Whether it’s the end, middle or beginning of the day, there is always a distinct feeling that you are doing something right in your life with that first sip of a well-made Bloody Mary. While nearly every alcohol establishment might serve up a variation of a Bloody Mary, and even some boast to have the best, only a select handful truly serve up something special that will have you coming back for more. To find the right Bloody Mary in Iowa for your taste buds to fully enjoy, it’s well recommended to check out these 9 best places for a Bloody Mary in Iowa.
With many great reasons to check out Pullman Bar and Diner of Iowa City throughout the week, the house-special Bloody Mary is one of the best of them all. Featuring pickled vodka, a house mix of spices and fresh garnish including bacon, the Pullman Bloody Mary pairs nicely with the restaurants brunch menu. A single Bloody Mary is all you need at Pullman to know it’s one of the best in Iowa.
Americana of Des Moines is a popular place to grab a seat any day of the week, and come Saturday and Sunday mornings at this Des Moines eatery, reservations are nearly required. Much of the weekend fanfare comes from the Bombshell Brunch offered at Americana, including a bottomless Bloody Mary bar. These Bloody Marys aren’t a dime a dozen though, and while it might be a bottomless selection, you appetite could be filled with just one.
Perhaps the main reason many people visit the Cellar Peanut Pub of Pella is their vast selection of craft beer on tap, plus the knowledgeable bartenders who like to talk about their trade. Don’t be fooled by the endless selection of taps on the wall though, this local favorite hangout makes a mean made-from-scratch Bloody Mary. Don’t let all the awards and national accolades the Cellar Peanut Pub Bloody Mary has received sway your decision and give this delicious drink a try yourself.
The Copper Kettle has many great concoctions to give a try, and their Bloody Mary will always have you coming back for more. What really adds to the appeal of the fresh, made-from scratch Bloody Marys at Copper Kettle is the hip and laid-back ambiance of the restaurant and lounge. Pair your Bloody Mary at the Copper Kettle from anything off their menu, and you’ll be sure to have a great dining experience.
A favorite hangout spot in Des Moines, particularly on warm-weather weekends, Mullets not only has one of the best Bloody Marys in Iowa, their menu contains two different recipes that top the charts. The original and Iowa-sourced Hair of the Dawg Bloody Mary is a city classic featuring a fresh taste. The new Loaded Bloody on the menu is also a fan favorite, featuring a spicy pickle spear, bacon, shrimp and pepper jack cheese.
Serving up on the best Bloody Marys in western Iowa, alongside many other things, Rebos takes tastes from the Caribbean, the Southwest and the French Quarter, and cooks it all over a wood-fired grill. Plenty of tasty cocktails and beers line the menu to pair with this fresh-ingredient food, and the Bloody Mary is a reason enough to visit.
The J Bar of Davenport is a hip spot to be any day of the week, and come the weekend, the Brunch selection should be the only place you want to be in Davenport. Featuring delicious breakfast and lunch fares, sometimes combined into one, the Brunch Menu at the J Bar also includes their unique and sought-after Bloody Mary concoction. Alongside the many fresh and traditional ingredients at the J Bar, their Bloody Mary also comes equipped with a 50/50 slider.
Every university town must have a solid spot to get some Bloody Marys, and for Ames, Whiskey River delivers with a tasty drink. Sundays are the best days for Bloody Marys at Whiskey River, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the legendary Bloody Mary bar is in play. Either direct the ingredients to make your own distinct recipe or take the recommended approach by asking the bartender to serve up the Whiskey River house recipe.
Cooney’s Tavern is a favorite local hangout in Beaverdale, and while this Irish Bar doesn’t serve any green beer (ever), they do mix up a well-regarded Bloody Mary. Whether it’s a late afternoon fix or a bit of the hair of the dog that bit you, part of what makes Cooney’s Bloody Marys so good is the friendly company they are served around. You’ll find old and new friends at Cooney’s Tavern, and plenty of people to share a Bloody Mary with.