Ratt's Underground Records
Buried in the east end of Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines's oldest and emptiest mall, this is described as one of the weirdest record-store experiences in the Midwest: 50,000+ vinyl records plus vintage VHS, magazines, original concert posters, hundreds of vintage band shirts, old stereo gear and stray Hot Wheels. The owner is known for being friendly, not pushy, and happy to cut a deal.
The move: Make a scavenger-hunt of it: each of you picks a $5 budget and has to find the other a record (or a band shirt, or a weird VHS) that says something about them, then go listen to your hauls.
- 📍 Merle Hay
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Ste 922, Des Moines, IA 50310
Hours: Inside Merle Hay Mall; check mall/store hours before going
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Verified 2026-06-06.