Cattoor’s: One of West Des Moines’ Best Hole in the Wall Bars
I was originally only going to cover hole in the walls in Des Moines, but Cattoor’s in West Des Moines deserves a shout out.
Cattoor’s, located at 1306 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, is awesome. It is a neighborhood style bar with lots of regulars and music just low enough that you can carry on a conversation. Although it has many regulars, Cattoor’s is big enough for new comers as well.
New comers may soon become regulars, because of Cattoor’s many perks. It is open from 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. It has seven TVS to please all viewing audiences. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Twofers are offered during that time.
Cattoor’s also appeals to gamers and music fans. It has a pool table, an assortment of video games, and a jukebox that plays everything from oldies to the newest songs out there. It also offers karaoke Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to close. It rewards brave souls who get up and perform with a free shot of the performer’s choice.
I like Cattoor’s because it is a larger hole in the wall—meaning there is always a chair for you, regardless of what time of day you go. Everyone is friendly, especially the bartenders. There is always a good jam playing or someone belting one out.
My ratings:
Food: 3/5
Drinks: 4/5
Prices: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Your blog totally bums me out, but only because I’m not 21 so I can’t go to any of these places. They sound like so much fun! Every time I read an entry I make a mental note to visit these places once it’s legal for me to do so. I can’t wait to experience them for myself! Are there any great downtown bars you love? I live super close to downtown so it would be awesome to know if there are any. You should blog about some of those too! I’ve already heard of a few, so I’d love to hear your opinion.
Emily Cook - October 9, 2009 at 10:54 pm |
I have so much ground to cover once I turn 21! I like all of the cool and quirky info that you provide readers on your blog. I would still like to hear more reasons on why/how you rated the food etc. (even if you just have one or two words explaining your scale/decision). I love the karaoke and shots combo. It would have been great for color if you had added any quick example (like a local singing a country song and then ending it w/ a whiskey shot etc.). Nice though-keep up the good work
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Caitlin Berens - October 10, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
I would consider 1306 Grand to be in Des Moines…and considering the small size of the city I think you can include bars in West Des Moines for sure. Have you ever been to the Underground? I can’t remember the address right now, but it is a bar (I think around Locust and 4th, but I will look into it) that doesn’t advertise or have any signs anywhere. The only people who know about it heard about it through word of mouth. Talk about a perfect hole in the wall, almost literally. Just a suggestion!!
emilybarger - October 13, 2009 at 9:35 pm |
I like the ratings! That definitely helps.
This place sounds pretty sweet, but it’s not likely that I will go out to West Des Moines to go to a bar.
The karaoke does sound intriguing, especially with a free shot. I wonder if they still do that if you sing a duet?
My friends want to have a boy band karaoke contest sometime [guys vs girls]. This sounds like a sweet place to do it!
nicolesalow - October 15, 2009 at 4:05 am |
Like Emily and Caitlin, I’m making mental notes for when I turn 21 (in many, many months). In general, I love that you’re blogging about this topic, because it’s information we probably couldn’t find anywhere else. I can’t wait to read more in the future – maybe you could do a post on the strangest bars you’ve encountered?
norahcarroll - October 15, 2009 at 5:54 am |
What does the cab fare look like to get to these bars? Not that I’ll be going anytime before July, but that could factor in the awesomeness of these bars.
Ari - October 15, 2009 at 6:36 pm |