Gas Lamp

1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Address:	1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Phone:	+1 515-280-3778
Site:	gaslampdsm.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 34

David Darrow

This place has serious potential. Cool atmosphere, good location, possibility of great music. However there is a couple of major short-comings. First: I have yet to receive a decent pour here. Ive ordered numerous times from different servers, and bartenders. Ive tried tipping heavy, hoping for some consideration, and Ive tried tipping little-to-nothing, hoping to make a point. Regardless, every-time I get a rocks glass full of ice, and only enough bourbon to cover at most 1/4 of the ice. The Jack & Cokes that one of my friends ordered were equally weak. So for now it may be best to stick with ordering beer. Second: Like many other places in Des Moines, the music ends up being FAR too loud. Music does not have to leave you with ringing ears to be enjoyed. The band I heard last-night (Mary Bridget Davies Group) was really quite good (borderline great), and I would have loved to stick around, but I, like many others, couldnt stand it anymore and left. From the time we showed up around 10:00 to the time we left at 11:30 the crowd steadily dwindled. If anything, the crowd should be getting bigger at that time on a Friday night. I know this place is still "relatively" new, but you would think that management would be asking themselves some serious questions when they are losing customers on a beautiful Friday night, with a great band playing. I really hope these things are resolved in the near future, as I truly WANT to like this place, and would love for it to be a regular stop, but as of now it just falls way too short.

Ashleigh Rader

I was unsure about the Gas Lamp for some time, but Ive recently frequented it a few times for their live music shows. They have an open mic night every Thursday, and often have shows on the weekends. Both my boyfriend and my brother have played there recently, and have remarked that the sound operator is high-quality (thats always a good thing for any venue!) Although the place looks small from the outside, its quite spacious. Theres a good amount of seating and standing area up by the bar and the stage area. Then theres another room adjacent to the main area which has a pool table and popcorn and such. Off from that room is a patio area with even more seating in a sort of German beer garden style. I havent been there yet in the summertime, but I imagine its an enjoyable place to have a pint and listen to some live local music. Cheers!

John Roepke

LOVE. Thats the only word I have to describe this place. I love all the local music they bring through, and the eclectic decor on the walls makes me feel at home. I love the TV screens above the bar that spell out "Gaslamp" because it reminds me of a late 80s early 90s version of MTV. I love the staff, theyre always nice, prompt to get around to you, and take care of you. I also love the extra parties and stuff they host. Halloween 2011 was a blast, and I cant wait to see what comes out this year.

Stephanie Ploeger

The staff was friendly and knowledgeable on drunks and beer. The live vand karaoke was a blast. Very diverse selection and great vibe from a local band. Will definitely return!

Jason Manley

Show started an hour late with a folk band. Set up was lazy. Some nights they nail it. Feel the bar should have better control of the bands playing.

Elizabeth Wells

They had some good rock n roll music when I went. Not many people there were in their 20s or 30s, but still a good time.

Stevan Robinson

not a bad place to see music. wish the crowd was always there to see the music. to each their own.

Ryan Burlage

Great place to enjoy a few pints, and also listen to live music. The people are great too.

Ryan Meyer

I miss Blues on Grand but Gas Lamp lives on! Great establishment - check it out.

Josh E.

This place is great, check it out if you havent been here before!