In Confidence
A blind-tiger speakeasy in the basement of the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines. The entrance is the trick: a clear glass knob on what looks like an ordinary kitchen cabinet near the ground-floor Hobnob coffee/wine bar, where a waiter opens the secret door and walks you down. Inside it's Roaring '20s with a whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland streak: exposed brick, velvet chairs, ornate rugs, a cuckoo-style clock, and a curated wine and cocktail list.
The move: Have an early drink at Hobnob upstairs, then let the host reveal the cabinet door, the look on your date's face is the whole point. Settle into the velvet chairs downstairs and order off the curated wine list under the cuckoo clock.
- 📍 Downtown (Hotel Fort Des Moines)
- 💸 $$$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
Hours: Reported open Thursday-Saturday; some nights live music or private events
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Verified 2026-06-06.