Having been to bier halls in Munich, I can tell you that the Hessen Haus is a respectable homage to Germany’s venerable drinking establishments. From the decor and furnishings (long wooden tables and benches) to the glassware, to the beer selection... this is a good way to get a German drinking experience without the trip across the Atlantic. The beer on tap has an excellent showing of German brews, with a few notable entries from other countries. The bottled selection fills in the gaps with many rare and delectable European beers, and a few non sequitur options (Corona, Bud Light) clearly there to placate those who aren’t serious about fine beer. The food is second fiddle to the brew but the menu has many choices that range from American bar food with a German twist (Bavarian Nachos) to hardcore German fare (Sauerbraten, Wienerschnitzel). I’ve only sampled from the appetizers, but what I’ve had has been pretty good. (Certainly a big step up from the pathetic, frozen mozzarella sticks and buffalo wings some bars will serve you.)

I’d like to see the Hessen Haus add big baked pretzels to their menu (a staple in German bier halls). That’s about my only complaint (except for all the silly people I see there drinking Bud Light. Shame on you!)

Neat atmosphere but none of us were too impressed w/ our food.

This place has a wonderful selection of exotic foods (exotic to Americans, but not to Europeans). Interesting sausages and meats - beautifully prepared.

Great downtown theme bar! They have a ton of German beers on tap. The food is great as well. Try the rueben rolls or the sauerbraten, both are excellent choices. This place gets pretty packed on weekends and on nights the I-cubs are playing.

A great place to get a drink on a Saturday afternoon, with lunch on the side. Their brats were very good and saurkraut is the best in town. A little loud, though, to talk to friends when the polka music's going - FYI.

If you like to just sit, get drunk, reek like smoke when you leave and have bad service, hit this bar. I have fun when I go, but the service has always been less than stellar....but hey it's a German Bar!

Truly one of Des Moines best bars! Great food, great music, great crowd, great atmosphere!

Have been there a couple of times; once for lunch, the other for dinner. Great selection of beers far and wide - German beer on draft! Food is good, service is good as well. Highly recommend.

Where can you listen to old style polka music and not feel strange? The Hessen Haus! Based on bars found in Germany, the decor is fantastic and the German food? To die for. While found in America, I found this bar did remind me of the three weeks I spent in Germany several years back. They have nice big tables to sit and relax, eat your food, or drink your beer at. The layout is simple, the space per person is ample, and the location is very cozy.

The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because I'm more of a night club type person over a bar.

this place is cool. go there and shoot the boot- it's a big ass glass boot that is filled w/ brew. but make sure to put your buddy's credit card down in case you break it. the food is only ok, but there's a ton of beers. a little over priced. a great place to meet your buddies or strangers as there's a ton of cafeteria style seating.