Entry No. 16 — the Des Moines file — filed under: speakeasy

Alleged Lee's

A funky little East Village speakeasy decorated with art from Iowa's Prohibition years and anchored by an ornate 130-year-old hand-carved bar salvaged from a Pittsburgh ballroom. Dim, swanky, and stocked with a deep whiskey and bourbon list, it leans into the speakeasy ambiance while also hosting live music, karaoke, and pool.

The move: Post up at the 130-year-old salvaged bar with a couple of whiskeys, then stick around for whatever's on that night, live music or a karaoke duet if you're feeling brave.

📍 Before you go You will find it on E Grand Ave in the East Village, the walkable strip of shops, bars, and restaurants just east of the river and downtown, so it pairs easily with dinner or a stroll. It shares a building with Quinton's Bar and Deli under the same owner, who split the original space; despite the speakeasy framing, it now has a street-facing front door and a small patio, so there is no hidden entrance to hunt for. Inside it stays intimate, dim, and nightlife-leaning, best after dark. Live music, karaoke, and pool rotate by the night, so check what is on before you build the evening around it.

• 📍 East Village
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 510 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Axios · speakeasymap.com

last checked: 2026-06-06