
LGBT+ Friendly Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Jethro's BBQ
A popular local spot offering delicious BBQ dishes, known for its welcoming atmosphere and regular LGBT+ events.
- Community Events: Regularly hosts Pride-themed events
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients for their BBQ dishes.
- Vegetarian Options: Offers a variety of vegetarian options
2. Eatery Amber
Upscale restaurant providing a unique fusion of American and Asian cuisines, popular among the LGBT+ community for its inviting atmosphere.
- Creative Cuisine: Combines unique flavors from both American and Asian culinary traditions
- Live Music Events: Features live music performances regularly
- Private Dining Spaces: Offers private dining spaces for special occasions
3. Valley Junction
A charming historic district with antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, known for its vibrant LGBT+ scene.
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved Victorian-era buildings
- Art Galleries: Home to numerous art galleries showcasing local artists' work
- Outdoor Spaces: Offers ample outdoor seating and green spaces for visitors
4. CC's Urban Bar & Grill
A lively gay bar and grill with a large dance floor, popular among the LGBT+ community for its energetic atmosphere.
- Weekly Events: Hosts themed nights and special events each week
- Happy Hour: Offers a daily happy hour with discounted drinks
- Karaoke Nights: Features popular karaoke nights for patrons to enjoy
5. St. Ambrose University
A prestigious private university known for its strong LGBT+ advocacy and supportive campus environment.
- LGBT+ Student Organizations: Provides numerous student organizations dedicated to the LGBT+ community
- Safe Zone Program: Implemented a Safe Zone program to educate and support allies on campus
- Diversity Initiatives: Committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives across the university
6. Drake University
A respected institution with a thriving LGBT+ community, offering resources and support for its members.
- LGBTQ Resource Center: Maintains an on-campus LGBTQ Resource Center
- Student Organizations: Provides various student organizations catering to the LGBT+ community
- Ally Training: Offers ally training programs for faculty and staff to create a more inclusive campus environment
7. The Homestead
A charming bed-and-breakfast offering comfortable accommodations and welcoming atmosphere for LGBT+ travelers.
- Comfortable Rooms: Features comfortable, well-appointed rooms
- Centrally Located: Conveniently situated near popular LGBT+ destinations in Des Moines
- Breakfast Included: Includes a daily breakfast for guests
8. Le Méridien Des Moines City Center
A modern hotel offering luxury accommodations with a focus on inclusivity and LGBT+ travelers.
- Luxury Amenities: Offers high-end amenities such as a fitness center, spa, and rooftop terrace
- Centrally Located: Situated in the heart of downtown Des Moines, close to LGBT+ attractions
- Accessible Events Spaces: Provides accessible event spaces for conferences and gatherings
9. The Salon at East Village
A trendy salon offering haircuts, color services, and makeup application in a welcoming LGBT+ friendly environment.
- Skilled Stylists: Employs skilled stylists who specialize in various hair types and styles
- LGBT+ Owned: Owned by members of the LGBT+ community, providing a supportive atmosphere
- Makeup Services: Offers makeup application services for special events or occasions
10. East Village
A vibrant neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, known for its strong LGBT+ presence.
- Unique Shops: Features unique boutiques offering clothing, home goods, and accessories
- Art Galleries: Home to numerous art galleries showcasing local artists' work
- Outdoor Spaces: Offers ample outdoor seating and green spaces for visitors
11. Wooly's
A live music venue offering a diverse lineup of concerts and events, known for its inclusive atmosphere.
- Diverse Lineup: Features a wide variety of musical genres and artists
- Accessible Events Spaces: Provides accessible event spaces for conferences and gatherings
- On-Site Bar: Features an on-site bar offering drinks during events
12. Just Love Coffee Cafe
A cozy coffee shop offering delicious beverages and pastries in a welcoming LGBT+ friendly environment.
- Delicious Beverages: Serves high-quality coffees, teas, and specialty drinks
- Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Offers vegan and vegetarian options for customers
- Community Events: Hosts regular community events and gatherings
13. Simone's Cafe & Lounge
A popular LGBT+ friendly restaurant and lounge offering a variety of dishes and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Creative Cuisine: Combines unique flavors from various culinary traditions
- Live Music Events: Features live music performances regularly
- Outdoor Seating: Offers outdoor seating for patrons to enjoy
14. Des Moines Social Club
A community arts center offering a variety of exhibitions, performances, and workshops in a welcoming LGBT+ environment.
- Art Exhibitions: Hosts rotating art exhibitions showcasing local and international artists
- Performance Spaces: Provides performance spaces for theater, dance, and music events
- Workshops & Classes: Offers workshops and classes in various artistic disciplines
15. Tango's Pub & Grub
A friendly neighborhood pub offering a variety of beers, wines, and pub fare in an LGBT+ welcoming atmosphere.
- Large Selection of Beers: Offers a wide selection of beers, including local brews
- Sports Events: Features sports events on multiple screens
- Happy Hour: Offers a daily happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers