though we hadnt planned to! Pro Tip: On Wednesdays martinis are half off!

Great place to go and enjoy a Martini in downtown Des Moines. I especially enjoy Wednesday nights, $4 martinis.

Best cocktail! Amazing service! We ordered Fongs Pizza across the street and got a cocktail while waiting. Brought the pizza over and drank our fun beverage. 10/10 experience!

It’s the best bar in Des Moines. No further commentary needed.

Easily one of the most comfortable bars downtown. Dim lights, soft music, and features local art on the walls that cycles regularly. The artsy aesthetic feels earned and doesnt come across as pretentious. The end result is a cool, unique atmosphere with quality, fairly priced drinks. Makes for a interesting start of a night out or a relaxing end of a long work day.

The staff is great! They have a wide selection of unique and classic martinis, but they serve anything youd find at a typical bar too. What sets this place apart is that it can be a low key relaxing visit. The also have rotating art displays from local artists.

2 for 1 martinis on wednesdays, great art (for sale too), attentive bartenders, good music, what more do you need?

The Lift is consistently great, with good service and drinks that are cheap (especially if youre going during half price Wednesday). I super recommend it.

Amazing authentic bar! The Martinis were so delicious! The bartender was very receptive and made the best martinis I ever tasted! Good crowd as well!

2-for-1Martinis on Wednesdays, and a great space overall to just chill with friends after a long day. I love seeing the artist featured on the walls everytime I visit. The menu is drinks is delicious, and never changes (if you like that sort of thing).

Great neighborhood vibe bar. Unique Martini menu. Friendly staff.

Honestly my favorite place downtown. It gets busy during the weekend, but not-weekend times are perfect! A quiet, small bar with great drink selection and even better staff! Easy place to get friends together and chat. :)

Some of Des Moiness best cocktails. For the REAL hipsters who made the town cool in the first place. All the vibe. None of the Manhattan prices or attitude. AWESOME staff full of fun stories that really knows its stuff.

One of my favorite bars in the metro as they have great drink deals on Wednesdays and Thursdays and always display local art for sale. Also there are comfy couches and local beers on tap. I love the laid back atmosphere - perfect for sipping a martini and playing a game of cribbage.

This is my favorite bar in Des Moines. The lighting inside is very relaxing. They rotate local art work for sale around the bar so the eye candy is different almost every time I visit. But the real jewels of this place are the martinis. They are made to style with precision every time. My usual is the Manhattan or the Frency. Cheers!

The Lift is one of our favorite spots for martinis! The martinis are awesome and the vibe and atmosphere is always unique and a treat! If you’re looking for a true local experience with great drinks, be sure to check out The Lift!!!

Best martinis in Des Moines. If thats what youre looking for then The Lift is for you!

The night we went here they had a band playing jazz style music. I feel as though this place has a laid back feel. The biggest complaint I have about this place is that it was kind of small. But over all, I think it is a nice place to go and have a few drinks with that special someone

2 for 1 Martinis every Wednesday and Thursday is Pint night (reduced prices). This place is a DSM classic and the only bar in know in town that doesnt have a TV! Monthly art shows are worth your time. If you feel the service isnt great it is because The Lift isnt striving to be another Court Ave bar, rather it is a hip kid bar where bros arent the main clientele.

Amazing martinis, great company, local art!!!!!! This place is the best bar in the downtown area. I highly recommend checking it out.

Interesting spot in downtown Des Moines. Its small and intimate with a great mix of typically locals hanging out. Its a quieter that many clubs making it a great place to go when you want to actually talk!

We had a great show with awesome crowd best place we have played all tourGlad rags loves you!

Wonderful bar for great drinks with a group, a first date or by yourself. No tvs, just music and conversation. Martinis are a specialty along with rotating beers on tap, and everything else you need for a good night out.

Good brews. Super cool art. Met some cool locals. Saw an awesome band called FACTUAL BRAINS there and it blew my mind.

Great atmosphere and great drinks! Love the martini glasses.

On 3/14 I wrote this review on their FB page, Horrible service! Tyler The bartender made people wait a long period of time to serve them. It might be just Tyler, very rude and arrogant. I am not sure if he was prejudice 👎. On 3/20 apparently Tyler asked his friends to attack me and say bad words to me because I talked about what I witnessed/experienced (see picture). Should we always be silent? A customer should be able to give a review, good or bad.

Seems like an uppity bar at first, but the bartenders are very nice and once you start going regularly, you see it is really a chill, relaxed bar that sometimes has music. Ask for the Lula shot. Its a special, not on the menu drink. Coffee, boos, sweetness.

Very rough bar, a distinct Latino gang presence, several fights while we were there. The girls in our party did not feel safe. Zero service and drinks no other bar would serve. This dump only proves what is wrong with Cort Ave. Please dont waist your money in this dump.

I love this bar usually, I went in tonight and the woman (who I have NEVER seen before and claims to have been working there for 11 years) closed the bar early and wouldnt serve me. Ive been in this bar for a while and was always served till 1:45. I was extremely dissatisfied with her service since she didnt even give any. I hope I never have to deal with her again.

This bar is obviously proud of its innovative takes on the martini and these arent bad. Im most impressed by their consistent delivery of very delicious classic gin martinis, however.

Great bar in a relaxed atmosphere to grab a drink. $3 drafts on Thursdays and 2 for 1 martinis on Wednesdays. Plus rotating art from local artists.

