The Blazing Saddle

Great place to go if you're looking for strong drinks and new friends. The drag shows are incredibly fun and make for a great space to dance and sing with strangers. The drinks definitely require a bit of warming up to and a strong stomach but you definitely get your bang for your buck. Bartenders are super friendly and make drinks insanely fast so don't worry about waiting in line for long. Definitely a must if you're in the area

Stopped in around 3:30 and hoped that with less than 10 people in the bar the bartender would have noticed that I was there. He served people on my right one bar stool away and then went to the end of the bar to ask people who already had drinks if they needed anything. I am visiting from out of town and guess they only serve locals. I just walked out and looked for a place to spend my money as Blazing Saddle doesn't need it.

I had an amazing night last night it was my first time going at night. Fun atmosphere and cool people!

This is still the best gay bar in Des Moines! The first time I went was in 2003. I didn't visit it again until about 2008, and then again this year in 2019. Not much has changed, and that's a good thing. This laid-back bar with a country western theme is very friendly to the bear and leather communities. They do have more of a modern dance area on the other side of the main bar too.The narrow patio gets pretty full. Their mixed drinks are intense! If you get a cocktail, account for having the amount of 3 alcoholic beverages. Definitely the best bang for your buck in town.

Best bar in Des Moines. Strong drinks, great shows, food music, and an actually safe space for all. No clue why it's asking about food since they don't have a kitchen. But the bear events do grill a solid burger/brat!

Went in during the day and enjoyed it, the bartender was awesome and the owner as well. Went back that evening to watch the show and the bartenders were sweet as well. I am only giving 2 stars due to the fact my boyfriend being roofied. I know the bar or its servers are not liable for customers actions but it just kind of ruined our whole vibe from the place. We went from loving it to being so disappointed and now dealing with medical issues. Please be careful if you do go and protect your drinks as much as possible.

Honestly the worst bar in Des Moines. The drinks are so sttrong they taste absolutly horrible. There is no food options at alll. No music except for show at 9-11 pm. The community that frequent this spot as a whole are awesome but the people that run this establishment are rude. I can barley move around, and forget trying to sit anywhere with the limited seating. I stopped here as well as a few other establishments over the last month around the area to find a nice bar burger and will be skipping this one.. I went out for a smoke and was told I couldnt come back in. I am guessing because they thought I was drunk, I had 4 drinks the whole night. There needs to be a actual GOOD gay bar with food and music and not such rude staff. Put this dumpster fire out of its misery.

A local staple as I've come to understand! Some of the best nights I've had since moving here have been nights at the Saddle. Great drinks, friendly bartenders, incredible drag shows, just terrific all around. Highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a drink or two and take in a show! Keep in mind it is cash only but they do have an ATM inside if needed! Hit up the saddle soon, you won't regret it!