Exile Brewing Company
Brewpub
4.5 (900)
About Exile Brewing Company
From Exile Brewing's own website, read September 24, 2026.
Exile Brewing Company is a brewery and brewpub on Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines. It has brewed lagers, sours and IPAs since 2012, and the kitchen cooks from scratch to match the beer. The website says its beers have won gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.
The website says Exile was inspired by the immigrants who made the country what it is today. Flagships include Ruthie, a gold lager, and Maria, a Mexican lager. Ruthie also comes in a non-alcoholic version.
The menu runs from burgers and Tursi Classics to weekend brunch. Every dish is made in house, and food can be delivered through DoorDash. Kids' meals are half price on Fridays.
Most weeks are busy. Thursday brings trivia, and Wednesday brings a burger, fries and pint deal. More people have reviewed Exile on Google than any other brewery, taproom or beer shop in Des Moines on this site.
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Map
Rating
4.5out of 5
900 Google reviews
Questions people ask
Answers come from Exile Brewing's website, read September 24, 2026.
Can I bring my dog to Exile?
Dogs are allowed on the patio. They are not permitted inside the brewery or brewpub.
Can I tour the brewery?
Exile offers brewery tours, listed on the beer page of its website. You can buy a keg there too.
Does Exile have a happy hour?
Yes. On trivia Thursdays, happy hour runs from 3:30 to 5:30pm with discounted pints and half-priced apps.
Can I make a reservation?
Yes. The website takes brewpub reservations. It also books private events, buyouts and off-site catering.
Which breweries are close by?
Lua Brewing is 0.3 miles away and Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company is 0.8 miles away. Iowa Craft Beer Tent is 0.8 miles away and Confluence Brewing Company is 1.1 miles away.
Breweries near Exile Brewing Company
Before you visit Exile
Book a table on exilebrewing.com if you are coming with a group. The kitchen closes an hour before the bar does.
Check the events page before you go. Trivia, a Wednesday run club and seasonal pop-ups like The Haunting at Exile fill the calendar.
Plan to walk. Lua Brewing is 0.3 miles away. Confirm hours on their own sites before you make the trip.
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