Kind of dank in a good way. Very comfortable with a decent selection of local brews. Would drink here again! Also found lots of funny bathroom stall writing.

Russ is the bartender this Halloween 2018 & not only does he keep everyones glasses (& make a mean Manhattan), he knows his spooky music. Love this place.

What a cool little place to go. Bartender was wonderful and mixed great cocktails. Very chill.

Worst rudest bartender in Des Moines. Will never buy a drink here with him behind the bar.

Such a wonderful and welcoming little place. The music and decor make for a perfect place to sip martinis

Easily one of the best bars in DSM. Consistently great music and bar service, the vibe is unmatched. This place is a diamond in the rough of downtown bro bars.

Visited Lift for Tuesday jazz night. Music and martinis were good. Service was quick and the couches were comfy.

Great local art on the walls and a nice selection of martinis. Bartender is always friendly and good alternative/indie music rolling

Great vibe, 95% of the time great service though sometimes you can catch tenders who are just doing their own thing when its slow. Choices are good as well as the prices. This place gets recommendations from me for sure.

Again I find myself, providing a place Im absolutely in love with to the point where I dont want to see them Changed by forcing new traffic there but damn if you ever find yourself in the Metro this place is definitely worth a stop!!

Good music, great art, and even better bartenders. This place is perfect if youre looking for somewhere chill.

I love this underground athmospere when compared to the nearby bars. Great cocktails and very friendly and funny staff. A great discovery in Red Moines

One of my favorite bars downtown Des Moines due to the intimate setting, comfy seating, art work, and affordable prices.

Love this place. Great martinis, well priced, usually always ample seating, really weird art.

Best Martini Bar in DSM, real chill place for anyone and everyone. They have beer/craft beer and wine as well.

I liked it alot, nice prices, a good and chill place to have a beer or two after work, theyre really nice!!

Best martini in town. Cozy place with rotating art exhibits and a comfortable nook to seat groups in.

Great vibe, service, and martinis.

Good place to get a martini with a wide variety. Can get crowded and takes a while to get a drink, but otherwise a worthwhile stop

Wednesday discount martini night is my favorite! All their martinis are great quality and delicious

Great specials, rotating art work and the bartenders play the best music of all of downtown.

Great drinks and a cool atmosphere with art on the walls that can become yours

Fast, friendly service. Loved the atmosphere. Went for martini night. An absolute must.

Not terrible place, just not the vibe we were looking for.

Very chill location and the music is delightfully offbeat. Great place to hang with friends.

BEST MARTINIS, LIVE MUSIC, ART LIFE. Literally, a hole in the wall spot for us hole in the head types.

Awesome selection for Martinis. Their half price happy hour is the best!

My favorite place to go downtown. Live music on Tuesdays is always great too!

They wont let someone under 21 in even if theyre the dd and its below 0. Drinks are good though.

Great martinis and live music. Check out Wednesday night 2 for$8 martinis!

Wednesday is BOGO martinis.Fun atmosphere

Love this place. Always have great art up, nice staff, good prices, cozy vibe

Great little des moines bar. Good martinis. Good ambiance.

Saw Shawn Blake preform, out of Iowa City

I had a good time with the charismatic waitress and the martinis were fire🔥 🔥 🔥.

Great low key place to be with friends, and the strongest drinks in downtown DSM

Tall Jefe or TJ as some of you refer to is the leader of the JaTino gang and an excellent bartender.

Beautifully made tasty martinis, such a chill atmosphere!

Good tumes, comfy couches and atmosphere. Lack of table service most time a bit of a bummer

Great drinks and a nice place to see Art

Their martini selection is pretty big and you can get 2 martinis for 8 dollars on Wednesdays.

Great place with nice people and reasonably priced drinks

Depending on your vibe its a great place, the entertainment was awesome.

My favorite bar downtown! Wednesdays are the best!

Decent place to grab a drink in a good location! Check it out!

Really enjoy the place but the staff is kind of rude unless you are over the age of 60.

The bartender Tyler is a very rude, very unpleasant person.

Great drinks... Nice service ... Get there!

Usually really crowded but great drinks

Good inexpensive drinks with a fast bar and good atmosphere.

Definitely, one of the best places in DSM!

Very relaxed and fun environment. Good couches to sit on.

Great atmosphere, knowledgeable staff. Will be back!

Great drinks and a nice lounging environment.

Great bartenders who try to know their audience.

Its a pretty cool place for millenial hipsters

Wednesday night they have two martinis for $8.

Reasonable drink prices 🫶🏼

Reasonably priced drinks in a hipster atmosphere

Wonderful martinis and a good atmosphere.

Distinct feliz navidad gang presence. Pretty cool.

Friendly staff! Much quieter and chill bar.

Very cozy good drinks and good music

Everytime i walk out im happier than when i walk in. Every time.

Great bartender. Loved him

Bartender always on point as well as the Martinis...

Small and intimate. Quiet and comfortable.

Great atmosphere, very hip.

A little too artsy for my taste

Treys a cool cat. 🐈

Small but good drinks

Best Martini in town.

Love it

Best martinis!

Perfectly chill and delicious.

Excellently crafted cocktails

Great deals on Wednesday

Best place for a martini

Great atmosphere.

Great martinis!

Great dice bar

Great cocktails

Love this place