Buddy's Corral
Karaoke · Des Moines, IA
About
Buddy's Corral stands out in Des Moines for its cash only policy and proudly mixed gay-lesbian-straight crowd. This East Village dive bar feels like a neighborhood living room, where jukebox tunes and karaoke set the tone. The bar is open noon to 2am every day, with outdoor seating and a full bar.
Service reviews vary, but regulars appreciate the cheap PBRs and relaxed, no frills atmosphere. It's the kind of place you can drop into anytime, especially if you want a genuine local bar without pretense. If the crowd gets too lively, you can always swing next door to Blazing Saddle for a different vibe.
Features
- ✓Cash only, no credit cards accepted
- ✓Jukebox and karaoke nights draw a crowd
- ✓Next door to Blazing Saddle for options
- ✓Open noon to 2am daily with outdoor seating
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 9 reviews. 34 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Best Dive Gay Mixed Crowd in the Midwest!!!”
This bar only takes cash. It draws a fun, mixed crowd and has a great vibe with a jukebox. The owner is entertaining, the bartenders are attractive, and the customers range from sane to eccentric. You absolutely must stop here when visiting Des Moines. Buddy's Corral feels like a friendly neighborhood bar. I've enjoyed many PBRs and glasses of drinks there. Thanks to the owner and staff. I love this bar.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun at the Corral”
It's a decent spot to meet up with friends. The crowd tends to be older but is welcoming to everyone. Not ideal for a date, though.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Years of Fun”
My friend's poodle loves Buddy's Corral so much that sometimes I think I'll have to pry him off the bar to try somewhere else. The place seems fun and welcoming to absolutely everyone.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“one word to describe this place BORING”
I went there about five times and never again. It's also overrun by straight people. I think there's a conspiracy that straights are taking over gay spaces to push us out. If I opened a gay bar, it would be gays only, no straights allowed. It's bad enough I have to live around them; going out and being around them is unbearable. But Buddy's is a dive, and bar service gets worse as more customers arrive. They care more about money than treating regulars with respect. I haven't set foot in that place since 2007 and never will. I don't party in Podunk DSM at all anymore because of the bullshit. There's too much cliquishness, nobody is nice, and it smells like bad body odor even with the doors open.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun Place”
I had a wonderful time here; it's very welcoming. The prices are reasonable, and the crowd is laid-back and easygoing with enough energy and laughter to keep me engaged. Karoke draws a big crowd and generates lots of laughs. I would stop by anytime I'm in Des Moines.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Buddy's Corral have karaoke? +
Yes, karaoke is a regular feature and brings a lot of people out.
