Billy Joe's Lounge

Hey - I love Billy Joe's - mostly because they totally tolerated me playing too much on Open Mike night (especially the last time I was there). I played and hung out there for about 6 months, but had to move on because of work. The steak dinner on Tuesdays is great for $8, the Open Mike was decent quality (much better than other places in Des Moines), and Angie and Linda are great. And, occasionally, Al, I do Dream About Des Moines! Plus you can play Buzzkill, I mean Buzztime there. You can karaoke other nights - I'll leave that to the rest of you. But go there!!!

This place has great atmosphere, great food and most importantly some great people. The waitresses are right on top of anything you need without being intrusive and the sound system is amazing for a place that size. Spice up a boring Tuesday night by stopping in for a steak dinner special and take in some local talent from guitarists and singers around the city. The place is a good time and the regulars are friendly. The place makes you feel like you've always belonged there. My new hangout for sure.

Simply said under new ownership this place has really improved and seems to continue to improve every time I stop in. The breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings are allways great and one of the better priced places in town. The new owner Al Bickell seems to keep adding new things to the line up of the week. Sunday night is Showtune Sundays allthough they are not my thing the people who sing seem to be really good. Tuesday nights is steak night and is one of the best steaks in town plus acoustic open mic is on Tuesday and is really good. Wensdays is early karaoke for I guess older and younger crowds. Thursday they actually have a special needs karaoke night from 6 till 8 and is allways packed. The weekend nights are still great for karaoke and is the best karaoke system in Central Iowa if not the whole state. I guess I don't understand the no character thing, unless the old Billy's that was filthy and smelly is character, cuz if it is you can keep your character. I prefer the new Billy's with flat screen TV's and a whole new sound system and it's clean. I love going to Billy's for parties and for different karaoke nights. If nothing else Al Bickell should be commended for keeping the same atmosphere and cleaning up a landmark. He should also be commended for having a special needs karaoke time

Wow, what a change under new ownership. The place seems so sterile with no personality. The staff are fine, but it has no charisma. You can tell it is a newly redone place under new management. I was in tonight for my third time and it still does not feel like a place trying to be it’s self, but a bar trying to be its own little brother.

*** UPDATE *** UPDATE
"Billie Joe's Lounge and Grill"has been bought by a young man (Al Bickell) that has redone the place. All of Des Moines is now no smoking so that's not an issue. He did away with the picture show end of it, but still does karaoke nightly. The food is priced right and I can't say enough about how great it is. Linda and Angela are two of the nicest people you can meet. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome. In fact, the entire staff does. It was my first visit there (I'm from Wisconsin) , but it certainly won't be my last! Tell em Wally and Winky sent ya!!!