You’re walking through the East Village in Des Moines, maybe past the typical high-end boutiques or the sleek, glass-fronted eateries that have defined the neighborhood lately. Then you see it. Or rather, you see the vibe before you see the sign. Okay Anny's Cocktail Bar isn't trying to be your standard, polished mixology lab where the bartenders wear leather aprons and judge you for ordering a vodka soda. It’s different. It’s loud in its aesthetic but intimate in its feel.
Honestly? It feels like a fever dream from 1982, but with better ice.
Des Moines has seen a massive surge in "concept" bars lately. We’ve got the speakeasies and the tiki joints, but Okay Anny's sits in this strange, delightful middle ground. It’s a 1980s-inspired lounge that manages to avoid being a "theme" bar that feels cheap or kitschy. Instead, it’s a high-end cocktail experience wrapped in neon, nostalgia, and a very specific kind of Midwestern cool.
The Vibe Shift at Okay Anny's Cocktail Bar
Walk in.
The first thing that hits you isn't the smell of gin or the sound of shaker tins; it’s the color palette. We're talking pinks, teals, and that specific shade of purple that only existed on windbreakers in 1989. Most places try to do "retro" and they end up looking like a TGI Fridays. Not here. The design team—led by the same creative minds behind Hello, Marjorie and Good News, Darling—clearly understood the assignment. They wanted something that felt fast. Like a synth-wave track turned into a physical room.
The seating is plush. It's the kind of place where you sit down for "one drink" and suddenly three hours have vanished because the chairs are more comfortable than your living room sofa.
People think "80s bar" and they expect sticky floors and cheap beer. That is the biggest misconception about Okay Anny’s. This is a legitimate cocktail program. The owner, Nick Tillinghast, has a track record of elevating the drink scene in Iowa, and this spot is no exception. It’s sophisticated. It just happens to be sophisticated while a neon sign glows in the background.
What’s Actually in the Glass?
Let's talk about the menu.
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The drinks are clever. They have names that make you smirk, but the builds are serious. You’ll see ingredients like clarified juices, house-made cordials, and spirits that you won't find at the corner dive.
One of the standouts is often the "Miami Vice" inspired riffs. While the menu rotates seasonally—as any good cocktail bar should—they always lean into that tropical, high-energy profile. Think coconut, pineapple, and bright citrus, but balanced with bitters and amaro to keep it from being a sugar bomb.
- The "Pretty in Pink" style drinks usually dominate the Instagram feeds.
- They do a Martini that is colder than your ex’s heart.
- If you’re not into spirits, their non-alcoholic game is actually strong. It’s not just "juice in a fancy glass." They use zero-proof spirits like Seedlip to make sure the teetotalers aren't left out of the party.
I’ve seen people come in asking for a "Blue Hawaiian" and the bartenders don't roll their eyes. They make the best version of it you've ever had. That’s the magic of Okay Anny's Cocktail Bar. There is zero pretension. You can be a cocktail geek who wants to discuss the molecular structure of the foam, or you can be someone who just wants something blue and delicious. Both are welcome.
Why the East Village Needed This
The East Village has a lot of "serious" spots. You go there for a $70 steak or a $15 latte. It needed a place that felt like a party without the "club" atmosphere.
Okay Anny’s fills that gap.
It’s the perfect "second stop" of the night. You’ve had dinner, you’re not ready to go home, but you also don't want to go somewhere where you have to scream over a DJ just to ask your friend how their week was. The acoustics here are surprisingly handled. Despite the high energy and the upbeat playlist (expect a lot of Hall & Oates and maybe some deep-cut Bowie), you can actually hold a conversation.
The Design Language
The mirrors are everywhere. It makes the space feel bigger than it is, but it also reflects the neon in a way that makes the whole room feel like it’s vibrating. It’s a photographer’s dream, which is why you’ll see people posing near the back wall.
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But don't let the "Instagrammable" nature of the place fool you.
Many bars focus so hard on the look that the service suffers. Here, the staff knows their stuff. Ask them about the history of the "Paper Plane" or why they use a specific type of ice for the Old Fashioned. They’ll tell you. They’re enthusiasts.
The Reality of the Crowd
Who goes here? Honestly, everyone.
On a Friday night, you’ll see:
- Couples on a first date trying to look cool.
- Groups of women celebrating a 30th birthday.
- Older locals who actually lived through the 80s and find the decor hilarious.
- Industry folks from other bars who come in for a "shift drink" because they know the quality is consistent.
It’s a melting pot. That’s rare in a city that can sometimes feel segmented by neighborhood.
Common Misconceptions
People hear "cocktail bar" and they think "expensive."
Are the drinks more than a Busch Light at a tailgate? Yeah, obviously. But compared to cocktail prices in Chicago or New York, Okay Anny's is a steal. You’re paying for the craftsmanship. You’re paying for the fact that someone spent three hours prepping the syrups before the doors even opened.
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Another myth is that you need a reservation. While it gets packed, they usually leave room for walk-ins. It’s a "first come, first served" vibe that keeps it feeling like a neighborhood local rather than an exclusive club. If it's full, wait. The turnover is pretty quick because the energy is high.
How to Do Okay Anny’s Right
If you’re planning a visit, don't just show up at 11:00 PM on a Saturday and expect a booth.
Try a Tuesday. Or a Wednesday right after they open at 4:00 PM. The light hits the room differently in the late afternoon, and you can really appreciate the detail in the decor. Plus, the bartenders have more time to chat.
Pro tip: Check their social media for the "Secret" or "Off-menu" specials. Sometimes they play around with ingredients that haven't made the printed list yet.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at Okay Anny's Cocktail Bar, follow this sequence:
- Arrive Early: Get there by 5:00 PM if you want to snag one of the velvet booths. They are the best seats in the house for people-watching.
- Trust the Bartender: If you aren't sure what you like, tell them a base spirit and a "vibe" (e.g., "Gin and something refreshing but not too sweet"). They won't lead you astray.
- Order the Snacks: They usually have a small selection of curated bites. Don't drink on an empty stomach; the pours are generous.
- Respect the Space: It’s a small room. Don't be the person taking up three chairs with your coat.
- Walk the Neighborhood: After a couple of drinks, take a stroll through the East Village. The bar is perfectly positioned to start or end a night of exploring Des Moines’ most vibrant district.
If you're looking for a spot that feels like a hug from a neon sign, this is it. It’s a testament to the fact that Des Moines is no longer just "flyover country"—it's a destination for world-class hospitality with a sense of humor.