Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, Des Moines, IA
- 4 Paws Marketing
- Oct 17
- 5 min read
FAST FACTS:
Address: 110 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Hours:
Mon - Thur 3 pm - 10 pm
Fri 3 pm - 10 am
Sat 12 pm - 12 am
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
Phone: (515) 244-6256
Dog-friendly: Patio Only
Parking: Free parking lot
Last visited: 10/18/2025
Original visit: 5/4/2025
Sometimes the best finds are the ones you stumble upon by accident, that’s how we found this one. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom is located in Des Moines, IA tucked away in an industrial area next to another small brewery that we were actually aiming for - though we never did make it there. It is set inside an old, repurposed lumberyard, and is a huge space with a bit of an industrial feel but with modern comfort. It has an open layout, tall ceilings, and garage doors that open up to a huge patio. It would be a great place for a quick drink or even a full afternoon or evening hangout.
Drinks:
As a sour girl, I was happy to learn that they had not just one, but three sours on tap. The server was super helpful, explaining the differences and allowing me to sample. I was most impressed with their more popular sour: Summer Jam. Lots of berry flavor with the perfect amount of tartness. I also sampled Rainbow Connection, which was a lot more fruity, and Sweet Bloom, a floral-ish sour that just wasn't quite up my ally. Iowa's sour scene, though, has done nothing but impress, for sure!
Aside from the sours, Big Grove has a pretty decent beer lineup, which includes their "claim to fame," Easy Eddy, which is a hazy IPA (I'm told). For those looking for something else, they do also serve cocktails, mocktails, and a THC sparkling water - Climbing Kites.
This one gets a 4.5 out of 5, it was good! I would definitely order it again!
Food:
Since this was our second brewery stop of the day, we opted for some smaller plates. The Bavarian pretzel was good—soft, salty, and served with a beer cheese dip that was awesome.
That said, the whole food menu looked tasty. A little bit pub, a little Midwest comfort food, with everything from apps and burgers to tacos and grain bowls. You can tell the kitchen is just as important as the brewhouse here, which is always a good sign.
The only reason I didn't go full 5/5 here is because all I really ordered was a pretzel, and the girls in my group got some chips & queso, so I don't feel like I can give a true "food" score.
Dog Friendliness:
Since this was a volleyball tournament weekend, I didn't have any of my fur girls along, but it was clear that Big Grove is a great option for dog parents. Their 12,000-sq-foot patio isn't just dog-friendly but they also had water bowls and dog treats available. According to the server, they occasionally host dog-focused events as well.
The merch shop has items like leashes, toys and collapsible water bowls. I love finding places that welcome our furry friends. Dogs are definitely part of their patio culture!
Atmosphere:
The vibe at Big Grove was industrial yet cozy. Inside, the wraparound bar and tons of seating give it a lively, but relaxed feel.
Here, it's the covered patio that really brings it to the next level. With multiple fire pits, a turf lawn for playing bags, and plenty of tables, those open garage doors eliminate the line between indoors and outdoors. The whole space has this perfect energy that makes it really hard to leave. Even when you tell yourself you’re just stopping in for one...it could easily turn into 2...or may I even suggest 3?
Merch & More:
This one might win the award for most fun merch I’ve seen thus far. Sure, they’ve got the standards—t-shirts, hats, barware—but they've also got playing cards, swim trunks, blankets, even beer-scented candles. I grabbed a shirt for the hubs to remember the visit, but I easily could’ve walked out with five (or more) fun things.
I like that their branding is clean and not distracting—everything from cans to the coasters is clearly done with intention. And for a girl that's in marketing, that attention to detail does not go unnoticed!
Tapped In Takeaway:
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom is the kind of place that provides the whole package.. Between the sours, spacious and fun environment, dog-friendly patio, tasty food and extensive merch selection, it’s a must-go if you’re anywhere near Des Moines, IA.
Yes, it was a bit of a drive from where we were staying in West Des Moines, but honestly, 100% worth it. And next time, I’ll plan ahead: come hungry, bring a pooch, and plan to stay and chill for a while. Because once you’re there, you’ll want to stay.
This one’s firmly on my return list—and it’s earned a top spot on my “must-visit” brewery recommendations. I'll even go as far as to give it a 5 out of 5!
Big Grove Brewery Update from October 18, 2025
On my most recent visit - love this place so much I went twice in one weekend... Big Grove added another impressive sour to their lineup, their Double Blackberry Sour - a 4.6% ABV full or blackberry and boysenberry flavor. It goes to show their ongoing experimentation and commitment to seasonal, small-batch brews. The patio is still vibrant in the fall, and staff were extremely helpful. We tried out a few menu items this time around as well as their pup menu:
The queso - amazing
Dry-rub wings - not great, almost a cinnamon/sweet rub that I wasn't a big fan of
Cubano sandwich with sweet potato fries - wonderful! Highly recommend!
Tail Waggin' Beef Patty - Rooster approved!
Insider Info
Best time to visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience; weekends for a busy-vibe and live music.
Reservations: Larger groups may want to call ahead.
Parking: Street parking nearby; limited lot behind the brewery.
Big Grove Brewery offers an awesome space, tasty beers, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a sour lover like me, or a casual beer drinker, it’s worth a stop on your Des Moines itinerary.
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