About Carl's Place

Carl's Place is an iconic dive bar located at 1620 Woodland Ave in the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines. This authentic neighborhood bar has earned a reputation as one of the best dive bars in the city offering a genuine unpretentious atmosphere that locals and visitors love.

Dive Bar Excellence

When you look up dive bar there should be a picture of Carl's Place. The venue embodies everything a great dive bar should be - comfortable welcoming with character and soul. The space features exposed elements vintage aesthetics and a laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel at home. It's the neighborhood's version of Cheers where everyone knows your name.

Blues Tuesday and Open Mic

Every Tuesday Carl's Place hosts an open mic night that has become a staple of the Des Moines music scene. The event features live blues music and is known for hosting one of the best house blues bands in the city. The professionally-run open mic welcomes musicians to perform in a supportive environment on the venue's small stage.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Carl's offers entertainment beyond music including a pool table and dart boards. The bar boasts an extensive beer selection catalogued on Untappd with quick friendly service from welcoming bartenders. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between dive bar authenticity and genuine hospitality.

Community Hub

Carl's Place has become an institution in Sherman Hill attracting an eclectic mix of patrons from neighborhood regulars to hipsters political figures during caucus season and international visitors. The bar serves as a gathering place for the community open long hours from 10am to 2am daily.

Music Venue Features

The small stage at Carl's accommodates live music performances throughout the week with Tuesday's blues night being the highlight. The venue's intimate size creates an up-close personal experience for both performers and audience members. The authentic dive bar setting provides the perfect backdrop for blues and acoustic performances.

Sherman Hill Location

Located in the vibrant Sherman Hill neighborhood Carl's is surrounded by other notable spots including Big Grove Brewery and Lua Brewing within walking distance. The area has developed into a destination for craft beer and music lovers. Despite neighborhood changes Carl's maintains its authentic dive bar character.