February 4, 2009
The building looks nice, and the atmosphere is ok if you stay downstairs. I don’t find myself going here very often even though I live about a half a mile away. I don’t usually like the scene here and the beer isn’t worth me going. They make a good IPA sometimes, and a few others are worth trying, but those are usually on tap at other places in Des Moines. meh

August 27, 2008
Large building in downtown, a lot of dark wood paneling, resembles a Rock Bottom. Beer quality is below average, selection is decent: 5 standards + 3 seasonals (wit, pils, wheat). Service was fine. Family dining with a lot of Miller Lite drinkers. I think I should have hit the other brewpub in downtown.

May 2, 2007
Nice enough food and okay beer. A slightly upscale business crowd.

December 3, 2006
I’d recommend that you visit this place if you find yourself in Downtown Des Moines. It’s as good as Court Avenue Brewing and usually has a large number of beer on tap. I think the best time to be had is at the Hessen Haus and the Red Monk.

November 12, 2006
Big place located in downtown Des Moines in the same general area as Court Ave Brewing Company. They had 7 of their own beers on tap and offered a sampler. No cask conditioned ales unfortunately. Service was good. The place was not overly crowded at 8 PM on a Saturday night, but there was a pretty good crowd. Service was decent. I did not eat. I’ll try the food next time.

September 6, 2006 [ Updated September 16, 2008 ]
The food is very expeinsive but what I have tried on a couple visits was good. The location is right downtown and looks upscale. The customers also look to be folks that work in the downtown area. The beers are ok, nothing special. but also nothing offensive. The sandwich I tried was decent. I might return to try a seasonal beer, but not worth a special trip.