Confluence Brewing

I just love the tap rooms that are popping around the area. Great, local beer made and served by people who are excited to share their local creations and give you a great experience.

Confluence Brewing Company is on the South Side of Des Moines, very close to Downtown on Bell Ave.  I love their launch story that begins with explaining Founder John's failed attempt at raisin almond beer in the 80's.

The location itself is a pretty cool place.  You actually walk by all of the brewing equipment to get to the tap room so you feel super-cool and part of the brewing process on your way in.  Ok, maybe that's just me...I never claimed to be a beer expert.  I just like it along with good food and good fun.

Anyway, we went in on Thursday and were pleasantly greeted at the bar and got to taste the newest addition to their line-up, Smalltown Brown along with a New Grist (gluten-free) for me.  For only $2 you can get a nice-sized sample of any beer and you can get a flight of 3 for only $5. A great way to try out some of their offerings.  They have a great selection.

Check out their events schedule here, because they do "grub" nights where a local caterer will sell, well "grub".  This Thursday Mo-rub offered bacon-wrapped tater-tots, sloppy mo's and mo-chips.  All with mo-rub seasonings.  We had a great dinner listening to live music and trying out the beer.  You can also pack your own snacks and/or dinner and that's totally cool.  Since they don't have their own kitchen, they encourage you to bring your own.

I highly suggest you stop in sometime soon, especially on a "grub" night for some entertainment, good food and good beer.  They have some picnic tables outside on the patio so you can enjoy the weather (if it's good) and your beer.  There were also a good number if kids along too, so don't rule out a visit if you don't have a babysitter.  Pack some snacks for them and head on over.

UPDATE: Reader "Insurance Nerd" has two other great things to add! The pub pretzels that you can also take home for only $2 a bag, and the wide selection of board games available for use.  Thanks for the tips!