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Ken's

Closed today
yelp logo
9 reviews
+1 (515) 243-0827
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215 E 3rd St Ste 101
Des Moines, IA 50309
Closed today

Hours

Sun
Closed
Mon
Closed
Tue
Closed
Wed
Closed
Thu
Closed
Fri4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Sat4:00 PM-12:00 AM
+1 (515) 243-0827
http://www.iowataproom.com

Ken's is a not-so-secret speakeasy located in Des Moines, IA, offering a relaxed and vintage atmosphere inspired by the 1920s. With its unique layout incorporating pieces from Iowa's history, such as an auditorium stage from Haverhill High School and repurposed elevator doors from the Equitable Building, Ken's provides a speakeasy-style setting where guests can enjoy classic Prohibition cocktails, craft beer, wine, and an extensive whiskey list while listening to jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, and vintage covers.

Named after the notorious bootlegger Kenneth Sonderleiter, Ken's pays homage to Des Moines' history of bootlegging during the 1920s. Sonderleiter, known as the society bootlegger and rum kingpin, was involved in the storage, transportation, and sale of whiskey, alcohol, and beer, including Templeton Rye. After facing legal troubles and having his citizenship revoked, Sonderleiter was later granted a Presidential Pardon by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. Today, Ken's offers a selection of themed drinks, including the Presidential Pardon Martini, as well as a variety of Iowa whiskeys, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the city's intriguing past.

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Reviews

yelp logo
4.09 reviews
Shane S.
1/16/2025

I love this place. A fantastic venue for getting a feel for what your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey will be. I took one of my friends here and we had small pours of the whiskeys that we...

Read more on Yelp
Photo of Tippy P.
Tippy P.
7/23/2024

This bar is also in the basement, across from the black sheep. The lighting is better, pretty big with lots of seating options. They offer food however the kitchen was already closed. This is a...

Read more on Yelp
Photo of Michael P.
Michael P.
8/5/2023

Tried this place based on a Google search. As a bourbon fan, I was a bit disappointed in Ken's . The service was excellent, food good, but selection not quite what I expected. Prices are...

Read more on Yelp
Photo of Heidi H.
Heidi H.
1/13/2023

We didn't plan a head for dinner before an event at Wells Fargo arena. We found Ken's, we walked right down the steps and got a table right away. The bartender/waiter made us delightful...

Read more on Yelp
Photo of Brandie A.
Brandie A.
9/10/2022

Check out the speakeasy downstairs. The offer a great variety of drinks and friendly bartenders.

Read more on Yelp

Features

  • Good for Groups
  • Has Full Bar
  • Has Wi-Fi
  • Has TV
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United States›Iowa›Des Moines›Ken's

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